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THE PROBLEM
Introduction
The Philippines has been well-known for its vast agricultural industry because of the
natural landscapes ideal for farming, livestock and fisheries. Agricultural industry is significant
for food security and livelihood for many Filipinos. One part of this industry is the poultry
farming which is usually common and found at almost every household’s backyard in rural
areas, emerging to small farms. Modern agriculturists are now using new technologies in order
to improve yields and preserve their agricultural products. Poultry farming is one of the
entrepreneurial systems in agricultural practice whereby meat and eggs are mass-produced to
guarantee sufficient supply through broody hens. This cannot be achieved by natural
incubation by means of broody hens sitting on clutches of eggs. Several hatching systems are
already found in the industry utilizing varieties of technologies applied in machines generally
called as egg incubators. Egg incubators provide a hatching process under optimum
Poultry farming undergoes processes such as brooding, incubation and egg hatching.
A hen can brood a maximum of 14 up to 16 number of eggs but the hatchability declines to
more than 10 eggs, that means it takes more chickens to hatch eggs in large quantities which
is by far nor efficient. As a solution, poultry farmers used artificial incubators. A study shows
that the utilization of an incubator in poultry farming can significantly increase the efficiency
of egg hatching and the overall productivity of the farm. In a study conducted by Adepoju et
al. (2019), it was found that using an incubator resulted in a significantly higher hatchability
rate (84.4%) compared to traditional methods of hatching (67.9%). For effective egg
development, the incubator must maintain a constant temperature and humidity level. The
study also showed that utilizing an incubator can enhance the quality of the chicks, producing
stronger and healthier birds. This is due to the fact that an incubator can shield you from
illnesses and infections, which are frequently present in more conventional ways of egg incu
bator. Farmers may have a more consistent and predictable supply of chicks all year long
because to the incubator's enhanced hatching control. Overall, the results of this study indicate
that using an incubator in chicken farming can increase the farm's production and efficiency,
The demand for the incubator for hatching eggs is undoubtedly great as the machine
was first surface in its early years and even up to this date. To cope up with this trend, the
researcher proposes an incubator that uses a device called Peltier Module. A machine that
utilizes this device will be deemed important to study by the researchers as this will provide
other options for our poultry farmer in selecting their choices of incubators. Peltier modules
are well recognized for their capacity to produce heat via the movement of electric current.
Such modules are being used to incubate chicken eggs, which is a new tool that poultry
producers may use to raise their flocks of birds. Peltier modules can offer the optimum heating
for the eggs that is necessary for good egg growth and hatching by managing the current flow.
This method provides options other than heat sources, such light bulbs, which are frequently
utilized in conventional incubation. The incubation environment for chicken eggs may be made
safer and more regulated by using Peltier modules, which also guarantee minimal energy
environment for safe and reliable work with cell and tissue cultures by regulating conditions
such as temperature, humidity, and CO2. The general objective of this research is to provide a
cost-effective incubator that would help farmers in lessening their expense and will be achieved
because of the incubator’s low maintenance. The specific objectives are the following (a)
design a multi-feature Peltier incubator utilizing its cooling effect by having a cold storage,
and egg rack maximizing its vertical space; (b) construct using affordable yet effective
materials; and (c) improve its incubation function and hatch rate compared to traditional
incubator has several benefits, such as reduced energy usage, quiet operation, and precise
temperature control. It is the best option for usage in scientific settings where precision and
dependability are essential. In addition, thermoelectric module incubators are quite adaptable
and can handle a variety of sample sizes and types. They can be utilized in a variety of fields,
incubating and hatching chicken, quail, duck, and other poultry eggs. This study will utilize
the cooling effect the Peltier module produces as it heats at the same time.
Existing thermoelectric incubators are out-of-reach for local poultry farmers − cost
speaking. Not making use of the cold temperature on the other side of the device is also a rising
concern on some designs. To address such matters, this proposed design of multi-feature
incubator set (Figure 1) using thermoelectric, or Peltier, module can maintain optimal
temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions for incubating and hatching poultry eggs
while utilizing its cooling capability through built-in cold storage. The incubator should be
easy to use, reliable, and energy-efficient while providing a safe and healthy environment for
the developing embryos. It should also be able to accommodate various egg sizes and
quantities; provide accurate and consistent temperature and humidity readings to ensure a high
hatching success rate; and it should make use of the cold temperature the Peltier module
produces. For convenience, the design also considers extra rack to maximize space for egg
storage. The problem statement should also address any potential issues such as bacterial
contamination, power outages, and equipment failure, and provide solutions to mitigate these
risks. Most importantly, it should be affordably fabricated to be purchased by the local poultry
farmers.
a. hatch rate?
c. incubation function?
