An Integrated Horizontal Ground Heat Exchanger for Livestock Facilities in Almaty Region of Kazakhstan
Alibek N. Sydykov S. Baibolov A. Akhmetkanova G. Charibayeva S. Zhakiyev N.
2025Engineered Science Publisher
ES Energy and Environment
2025#29
One key challenge in providing a comfortable indoor environment for livestock in the hot climate of the Almaty region (Kazakhstan) is the high energy demand of conventional cooling systems. This study explores the feasibility of incorporating renewable sources, specifically horizontal ground heat exchangers integrated with reversible heat pumps, to reduce energy use and improve microclimate conditions in medium-scale cattle farms. Soil samples were collected from depths of 0.5 to 3.0 m and analysed to determine the thermophysical properties needed for optimal heat exchanger design. A thermal measurement device using DS18B20 sensors was developed to measure soil temperatures with high accuracy, ensuring reliable data. Experimental trials with different air flow velocities showed that a velocity of 2.55 m/s delivered the most effective cooling, with temperature reductions up to 9.7 °C. Results also indicated that pipe diameters of 150–200 mm provided better heat transfer and manageable air resistance than smaller sizes. The reversible heat pump, paired with a 3 m-deep heat exchanger, enabled dual-mode (day/night) operation, ensuring stable cooling. This study underscores the importance of integrated, renewable-based solutions that improve both energy efficiency and animal welfare. Adopting ground heat exchangers offers ecological and economic benefits while reducing environmental impact and enhancing autonomy in agricultural life-support systems.
Animal husbandry , Climate change , Heat stress , Horizontal ground heat exchanger , Normalized microclimate , Renewable energy sources , Reversible heat pump , Reversible heat pump with horizontal ground heat exchanger
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Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Computing and Data Science Department, Astana IT University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
Computing and Data Science Department
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