Estimation of Airflow in Livestock Buildings using Image Analysis

Rasmus Larsen

AbstractIn order to evaluate a given ventilation system in a livestock building
and its sensitivity to
wind, presence of heat sources (e.g. livestock) etc. it is of interest
to estimate flow vector fields corresponding to the airflow. By introducing
particles (e.g. smoke) into the air inlets of a model of a livestock
building, the airflow in a laser-illuminated plane may be visualized.
Based on sequences of images recorded of this plane using a video camera,
estimates of 2--D flow vectors are derived locally. The local estimates
of velocity are found using a set of spatio-temporal convolution filters
on the image sequence. After which the local estimates are integrated to
smooth flow fields using a model that incorporates spatial smoothness.
The algorithms are illustrated using a scale model of a pigs sty under
isothermic conditions.
It should be noted that this is an non-invasive technique
(laser and camera may be placed so they do not disturb the airflow)
for estimating air velocity in a 2--D plane.
Keywordsoptical flow, markov random field, fluid flow, ventilation
TypeConference paper [With referee]
ConferenceProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Air distribution in Rooms (ROOMVENT 96)
EditorsShuzo Murakami
Year1996    Month July    Vol. 1    pp. 49-54
AddressYokohama, Japan
Electronic version(s)[pdf]
BibTeX data [bibtex]
IMM Group(s)Image Analysis & Computer Graphics