Figure 1. Design of the Automatize Module Poultry Egg Incubator: A cold storage for cold
temperature utilization, and an egg storage rack under the incubator for optimal use of space.
Significance of the Study
Understanding the science behind poultry egg incubators is essential for those who work
in the poultry industry or have a general interest in poultry farming. It can lead to improvements
This study entitled Development of Automize Module Poultry Egg Incubator will benefit
the following:
answer to the problems with conventional incubation techniques, resulting in better hatch rates
Poultry Farmers – The machine will help them lessen the costs of hatching poultry eggs in
terms of power consumption of incubation, investment of hatching incubator, and will give
Students – This study will provide them knowledge in modern and mass hatching of poultry
Future Researchers – This study will serve as a guide in their research study.
The focus of the study will be innovating an incubator by introducing a new mechanism
that provides heating and cooling sides and utilizing this feature as an advantage to construct
a 2-in-1 device. The heating side will provide the warm temperature in incubating and hatching
while the cold side will serve as a refrigerated space for chilling purposes.
The data gathering procedure at the testing phase of the incubator will only focus on
poultry eggs limiting to specific sizes: small – less than 53g; medium – between 53g and 63g;
and large – between 63g and 73g.1 Testing will be done by poultry farmers in Sorsogon. It is
not intended to be utilized by poultry farmers who raises domesticated birds such as turkeys
and geese.
Definition of Terms
Poultry incubators – used to keep the fertilized eggs of chickens warm until they are ready to
hatch.
Peltier module– also known as a thermoelectric cooler, is an electronic device that uses the
Peltier effect to generate a temperature difference between two surfaces. The Peltier effect is a
phenomenon in which an electric current is passed through a circuit made up of two dissimilar
metals, causing one side of the circuit to become cooler while the other side becomes hotter.
Utilization– refers to the extent to which a resource or asset is being used to its full potential
or capacity. It is a measure of the effectiveness and efficiency of the use of a resource or asset.
Chapter II
generalizations or conclusions and different development related to study from the past up to
present which used by the researchers as guide in conceptualizing and designing the project. It
is composed of related literature and studies relevant and similar to the present study.
Related Literature
et.al (2018), an average light bulb heating incubator is slower to reach the required temperature
for the egg to incubate but by using TEM (Thermoelectric Module) they achieved the required
temperature in 12 minutes instead of 17 minutes made by the light bulb with also only 10 W
Microcontroller-based egg incubator, the research showed that the designed incubator's
hatching efficiency ranges from 80-93% and with an average of 86.5% with the number of
hatched eggs was 56 (93%) duck eggs and 48 (80%) chicken eggs. It also showed higher net
income for the farmers. Further, the success of the design adjustment was further aided by
interviews with the farmers in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Before designing, the researchers
gathered data on the accurate temperature and correct humidity for hatching eggs also cost
effective so that even less-earning farmers can afford the product. And the researchers also
gathered the advantages and disadvantages of the current incubators, as well as input from the
farmers. The study has also explored on the hatching efficiency and capacity of the incubator
compared between the prior egg incubator that the farmers are currently using. The researchers
also studied on the automated controlling device, which controls the humidity and temperature
thermal gradient, it generates voltage (Resnick and Halliday, 1992). This is called Seebeck or
thermoelectric. To measure this electromotive force (emf) involves connecting another
conductor to the “hot" end l. This other usually made of another material will experience a
temperature gradient and develop a voltage of its own which will oppose the original one but
the magnitude effect depends on the particular material used. The whole set up now becomes
a thermocouple with two junctions at different temperatures, one fixed and the other varying.
This thermocouple is of K-type which serves as the temperature sensor whose range is -200°C
An article by Natasa POPOVI entitled "A Control System for Remote Monitoring and
Control of The Temperature in Chicken Eggs Hatching Using Artificial Incubators" states that
ventilation and egg turning while employing artificial egg incubation. The importance of
maintaining and managing the temperature inside the incubator cannot be overstated. Ambient
conditions are indicated in terms of temperature and humidity. The study describes a control
system created for remote monitoring and controlling the temperature of chicken eggs in
artificial incubators while they hatch. A heater in the shape of an incandescent light bulb, a
and keeps the temperature at 37.8 °C. The web browser and a wired Internet connection are
inexpensive, yet highly effective method for ensuring that hens grow properly inside their eggs.
