Design and implementation of a fully automated system dedicated to the control of an egg incubator

Abstract

Nowadays, incubation systems are playing an increasingly important role in agriculture and poultry farming. With the evolution of technology, these systems must also be developed to keep up with a fast-changing world. Poultry egg incubation systems are based on the principle of providing a nest-like environment for the hen. A hen lays about 1 egg per day, and usually takes about ten days to start hatching. So, the incubation system presents a practical solution to increase the number of chicks. In order to keep up to date, we designed and built an incubation system for poultry eggs equipped with advanced technology allowing it to ensure an adjustable humidity level and temperature degree, using a PID controller that we have implemented as well as an automatic turning egg mechanism and an automatic water filling system with other features allowing it to be completely autonomous (not requiring human intervention). The system is also equipped with 3 LCD screens allowing us to visualize the water levels in the two tanks (inside and outside), the date / time, the state of egg turning, humidity level and temperature degree. A keyboard is integrated into it, offering the possibility of easy handling while having an advanced technology. The fully automatic realized egg incubator has demonstrated a high hatching rate.