Home Climate Solutions Poultry Ventilation Tunnel Ventilation

Key considerations for tunnel ventilation system

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Mild & humid climates

Mild & Humid Climates are the most challenging because the evaporative cooling is less effective and major role of cooling is entrusted by high air speed 

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Hot & dry climates

In Hot & dry climates the major role of cooling is on the evaporative cooling pads, choosing the right pad (CELdek) is very important to ensure a proper temperature reduction 

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Heat Stress prevention

Heat stress is source of production losses because animals eat less and spend more energy for thermoregulation. Avoiding or mitigating heat stress allows you to increase the productivity rate of your poultry house. 

Get the best out of your tunnel ventilation

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Precision Application for Broiler and Layer Operations 

Tunnel ventilation systems are designed to create a longitudinal airflow from one end of the house to the other. During tunnel ventilation fans are requested to exhaust huge amounts of air depending on the house cross-section and on the target airspeed.  
Selecting the right fan is important to ensure that correct airflow is ensured, static pressure is a key factor to consider during tunnel ventilation, especially when target airspeed needed is high but also in Layer applications. 

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Key Features/Benefits 

  • Effective Cooling: Rapid air movement for evaporative cooling during hot periods.
  • Uniform Conditions: Suitably designed tunnel ventilation system maintains low temperature difference from pad to fans to ensure animals to feel similar conditions all along the barn.
  • Optimized Performance: Supports strong growth rates and reduces mortality by preventing heat stress effects on the animals.
  • Energy Efficiency: Can be highly energy-efficient when properly designed and managed, especially when combined with high diameter cones fans (as the Saturn ONE/FIVE) or variable speed fans (as the E-line fans)

Top benefits poultry farmers:

Animal welfare

Higher FCR

A suitably designed tunnel ventilation system allows to get-rid of heat stress increasing the FCR of the animals compared to low performance system 

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Stable performances & …

maintenance

Using direct-drive cone fans as Saturn ONE/FIVE allows to keep stable performances in tunnel ventilation without airflow losses due to belt-loose but also reduce maintenance costs especially in multi-floor layer barns  

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Energy Efficiency & Cost Saving

The use of Saturn ONE/FIVE cone fans helps to reduce energy consumption compared to standard box fans, this is extremely important especially in highly ventilated barns in hot countries but also where energy prices are high 

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FAQ

Find answers to the most common inquiries about side ventilation, system performance, and how to choose the right solution for your farm.

What is tunnel ventilation and how does it work in poultry houses?

Tunnel ventilation is a ventilation strategy where air is drawn in at one end of the poultry house and exhausted at the other, creating a high-speed, uniform airflow. This “tunnel effect” generates a wind-chill that helps birds cool down by increasing the heat removal from animals.

When is tunnel ventilation most effective?

Tunnel ventilation is most effective in hot and humid climates. It’s used during warmer periods generating high airspeed when birds are prone to heat stress.

What are the main components of a tunnel ventilation system? 

This system combines the use of evaporative cooling pads with high performance extraction fans to cool-down supply air that flows longitudinally in the barn with high air speed.

How does tunnel ventilation contribute to bird welfare and performance?

By maintaining adequate temperature/humidity conditions, tunnel ventilation reduces heat stress, which can lead to improved feed intake, better growth rates, reduced mortality, and overall healthier, more productive flocks.  

Can tunnel ventilation be combined with other ventilation strategies?

Yes, tunnel ventilation is most of the times part of a complete ventilation strategy. It can be used in conjunction with side ventilation system for minimum and transition to provide year-round optimal climate control, adapting to varying external climate conditions and bird ages.