14 November 2022

2 minute read

By: Laurence Williams

For EuroTier 2022, Big Dutchman presents CaveControl, the first smart two-zone climate control system. Pig managers can save valuable heating energy while offering their stock a better air quality and therefore significantly more animal welfare. To make this possible, sensors are installed directly below the climate cover in nurseries or open-front houses for finishing pigs. These sensors measure the temperature and CO₂ concentration very accurately. Based on the measured data, the new software of the well-proven 310pro climate computer from Big Dutchman controls the heating system and opens and closes the climate cover steplessly and automatically as required. The method guarantees ideal climate conditions in the pigs’ resting area.

In today’s era of digital transformation, positive experience with two-zone systems can be measured for even more efficiency: using the data of the temperature and CO₂ sensors as a basis, the Big Dutchman climate computer synchronises heating control (e.g. floor heating) with the automatic and stepless height adjustment of the climate cover. The climate cover can tilt forwards or backwards slowly, or be opened completely.

This method makes use of natural thermal flows: warm and consumed air rises, making it easy to extract. The microclimate in this area can therefore be adjusted optimally, creating comfortable conditions for piglets in nurseries or for finishing pigs in open-front houses. Another advantage is that CaveControl can be employed as a helpful control element to structure the pen.

EuroTier 2022, Hanover, Germany
15 - 18. November 2022
Hall 17, booth B22

​​​​​​​The intelligent two-zone control has the following advantages:

• Exact control of the heaters and the position of the climate cover to meet the pigs’ needs, creating a comfortable climate for piglets or finishing pigs in open-front houses
• Lower heating costs and reduced CO₂ emissions at the same time
• Less work for the farmer thanks to the smart control system
• Better production results, healthier pigs, lower costs for veterinary care
• The pigs can easily define functional areas: improved structure of the pen, no incorrect defecating areas

Previous technology:

Climate covers that can be moved manually are already in use to create two-climate systems in nurseries and finishing houses. But this manual control is mostly based on experience or the farmer’s personal temperature perception. Pigs lying huddled together during the inspection rounds are an indicator that they are cold. The farmer therefore increases the temperature at the computer. When pigs are lying outside of the climate cover, they are too hot. In this case, the farmer opens the climate covers. Even this simple manual system already helps save heating energy because the general room temperature can be lowered.