Application of methods of thermal process mathematical modeling in the development of energy-saving equipment for incubation in poultry breeding

Abstract

The problem of increasing the energy efficiency of incubation systems based on the use of thermal process mathematical modeling is discussed. The relevance of the research related to the need to optimize the design of household and commercial incubators is emphasized. The transition from electromechanical systems to digital control based on microcontrollers and modern technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence elements is highlighted. The technique is based on the use of an integrated mathematical model that includes the processes of convective heat transfer, thermal conductivity and radiation transfer. The laws of thermodynamics and equations of heat and mass transfer are used for calculations, taking into account the specifics of biological objects. The body of the paper deals with the implementation of numerical experiments that make it possible to trace the dynamics of heating the air and eggs, to evaluate heat losses through enclosing structures, and the effect of radiation on the overall thermal balance. The algorithms for numerical simulation of heating dynamics, calculation of heat loss through the walls, air and egg thermal interaction and radiative heat transfer are presented. The results showed an exponential increase of air temperature during operation of a 120-watt heater, a linear dependence of heat loss on temperature differences and insulation thickness, as well as a direct dependence of egg temperature on air temperature. The critical factors of energy efficiency are the thickness of the housing walls, the area of the radiating surfaces and the heat capacity of the eggs. Based on the research findings, it was concluded that it was possible to optimize the design parameters of the incubator based on mathematical modeling which reduced energy consumption and increased the stability of the temperature regime. The practical significance of the study lies in the application of the proposed model in the design of energy-saving equipment for poultry incubation which opens up prospects for using the results in agro-industrial production.