FUZZY CONTROLLER APPLIED TO TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT IN INCUBATION OF FREE-RANGE EGGS

ABSTRACT Temperature variation in egg incubation can negatively affect the hatching time and weight gain of chicks, hence improving the incubator temperature accuracy can improve hatching rates. Controllers based on the fuzzy methodology have shown great potential for use in controlling incubator temperature variations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a fuzzy logic-based controller for egg incubation. Four identical incubators were configured: two with a fuzzy controller and two with a conventional controller. After evaluation and validation, a case study of the incubating eggs of free-range chickens was conducted on where 12 incubation cycles consisting of 20 eggs per incubator. The variables obtained include hatchability and electricity consumption. The results showed that the fuzzy logic-based controller maintained uniform internal temperature and a 10.68% saving on electricity usage when compared with the conventional controller. Thus, the fuzzy methodology has great potential for use in the incubation of free-range eggs.

摘要 鸡蛋孵化过程中的温度波动会对雏鸡的出雏时间与体重增长产生负面影响，因此提升孵化箱的温度控制精度可提高孵化率。基于模糊控制方法的控制器在调控孵化箱温度波动方面展现出优异的应用潜力。因此，本研究旨在开发并评估一款用于鸡蛋孵化的模糊逻辑控制器。本次实验配置了四台完全相同的孵化箱：两台搭载模糊控制器，另外两台搭载传统控制器。在完成评估与验证后，本研究针对散养鸡蛋开展了孵化案例研究：每台孵化箱每次孵化20枚鸡蛋，共开展12个孵化周期。本次研究采集的观测变量包括孵化率与耗电量。实验结果表明，相较于传统控制器，基于模糊逻辑的控制器可维持孵化箱内部温度的均匀性，且耗电量降低了10.68%。由此可见，模糊控制方法在散养鸡蛋孵化领域具备极佳的应用前景。