According to the article written by Raja Mohd Noor Hafizi Raja Daud et. Al. "The
Development of Automatic Forced Air Egg Incubator", due to the rise in poultry livestock
demand which cannot be fulfilled solely by the domestic supply chain led them to depend on
import in overcoming this problem. They come up with the goal of the large-scale production
of poultry livestock through egg incubation process. Since the temperature and humidity can
affect the egg’s embryo development, this project is equipped with sensors to control the
accuracy of temperature and humidity during the egg incubation process. The two main sensors
used in this project are temperature sensor and humidity sensor. The eggs will be rotated every
3 hours using the automatic egg turner system driven by the motor and also, a forced air fan is
used for ventilation system to circulate the air in the incubator to prevent the egg’s embryos
mortality. The whole system in the incubator is controlled by a microcontroller called Arduino
Uno which is programmed to produce an efficient operation system between the inputs and the
outputs.
Related Study
and Cooling System” used thermoelectric, or Peltier module for creating a separate warming
and cooling medium. The top part of the module which produces heat is faced towards the
heating compartment while the opposite part is for the cold. The device “utilizes non-
conventional energy source (i.e. Solar Energy).” The device is promised to be “a suitable &
affordable system for the people living in remote part of India where load-shading is a major
problem.” It doesn’t use any mechanical device and for the cooling compartment, it doesn’t
use refrigerant, since the cold temperature comes from the Peltier effect of the module. “As the
module is compact in size one can design (i.e. shape, capacity) the system according to its
requirement. In this paper, an attempt has been made to conduct an experimental study on
Incubator Integrated with Thermal Energy Storage System” used the Peltier module device
similarly. The researchers were convinced that the “thermoelectric technology (TE) modules
can be used for both power generation and solid-state refrigeration or heat pumps. A TE
module has no environmentally harmful fluids like chlorofluorocarbons.” The incubator can
accommodate five egg trays with 60 eggs in each tray and a relative humidity pan. Its is also
constructed with plywood, “with polystyrene as an insulation to reduce heat losses from the
chamber while the inside is aligned with tarpaulin sheet for easy cleaning and to avoid moisture
absorption by the wooden material.” The egg-turning observes crank and link mechanism
connected to the electric motor turning 45° automatically. It is powered by four arrayed solar
PV modules of 45 Watts and 12 Volts per module. “The energy storage unit is made up of 2
lead batteries of 100Ah each, a charge controller and a 100Watts, 24 Volts solar powered
inverter to convert direct current to alternative current from the PV panels. Heat supply in the
incubation chamber is by 200 watts electric heater and electric motor used for turning
mechanism of the egg trays powered by the photovoltaic modules. A thermostat was placed on
upper end of the incubation chamber in order to regulates and controls the temperature of the
incubation Chamber. An air vent allows air circulation within the egg chamber. A transparent
glazing material is used as the door helps to monitor and inspect the incubator chamber from
outside without opening the incubator door and to improve the thermal conductivity of the
incubation chamber. A paraffin wax was used as the phase change material (PCM) so as to
maintain the thermal energy storage (TES) was located at the bottom of the incubation
chamber.” Results show that hatchability was 73.3%. The temperature of the incubator and
relative humidity ranges of 36 –39°C and 56–80% could be maintained within the incubator.
System”, the thermoelectric module (TEM) is used to replace and compare traditional
incandescent lamp used as heating system in egg incubation. It has been proven that the
traditional incubators have short life time of usage and high energy consumption. The
width, and height respectively. The ventilating hole is 1 x 5 cm and located at the back wall of
incubator for air circulation. To maintain the humidity, water in the basin is located under the
eggs rack. Thermostat is employed to maintain temperature at specific set point. The result
shows that the TEM module is successfully applied in the incubator. The comparison between
TEM and incandescent lamp is also conducted and results that TEM is more efficient with 34.1
% of energy saving. This design, however, is not utilizing the cooling effect stating, “the hot
side is placed facing to the inside box, while the cold side of TEM is facing to the surrounding.”
Gap-Bridged by the Study
There were various related studies that govern the different designs of cost-effective
humidity, energy efficiency, durability and cost-friendly of incubators from different materials.
