Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and ventilating a farm enclosure. The apparatus includes an energy exchange unit for preheating fresh intake air delivered to the enclosure. The unit has a first air manifold on its upper end including a fresh air intake duct and an exhaust air duct. The unit also has a second air manifold on its lower end which has an intake section and an exhaust section. A turbulation baffle is held within the unit between the first and second air manifolds. The intake section of the second air manifold communicates with the fresh air intake duct of the first air manifold through a plurality of intake baffle sections. The exhaust section of the second manifold communicates with the exhaust air duct of the first air manifold through a plurality of exhaust baffle sections. The intake and exhaust baffle sections are arranged relative to one another creating heat exchange between the two.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for growing poultry or other domesitcated fowl in an indoor environment. In particular, it is directed to an apparatus for efficiently heating and ventilating a poultry house and a method for using the same. Central to the apparatus and method is a unique energy exchange unit which uses the thermal energy of the exhaust air drawn from the poultry house to pre-heat the incoming fresh air supplied to the poultry house.