DK179435B1 - Method for measuring chill in ventilated stables, as well as sensor element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for measuring chill in ventilated stables where one or more animals reside and where one or more sensor elements are provided in an area of the stables where the ventilation imposes a predetermined rate of movement of the air and the animals are also affected by the air movement speed as the chill sensor element establishes a thermal balance in relation to the animals' body temperature, and gives a signal indicative of the effect that the sensor must be applied to establish or maintain the thermal balance.

Description

DENMARK (10)

(12)

PATENT SCRIPTURE

Patent and Trademark Office

Int.CI .: A01K 1/00 (2006.01) A01K 31/00 (2006.01) F24F 7/00 (2006.01)

F24F11 / 00 (2018.01)

Application Number: PA 2016 70985

Filing Date: 2016-12-13

Running Day: 2016-12-13

Aim. available: 2018-06-14

Patent Notice bkg. the: 2018-07-27

Publication date: 2018-07-27

Patent holder:

Skov A / S, Hedelund 4, 7870 Roslev, Denmark

Inventor:

Guoqiang Zhang, Møller Meyers Vej 29, 8240 Risskov, Denmark

Chao Zong, Ørum Torv 1.1, -1.830 Tele, Denmark

Martin Nielsen, Kornmarken 33, 8800 Viborg, Denmark

Svend Morsing, Asmild Dige 50, 8800 Viborg, Denmark

Clerk:

PATENT NORD ApS, Kjeldgaardsparken 31.9300 Sæby, Denmark

Title: Method for measuring chilli in ventilated stables, as well as sensor element

Published publications: US 2011284174A1

WO 2005082134 A1

Summary:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method of measuring chilli in ventilated housing systems in which one or more animals resides and wherein one or more sensor elements are provided in an area of the housing facility where ventilation imparts a predetermined rate of movement and the animals are also affected by the air movement rate as the chilli sensor element establishes a thermal balance in relation to the animals' body temperature, and gives a signal indicative of the effect that the sensor must be applied to establish or maintain the thermal balance.

To be continued...

ΊΚ 179435 B1

FIG. 1

Method for measuring chilli in ventilated stables, as well as sensor element.

The invention relates to a method for measuring chilli in ventilated stables in which one or more animals are staying, as well as sensor elements therefor.

The temperature experienced depends on the air velocity around the animals as well as how much radiant heat is supplied from the surroundings. The air velocity can be regulated by the ventilation system of the barn and is one of the parameters that can be changed to ensure optimum comfort for the animals. The radiant heat emitted from the animals and their surroundings depends on the structure of the barn and the heat exchange between the animals. Therefore, the effect of the radiant heat on the animals is also influenced by how close the animals are in the barn. Today there is no way to measure the individual's experience of thermal comfort.

To measure the animals' comfort, there is currently no sensor that directly expresses the chill value that the animals experience. Instead, a chill value is calculated in the form of an estimate. The calculated expression is based on the measurement of dry bulb temperature and calculation of air velocity. In addition, an empirical constant is included, which is dependent on the animals' weight and hair or plumage, as estimated, for example, based on their age. The major challenge of the present method is that the temperature experienced is based on a calculation which includes a constant. The constant is based on empirical measurements and is therefore only representative of an average and not of the animals in the current barn and under the current conditions in the barn. Local conditions such as the airspeed and heat radiation right down to the animals a general constant cannot take into account. The same applies to influences caused by the interior of the barn and whether the animals are close together or scattered. The calculated air velocity and the standard temperature measurement, which are included in the calculation, are usually only measured somewhere in the barn and rarely down to the animals. This is because the main purpose of these measurements is to provide average values for temperature and air velocity in the barn.

It is the object of the invention to provide a method and a sensor element which can record a stable herd's experience of thermal comfort regardless of whether the herd is in a stable with a dense animal stock, or in a stable with a scattered animal stock and independent of the other's interior. At the same time, the animal's thermal comfort experience should also be recorded regardless of whether the animal belongs to a bunch of very young animals, such as day-old chicks or older animals, such as large pigs.