The related literature and studies focused on determining the energy efficiency and
humidity of incubators in egg hatching. The materials, design description, and the temperature
of incubators were outlined. As it has been discovered, a thermoelectric module is usually used
as heating system in eggs incubator system for long life time of usage and low energy
consumption. The articles based on relevant studies that demonstrate the advantages of
utilizing a thermoelectric (Peltier) module in poultry egg incubator mentions more efficient
energy saving. Several Peltier cooled incubator models are already found in the market. They
also promise to be automated and energy-efficient. But, can the local poultry farmers afford to
purchase them?
Chapter 3
Research Design
The success of a design depends much on the choice of material which is one of the
most important design considerations. Materials are selected to provide characteristics that are
essential to design and most appropriate. The choice of materials dictates the manufacturing
The designed prototype is drawn first in AutoCAD software shown in Fig. 2. After
1. Digital thermometer
and placed below the egg tray to monitor the temperature. A thermostat was placed to regulate
and control the temperature inside the incubating chamber to maintain its recommended
2. 12 V DC Fan
A mechanical fan is a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such
as air. The fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which acts on the fluid.
The rotating assembly of blades and hub is known as an impeller, a rotor, or a runner. The
major function of a fan in an incubator is to cool or circulate heat in the system (Steve 2010;
Shittu et al., 2017). This egg incubator used a 12V, 1.8 W DC fan mounted at the back portion
3. LED Bulb
The bulb converts electrical energy into light. The light is use to testing method to
4. Peltier Module
The Peltier cell is a small element that uses n- and p-doped semiconductors to transfer
heat, energy, from one side to the other, resulting in one hot and one cold side. The area of the
Peltier cell is around 16 𝑐𝑚 and it can drive a 6 Ampere current in order to heat or cool a
sample to minus degrees Celsius up to more than 100°𝐶. An h-bridge can drive a current in
two directions. In order to use the Peltier cell, the Peltier cell has to be connected to the h-
bridge. The Peltier cell will heat if the current goes in one direction and cool if the current goes
5. Power Supply
A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to an electrical load.
The main purpose of a power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct
voltage, current, and frequency to power the load. Converting 220V AC current to 12V DC
6. Digital timer
A circuit board that controls how long the motor rotates the egg turner.
7. Electric motor
A device used to rotate the egg turner so that the yolk would not settle and to exercise
the embryo.
A poultry egg incubator is to be constructed to test and evaluate its performance. The
incubator box’s dimensions are 40 cm (depth), 60 cm (width), 150 cm (height). The frame of
the incubator is made of steel angle bar and will be covered with 10 mm thick plywood, then
layered with insulation foam inside to minimize heat losses by absorption and transmission
through the walls to the atmosphere. Sheet metal will be the external cover prior to coating
with paint. Two layers of removable egg trays, and the base under which will turn the eggs
horizontally, spinning in continuous 360° motion to be run by a motor, are made of bakelite
boards. Plywood was chosen because of its insulating properties, ease in fabrication, durability
and availability in the local market. Likewise, bakelite is chosen because of its higher
mechanical property, water and heat resistance, more stable dielectric property, and heat-
resistant up to 285°C.2
The trays for egg turning are very important for the positioning of the eggs. The egg
incubation chamber is composed of two round egg trays, 30 cm in diameter, that have the
capacity of 20 eggs inserted in each tray. The design is to ensure equal distribution of heat
inside the incubator. The spacings are reasonably considered. In this egg incubator, the eggs
were turned at least three times per day for normal embryonic development to take place.
2. Temperature
Heat energy is a major requirement for successful hatching of eggs into chicks and
eventual growth of the young chicks in the brooding house to maturity (Ahiaba et al., 2015).
Temperature is a very important factor in egg incubation. The best hatch is obtained by keeping
the temperature at 37℃ throughout the incubation period when using a forced-air incubator.
The total heat required to raise the temperature values were within the range of 35℃ - 40℃.
The total heat required to raise the temperature of the incubator was obtained from the
summation of all heat parameters like air, egg, water, plywood and glass.
3. Humidity
Humidity was carefully controlled to prevent unnecessary loss of egg moisture. The
relative humidity in the incubator between settling and three days before hatching was at 58%-
60% (Othman et al., 2013; Umar et al., 2016). Humidity is the amount of water vapor (water
that has turned from a liquid to an invisible gas) in the air. Humidity is measured by placing
two thermometers inside the incubator. One of the thermometers (the wet bulb) has a wet-bulb
thermometer reads a lower temperature than the normal (dry-bulb) thermometer (Van der Pol
et al., 2023; Umar et al., 2016). The difference in the temperature readings given by the dry-
bulb and the wet-bulb thermometers is a direct measure of the relative humidity. If the relative
humidity inside the incubator is too low or too high, there is a hatching problem called red
hocks.
