UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

EE 499: FINAL YEAR PROJECT II

TITLE: DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATIC FEEDING

SYSTEM AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN THE CHICKEN HUT.

A Project Report in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of Bachelor of Science in

Electrical Engineering

Name of candidate: SAMWEL, REUBEN

Registration number: 2017-04-01201

Supervisor: Dr. M.J. MANYAHI

Supervisor’s signature: …………………

Submission date: 23th July 2021

 CERTIFICATION
Statement of Authorship and Originality
I declare that this report and the work described in it are my own work, with any contributions
from others expressly acknowledged and/or cited.
I declare that the work in this report was carried out in accordance with the regulations of the
University of Dar es Salaam and has not been presented to any other University for examination
either in Tanzania or overseas. Any views expressed in the report are those of the author and
in no way represent those of the University of Dar es Salaam.
SIGNATURE: …………………………………………….
DATE: ……………………………………………………
This report may proceed for submission for assessment for the award of BSc. In Electrical
Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Supervisor’s signature: …………………………….. Date: ……………………….

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My profound gratitude goes to The Almighty God who has given me good health and strength
throughout the period of this project. To my parents and my siblings, I would also like to thank
them for the support they have given me, the love and care they have shown me not forgetting
their financial support has enabled me to work diligently on this project.
I would also like to present my special thanks to my supervisor Dr. M.J. Manyahi for all his
comments, constructive criticisms, and suggestions that he provided may Almighty God bless
him.
I would like also to extend my appreciation to all those who contributed their time, concern
and efforts that allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge. On top of that, their support has led
me to practice and learn more from them in order to become an expert in the field of
engineering.
I would like also to thank the countless individuals who have shared their suggestions and
evaluation in my works all the time, especially all other lecturers of the Department of
Electrical Engineering and all the finalist students of B.Sc. EE for providing lots of constructive
criticism. It would not have been possible to complete a report of this magnitude without the
support from them.

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 ABSTRACT
Chickens management requires feeds, water, optimum temperature as well as vaccine. The
most important here are water, food and temperature control. The later needs to be monitored
very closely for the survival of the chicks.
Hence, an automated feeding system and temperature control at the chicken house has to
be put into practice. The system focuses in improving the feeding of the chickens with very
minimal human involvement which in some cases has proved to be a failure due to various
reasons associated with human.
Water dispensing to the chicken is one of those feeding part which needs to be present
constantly in the house i.e. water should not run dry in the chicken house. This can be made
simply to flow under gravity to ensure reliability of water supply in the chicken house. Feeds
are supplied to the chicken at the designated rate after sensing their exhaustions. Heat stresses
on the chickens is also taken care of by regulating the temperature in the house either by
reducing or increasing it. A heating mechanism such as the use of heaters to elevate the
temperature. Cooling mechanism can be achieved by use of electric fans. These all can be
operated automatically by setting reference temperatures (low and high respectively).
The reports also give details about the methodologies of which will be used to achieve the aim
mentioned above.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION ............................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................. ii
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... viii
CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION ............................................................ 1
1.1. Background............................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
1.3. Problem statement................................................................................................... 2
1.4. Objectives ............................................................................................................... 2
1.4.1. Main objective ................................................................................................. 2
1.4.2. Specific objectives ........................................................................................... 2
1.5. Project scope ........................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................... 3
2.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3
2.2. Existing system .......................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Proposed system ......................................................................................................... 3
2.4. Block diagram of the proposed system........................................................................ 4
2.5. How the proposed system work? ................................................................................ 4
2.6. Methodology .............................................................................................................. 6
2.6.1 Literature Review. ................................................................................................ 6
2.6.2. Consultation......................................................................................................... 6
2.6.3. Preliminary design and analysis of the proposed system....................................... 6
2.6.4 Simulation of the design. ...................................................................................... 6
2.6.5. Implementation of the design. .............................................................................. 6
2.7. Main components of the proposed system................................................................... 6
2.7.1. DC power supply ................................................................................................. 6
2.7.2. Servo motor ......................................................................................................... 9
2.7.3. Liquid crystal display (LCD) ............................................................................. 10
2.7.4. Microcontroller .................................................................................................. 11
2.7.5. Solid state relays ................................................................................................ 12
2.7.6. Sensors .............................................................................................................. 12
2.7.7. Temperature sensor (thermistor) ........................................................................ 13

