Gas prices increase interest on Triple EEE

In October 2021, we released a news item highlighting the extremely high gas prices, and how they can be seriously reduced by using energy from air scrubbers to preheat the incoming air from a pig house. In the past three months we have received more than 60 applications from the Netherlands and through this article we have generated a boost of interest in the Belgian intensive livestock sector.

This teaches us once again that animal welfare, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainability are the future of intensive livestock farming.

Triple-EEE system

The Triple-EEE preheating system uses the generated energy to preheat the fresh incoming air in the stables. This energy is collected in the air scrubber, making the air scrubber simply a source of energy. In this way, the farmer can reduce 60% of his gas consumption and provide a good and stable climate for his pigs.

When an optimal climate is created in the barn, it is clear that a number of positive effects occur with regard to production efficiency and animal health. For example, we see that pig houses with Triple-EEE can optimize their feed conversion with an improvement of 4%, sometimes even higher. Also that the health improves and the mortality rate of the piglets decreases. From what we see on farms with optimal air, 1-2% is realistically possible. All this leads to better production and better animal welfare.

Return On Investment (ROI)

To prove that our concept works, we are conducting case studies on several farms. At these locations we measure energy consumption, air quality, ventilation and animal behavior. In this way we can make averages to generate a good and reliable return on investment. And that, of course, is the most important part for livestock farmers when making an investment.

Fattening pigs

If we look at meat pigs, the gas consumption is minimal. So there is not much money to save in this area. However, the effect of using the systems to ensure air quality through stable ventilation does have a significant benefit on feed consumption and health. This is because in winter situations, the pig farmer has two choices: ventilate with the risk of too much cold air coming in, causing the pigs to use feed to warm themselves, or ventilate too little to maintain the temperature, but risk air quality leading to health problems. The latter also affects performance and feed consumption.

ROI in practice

The example below is based on assumptions and two case studies where the Triple-EEE system has been in operation and monitored for several years.

The payback model involves:

Piglet house of 2,740 piglets (air intake at end of house)

ROI (based on assumptions and target prices)

Indicative data:

Based on the average annual measured figures of both operational systems above.

Improvement in feed conversion of 4,4%
Reduction in loss of 1,2 %.
Assuming a feed conversion of 1.16
Assuming a feed price per kg of € 0.30
Assuming a gas price of € 0.85 per m3

Investment and subsidy

Total average investment air preheating: € 65.000,–
EIA is 45% additional depreciation. Means +/- 11% net benefit on total amount.

Calculation total investment and ROI

Total investment in air preheating: € 65.000,–
EIA advantage of net 11% on total amount € 7.150, -.
Net investment: € 57.850,–

Reasoning / calculations:

Primary benefit – Energy saving.

The location in question burns about 32,160 m3/gas per year on 2,740 piglets.

When using a Triple-EEE (air pre-heating) we can reduce gas in the piglet house by about 60%. This would mean:

32,160 x 60% = 19,296 m3/gas per year.
19,296 x € 0.85 = € 16,401, – gas savings per year

Payback calculations based on gas reduction only:

Payback period: € 57,850 : € 16,401 = 3.52 years

Secondary benefit – Feed and lower mortality

Figures from both Case Studies show that an average efficiency of 4.4% is achieved in feed conversion. The additional turnover generated for wastage reduction is on average 1.2%.

Assuming

7 rounds per year
Starting weight of 7 kg
Final weight of 23 kg
Price per piglet delivered on average € 30

Feed:

7 rounds x 2,740 = 19,180 piglets per year.
Growth from 7 kg to 23 kg means a growth period of 16 kg.
Assuming a feed conversion of 1.16 —> 16 kg x 1.16 = 18.6 kg of feed per piglet.
18.6 kg x 19,180 = 356,748 kg feed per year.
356,748 x € 0.30 = € 107,024 of feed per year.
107,024 € x 4.4% = 4,709 € savings in feed per year

Result

Assuming an average of € 30 per piglet delivered.
19.180 x € 30 = € 575.400,–
575,400 x 1.2% = € 6,904 more turnover per year due to fewer rejections

Conclusion

Gas savings per year: € 16.401,–

Feed savings per year: €4,709

Extra turnover on failure improvement: € 6.904,– +

Total: € 28.014,–

Payback period: 57.850 : 28.014 = 2,06 years

For more information about our systems

If you would like to schedule a no-obligation appointment to see what is possible to optimize your business. Please contact:

Pieter Hanssen
Phone Number: +31 6 10 49 96 79
Email: Pieter Hanssen phanssen@inno-plussystems.com