Evaporative Direct-Blowing Cooling System with Upper-Layer Heat Separation for Open-Type Livestock Barn and Its Control Method

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an upper-layer heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system installed in an open livestock barn is provided, the system comprising: a sensor unit including a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of an upper area (Ttop) and a lower area (Tbot); a control unit that receives measurement data from the sensor unit and calculates internal humidity and a thermal index (THI); an evaporative air cooler that cools air sucked in from the outside air; an air duct that connects the outlet of the air cooler to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of a circulation fan so that cooling air is blown downward through the circulation fan; and a circulation fan that performs downward airflow at the height of the livestock. and an outdoor environment sensor that measures outdoor temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed; wherein the control unit activates the evaporative air cooler when the difference between the upper temperature (Ttop) and the lower temperature (Tbot) is greater than or equal to a preset threshold temperature (ΔThot) or when the internal thermal index (THI) exceeds a threshold value, and controls the air to blow downward toward the livestock while suppressing mixing with the upper high-temperature air by directly supplying cooling air through the air duct to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of the circulation fan.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling technology for alleviating heat stress in open-type livestock barns, and more specifically, to an upper-layer heat separation type evaporative direct-air cooling system and a control method thereof that prevents upper-layer high-temperature air (upper-layer heat) stagnating under the roof from being blown directly to livestock. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, open-type livestock barns have the advantage of allowing natural ventilation due to their open sides; however, during the summer, strong solar radiation and high outside temperatures cause a layer of high-temperature air (hereinafter referred to as "upper layer heat") to form in the space beneath the roof. This upper layer heat becomes stagnant in the upper interior of the barn, and as time passes, heat accumulates, causing the entire area beneath the roof to transform into a high-temperature thermal film.

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling fan system used in a conventional livestock barn. As shown in Figure 1, a method of blowing air from the upper layer to the lower livestock area through a circulation fan installed in the upper area of ​​the lower roof has been commonly used. However, this method has a problem in that the heat from the upper layer is blown downward through the fan as is, and high-temperature air is directly delivered to the livestock, which actually causes an increase in the perceived temperature and exacerbates heat stress. In other words, the operation of the fan produces a counterproductive effect of causing a 'warm air circulation' effect rather than cooling.

[0007] Furthermore, the roof is exposed to strong radiant heat during the summer, causing its surface temperature to rise rapidly. This radiant heat further heats the upper interior air, raising the temperature around the fan intake. Even when auxiliary measures such as sandwich panels, roof sprinklers, and heat-reflective paint are used, they have not been able to fundamentally prevent the heating of the air entering the fan.

[0009] Meanwhile, conventional evaporative air coolers have a problem in that their cooling efficiency drops sharply when the relative humidity of the outside or inside air is high. In particular, during the rainy season or in high-humidity environments, cooling efficiency drops to below 30%, and it was difficult to obtain a substantial cooling effect even when the fan and air cooler were operated simultaneously.

[0011] For this reason, a new type of cooling system is required for open-type livestock barns that structurally blocks the phenomenon of high-temperature upper air being directly transmitted to livestock through fans, supplies evaporative cooling directly to the fan intake area without loss, and maintains evaporative cooling efficiency by controlling the humidity of the intake air. Prior art literature

[0013] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1548360 (Publication Date: August 31, 2015) The problem to be solved

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by fundamentally preventing the issue of heat stress being exacerbated by high-temperature upper air stagnating beneath the roof of an open-type livestock barn being blown directly onto livestock through a fan.

[0016] In addition, the purpose is to minimize cold air loss caused by mixing with upper heat by directly supplying evaporative cold air to the fan's intake area or the area immediately above the discharge, and to efficiently reduce the perceived temperature by distributing uniform cold air to the livestock height area.

[0018] In addition, another purpose is to provide an intake dehumidification device to preemptively control the absolute humidity of the intake air even in high-temperature and high-humidity environments or during the rainy season, thereby stably maintaining evaporative cooling efficiency and preventing problems such as reduced cooling performance and floor condensation and slipping caused by excessive humidity. means of solving the problem

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, an upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system installed in an open livestock barn is provided, and the system comprises:

[0021] A sensor unit including a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the upper region (Ttop) and the temperature of the lower region (Tbot); a control unit for receiving measurement data from the sensor unit and calculating internal humidity and thermal index (THI); an evaporative air cooler for cooling air sucked in from the outside air; an air duct connecting the outlet of the air cooler to the intake area or the area directly above the discharge of a circulation fan so that cooling air is blown downward through the circulation fan; a circulation fan for blowing downward air at the height of the livestock; and an outside environment sensor for measuring outside temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed; comprising

[0022] The above control unit activates the evaporative air cooler when the difference between the upper temperature (Ttop) and the lower temperature (Tbot) is greater than or equal to a preset threshold temperature (ΔThot) or when the internal thermal index (THI) exceeds a threshold value, and controls the downward airflow toward the livestock while suppressing mixing with the upper high-temperature air by directly supplying cooling air through the air duct to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of the circulation fan.