The object of the invention is met by a method of the type set forth in the preamble of claim 1, whereby the chili sensor element establishes a thermal balance with respect to the body temperature of the animals and emits a signal indicative of the power which the sensor must be applied to establish or maintain the thermal balance. Thermal balance here means that the chili sensor element has a temperature which differs from the average surface temperature of the animals. This can be either in the form of a temperature which is maintained above or below the surface temperature of the animals, or a temperature which is lowered or raised for a period of time above or below the surface temperature of the animals, after which time constants for either return to the temperature of the housing air are recorded or the thermal balance is understood as, for example, the temperature difference between a heated / cooled part of the sensor and a part of the sensor spaced from the heated / cooled part, so that it is cooled / heated depending on the emission / reception of heat from the intermediate piece. and received radiant heat from the animals' bodies.

In this way, the sensor emulates to some extent an animal body which, even under given conditions in a barn, will be in greater or less thermal balance with the surrounding air, as the metabolism of the animals causes a heat development which requires the animals to give excess heat to the air. Thus, the air will usually have a lower temperature than the animals' assault temperature, and the thermal balance between the animals and the housing air will then be seen as the animals supplying heat energy to the housing air which is thereby heated. The thermal balance can also be such that the animals give off too much heat to the air, thus having to burn energy to maintain a constant body temperature. This is usually considered undesirable in a modern barn. The ease or hassle the animal experiences in order to provide the necessary heat or to generate enough extra heat to keep its temperature measured with the chili sensor, the signal emitted precisely shows the hassle that the sensor has or is experiencing to establish or maintain a thermal balance with the air and the surroundings, in the same way as the animals, but with slightly changed temperature conditions.

The new and special feature of the invention is, as further stated in claim 1, that the power exchange body is the central element of the sensor and on the surface of this body is maintained a given surface temperature which is either slightly higher or slightly lower than the surface temperature of the animals, where also the positive or negative power to be supplied to the body to maintain a constant temperature is measured and used as an indication of the size of the chili, or in other words, a measure of how easy it is for an animal in the vicinity of the sensor to give off its excess heat to the air, or if given decrease how much the animal must produce from extra body heat so as not to experience falling surface temperature. The temperature of the power exchange body surface may be up to 25 degrees above or below the surface temperature of the animals, but it is preferred that a surface temperature of not more than 10 degrees Celsius be maintained below or above the surface temperature of the animals. At the same time, it is preferred that there is at least a 3 degree difference between the animals' normal surface temperature and the sensor's surface temperature. This ensures that the sensor has thermal proportions that are not significantly different from the animals' bodies, which is crucial for obtaining relatively real-life measurements.

The sensor is particularly useful for animals that do not secrete sweat on the skin, such as poultry and pigs.

As stated in claim 2, it is preferred that the power exchange body:

- exchange power in the form of radiant heat with the environment and in particular with the animals,

- exchange power in the form of convection heat with the ambient air, and finally

- receiving positive power from an electrically driven heater belonging to the power exchange body, which delivers power to the power exchange body, the resulting surface temperature on the outer surface of the power exchange body being measured and used to control the power output of the heater. Thus, there is a temperature regulator in the sensor which ensures a constant surface temperature and as a result of the positive power supply it will be above the surface temperature of the animals. This is preferred because it ensures against condensation on the surface of the power exchange body and because it gives the safest measurement result under the conditions usually prevailing in housing plants.

The content of claim 3 specifies a dome-shaped surface of the power exchange body, and this is advantageous because the body thereby has both faces facing downwards and surfaces which are radially directed from the center axis. It is assumed that the dome shape is essentially rotationally symmetric. The dome may have facets of various kinds, for example comprising a facet in a horizontal plane, the dome having a flat horizontal section directed downwards. The facet also provides a flat interior mounting area on which, for example, the heater can be mounted. In this way, the body will receive heat energy on its inner surface and exchange energy with the environment primarily via its outer surface.

