Development of a Steam Powered Incubator with Solar Supported System

Abstract

This research work deals with the development of an incubator powered by steam generated from boiled water in which the inner components and micro – the controller is powered by the solar system. The egg incubator is designed to be powered by a steam source of energy. The materials selected for the fabrication of the incubator were plywood, Aluminum foil, a Gas cylinder and an aluminium condenser pipe. The wood was coated with aluminium foil inside in order to prevent heat loss, the six electric bulbs were introduced to complement the heat when the major source was down and three (3) D.C fans of 1.3A rating each for uniform distribution and circulating of heat. All these components were controlled by an integrated micro-controller circuit by sensing and processing the data (Temperature and Humidity). The Temperature, Humidity and egg-turning the mechanism was controlled and regulated by configuring a microcontroller based on the operating conditions of the incubator. The performance evaluation of the designed incubating machine was tested for a period of 18-28 days. The incubating temperature range of (37-39oC) was maintained throughout the incubating period, and the relative humidity ranged from 45% to 60% was also maintained.