Computational model of methane and ammonia emissions from dairy barns: development and validation

Authors: DREWERY, JESSICA - University Of Wisconsin; CHOI, CHRISTOPHER - University Of Wisconsin; Powell, Joseph; LUCK, BRIAN - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/11/2017
Publication Date: 8/14/2017
Citation: Drewery, J.L., Choi, C.T., Powell, J.M., Luck, B.D. 2018. Computational model of methane and ammonia emissions from dairy barns: development and validation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 149:80-89.

Interpretive Summary: Accurate measurement of gas emissions from dairy cows is essential to assess how to maximize milk production while reducing environmental impact. We developed a computational model to simulate the generation and dispersion of gaseous species within dairy housing. This model could be used to predict gaseous emissions under a range of environmental, design, and experimental treatment parameters and can facilitate the exploration of cost-effective gas mitigation strategies.

Technical Abstract: The increased global demand for milk and other dairy products over the past decades is a cause for concern due to the potential for negative environmental impact. Ammonia produced by housed dairy cows can contribute to the formation of particulate matter and nitrous oxide, which both contribute to the greenhouse effect. The methane produced by these cows also contributes to the greenhouse effect. Scientists and engineers face the challenge of developing methods to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production while not inhibiting the ability of producers to keep up with demand. Emission of methane and ammonia are highly dependent on feed composition, barn design and operation, and manure management, making this a challenging topic to study experimentally. Using computational models to simulate the generation and dispersion of gaseous species within dairy housing can facilitate the exploration of cost-effective gas mitigation strategies. Thus, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model capable of simulating biologically based generation of methane, ammonia, and heat, and their transport within the domain, was developed and validated. The effect of buoyancy forces on the accuracy and stability of the solutions was explored. The model was validated with experimental data collected from emission chambers located at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center farm in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, USA. Concentration of ammonia and methane, due to controlled injections from cylinders and biological generations from a dairy cow, were measured in the chambers using a FTIR gas analyzer. Results of the validated CFD model could be used to predict gaseous emissions under a range of environmental, design, and experimental treatment parameters.