Claim 4 relates to the actual design of the sensor unit and, as stated, the sensor element must comprise a power exchange body and a temperature control mechanism adapted to maintain an external surface of the power exchange body at a constant temperature within a measurement and control uncertainty upon supply of power to a power exchange. a measuring unit for measuring the power supplied to the power exchange body, and a signal unit for delivering a signal to the environment containing information about the magnitude of the power supplied. It should be noted that the temperature control mechanism and signal unit for transmitting signal to the environment need not physically have a space at or near the power exchange body, but may well reside in a central control facility for the stable. For example, a good connection can be established via such a communication bus between such a unit and a number of sensors, so that parts of their measuring and communication devices are carried out in software belonging to such a central calculating unit for the stable.

It is preferred, as set forth in claim 5, that the power supplied to the power exchange body is positive, so that its surface receives a temperature which is above the normal surface temperature of the animals. Here, the number of degrees the body temperature is chosen to exceed the surface temperature of the animals such that, for example, the surface temperature of, for example, pigs can vary, as the blood supply to certain parts of the skin can either be increased or decreased depending on whether the animal needs to provide extra heat. or need to provide as little heat as possible to the surroundings. It is preferred that the power exchange body has a temperature which is at least 3 degrees above the highest conceivable surface temperature for the animals staying in the stable.

According to claim 6, a domed and downward facing surface of the power exchange body is preferred. By hanging the body downwards with the dome, the surface will be able to exchange power with a suitable part of a stable floor and the animals thereon, and at the same time the surface will be better protected against dust deposits. The dome shape is also easy and straightforward to clean, which should typically be done by changing the housing. The dome-shaped surface could in principle also face upwards. An upward-facing dome is preferable to certain types of stables in which pigs are sprinkled.

A further securing of the sensor element is achieved through the dust screen specified in claim 7 which is above the power exchange body. The dust shield also secures any electrical components attached to the sensor such that a cavity is defined between the power exchange body and the dust shield, which is shielded from the housing environment and wherein electrical components will be protected against splashes, dust and chemicals commonly found in the stable environments.

The power exchange body should have an emission number close to 1, thereby ensuring efficient reception and emission of radiant heat. This is especially important as the density and surface temperature of the animal bodies must be able to produce the amount of power required to maintain a difference in temperature between the animals and the power exchange body's overflow.

Obviously, the work that the individual animal must do in a given barn to get its excess heat energy deposited, or the work that the animal must do to maintain its body temperature under given conditions, can be measured on many others ways than stated here.

For example, it will be possible to allow a thermally conductive element, for example a metal rod or metal tube, to have a fixed and time-independent positive or negative effect at one end and then at the other end to measure the temperature change that the applied power causes. The measured temperature change could then indicate the magnitude of the cooling effect that a given airflow around the tube or rod has, and if the item is suspended in the animal's living zone, it could possibly. radiation from animal carcasses around the workpiece also affect the measurement so that a dense stock of animals around the workpiece would give a higher measured temperature than a less dense stock, which would indicate that the individual animal has more difficulty delivering its excess heat in a dense stock than in a less dense stock.

Transient effects could also form the basis for measuring the extra work that animals must do to keep their body temperature constant. Here, a sensor could work with supplying a predetermined amount of power to a power exchange body, and by measuring a subsequent cooling course and the associated time constants, a similar information could be obtained.

In the sensor realized according to the invention, the temperature measurement of the surface temperature of the power exchange body is established with a well-known thermocouple, but it would be possible here to work with optical sensors in the IR spectrum to obtain this information.

Examples of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a section through a chili sensor in schematic form,

FIG. 2 shows in schematic form the distribution of the air velocity in vertical section in a typical stables,

FIG. 3 is an amplifier circuit and temperature meter used to control a heater;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a housing plant with a chili sensor; FIG. 5 shows a chili sensor block diagram,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative to the sensor design according to FIG. 1, FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the size of the dome and the percentage convection heat loss and

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the chili sensor.

