Smart agro-technological system for rural poultry incubation: Automation, monitoring and energy efficiency

Arteaga Untiveros L.E.; Huaripata Aguirre E.; Reymundo Aranda K.E. · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102801

Resumen

This study addresses the limitations of conventional poultry incubators—namely thermal instability, high energy consumption and premature component wear. The objective was to design and implement a semi-industrial PID-controlled incubator to optimize energy efficiency at the Matteito Poultry Farm, located in Santa Rosa de Ocopa, a rural high-jungle district of the Junín region, Peru. An experimental methodology was applied with validation under both controlled and field conditions, comparing the proposed system with an existing commercial controller. Nine incubation cycles were analyzed: two real cycles and seven statistically estimated cycles based on previous records. The developed solution integrated PID temperature control, internal and external IoT-based monitoring, and a multilayer thermal-insulation structure. Results showed a significant reduction in mean energy consumption to 14.6 kWh per cycle, compared with 32.32 kWh for the traditional system—representing a 54.83 % saving. In addition, the system maintained stable temperatures (37.31–37.73 °C), whereas the conventional unit exhibited deviations beyond the allowable thermal margin (36.95–38.44 °C). The thermal coefficient of performance (COP) reached 0.85, surpassing the 0.70 of the conventional setup, and hatchability increased to 90.49 % versus 85.46 %, with lower embryonic mortality. These findings validate the proposed system as a robust, efficient and adaptable solution for small-scale poultry production. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Continental