[0024] In any one of the aforementioned embodiments, the control unit controls the operation of the evaporative air cooler to reduce unnecessary cooling energy when the top temperature (Ttop) is 18°C ​​to 25°C or lower.

[0026] In any one of the aforementioned embodiments, the ventilation and shading unit is configured separately with an upper curtain and a lower curtain, and the control unit controls the upper curtain and the lower curtain to open and close individually according to external conditions and internal heat distribution, thereby selectively controlling the inflow of outside air and the blocking of solar radiation.

[0028] In any one of the aforementioned embodiments, the control unit controls the mist sprayer provided at the bottom of the circulation fan to spray periodically only when the internal relative humidity is below a threshold, and detects the dry / wet condition of the floor and automatically adjusts the spray amount and spray cycle to prevent excessive humidity, condensation, and slipping on the floor.

[0030] In any one of the aforementioned embodiments, the sensor unit includes a rumen biocapsule or an infrared camera to measure the body temperature of an individual, and the control unit controls the airflow or cooling intensity of the area where the individual is located to locally increase the temperature of the individual where a rise in body temperature is detected. Effects of the invention

[0032] The upper-layer heat separation type evaporative direct-air cooling system according to the present invention can provide a direct cooling effect to the living space of livestock by structurally suppressing the mixing of upper-layer high-temperature air and lower-layer low-temperature air that occurs in an open livestock barn environment. Accordingly, compared to existing simple ventilation or general evaporative cooling systems, it has the effect of improving cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0034] Furthermore, since cooling operation is automatically controlled based on the difference (ΔT) between the top (Ttop) and bottom (Tbot) temperatures, stable cooling performance can be maintained even if external conditions or the thermal environment inside the livestock barn change. This prevents excessive cooling operation or unnecessary energy consumption, and enables the maintenance of an optimal thermal environment through intelligent control.

[0036] In addition, by combining outdoor environment sensors and THI (Temperature Humidity Index)-based control, precise control that goes beyond simple temperature control and comprehensively considers factors such as humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed is possible, allowing a comfortable environment to be maintained without condensation or slippery floors even during the rainy season or periods of high humidity.

[0038] In addition, by separating the ventilation and shading sections into upper and lower parts and controlling partial opening and closing, the inflow of outside air and the blocking of solar radiation can be adjusted according to the situation, and localized temperature imbalances can be minimized.

[0040] Furthermore, by detecting individual body temperatures using rumen biocapsules or infrared cameras and controlling local cooling only for the areas of individuals under heat stress, it is possible to contribute to improving animal welfare and preventing disease. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the specific configuration of an evaporative cooling unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a duct connection part and a cold air distribution structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between a cold air duct system and a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a blower unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation and light-blocking unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sensor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control algorithm according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms.

[0045] The embodiments described herein are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. The invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known components, well-known operations, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the invention being interpreted ambiguously.

[0047] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, the terms used (mentioned) in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. Additionally, components and operations referred to as "comprising (or comprising)" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components and operations.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless otherwise defined.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an upper heat separation type evaporative direct air cooling system for an open livestock barn according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling system (10) of the present invention is composed of an evaporative cooling unit (100), a duct supply unit (200), a blower unit (300), a ventilation and shading unit (400), a sensor unit (500), a control unit (600), and a power and communication unit (700).

[0057] First, the evaporative cooling unit (100) is a part that cools air sucked in from the outside air to generate low-temperature cold air, and may include a dehumidifying device for controlling the absolute humidity of the sucked air. The cooled air is transferred to the next stage blower unit through the duct supply unit (200).

[0059] The duct supply unit (200) serves to supply cold air generated in the evaporative cooling unit (100) directly to the intake area or discharge area of ​​the blower unit (300) through the duct so that the cold air is not mixed with the upper layer high-temperature air (upper layer heat). The structure of the duct is formed by insulating material or a flexible material to minimize cold air loss.

[0061] The blower unit (300) blows cold air delivered from the duct supply unit (200) downward in the direction of the height of the livestock, thereby performing the function of effectively reducing the perceived temperature of the livestock. The blower unit includes a fan capable of multi-stage wind speed control, and the air volume is adjusted according to a command from the control unit (600).

[0063] The ventilation and shading unit (400) automatically opens or closes the upper or side curtains according to environmental conditions such as outside temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation to block the inflow of radiant heat, or induces natural ventilation when the outside air is cooler than the inside. The ventilation and shading unit (400) operates according to a control signal from the control unit (600) and can independently control the upper and lower curtains.

[0065] The sensor unit (500) measures various environmental data such as internal upper temperature (Ttop), lower temperature (Tbot), relative humidity (RH), outside temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed, and transmits them to the control unit (600). Additionally, it may further include an infrared sensor or a biocapsule sensor that detects the body temperature of livestock.

