Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Pig Farms with Grid-Tie Solar Systems and IIoT-Based Monitoring

Modern closed-system pig farms have high electricity demands to maintain environmental conditions such as ventilation, automated feeding systems, and temperature control. Implementing a Grid-tie Solar System is an effective approach to reducing energy costs and increasing power supply reliability by integrating solar panel energy with other energy sources such as batteries and generators. This study presents the application of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology for monitoring and displaying electrical energy data in pig farms using the IOT2050 device, an intelligent gateway that supports sensor connectivity and automated control systems. Node-RED is utilized as a platform for processing and visualizing real-time energy data through dashboards, enabling users to track energy consumption in different farm sections, analyze the efficiency of the solar system, and receive alerts for energy abnormalities effectively. Experimental results show that the installed solar system can reduce electricity consumption from the grid by an average of 35 %, producing approximately 268.16 kWh per month. The payback period is estimated at 5 years and 11 months. Seasonal variations in sunlight, particularly in Southern Thailand, affect solar energy production and consequently influence the payback period. Overall, the integration of IIoT technology with a Grid-tie solar energy system significantly enhances energy management efficiency and holds great promise for promoting sustainability in the livestock industry.