A THERMAL BALANCE MODEL FOR LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS FOR USE IN CLIMATE-CHANGE STUDIES

A model for estimating the mean internal temperature of livestock buil dings was developed for use in climate change studies. The model, whic h calculates a steady-state heat balance every hour, combines wind, ar tificial ventilation, thermal buoyancy effects and solar radiation, ba sed on the established theoretical work. The temperatures of the build ing are solved analytically. Results are presented which compare the m odel with experimental measurements made in a naturally ventilated bui lding. Predictions give a good representation with mean absolute error of 0.41 K. (C) 1998 Silsoe Research Institute.