[0067] The control unit (600) is the core control module of the system and calculates the internal temperature and humidity index (THI) based on data input from the sensor unit (500), and determines the operation of the cooling unit (100), blower unit (300), ventilation and shading unit (400) by comparing the ΔT (upper-lower temperature difference) and the THI value.

[0069] In addition, the dehumidification device is operated first when the relative humidity exceeds a critical threshold, and the operation of the cooling unit is suppressed when the upper layer heat is low or external conditions are favorable to save energy.

[0071] The power and communication unit (700) supplies power to the entire system and enables data transmission and reception and remote control with each component through an IoT-based communication module. The power and communication unit (700) is bidirectionally connected to the control unit (600) to monitor power status, communication status, log data, etc., in real time.

[0073] As such, the present invention is configured such that the aforementioned components are organically interconnected to block the phenomenon in which high-temperature air (upper layer heat) formed by roof radiant heat is directly transmitted to livestock, and to effectively reduce the perceived temperature of livestock while minimizing cold air loss.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an evaporative cooling unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the evaporative cooling unit (100) is structured to dehumidify and cool air introduced from outside air to generate cold air and then supply it directly to a blower unit through a duct, and includes an intake fan (110), an intake unit dehumidification device (120), an evaporative air cooler (130), a cooling water circulation pump (140), a cooling water tank (150), a duct connection unit (160), and a temperature and humidity sensor (170).

[0079] First, the intake fan (110) serves to draw in outside air and introduce it into the dehumidification device (120). The rotational speed is variably adjusted by a control signal from the control unit (600) according to the outside air temperature and humidity conditions, and the processing capacity of the entire cooling unit is controlled according to the intake air volume.

[0081] The intake dehumidification device (120) is connected to the front end of the evaporative air cooler (130) and is configured to remove moisture from the inhaled outside air to form low-humidity air. This dehumidification device may utilize a cooling coil, an adsorbent filter, or a heat exchanger, and is configured to stably maintain evaporative cooling efficiency even during hot and humid summers.

[0083] The control unit (600) controls the dehumidification device (120) to operate first when the relative humidity (RH) data is above a threshold value.

[0085] The evaporative air cooler (130) lowers the temperature by performing evaporative cooling on dehumidified air. The air cooler (130) includes a cellulose pad, a fine mist nozzle, or a water film panel, and water supplied from the cooling water tank (150) is sprayed upward by the circulation pump (140) so that evaporative cooling occurs at the contact surface with the air. The cold air generated in this process is supplied directly to the blower (300) through the duct connection (160).

[0087] The cooling water circulation pump (140) is a pump that circulates and supplies water stored in the cooling water tank (150) to the spray nozzle at the top of the evaporative air cooler (130), and its rotational speed and flow rate are controlled according to a control signal from the control unit (600).

[0089] The cooling water tank (150) is a storage unit for storing cooling water and is configured to include a water level sensor so that automatic water supply is performed when there is a shortage of cooling water. In addition, a cooling water exchange or heat exchange structure may be included to prevent the temperature of the cooling water from rising.

[0091] The duct connection part (160) is an outlet part that directly transfers the cold air generated in the air cooler (130) to the duct supply part (200). The duct connection part (160) is formed with an insulating structure to prevent cold air loss and upper layer heat mixing, and is formed to align the direction of the cold air flow with the suction position of the blower part (300).

[0093] Temperature and humidity sensors (170) are installed at the intake front and the cold air discharge section, respectively, to measure temperature and humidity data of the intake air and the cooling air. This data is transmitted to the control unit (600) and used to monitor dehumidification efficiency and cooling performance in real time.

[0095] The evaporative cooling unit (100) configured in this manner allows the steps of outside air - dehumidification - evaporative cooling - cold air supply to be performed continuously, and can supply stable cold air without a decrease in cooling efficiency, especially in high temperature and high humidity environments. In addition, the cold air generated in the cooling unit (100) is directly connected to the duct supply unit (200) so that it does not mix with the high temperature air in the upper layer, thereby minimizing cold air loss.

[0097] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a duct supply unit (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the duct supply unit (200) is a flow path structure that directly transmits cold air supplied from a duct connection unit (160) to the intake port of a blower unit (300), and includes a main duct (210), a cold air distribution duct (220), a cold air distribution port (221), a cold air flow rate sensor (230), and a temperature sensor (240).

[0099] First, the duct connection part (160) is a pipe connecting the evaporative cooling unit (100) and the duct supply unit (200), and is formed with a sealed structure so that the cold air generated from the air cooler (130) does not mix with the upper layer heat. The cold air introduced through the duct connection part (160) is transferred to the main duct (210).

[0101] The main duct (210) serves as a main passage for transporting cold air to the entire air supply system, and has an insulation layer formed inside to prevent the temperature of the cold air from rising due to the upper layer high-temperature air (upper layer heat). Additionally, the main duct (210) branches into multiple cold air distribution ducts (220) to uniformly distribute cold air to multiple air supply units (300).

