Computation fluid dynamics modeling of conjugate heat and mass transport in dairy housing

Abstract. As the threat of global climate change becomes more evident, scientists and engineers are developing methods to increase food supply while working to decrease the environmental impact of food production. The generation of ammonia and methane from cows are of particular concern due to their contribution to particulate matter and the greenhouse effect, respectively. These gasses are transported into the environment as a function of cow diet, environmental conditions, and barn design and operation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models can aid researchers in predicting spatial and temporal locations of higher concentration that may be more amenable to treatment. In addition, a comprehensive CFD model of gas generation and transport could lead to the ability to test and refine novel treatment strategies. We describe the development of a comprehensive CFD model, taking into account the effect of buoyancy due to both thermal and gas species gradients. Sources of ammonia and methane are implemented into the computational domain based on biological and empirical functions. The CFD model was experimentally validated to ensure accuracy. Results from the final model could be used to assess the concentrations of methane and ammonia under a variety of environmental and barn design conditions.