4. Air Ventilation
Ventilation plays a role in cooling an overheated egg incubator, as well as making sure
that the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange is maximized (Umar et al., 2016). The air ventilation
in this research work was provided and installed from the rear side, as well as the upper end of
construct the device. It will seek to answer the utilization of thermoelectric module in poultry
egg incubator. Information will be gathered to aid in creating the incubator, and materials will
be collected for the input process. The data will be tallied and processed to reach
comprehensive and conclusive information relevant to the design and construction of the
proposed incubator. If the proposed project is successful, it will provide a tool that can help
farmers hatch eggs. The success of the project will be determined by the results of surveys and
FEEDBACK
Week 1-4
The start of the project. After thorough conceptualization of the design and considering
the recommendations of the advisor, the researchers would be able to start the fabrication of
the incubator. The group will purchase the basic materials needed to construct the frame of the
incubator such as 3 pieces of 20-ft or 6 meters long 2mm x 1½” and 2 pieces 1.5mm x 1” angle
bars, and ¼” welding rods. Using grinder and cutting disc, one member cut the angle bars
according to the measurements of the design: 700x600 mm for the 4 horizontal angle bar
frames, and 230 and 340 mm for the vertical. Then, they spot welded the cut angle bars to form
Week 5-7
During Christmas holidays and semestral break, the group utilized this week to
purchased other materials through online shop such as Shopee. By utilizing this online
shopping platform, the group took advantage of discounts and free shipping vouchers to lessen
the expenses which is aligned to the goal to construct a cost-effective device. The arrived
Week 8
The group continued the welding of frame by permanently joining the spot-welded
parts. After this, the cover of the incubator was the next task to be make. The cover consists of
plywood, insulation, and sheet metal. The members measured the spacing where the holes to
be drilled into the frame, then the cover would be screwed to the hole to securely intact the
Week 9
The researchers would then make the door of the incubator of the left metals and put a
rectangular opening at the center for see-through window, a glass panel to be inserted, for them
to check the eggs from time to time. The researchers then paint the outside with anti-rust primer
Week 10
The group looked for machine shops to fabricate the mechanism of egg-turning inside
the incubator. As they looked around the city for shops, they also looked for glass for the door,
and other materials during vacant time since the semester started again this week. By the end
of the week, the frames were covered with sheet metals. The wheels were also attached. The
Week 11-13
The researchers would assemble the heating component by placing an aluminum heat
sink on both sides of the TME (Thermoelectric Module) so that the temperature distribution
would equally spread out. The researchers then design a circuit board to convert the power
from the outlet from AC to DC and store it to the backup power battery at the back of the
incubator. Next task would be putting the dismount of the TME and heatsink below the body
frame to maximize the cold side. After installing the dismount, the researchers then proceed to
install the rack where the egg would be placed permanently screwing at the above body frame.
After making the main incubator the researchers then proceed with the wiring of the
parts. They would now connect the TME to the circuit board that is connected to the battery
with the LED serve as the light of the incubator. The researchers then connect the fans and
thermostat to a relay that would automatically switch off when the required temperature is
reached or the fan to run idle to maintain the temperature. The other part of the TME which is
Week 14-onwards
Once the incubator is finished, it will undergo testing phase with 3 trials are expected.
Data Gathering
After the assembly and the successful run of the product, it will be tested by 3 local
poultry farmers in Sorsogon. Prior to testing, instructions will be explained. Survey forms will
be answered (Table 1). The researchers will fill out separate record sheet (Table 2) for
observation. The results will be tallied and computed by percentage (Table 3). The reason
stated for NO responses will be considered and analyzed further for improvement of the
product.
Temperature Monitoring:
Incubator Cold Storage
Day Date & Time Remarks
Temperature/Humid Temperature
1
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
1 https://www.eco-marketplace.co.uk/egg-sizes.html
2
https://www.xyhplastic.com/bakelite-sheet-1147126/55213603.html#:~:text=Insulation%
20Bakelite%20Sheet%20is%20made,%2D55mm%2C55mm%20and%20longer.
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