[0103] The cold air distribution duct (220) is a sub-passage formed by branching from the main duct (210) and is connected in the direction of the intake port of each blower unit (300). A cold air distribution port (221) for controlling the flow direction of cold air is installed at the end of the cold air distribution duct (220), thereby stably guiding the cold air flow to the intake port of the blower unit (300).

[0105] The cold air distribution port (221) may further include a flow control damper to prevent airflow imbalance. A cold air flow rate sensor (230) is installed inside the main duct (210) or the cold air distribution duct (220) to measure the flow velocity and flow rate of the cold air. Based on the data transmitted from the flow rate sensor (230), the control unit (600) detects the flow rate deviation of each branch duct and controls the airflow of the blower unit (300) in a specific section to correct the airflow.

[0107] A temperature sensor (240) is positioned near the cold air distribution port (221) to monitor the temperature change of the cold air delivered to the blower unit (300) in real time. The control unit (600) compares the cold air temperature of each duct and automatically adjusts the dehumidification or cooling intensity of the cooling unit (100). This minimizes the temperature difference between spaces inside the livestock barn and enables efficient distribution of cold air.

[0109] Additionally, the duct supply unit (200) may further include an insulation layer and a condensation prevention drainage structure on the outer surface of the duct as needed. This drainage structure may be configured to automatically drain water when condensation occurs by forming a water collection tray and a drain pipe on the outer side of the insulation layer.

[0111] As a result, the duct supply unit (200) minimizes cold air loss by delivering the cold air generated in the evaporative cooling unit (100) to the intake area of ​​the blower unit (300) without loss, and prevents the mixing of upper heat, thereby maximizing the effect of reducing the perceived temperature of livestock.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a blower unit (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The blower unit (300) is a device for sending cold air introduced from a cold air distribution port (221) to a target space inside a livestock barn, and includes an intake port (310), a blower fan (320), a blower duct (330), a discharge port (340), an air volume control damper (350), a rotary drive motor (360), an air direction control blade (370), a temperature and humidity sensor (380), and a control signal receiving unit (390).

[0115] First, the intake port (310) is connected to the cold air distribution port (221) and serves to introduce cold air into the blower unit. The introduced cold air is accelerated through the blower fan (320), and the blower fan (320) rotates by the driving force of the rotary drive motor (360). The rotary drive motor (360) controls the amount of cold air blown by adjusting the rotation speed according to the control signal transmitted from the control signal receiving unit (390).

[0117] The cold air passing through the blower fan (320) moves downstream through the blower duct (330), and an air volume control damper (350) is installed in the middle of the blower duct (330). The air volume control damper (350) can finely control the amount of air blowing by adjusting the degree of opening and closing, and automatically opens and closes according to a signal from the control signal receiving unit (390).

[0119] A discharge port (340) is formed at the downstream end of the blower duct (330) to discharge cold air into a target space inside the livestock barn. An air direction control blade (370) is installed at the discharge port (340) to control the direction of airflow up, down, left, and right, and the air direction control blade (370) is driven by a control signal from a control signal receiving unit (390).

[0121] Meanwhile, a temperature and humidity sensor (380) is installed on the outer periphery of the blower unit (300) to measure the temperature and humidity of the target space in real time. Data collected from the temperature and humidity sensor (380) is transmitted to the central control unit (600) through the control signal receiving unit (390), and the central control unit performs feedback control to optimize cooling efficiency based on this.

[0123] Accordingly, the blower unit (300) can automatically control the temperature and humidity of the target space by integrating and controlling the blower fan (320), air volume control damper (350), wind direction control blade (370), and temperature and humidity sensor (380) with the control signal receiving unit (390) at the center.

[0125] With this configuration, the direction, volume, and speed of the cold air can be precisely controlled, enabling optimal cooling control tailored to the livestock's perceived temperature and environmental conditions.

[0127] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control unit (600) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit (600) is a device for integrally performing cooling, ventilation, shading, and dehumidification control of the entire livestock barn environment, and includes a central control processor (610), a control command generation unit (620), a driving signal output unit (630), a sensor data collection unit (640), a communication module (650), a user interface unit (660), a data storage unit (670), and an AI learning / feedback module (680).

[0129] The central control processor (610) is the core computational unit of the system and analyzes data input from each module (evaporative cooling unit, blower unit, ventilation unit, shading unit, sensor unit, etc.) to collectively execute operation commands for cooling, dehumidification, blowing, and shading control.

[0131] The sensor data collection unit (640) collects data such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and CO₂ concentration inside and outside the livestock barn in real time. The collected data is transmitted to the control command generation unit (620) to perform ΔT-based cooling control logic. At this time, ΔT (ΔThot) refers to the temperature difference between the high-temperature layer at the top of the livestock barn and the habitat space at the bottom, and the threshold value is automatically corrected by the AI ​​learning / feedback module (680) during field operation.

