Eastern Visayas State University – Tanauan Campus

Tanauan, Leyte
Engineering Department
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Development of an Automatic Egg Incubator with

John Ariel M. Mendiola

Engr. Catherine B. Catindoy

The consistent and successful hatching of eggs is crucial for poultry farming,

agricultural research, and even hobbyist breeders. However, the reliability of egg

incubation is often compromised by inconsistent electricity supply, particularly in

rural or developing regions. Existing egg incubators predominantly rely on continuous

electrical power, rendering them ineffective during power outages or in areas with

unreliable grids. These interruptions lead to temperature fluctuations, hindering

embryonic development and resulting in significant economic losses and reduced

hatching rates. This research addresses this critical limitation by designing and

developing a novel automated egg incubator integrated with a robust battery backup

system and solar power supply. This innovation aims to provide consistent

temperature control, automated egg turning, and uninterrupted operation, regardless of

electricity supply fluctuations. The improved reliability and accessibility of this

incubator are expected to significantly enhance hatching success rates and contribute

to sustainable poultry farming and agricultural practices in diverse environments. The

specific focus is on optimizing both the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the

incubator, balancing advanced features with affordability and practicality for a wide

range of users.

Methodology

The development of the automated egg incubator followed a structured, iterative

process encompassing five distinct stages:

into existing incubator designs and technologies, analyzing their strengths and

weaknesses. The design specifications for the new incubator were established,

emphasizing portability, automated functionalities, energy efficiency, and robust

backup power capabilities with solar powered supply. A detailed schematic diagram

was created, outlining the necessary components and their interconnections. This

stage also included preliminary cost estimations for components and manufacturing.

Phase 2: Component Selection and Procurement: Based on the design specifications

and cost analysis, suitable components were selected. This included the choice of a

low-wattage heating element for efficient temperature control, a precise and reliable

thermostat for accurate temperature regulation, a small yet durable DC motor for

automated egg turning, a high-capacity 12V DC battery for extended backup power,

and an inverter for seamless switching between AC and DC power sources. Each

component underwent careful evaluation for its performance, energy efficiency, and

reliability. The procurement process ensured sourcing high-quality components

within the allocated budget.

Phase 3: Fabrication and Assembly: The incubator's housing was constructed using

lightweight yet thermally insulating materials (plyboard) to minimize heat loss and

maintain a stable internal environment. Careful consideration was given to the

placement of components to optimize airflow, heat distribution, and accessibility for

maintenance. The heating element, thermostat, motor, and battery were integrated

into the housing, ensuring secure connections and minimizing the risk of electrical
hazards. A custom-designed egg tray was incorporated for smooth and even egg

rotation.

Phase 4: Testing and Calibration: Rigorous testing was conducted to validate the

incubator's performance and functionality. This involved subjecting the incubator to

various conditions, including simulated power outages, temperature fluctuations, and

extended operational periods. The thermostat and timer were carefully calibrated to

maintain the optimal hatching temperature range of 32.5–37°C and an 8-hour egg-

turning cycle. Data logging was employed to monitor temperature stability, battery

performance, and motor functionality.

Phase 5: Trial Runs and Refinement: Multiple trial runs were performed using fertile

eggs to assess the incubator's effectiveness in achieving high hatching rates. The

hatching success rate, as well as observations on chick health and development, were

carefully documented. Based on the results of these trials, adjustments were made to

optimize the incubator's design, calibration, and operational parameters. This iterative

process of testing, analysis, and refinement was crucial in achieving the desired levels

of performance and reliability.

Results

Reliable Operation during Power Outages: The integrated battery backup system

ensured uninterrupted operation during simulated power outages of varying durations,

maintaining optimal hatching conditions.

temperature range throughout the testing phase, minimizing temperature fluctuations

that could compromise embryonic development.

Efficient Automated Egg Turning: The DC motor performed consistently,

ensuring regular and even egg turning, promoting uniform embryonic development

and preventing adhesion to the shell.

Enhanced Portability: The lightweight design and compact dimensions of the

incubator improved its portability, making it suitable for diverse locations, regardless

of access to reliable electricity.

While specific quantitative data regarding hatching rates needs further investigation,

the consistent maintenance of optimal temperature and humidity levels, along with

regular egg turning, strongly suggests a significant improvement in hatching success

compared to traditional methods, especially in areas experiencing frequent power

interruptions.

Discussion

The developed automated egg incubator presents a significant advancement in

incubation technology. Its core innovation lies in the successful integration of a

battery backup system, addressing the major limitation of conventional incubators.

freeing up time for other tasks and improving the overall efficiency of poultry

production. The portable design expands access to reliable incubation technology for

small-scale farmers, researchers, and hobbyists in areas with unreliable electricity

supplies.

Despite its successes, several aspects require further development. The initial cost,

currently elevated due to the battery system and inverter, could be reduced through

the exploration of more cost-effective battery technologies or alternative energy

sources like solar power. The battery's lifespan and maintenance requirements could

also be addressed by investigating longer-lasting and lower-maintenance battery

alternatives. Furthermore, future work should focus on increasing the incubator's

capacity to accommodate a larger number of eggs. Finally, comprehensive

quantitative data on hatching success rates, compared to both traditional and other

automated incubators, should be collected and analyzed. This would provide concrete

evidence of the incubator’s effectiveness and its overall impact on poultry farming

and agricultural practices.