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 2.8. Chapter Summary ..................................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER THREE: MATHEMATICAL MODELLING.............................................. 14
3.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 14
3.2. Power Supply ........................................................................................................... 14
3.2.1. Step Down Transformer ..................................................................................... 14
3.2.2. Bridge Rectifier ................................................................................................. 15
3.2.3. Filters ................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.4. Voltage Regulator .............................................................................................. 17
3.4. Chapter Summary ..................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER FOUR: PROPOSED SYSTEM SOLUTION................................................ 18
4.1. Design of control system .......................................................................................... 18
4.2.1 Power Supply Module Parameters ...................................................................... 18
4.2.2 Microcontroller Parameters ................................................................................. 19
4.2.3. LCD Parameters ................................................................................................ 20
4.2.4. RTC Parameters................................................................................................. 20
4.2.5. 12V DC motor. .................................................................................................. 21
4.2.6. DC fan. .............................................................................................................. 21
4.2.7. A light bulb........................................................................................................ 21
4.6.8. Temperature sensor (thermistor) ........................................................................ 22
4.3. Chapter Summary ..................................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER FIVE: SIMULATION RESULTS................................................................. 23
5.1. Performance Validation ............................................................................................ 23
5.2. Simulation Model ..................................................................................................... 23
5.3. Simulation Results .................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER SIX: PROTOTYPE TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION ...................... 27
6.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 27
6.2 Tools and Equipment Used ........................................................................................ 27
6.2.1 Digital Multimeter .................................................................................................. 27
6.2.2 Screws and Screwdrivers ........................................................................................ 27
6.2.3 Soldering Gun and Solder Wire .............................................................................. 27
6.2.4 Breadboard ............................................................................................................. 27
6.3 Software Implementation ........................................................................................... 27
6.4 Hardware Implementation ......................................................................................... 28
6.4.1 Experimental Results and Analysis ..................................................................... 29

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CHAPTER SEVEN: CHALLENGES, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
........................................................................................................................................... 32
7.1 Challenges ................................................................................................................. 32
7.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 32
7.3 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 32
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................. 33
APPENDIX A-1: PROJECT COSTS ............................................................................... 34

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: A flow chart for temperature control of the proposed system. ................................. 5
Figure 2: A full wave bridge rectifier. .................................................................................. 7
Figure 3: A voltage regulator module. .................................................................................. 8
Figure 4: Servo motor mechanism ......................................................................................... 9
Figure 5: A liquid crystal display........................................................................................ 10
Figure 6: Arduino Uno R3 .................................................................................................. 11
Figure 7: A waterproof temperature sensor. ........................................................................ 13
Figure 8: A step down transformer. ..................................................................................... 14
Figure 9: A bridge rectifier. ................................................................................................. 15
Figure 10:Simulation Model Showing the Proposed System Circuit Diagram. ..................... 23
Figure 11: A simulation model of temperature within range. ............................................... 24
Figure 12:A simulation model when temperature is ABOVE the range required. ................. 25
Figure 13: A simulation model when temperature is BELOW the range required. ............... 26
Figure 14: A top view of the implemented prototype. ......................................................... 28
Figure 15: A side view of the implemented prototype. ........................................................ 29
Figure 16: A powered prototype when all condition are yet to be met. ................................. 30
Figure 17: A system in operation after temperature range is exceeded. ............................... 30
Figure 18: A system in operation after temperature fell below the range. ............................. 31