[0133] The control command generation unit (620) performs operation scenarios such as ΔT-based cooling control, energy saving control, dehumidification interlocking control, and safety / hygiene logic based on data such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and CO₂ concentration input from the sensor data collection unit (640).

[0135] First, ΔT-based cooling control performs the function of automatically starting or stopping cooling by utilizing the temperature difference (ΔT) between the high-temperature area in the upper part of the livestock barn and the living space in the lower part. ΔT is defined as the difference between the upper temperature (T_top) and the lower perceived temperature (T_bottom), and when ΔT increases above a set threshold value (ΔThot), the control command generating unit (620) first starts the evaporative air cooler (130) and then drives the blower fan (320) of the blower unit (300) in stages. At this time, the duct outlet is positioned adjacent to the intake surface or the direct upper discharge surface of the blower fan (320) to minimize the mixing rate of the upper heat and cold air, thereby ensuring efficient downward supply of cold air.

[0137] Energy saving control is a control mode designed to prevent unnecessary power consumption when the outside temperature, humidity, and solar radiation conditions are favorable. When the upper temperature (T_top) is low or the outside humidity conditions are favorable, the control command generation unit (620) stops the operation of the evaporative air cooler (130) and the dehumidification device (120), and instead prioritizes natural ventilation of the ventilation unit (400) or the control of opening and closing the curtain of the shading unit (500). This prevents unnecessary cooling operation and maximizes the energy saving effect through the inflow of outside air.

[0139] Dehumidification interlocking control is a control method to prevent a decrease in cooling efficiency and the occurrence of condensation in a high temperature and high humidity environment. When the internal temperature and humidity index (THI) is above a threshold value and the relative humidity is 70% or higher, the control command generation unit (620) operates in the following order.

[0140] (1) First, drive the intake dehumidification device (120) to lower the absolute humidity of the intake air, and

[0141] (2) When absolute humidity reduction is confirmed, the evaporative air cooler (130) is started, and

[0142] (3) Afterwards, the blower fan (320) of the blower unit (300) is operated to distribute the cold air evenly.

[0144] Through such sequential control, cooling performance can be maintained even in high-humidity environments such as the rainy season, and problems such as excessive humidity, condensation, and slippery floors can be prevented.

[0146] The safety / hygiene logic is a protective control designed to prevent excessive humidity, rapid cooling, and floor condensation inside the livestock barn. The control command generation unit (620) comprehensively monitors the humidity rise rate, temperature change rate, and floor temperature, and automatically controls the output and airflow of the cooling unit to decrease when a dangerous condition is detected. In addition, if the risk of condensation is high, the ventilation unit (400) is driven first to exhaust the internal air and induce floor drying. This safety logic plays a role in maintaining a hygienic environment inside the livestock barn and preventing the occurrence of livestock diseases.

[0148] Accordingly, the control command generation unit (620) analyzes various sensor data in real time and comprehensively controls the operation of cooling, dehumidification, blowing, ventilation, and shading devices, thereby enabling the maintenance of an optimal operating state that responds to external conditions and changes in the internal environment of the livestock barn.

[0150] Next, the driving signal output unit (630) transmits an electrical control signal to each driving module (blower fan, damper, curtain, dehumidifier, air cooler, etc.) according to the output of the control command generation unit (620).

[0152] The communication module (650) performs bidirectional data communication with an external management server or user terminal via Wi-Fi, RS485, CAN communication, etc. Through this, remote control, data log transmission, and status monitoring are possible.

[0154] The user interface unit (660) displays status information such as real-time temperature and humidity, dehumidification status, airflow, and curtain opening / closing rate through a display or mobile app-based UI, and receives direct control command input from the user.

[0156] The data storage unit (670) stores environmental data, driving history, control command history, etc. within the livestock barn and provides them as training data for the AI ​​learning / feedback module (680).

[0158] The AI ​​learning / feedback module (680) continuously automatically corrects the ΔT threshold, dehumidification start conditions, energy saving criteria, etc. based on the stored operating data and the outside and inside air conditions to ensure optimal cooling and environmental control.

[0160] Specifically, the control command generation unit (620) performs dynamic environment adaptation control through linkage with the AI ​​learning / feedback module (680). The AI ​​learning / feedback module (680) performs the following feedback control based on past operation history, external conditions, internal temperature and humidity changes, energy consumption, etc., accumulated in the data storage unit (670).

[0162] - Automatic ΔThot correction: By analyzing actual cooling response results (cooling speed, reduction in perceived temperature, etc.) and automatically correcting the ΔThot threshold value, control efficiency is improved according to season, time of day, and airflow pattern.

[0164] - Pre-initiation of dehumidification based on humidity prediction: The AI ​​learning model predicts the rising trend of relative humidity after a certain period of time and preemptively activates the dehumidification device (120) before actual high humidity conditions are reached, thereby preventing condensation and floor slippage in advance.

