Design And Modifications Of Egg Incubator

 

ABSTRACT

This paper present a modification of an existed egg incubator. This incubator was modified to a digital egg incubator system with Fuzzy Logic Technology. The input is obtained from LM35 which is an integrated circuit sensor that can be used to measure temperature (in ºc). The output of the (LM35) is fed as an input to the Analog to Digital Converter whose major task is to convert the continuous quantity (Analog voltage from the LM35) to a discrete time digital representation/ number proportional to the magnitude of the voltage, the 8 bits binary output from the (ADC) are connected to (Port 2) of the AT89C52 microcontroller onboard the incubator, which analyses the data and provides the necessary control signal. The seven segment displays are used to display the temperature of the incubator. A Fuzzy Logic is used to control the heating element of the digital egg incubator. The problem of precision in temperature control and monitoring was analyzed and the AT89C52 microcontroller that was used to store all the assembly language of the digital egg incubator was programmed with the aid of (Top Universal Programmer).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0          INTRODUCTION

1.1          BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

• PROBLEM STATEMENT
• AIM OF THE PROJECT
• OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
• SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
• SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
• LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT
• COMPONENT OF INCUBATOR
• PROJECT ORGANISATION

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

• PROJECT REVIEW
• HISTORITICAL BACKGROUND OF INCUBATOR
• INCUBATOR AND MEDICAL DISCOVERY OF THE PREMATURE INFANT
• REVIEW OF INCUBATOR (CULTURE)
• DIFFERENT CLASSES OF INCUBATOR

CHAPTER THREE

3.0     METHODOLOGY

3.1      SYSTEM ANALYSIS

3.2      DEFINITIONS

3.3      SYSTEM OPERATING RULES

3.4      SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

3.5      SYSTEM CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

3.6      SYSTEM OPERATION

3.7      MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE INCUBATION CHAMBER

3.8      SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0          TESTING AND RESULTS

• SIMULATION AND RESULTS
• RESULT ANALYSIS
• PACKAGING AND DESIGN
• MOUNTING PROCEDURE

CHAPTER FIVE

• CONCLUSION
• RECOMMENDATION
• REFERENCES

CHAPTER

1.0                                                        INTRODUCTION

1.1                                         BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

Incubators are special warm enclosure for keeping fertilized eggs to ensure satisfactory development of embryos inside them into normal birds. Incubation of fowl eggs usually lasts for 21 days. Eggs incubation is the most delicate stage in poultry husbandry because the proper care of eggs at this stage of development has a decisive influence on the number of birds to be hatched and health condition of the Hatched birds. Fundamental elements of incubation are; the provision of heat, humidity, ventilation and turning of the eggs. The efficient combination of these factors determines the level of physiological and biological development and the mortality of the embryo (Okpagu, 2015). In attempt to formulate approaches that can handle real world uncertainty (lack of adequate information to make decision), researchers are frequently faced with the necessity of considering (exchange of compromise) between developing complex cognitive systems  that  are  difficult to control, or adopting a host of assumptions that lead to simplified models which are not sufficiently representative of the system or the real world. The latter option is a popular one which often enables the formulation of viable control laws. However, these control laws are typically valid only for systems that comply with imposed assumptions. The option that involves complex systems has been less prevalent due to the lack of analytical methods that can adequately handle uncertainty and concisely represent knowledge in practical control system. Recent research and application employing non-analytical methods of computing such as Fuzzy Logic, Neural networks and evolutionary computation have demonstrated the utility and potential of these paradigms for intelligent control of complex systems. In particular, Fuzzy Logic has proven to be a convenient tool for handling real world uncertainty and knowledge representation (Okpagu, 2015).

A digital incubator is a modern improvement on ordinary electric incubator in which various discrete components are substituted for integrated circuit components which are fabricated for specific functions or task. The major components of the Digital Egg Incubator are; (ADC 0805), LM35, AT89C52 microcontroller, Seven segment display, Resistors, Capacitors, Crystal oscillator, etc. However the project seek to identify an alternative means of hatching eggs in mass for a lager / greater quantity in order to provide food for human populace. Thus, providing sufficient meat and food for mankind. It also tries to overcome the natural disasters incurred during natural incubation.