In the stables in Fig. 4, the animals 'living zone 20 is marked at the bottom and a sensor element 10 is suspended above the animals' living zone 20. Arrows 21 mark the movement of the air due to the operation of a ventilation system, the air being moved either to provide fresh air to the animals or to provide coolness or both. When the air has a lower temperature than the surface temperature of the animals, there will be some heat release from the animals to the air and this can be increased by increasing the air velocity 21. This increased heat release from the animals due to increased air velocity around them is referred to as the chili or chili factor.

In FIG. 2, the velocity of the air is indicated by arrows 21a, 21b and 21c, and here the length of the arrows indicates the magnitude of the airspeed, and as can be seen, the velocity near the floor 21a will be substantially lower than it is higher up in space 21b, 21c. This further emphasizes that a single measurement of, for example, air velocity is not sufficient basis to estimate the size of chilli. By installing actual chilli sensors in the animals' living area, one will instead obtain an objective measurement of the impact that air velocity directly has on the animals.

The sensor element 10 shown in FIG. 4 is thus provided in an area of the stables where the ventilation applies to the air a rate of movement predetermined by the ventilation system. The effect the animals are exposed to will depend on both the size of the animals and the density of animals found in the residence zone 20. It is assumed here that the animals are uniformly warm, such as birds and mammals, and that they do not have sweat glands under the skin. so that the individual animal does not, by secreting sweat and thus evaporating water to the air, can change the applied chili.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the sensor element 10 has a power exchange body 9 with an outer surface 8 facing the surroundings and the animals' living zone 20. The body 9 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 illustrated as a sheet having a thickness of t. The body is made of metal for the purpose of ensuring a high thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the metal and the thickness of the material together ensure that a uniform surface temperature is reached on the body, although the exchange of power with the surroundings should not be quite the same on all surface parts. The metal may be aluminum, copper, iron or tin as well as possible alloys thereof. Since the requirements for the metal are not particularly high, price and light machining can be used as a selection criterion, so that, for example, silver or gold would function in the role of power exchange body, a metal that is more easily accessible is chosen.

A further option is to make the dome from a heat film, which will make it very thin-walled. By applying a varying power to the body 9, it is sought to keep the surface temperature of the power exchange body 9 constant within a measurement and control uncertainty. The desired constant temperature must be different from the normal surface temperature of the animals. In a preferred example, a constant temperature of 40 degrees Celsius is maintained. But the temperature can be kept even higher eg at 50 or 70 degrees Celsius. When degrees are an appropriate temperature, it is partly because this temperature can be maintained with a relatively small power supply and because it ensures a reasonable measurement result, since the air in the barn will not normally reach this temperature. At the same time, 40 degrees Celsius will not hurt either the animals or man.

Temperatures below the surface temperature of the animals would also be applicable and here the applied power would be negative, if any, corresponding to the body 9 being cooled to a fixed temperature. The heat sinks available for such purpose are not quite as simple as heaters and cooling of the body 9 would be more costly and at the same time the removed power would have to be dissipated so as not to interfere with the measurement, which cannot be done either simply or particularly efficiently. It should also be mentioned that a cooling of the body in tropical or warm regions could lead to condensation on the surface 8 of the body, which could lead to errors in the measurements and could also cause possible dust in the air to be trapped in the condensation and form a coating. on the surface which over time would increase and interfere with the measurement.

The magnitude of the power applied to the body 9 to maintain the constant surface temperature of the body is recorded and supplied to a housing control and control system.

FIG. 3 shows a simple circuit 15 to ensure constant surface temperature on the surface 8 of the power exchange body 9. The circuit 15 comprises an amplifier 16 which, from the difference between a reference temperature 17 and a measured temperature 18, gives a control signal 19 which controls the deposited power in a heater 14. The voltage and current required to obtain a given power output are recorded via voltage signal 13 and current signal 12, and these signals are processed to produce a power signal 11 indicative of the deposited power in the heater 14.