[0166] - Energy Efficiency Learning: By learning the correlation between outdoor conditions and cooling efficiency, it automatically optimizes the operating time, airflow, and duct opening / closing angle of the cooling unit. This allows for the minimization of power consumption relative to the total cooling load.

[0168] - Detection of operational abnormalities: By continuously analyzing sensor data patterns, if the cooling response is delayed or the dehumidification performance is reduced, the abnormality of the device is determined and a warning signal is displayed on the user interface unit (660).

[0170] Accordingly, the control unit (600) can maximize energy efficiency according to external conditions and the environment perceived by livestock by integrating control of evaporative cooling, dehumidification, airflow, ventilation, and shading based on environmental data, thereby preventing problems such as condensation and excessive humidity, and maintaining a stable and hygienic livestock barn environment.

[0172] Next, the ventilation and shading unit (400) will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the ventilation and shading unit (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the ventilation and shading unit (400) includes an upper curtain (410), a side curtain (420), a curtain drive motor (430), an opening / closing angle sensor (450), a solar radiation sensor (460), a wind speed sensor (470), a temperature and humidity sensor (480), a control signal receiving unit (390), and a control unit (600).

[0176] First, the upper curtain (410) is installed at the bottom of the livestock barn roof and has an open structure for discharging high-temperature air (upper layer heat) from the upper layer to the outside air. The upper curtain (410) is wound or opened / closed by a curtain drive motor (430) according to a control signal from a control unit (600), and automatically opens to discharge upper layer heat when the internal upper layer temperature (T_top) rises above a certain threshold value.

[0178] The side curtain (420) is installed on the side wall of the livestock barn to block radiant heat and control natural ventilation. When the external solar radiation intensity detected by the solar radiation sensor (460) is high, the curtain drive motor (430) closes the curtain to block the inflow of external radiant heat, and conversely, when the outside temperature is lower than the inside or the wind speed is stable, the curtain opens to induce natural ventilation.

[0180] The curtain drive motor (430) is an electric drive device that directly controls the opening and closing operation of the upper curtain (410) and the side curtain (420), and operates according to a command input from the control signal receiving unit (390). The curtain drive motor (430) exchanges signals bidirectionally with the control unit (600), and the driving speed and rotation direction are adjusted according to real-time feedback.

[0182] The control signal receiving unit (390) receives open / close commands, safety stop commands, manual operation commands, etc. transmitted from the control unit (600) and transmits them to the curtain drive motor (430). In addition, it feeds back the curtain operation status signal to the control unit (600) to detect motor malfunction or incomplete open / close state.

[0184] The opening / closing angle sensor (450) detects the degree of opening / closing (%) of the curtain in real time and transmits it to the control unit (600), thereby correcting the error between the set target opening / closing amount and the actual state. Based on this data, the control unit (600) finely controls the operation of the curtain drive motor (430) to perform accurate opening / closing position control.

[0186] The solar radiation sensor (460) detects the intensity of external solar radiation and uses it as a reference value for shading control. For example, if the solar radiation is above a certain level, only the side curtain (420) among the upper curtain (410) and the side curtain is partially closed to block radiant heat while maintaining upper layer exhaust.

[0188] The wind speed sensor (470) detects the outside wind speed and is used for protective control to prevent damage or shaking of the curtain. When the wind speed exceeds a preset safety limit, the control unit (600) transmits a stop or partial closure command to the curtain drive motor (430) via the control signal receiver (390) to protect the curtain.

[0190] A temperature and humidity sensor (480) is used to detect the temperature and relative humidity inside the barn and to determine the time to start natural ventilation. When the temperature and humidity rise simultaneously, the control unit (600) first opens the upper curtain (410) to discharge the hot air inside the barn, and then gradually opens the side curtain (420) to introduce fresh outside air.

[0192] According to this configuration, the ventilation and shading unit (400) can independently open and close the upper and lower curtains in accordance with commands from the control unit (600), thereby efficiently discharging upper heat, minimizing the inflow of solar radiation, and reducing the load of the cooling unit through natural ventilation when external conditions are favorable.

[0194] In addition, the driving status of the curtain drive motor (430) and the measurement values ​​of each sensor are all transmitted to the AI ​​learning / feedback module (680) of the control unit (600), and are learned so that the curtain opening / closing threshold is automatically corrected according to the external conditions, time zone, and radiant heat change pattern. Through this, predictive ventilation control for the livestock barn environment becomes possible, and a comfortable environment for livestock can be continuously maintained while minimizing cooling and dehumidification loads.

[0196] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit (500). As shown in FIG. 8, the sensor unit (500) is a component for comprehensively controlling the operation of the cooling unit (100), ventilation and shading unit (400), hygiene management module (700), etc. by detecting the environmental conditions inside the facility in real time and providing data to the control unit (600).

[0198] The sensor unit (500) is configured to include an internal environment sensor group (510), an external environment sensor group (520), an air flow / cold air control sensor group (530), a floor and hygiene management sensor group (540), and a sensor hub and data interface unit (550).