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1:Power Supply Module Parameters used for the Designed System. .......................... 18
Table 2:Microcontroller Parameters used for the designed system. ...................................... 19
Table 3: LCD Parameters for the designed system............................................................... 20
Table 4: RTC Parameters for the designed system ............................................................... 20
Table 5: A 12V DC motor parameters for the designed system ............................................ 21
Table 6: Load Parameters for the designed system .............................................................. 21

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 CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1.Background
In most part of Africa countries such as Tanzania chicken keeping is done as a part of normal
daily life. The chicken kept are mainly for food and commercial purpose. In most cases these
chickens are not in healthy since are susceptible to various diseases on the outside but also
vulnerable to predators. In this case the chickens are left to rely on themselves to survive in
terms of finding food, water as well as to regulate their body temperature. Hence such chickens
suffer most from malnutrition due to lack of good supervision which is essential for the growth.
Recently there has been some developments in management of the chicken good enough to
meet the requirement of the market in terms of meat quality, eggs production and quality as
well as feeds utilization. In this case the supervision is done at human level at which a person
required to supply the chickens with food, water as well as vaccine at scheduled time. Hence,
the way of managing the chicken relies more in human.
1.2.Introduction
Chicken farms provides eggs and meat which have been largely demanded in the last few years.
Hence, there is need of improving the way of managing these birds for the aim of improving
the efficiency in terms of egg production and meat quality so as to meet a massive demand of
these products from chickens. The present way of managing them which is done at human level
is efficient to a certain extent but yet does not meet the requirement of the market in terms of
egg and meat production. But also the quality of these two.
One of the main concern of chicken management/keeping is supply of food the chickens, water
but also keeping the temperature of the hut/house at a value which favors the growth of the
chickens but also keeping them comfortable. In poultry management such as chickens, water
shall never run dry in the house (Moyle, 2017), food has to be supplied to the chicken at times
when it is needed and at the right quantity in which to the level of human management has
proved to be a failure. Temperature management at chicken house in most cases is controlled
manually by human by the use of electric filament bulbs but also using heaters and electric
fans.
The project is aims at keeping the supervision of chickens done at human level as minimum as
possible. Being able to meet chicken’s requirements in terms of feeds, water and optimum
temperature available at all times when needed and if possible at the right amount.

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1.3.Problem statement
Chickens suffers from present feeding practices which mainly rely on the presence of human
being which have proved to be a failure supplying food to the chicken at the right time but also
the right amount. Temperatures which are too low or too high affects the growth of chicken.
Hence these two elements have to be well monitored for better growth and health of the
chickens.
1.4. Objectives
1.4.1. Main objective
The main objective is to design and implement an automatic feeding system and temperature
control to the chicken hut/house.
1.4.2. Specific objectives
In order to achieve the above main objective, the following major specific objectives has to be
implemented.
 Designing a circuit capable of sensing feeds exhaustion for chicks and feed them at
designated rate and timing.
 Designing a circuit capable of controlling ambient temperature of the hut.
 Simulation of the designed system.
 Prototype implementation of the designed circuits.
1.5. Project scope
The project aims at managing two essential things for the better growth of chicken since
brooding time up to when minimum supervision. These two elements include feeds (food and
water) as well as the temperature has to be taken care of so as to avoid heat stress to the chicken.
Hence by doing so the following will be achieved;
 Maximization of production efficiency (meat quality, egg production and quality,
efficiency of feed utilization).
 Reduced mortality rate of chicken due to exhaustion for lack of feeds and water supply
at required time but also through reduction of heat stress caused by temperature.
 Less human involvement/ less minimal supervision for administering of food and water.