During operation, the power exchange body 9 will exchange power in the form of radiant heat with the environment and in particular with the animals, so that a dense population of animals will make a greater contribution to radiation than a less dense animal stock. At the same time, the body exchanges power in the form of convection heat with the ambient air, so that at high air velocity a greater exchange of power is obtained than at a lower air velocity. Finally, the body 9 receives positive power from the electrically driven heater 14 which delivers power to the power exchange body 9. As explained at the same time, the resulting surface temperature on the outer surface 8 of the power exchange body is measured and used to control the power output of the heater 14.

The power exchange body 9 of the sensor body 10 exchanges power with the surroundings via a dome-shaped outer surface 8, the body 9 also having an inner surface 7. As seen in FIG. 1, the body 9 receives the heat effect from the heater 14 on its inner surface 7 and exchanges the effect with the surroundings via its outer dome-shaped surface 8. In FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the one shown in FIG. 1, it is seen that the power exchange body 9 and the heating element 14 are closely connected, and that the thermosensor 6 has a good thermal connection to the power exchange body 9. Due to the good thermal conductivity of the power exchange body 9, the signal from the thermosensor will be a sensible representation of the temperature on the exterior surface 8 of the power exchange body where the constant temperature is desired. In FIG. 5 is also indicated a processor 5 which receives signals from the electronic part 4 of the thermosensor as well as from the measurement of current and voltage to the heater 14. From the two inputs the processor calculates two outputs: a first output going back to the heating circuit 15 and a further output to ambient 3 which, via an actual output circuit 33, generates the signal 2 to the ambient that tells how great the chili effect from the supplied air movement is. In this embodiment, digital electronics are used, but all functions can be realized with analog components.

For example, the signal 2 to the environment may conveniently be a wireless or a wired signal with information on the current chili effect. The signal can be received by a network and transmitted to a calculating and control unit for the housing in question. Such a unit will receive other signals about the condition of the barn such as air quality and air temperature the activity level of the animals light intensity and other parameters that may have an impact on the animal's well-being.

The regulation of the mentioned surface temperature within a measurement and regulation accuracy is not a crucial problem today, because even with a rather limited thermal mass in the power exchange body it will be possible to keep the temperature within sufficiently narrow limits. That is, within a limit of eg 2 degrees or 1 degree celsius or even finer. Further control accuracy will be possible, but will not significantly improve the effect of the chili sensor element.

In FIG. 1, there is a schematic representation of a chili sensor 10 indicating the internal parts and a suspension. The suspension is constituted by a line 23 containing conductors with, for example, power supply and signal. Surrounding the conduit 23 is a dust screen 24. This can be, for example, made of cardboard, plastic or metal. Its function is to protect the power exchange body 9 so that it is not exposed to dust from above. It also protects against splashes of water, falling root material or litter and other items that could occur in the air in a barn during normal operation. At the same time, it would be appropriate to place any electronic components under the dust screen 24. Here, in FIG. 1 shows a first print 25 with various electronic components 26, e.g., signal processors and a signal unit or output circuit

33, and a further print 27 on which, for example, the heater 14 is arranged. An electrical wiring connection 28 is established between the two circuits. The shield 24 may be connected to the power exchange body 9 in a suitably removable manner. The conduit 23 may be connected to the shield 24 and / or to the power exchange body 9, so that the entire sensor 10 can in any case be suspended in the conduit 23 as a single unit.

In FIG. 1, arrows 29 denote a heat release from a surface. In principle, any surface in the structure will exchange heat, either as convection heat or as radiant heat with any other surface or component. The most important heat exchange for the sensor is here between the heater 14 and the power exchange body 9 as well as between the power exchange body 9 and the part of the environment which lies below and to the sides thereof. The other heat exchanges are expected to be independent of, for example, the airspeed and animal holding under the sensor 10.

In FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of a sensor constructed according to the same principle as the sensor of FIG. 1, but also insulating body 31 is inserted between circuit 25 and circuit 27, thereby ensuring that heat delivery from circuit 25 and its components does not interfere with measurements of the amount of power required to maintain the constant temperature of the surface 8 of the power exchange body 9.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, circuit boards 25, 27 are schematic representations of elements such as PCB elements which may be hard or flexible single or multilayer media containing embedded printed circuits, the various components 33, 26, 14 typically being soldered thereto whereby they are physically held in place. a given position and also obtain electrical connection with each other and / or the outside world. Hard PCBs with a certain mechanical strength and stability are preferred for the task, as these are inexpensive and also easy to attach to a substrate using, for example, screw joints or clip elements.

As soon as there is an animal flock of some size under the sensor, there will be changes in the measurements in the form of less deposited power in the chili sensor's power exchange body as the metabolism of the animals results in heat release from the body and the animals exhaled air in the form of convective heat, heat conduction and radiant heat. . These contributions will help to indicate whether the animals experience thermal comfort. In particular, it may be noted that there may easily be a difference from one part of a living room to another part of the same room in terms of animal comfort, and that a number of sensors in the same room may help to show this difference, and it will here, on the basis of such sensor input, it may be possible to calculate an appropriate compromise for the animals if the living room can only be regulated collectively.

Sensor element 10 power exchange body 9 must be adapted to the conditions prevailing in a housing installation and must also have thermal properties which ensure an efficient heat or power exchange with the housing environment. A metal plate having a thickness of between 0.2 and 2 mm will be able to function and will also be easy to impart to the dome-shaped shape. The power exchange body of the sensor element must have a reasonable size, and here a diameter of between 5 and 10 cm will provide a suitably large area for the exchange of power such that the sensor experiences approximately the same chili effect as the animals. It is also considered possible to produce the power exchange body as a solid body.

The indicated diameter gives according to the simulations shown in Figs. 7 a suitable balance between the heat loss or emitted power resulting from convection and the heat loss resulting from radiant heat and heat conduction.

It is important that the surface of the dome can exchange radiant heat, which places special demands on the surface treatment, since it is important to obtain an emission number as close to 1 as possible. The surface treatment is not illustrated, but may for example consist of a lacquer or an anodizing in the case of an aluminum surface. With varnish or anodizing, a reasonable scratch resistance and resistance to the influence of corrosive media such as ammonia and bactericides used regularly in modern housing systems can be ensured. . The dome must also have good heat conduction properties such that there is a uniform heat distribution over its entire surface, which is achieved in that the manufacturing material has a good thermal conductivity and that a thickness is chosen which permits good heat transfer in both the thickness direction and along the dome.

The dome-shaped shape of the power exchange body is easily obtained by, for example, deep drawing of a metal plate, by machining or by casting and when such a plate is suspended so that the outside surface of the dome points downwards to the floor surface of the stable, where the animals reside, a measuring surface is obtained. suitable section of a barn floor. The dome shape does not necessarily follow a mathematical formula, but may be conveniently spherical, paraboloid or faceted, or combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the dome shown here has a facet in the form of a flat surface 32 which is formed by the downwardly facing surface of the dome being formed plane, but parallel to an equatorial plane of a ball shell surface. The dome shown is also cut upwardly along an upward edge 30 below an equatorial plane.

The dust shield 24 is arranged to at least reach and extend beyond the upper edge 30 of the ball shell to protect the entire dome. A connection between the upper edge portion of the power exchange body and the dust shield is not shown in detail but may conveniently be part of the construction.

It is possible to set up the sensor with its dome-shaped power exchange body upwards, and this can be advantageous in housing plants where pig spraying is used. In this case, it is important to protect the sensor's electronic components from moisture, and here the dome can function both as a protective shield and as the active part of a sensor.