[0200] First, the internal environment sensor group (510) is configured to detect environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, illuminance, fine dust concentration, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) inside the facility.

[0202] The internal environment sensor group (510) is distributed at various locations within the space, such as the center of the ceiling, both side walls, and the main workspace, so that it can simultaneously detect not only the average value of the entire space but also local environmental deviations.

[0204] Data detected from the internal environment sensor group (510) is transmitted to the environment analysis unit (610) of the control unit (600) and is used in algorithms such as ΔT-based cooling control, energy saving logic, and illuminance-based light blocking control.

[0206] Next, the external environment sensor group (520) is configured to measure external weather conditions such as external temperature, external humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and solar radiation. The external environment sensor group (520) is installed on the upper part of the outer wall of a greenhouse or building, or on the outside of a shading structure, to detect changes in the external environment in real time.

[0208] Through this, the control unit (600) can calculate the difference (ΔT) between the internal temperature and the external temperature to automatically adjust the operating intensity and fan speed of the cooling unit (100), and the wind speed information is used to limit the opening and closing angle of the curtain of the shading unit (400) or to determine the switch to safety mode.

[0210] Additionally, the air flow / cold air control sensor group (530) is configured to detect the flow rate, distribution, and direction of cold air supplied from the cooling unit (100) to maintain the uniformity of cold air distribution and cooling efficiency.

[0212] The airflow / cold air control sensor group (530) is installed near the air outlet and in the center of the room to detect the flow of cold air at multiple points, and the control unit (600) performs feedback control such as the rotation speed of the blower fan, valve opening, and wind direction adjustment based on this.

[0214] In particular, the control unit (600) optimizes cooling efficiency by automatically correcting the airflow volume through PID control when the deviation of the airflow data exceeds the allowable range.

[0216] Meanwhile, the floor and hygiene management sensor group (540) is configured to detect the temperature, surface humidity, condensation condition, and contamination level of the floor surface inside the facility. The floor and hygiene management sensor group (540) is installed in the form of a buried or waterproof housing in major traffic areas, near drains, and at the bottom of cooling water supply lines, and the detected information is transmitted to the control unit (600).

[0218] The control unit (600) controls the operation of the hygiene management module (700) or temporarily suspends the operation of the cooling unit (100) when a water film or contamination is detected on the floor surface, so as to maintain a clean and hygienic state.

[0220] Finally, the sensor hub and data interface unit (550) is configured to integrate data collected from each of the sensor groups (510, 520, 530, 540) and transmit it to the control unit (600) via wired or wireless communication.

[0222] The sensor hub and data interface unit (550) supports communication protocols such as RS-485, Modbus, Wi-Fi, and BLE, and performs noise filtering and signal correction during data transmission.

[0224] In addition, the control command generated by the control unit (600) is transmitted back to the local MCU of each sensor group through the interface unit (550) to perform autonomous correction or local control functions.

[0226] In this way, the sensor unit (500) is configured to simultaneously improve the comfort and energy efficiency inside the facility by forming a closed-loop structure that collects internal and external environmental information in an integrated manner and dynamically controls operations such as cooling, shading, dehumidification, and hygiene management through bidirectional communication with the control unit (600).

[0228] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the control algorithm of a control unit (600) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit (600) of the present invention collects data in real time from an internal environment sensor group (510) and an external environment sensor group (520), and operates to suppress the mixing of upper heat and maximize cooling efficiency by intelligently controlling an evaporative cooling unit (100), a circulation fan (200), and a ventilation and shading unit (400) based on the upper-lower temperature difference (ΔT) and the temperature and humidity index (THI).

[0230] In the sensor data collection step (S110), the control unit (600) receives upper temperature (Ttop), lower temperature (Tbot), and internal humidity data from the internal environment sensor group (510), and collects data such as outside temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation from the external environment sensor group (520). The data collected in this step is integrated through the sensor hub (550) and transmitted to the central control processor (610).

[0232] In the ΔT and THI calculation step (S120), the control unit (600) calculates the temperature difference between the upper and lower layers ΔT = (Ttop - Tbot) using upper and lower temperature data, and calculates the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) using internal temperature and humidity data. THI can be calculated by the following formula.

[0234] THI = T - (0.55 - 0.55RH) * (T - 14.5)

[0235] Here, T is the internal temperature (°C) and RH is the relative humidity.

[0237] In the subsequent cooling start condition determination step (S130), the control unit (600) determines whether ΔT is greater than or equal to a set threshold value (ΔThot) or whether the internal THI exceeds a reference value (THI_limit). If ΔT ≥ ΔThot or THI ≥ THI_limit, the control unit (600) determines that the cooling start condition is satisfied and generates a driving command for the cooling unit (100). This condition is designed to respond immediately when the temperature of the upper part rises or internal heat stress increases.

