The ELFORSK Prize, which was awarded to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, among other partners, was presented at an event in Copenhagen Airport [Photo: ELFORSK]

An innovative ventilation system for pig houses, which the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University, has been involved in developing, has won this year’s ELFORSK prize. The prise was awarded by the Danish Energy Association on 27 May.

The new product gives pig farmers reduced power consumption and less noise at a reasonable cost.

"The product is special because it not only uses technology that gives a 46 per cent annual energy saving compared to current ventilation products, and a markedly lower noise level; it also has a very short cost return for the farmer (less than three years)," said the jury as part of the reason for awarding the prize.
The Danish Energy Association also pointed out that this is research that benefits Danish industry as a whole because the novel product can be sold at home and abroad. The prototype is already being produced and is ready for marketing.

"This means many new jobs in Denmark and a sustained reputation for Danish technology in the export markets," the jury said.

The project Energy efficient control-friendly animal house ventilation unit has led to a ventilation system that is distinguished by reducing power consumption by almost half. The system can be used in all types of animal housing with mechanical ventilation but will primarily be of interest in pig houses where the ventilation requirement is high.