1.2                                              PROBLEM STATEMENT

The egg-hatching process has been a major problem in the field of agriculture especially in small poultry flock. A recent statistic shows that this issue is one of the main factors that cause major loss to farmers (Anon., (2010)). The use of existed homemade incubator is not so effective to overcome this problem. Breeding chickens is a good way to create a sustainable flock; it should be learned by every chicken farmer.

External threats, for example wild animal such as monkeys or reptiles, could possibly harm the eggs which might cause a major loss for the farmer. This threat not only can damage the eggs, but the breeding process is also stunted.

As stated in the problem statement, it is difficult for the hens to lay eggs again if they are in the breeding process. Farmers can overcome this problem by taking the eggs and put them in the incubator, which implements a computerized system to control the environment to mimic the normal breeding process. This system is equipped with sensors which monitor the temperature and humidity of the incubator.

1.3                                                AIM OF THE PROJECT

The main aim of this work is to build a modified digital device that is used to hatch an egg at a required temperature using fuzzy logic controlled.

1.4                                          OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The objectives of this project are threefold:

• To modify an existed incubator to a prototype device to hatch an egg without the broody process. This involves modifying the existed one to the type whose temperature and humidity will be controlled by a device developed using microcontroller.
• To develop a monitoring system for the incubator. This element involves developing a web-based system which updates the status of the incubator from the temperature and humidity perspectives.
• To increase the significant of the incubation process. By combining the hardware and software elements of this project, it is hoped that the productivity of the farmers shall increase significantly.

1.5                                              SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

This work is on fuzzy logic based temperature control system of an incubator. This design focuses on implementing fuzzy logic decision via a microcontroller which intelligently controls the output devices for proper egg incubation. In this project, a temperature sensor (LM35) was used to monitor the temperature of the incubator, a 200W bulb served as a heat source for the eggs. A water trough and fan was used to maintain the humidity of the incubator. The status of the incubator system was also designed to appear on the LCD screen. The AT89C52 microcontroller that implemented the control functions of the incubator is programmed using ATmel8051 instruction set assembly language. This system introduces an incubator system with a more accurate, intelligent and fast temperature control system that provides better environmental conditions for hatching eggs.

1.6                                        LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

1. They are more expensive than a manually controlled incubator.
2. This device is only used to hatch egg.
3. It requires a lot of skills in order to manage and maintain a digital incubator.
4. The incubator requires power source to work. In most rural and remote areas, reliable source of power is a major challenge.

1.7                                      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

1. The incubator temperature does not have to be repeatedly adjusted by the staff. Therefore, the egg can be maintained at a constant temperature which results in the best possible hatch.
2. Temperature, humidity and sensor will be used to monitor the breeding process.

iii. Many chicks can be hatched at a time in a short while.

1. Another thing is that it is possible to plan when to hatch the chicks unlike with the hen one may not know when it can sit for the eggs.
2. digital incubation cannot spread parasites and diseases to the chicks and lastly there is no cost for feeding a broody hen since an incubator is used.
3. Chances of eggs spoilage are minimized since all eggs are subjected to the optimal hatching temperatures.

vii. There are no chances of the hen damaging eggs through pecking, a common occurrence with natural incubation.

1.8                                                        METHODOLOGY

To achieve the aim and objectives of this work, the following are the steps involved:

1. Study of the previous work on the project so as to improve it efficiency.
2. Draw a block diagram.

• Test for continuity of components and devices,

1. programming of microcontroller
2. Design and calculation for the changeover was carried out.
3. Studying of various component used in circuit.

• Construct a digital changeover circuit.
• Finally, the whole device was cased and final test was carried out.

1.10                                                      PROJECT ORGANISATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuses the introductory part of the work,   chapter two presents the literature review of the study,  chapter three describes the methods applied,  chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.