In FIG. 8 is a section through an alternative embodiment of a chill sensor. Here is mounted a single print 27 which holds all components. Printed 27 is fastened internally in the dome to the rod along the rim of the dome. This dome can be designed without a downward facing facet.

Reference number:

Housing Construction

Signal to the surroundings

output

Electronic part of the thermosensor

processor

thermal sensor

Inner surface

Outer surface

Power Exchange Body

Sensor element power signal current signal voltage signal

Heater circuit amplifies reference temperature

Measured temperature control signal

The living area of the animals

The movement of air

DC voltage source

Wire

Dust Monitor

First print

components

Additional print

Electrical wiring

heat radiation

The upper edge of the bullet shell

Insulating body

Flat surface

signal Unit

34 Stag

Claims (9)

patent claims A method of measuring chilli in ventilated stables (1) in which one or more animals resides and wherein one or more sensor elements (10) are provided in an area of the stables (1) where the ventilation imposes a predetermined rate of movement (21.21 a). , 21 b, 21 c) and where the animals are also affected by the air movement speed, where the chilli sensor element (10) establishes a thermal balance with respect to the surface temperature of the animals and gives a signal indicative of the power to which the sensor must be applied. establishing or maintaining the thermal balance characterized in that the sensor element (10) has a power exchange body (9) having an outer surface (8) facing the environment whose temperature is kept constant within a measurement and control uncertainty at a desired temperature different from that of the animals; normal surface temperature preferably 1 to 25 degrees Celsius from the normal surface temperature of the animals, preferably 2 to 15 degrees Celsius us, more preferably 3 to 10 degrees Celsius from the normal surface temperature of the animals, with the applied power for maintaining the surface temperature of the power exchange body being recorded and supplied with a control and control system belonging to the stable. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the power exchange body (9): - exchanges power in the form of radiant heat with the environment and in particular with the animals, - exchanges power in the form of convection heat with the ambient air, and finally - receives positive power from an electrically driven heater (14) belonging to the power exchange body (14), which provides power to the power exchange body (9), the resulting surface temperature of the power exchange body outer surface (8) being measured and used to control the power output of the heater body (14) . Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the power exchange body (9) of the sensor element exchanges power with the surroundings via an outer dome-shaped surface (8), the body also having an inner surface (7) and receiving the heat effect from the heating element (14) on its interior. surface (7). Sensor element for measuring the air's chili effect on single-heat animals in a stable, characterized in that the sensor element (10) comprises a power exchange body (9) and a temperature control mechanism adapted to hold an outside surface (8) of the power exchange body (9) on a , within a measurement and regulation uncertainty, constant temperature when supplying power to the power exchange body (9), and a measuring unit to measure the power supplied to the power exchange body (9), and a signal unit (33) for output of signal (2) to the environment containing information about the magnitude of the applied power. Sensor element according to claim 4, characterized in that the power supplied to the power exchange body (9) is always positive and that the external surface (8) of the power exchange body consequently has a temperature which is above the surface temperature of the animals, preferably from 1 to 25 degrees Celsius. preferably 2-15 degrees above, more preferably 3-10 degrees above the normal surface temperature of the animals. Sensor element according to claim 4, characterized in that the power exchange body is dome-shaped and suspended so that the outside surface of the dome faces downwards towards the floor surface of the stable where the animals reside. Sensor element according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor element (10) comprises a dustproof screen (24) which is above the power exchange body (9) when the sensor element is suspended. Sensor element according to claim 4, characterized in that the external surface (8) of the power exchange body is constituted by one side of a metal plate and that this surface (8) is treated to obtain an emission number close to 1. Sensor element according to claim 4, characterized in that the power exchange body (9) is rotationally symmetrical, so that exchange of power with the surroundings via the outer surface (8) of the body is independent of the direction when the sensor element (10) is suspended with vertical axis of symmetry. 1.6