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 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
Different research and academic papers have been published trying to identify various feeding
technique so as to feed the chicken at times when they are supposed to, also some means of
controlling the temperature in the house has been employing some involving the use of high
wattage electric lamps to increase temperature or the use of litters to overcome the problem of
temperature through the ground.
2.2. Existing system
Currently, feed management is mostly done at human level, this has led to time consuming but
also manpower as it requires more labor to attend the chicken on increased number of the
chickens. Thus has led to increase in costs in both labor but also the food to be supplied to the
chickens. But also the supervision of chickens done at human level require more attention so
as to feed the chickens regularly and on time. On the other hand, temperature regulation in the
chicken hut at this level is done manually in which the high wattage lamps are used to provide
both light as well as elevating the heat during cold times, to the point where the heat might be
excessive and should be turned off (by human labor). Ventilation in most cases is done
naturally, in some cases it might not meet the demand of chickens.
2.3. Proposed system
The proposed system aims mainly in reducing the involvement of the human being to minimum
level as possible. Human doesn’t need to check the chickens at all times but ensuring that the
food is available in the containers ready for distribution to the chickens which will be done
automatically when needed even if he/she isn’t around. The system simply replaces the human
labor feeding the chickens and thus overcoming the labor costs. The systems use Arduino Uno
as the main controller. It controls the motor coupled to the feeding tank/storage tank. The
Arduino Uno receives hut temperature levels from the temperature sensor so as to keep the hut
temperature at optimum range (temperatures within which the chickens are comfortable) by
either triggering the fans or the heater to operate when required. Feeding is carried out based
on a predetermined time that is morning at 08.00, afternoon at 13.00 and evening at 18.30. In
the temperature control system, if the temperature is less than 24°C, the heater will
automatically turn on to match the temperature required by poultry, and if the temperature is
more than 32°C, the heater will automatically turn off. This helps in improving the hut
environment but also saving labor costs, saving food and feeding the chicken on time. (Safie,
2017)

3
2.4. Block diagram of the proposed system

Note
Signal
Power
Mechanical link

2.5. How the proposed system work?

The system essentially consists of two operations which are temperature control as well as
feeding system. Therefore, the working of these two operations is independent from each other.
Each of the operation will require its own circuitry which when put together in the chicken
coop will work as desired. Hence, the approach will be of two parts for both operations.
 Temperature control
The temperature in the hut will be controlled using a fan and the 60W lamp. The fan
used in this project will be turned on when the temperature drops below predetermined
value say 30⁰C extracting a cool air from the ambient and directing it into the coop and
will be turned off when the temperature is within the limits. Whereas the heater(lamps)
will be used to elevate the hut/coop temperature to the accepted limit. Which will be
turned on when the temperature drops below 25⁰C.

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CONSIDER A FLOWCHART FOR THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Figure 1: A flow chart for temperature control of the proposed system.

 Feeding system
Feeding the chicken will be done at predetermined time interval which will suit the
chickens. The food will be kept on the container which will be directly coupled to the
servo motor. The servo motor will provide a rotary motion which will act on the chute
of the food container dispensing/discharging the food to the chicken and close after a
certain time interval.
For the purpose of demonstration, the time for the motor to be turned on will be
determined from the real time clock (RTC). The RTC will access the time from the

5
 laptop and compare it with the time required to feed the chickens. Once the time
accessed by the RTC is equal to the operational time then a signal will be sent to the
servo motor to act on the chute so as to open the valve allowing food to be discharged
to the chickens.
2.6. Methodology
For this project to be accomplished, the following methods will be used.

2.6.1 Literature Review.

This involves searching and evaluating the available literature on a chosen project. It helps in
gathering information about previous established system highlighting their respective strengths
and shortcomings.