[0239] When the cooling start condition is satisfied in the S evaporative cooling unit driving step (S140), the control command generating unit (620) starts the air cooler of the evaporative cooling unit (100) and controls the supply of cooled air directly to the intake area or discharge area of ​​the circulation fan (200) through the air duct (300). At this time, the control unit (600) monitors the flow rate of the cold air path to ensure that the cooled air does not mix with the high-temperature air in the upper layer.

[0241] In the downward airflow control step (S150), the control unit (600) drives the circulation fan (200) to control downward airflow in the direction of the livestock's height. The fan rotation speed is adjusted stepwise according to the rate of change of ΔT and THI, for example, when ΔT is greater than or equal to ΔThot, it automatically switches to a low-speed circulation mode, and when THI exceeds a threshold, it automatically switches to a high-speed cooling mode. This prevents heat from the upper layer from flowing into the lower layer and performs local cooling in the necessary areas.

[0243] In the ventilation and shading interlocking control step (S160), the control unit (600) analyzes wind speed and solar radiation data received from the external environment sensor group (520). If the external wind speed exceeds a threshold value, the curtain of the shading unit (400) is automatically closed to prevent cold air loss. If the solar radiation is high, the ventilation window is opened or the curtain is partially opened to mitigate the rise in internal temperature. At this time, the ventilation control and the shading control can operate independently or in an interlocking state.

[0245] In the feedback and termination step (S170), the control unit (600) periodically recalculates ΔT and THI during the cooling operation, and stops the cooling unit (100) and the circulation fan (200) if the condition where ΔT < ΔTmin and THI < THI_limit persists for a certain period of time. In addition, the collected data is stored in the AI ​​learning / feedback module (680) to automatically correct the control criteria (ΔThot, THI_limit) in the future, thereby enabling autonomously optimized cooling control according to climate and seasonal changes.

[0247] As such, according to the control algorithm of Fig. 9, upper heat separation type cooling control is possible through real-time calculation of internal ΔT and THI, and the cooling unit, blower unit, ventilation, and shading system are organically linked to minimize energy loss, and optimal seasonal cooling efficiency can be maintained through autonomous threshold adjustment via AI feedback learning.

[0249] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, this is merely an example to aid in understanding the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications, variations, and applications without departing from the technical spirit or scope of the present invention, and it is obvious that such modified embodiments are also included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0252] 10: Cooling system 100: Evaporative cooling unit 200: Duct supply section 300: Blower section 400: Ventilation and shading unit 500: Sensor unit 600: Control unit 700: Power and communication unit

Claims

Claim 1 In an upper-layer heat-separating evaporative direct-air cooling system installed in an open-type livestock barn, the system comprises: a sensor unit including a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of an upper area (Ttop) and a lower area (Tbot); a control unit that receives measurement data from the sensor unit and calculates internal humidity and thermal index (THI); an evaporative air cooler that cools air drawn in from the outside air; an air duct that connects the outlet of the air cooler to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of a circulation fan so that cooling air is blown downward through the circulation fan; a circulation fan that performs downward blowing at the height of the livestock; and an outside air environment sensor that measures outside air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. The ventilation and shading unit is configured to be separated into an upper curtain and a lower curtain; wherein the control unit, when the difference between the upper temperature (Ttop) and the lower temperature (Tbot) is greater than or equal to a preset threshold temperature (ΔThot) or when the internal thermal index (THI) exceeds a threshold, activates the evaporative air cooler and controls the downward blowing of cooling air toward the livestock while suppressing mixing with the upper high-temperature air by directly supplying cooling air through the air duct to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of the circulation fan, wherein to suppress mixing, the discharge end of the air duct is positioned at the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of the circulation fan so that the cooling air generated by the evaporative air cooler is directly supplied to the intake area or the area immediately above the discharge of the circulation fan, and the control unit controls in stages to first activate a dehumidification device to reduce the humidity of the intake air when the internal relative humidity is greater than or equal to a preset humidity threshold, and then activate the evaporative air cooler and drive the circulation fan after the humidity reduction is confirmed, and regarding the ventilation and shading unit, the outside air An upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system characterized by controlling the upper and lower curtains to open and close individually according to conditions and internal heat distribution, thereby selectively controlling the inflow of outside air and the blocking of solar radiation. Claim 2 The upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the evaporative air cooler to reduce unnecessary cooling energy when the top temperature (Ttop) is 18℃ to 25℃ or lower. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 The upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the mist sprayer provided at the bottom of the circulation fan to spray periodically only when the internal relative humidity is below a threshold, and detects the dry / wet condition of the floor to automatically adjust the spray amount and spray cycle, thereby preventing excessive humidity, condensation, and floor slippage. Claim 5 An upper heat separation type evaporative direct airflow cooling system, characterized in that, in claim 1, the sensor unit includes a rumen biocapsule or an infrared camera to measure the body temperature of an individual, and the control unit controls the airflow or cooling intensity of the area where the individual is located to locally increase the airflow or cooling intensity when a rise in body temperature is detected.

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