2.6.2. Consultation.
Consultation to project supervisor are scheduled every week for guidance. These meetings help
to correcting and solidifying ideas pertaining the chosen project. Challenges encountered in
each stage are also discussed here.
2.6.3. Preliminary design and analysis of the proposed system
Here the proposed system is summarized in a block diagram displaying different system
components. It also explains how components link with each other and how they collectively
work.
2.6.4 Simulation of the design.
The designed circuit will be tested through circuit programs in order to determine the response
of the design before the stage of implementation
2.6.5. Implementation of the design.
The prototype will be according to the designed circuit and the selection of material will depend
on the specifications of simulation results, and the designed prototype will have to be
demonstrated.
2.7. Main components of the proposed system
2.7.1. DC power supply
A DC power supply is the one which gives a constant DC voltage to the load irrespective of
the load. Depending on its design it may be powered directly from a DC supply or from an AC
supply such as power mains. Basically, it is a device that converts an alternating current from
utility supply to low regulated direct current is a DC power supply. It consists of different
components such as transformer, rectifier, filters and regulators. (Wikipedia, Power supply,
2021)

6
 a) Transformer
It can be defined as the static device that transfer electrical energy from one circuit to
another through electromagnetic induction. Controls the incoming voltage by either
stepping up or stepping down.
b) Rectifier
Rectifier is a device that is used to change the alternating current power into pulsating
direct current (dc) power. The rectifier circuits include; half wave, full wave center-
tapped and full wave bridge type. The difference among the three is based on how many
AC half cycles each converts to a pulsating DC output. Half wave rectifiers only convert
one of the half cycles whereas full wave rectifiers convert both half cycles. Full wave
bridge rectifier is most efficient and hence most common among rectifiers. It uses four
diodes connected in bridge so as to convert AC voltage to DC voltage.
The choice of a particular power supply for an application is determined by various attributes
of the power supply, which are typically listed in the power supply's specification. Commonly
specified attributes for a power supply include:
 Input voltage type (AC or DC) and range
 Efficiency of power conversion
 The amount of voltage and current it can supply to the load.
 How stable its output voltage or current is under varying line and load conditions
 How long it can supply energy without refueling or recharging (applies to power
supplies that employ portable energy sources)
 Operating and storage temperature ranges.\

Figure 2: A full wave bridge rectifier.

7
Commonly-used abbreviations used in power supply specifications:
 SCP - Short circuit protection
 OPP - Overpower (overload) protection
 OCP - Overcurrent protection
 OTP - Over temperature protection
 OVP - Overvoltage protection
 UVP - Under voltage protection
c) Filters
The filter of the power supply is used to smoothen the output; it is designed to convert
pulsating DC from the rectifier circuit into a suitable smooth DC level. The two basic
types of power supply filters are the capacitance filter (C-filter) and RC-filter. The C-
filter is the simplest and most economical filter available, on the other hand RC-filter
is used to reduce the amount of ripple voltage across a capacitor. Its primary function
is to pass most of the dc component of the signal.
d) Voltage regulator
Since the power supply from the mains varies overtime, the rectified and filtered DC
output is still not stable due to such fluctuations. This is bad situation to the electronic
components in the circuit as it may lead to malfunctioning. Thus, a voltage regulator is
applied so as to maintain a constant voltage level. The common voltage regulator used
is transistor voltage regulator which can either be series voltage regulator or shunt
voltage regulator

Figure 3: A voltage regulator module.

8
2.7.2. Servo motor
A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows for precise control of angular or
linear position, velocity and acceleration. It consists of a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for
position feedback. It also requires a relatively sophisticated controller, often a dedicated
module designed specifically for use with servomotors. Applications include robotics, CNC
machinery or automated manufacturing. (Wikipedia, Servomotor, 2021)

Mechanism of a Servo Motor

A servomotor is a closed-loop servomechanism that uses position feedback to control its
motion and final position. The input to its control is a signal (either analogue or digital)
representing the position commanded for the output shaft.
The motor is paired with some type of position encoder to provide position and speed feedback.
In the simplest case, only the position is measured. The measured position of the output is
compared to the command position, the external input to the controller. If the output position
differs from that required, an error signal is generated which then causes the motor to rotate in
either direction, as needed to bring the output shaft to the appropriate position. As the positions
approach, the error signal reduces to zero and the motor stops. (Wikipedia, Servomotor, 2021)

Figure 4: Servo motor mechanism

9
2.7.3. Liquid crystal display (LCD)
This is the thin display device made of any colored or monochrome pixel array in front of the
light or reflector. Each pixel consists a column of liquid crystal molecules suspended between
two transparent electrode and two polarizing filters, the axes of polarity of which are
perpendicular to each other.
The liquid crystal twists the polarization of light entering one of the filter to allow it pass
through the other.
This helps the human being to interact with the common controllers being used in the devices
or any operating circuit as it displays some of information which are due to program output
(micro-controller output) or even simulation of the circuit.
Some of the most commonly used LCD’s are 16X1, 16X2 and 20X2 Displays which means
that 16 characters per line by 1 line, 16 characters per line by 2 lines and 20 characters per line
by 2 lines respectively.
The LCD display offers the following advantages;
i. Allow the display of the message
ii. It is cheap compared to a light-emitting diode display LED
iii. Easily programmable
iv. Use a small amount of power compared to LED
v. Allow display of more than one content

Figure 5: A liquid crystal display

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2.7.4. Microcontroller
A microcontroller is an integrated circuit that acts as the brain of electronic systems. A single
chip microcontroller constitutes of CPU’s, internal memory, timer, input/output ports and other
associated programmable peripherals. A single chip microcontroller constitutes of CPU’s,
internal memory, timer, input/output ports and other associated programmable peripherals. A
microcontroller can be considered as computer on a chip but unlike a normal computer, it is
designed to perform only few tasks whose mode of operation relies on the set of instructions
stored in a memory. (Rashid M. H., 2003) In this project, Arduino Uno has been selected as
the controller for this system as shown in figure 5 below.

Figure 6: Arduino Uno R3

Reasons for the selection of Arduino Uno;

i. It has a low cost.
ii. It has a compact size.
iii. Compatibility.
iv. Easy interfacing over several other types of microcontroller.
v. It can be programmed by C++ which can be easily understood by most beginners.

The microcontroller in this project acts as the center of all the controlling processes. It receives
regulated power of +5V from the regulated supply. It is interlinked with several interfaces:
including PIR sensors, brightness sensors and relays that are useful for signal transmission and

11
reception through its pins so as to receive information from the sensors then send a proper to signal
to the relay to allow turning on or off of the street light depending on how it was programmed.

2.7.5. Solid state relays

A solid state relay (SSR) is an electronic switching device that switches on or off when a small
external voltage is applied across its terminals. SSRs consists of a sensor which responds to an
appropriate input, a solid state electronic switching device which switches power to the load
circuit and a coupling mechanism to enable the control signal to activate the switch without
mechanical parts. It serves the same function as an electromechanical relay but has no moving
parts. SSR offer the following advantages as compared electromechanical relays. (Rashid,
2006)
i. Fast switching speed.
ii. Have no physical contacts to wear out.

2.7.6. Sensors
Environmental factors affect much on the irrigation schedule. These factors should be
measured by the use of sensors which in turn will help to monitor the irrigation.
Sensor are devices that responds to any change on environmental variables example humidity
temperature, pressure and the change affects the physical, chemical or electromagnetic
properties of sensor hence further processed to usable and readable form. The signal produced
by the sensor is equivalent to the quantity measured. The signals from the sensors will be used
by the microcontroller to monitor the irrigation.
 Temperature sensor - temperature sensor measures the temperature in the atmosphere.
The values obtained by the sensor are sent to the microcontroller compared with the set
points on the chicken coop which in turn either send signal to the fan or heater to operate
Temperature sensor works on the principle basing on resistance change or voltage
change. The resistance changes or voltage creation with change in temperature.
Example of temperature sensor includes; thermocouples, resistance temperature
detectors (RTD), thermistors and semiconductor sensors.
 Water level sensor – are used to detect the level of water level. This sensor is placed in
storage tank and provide information which can be used to automatically turn ON/ OFF
the pump when tank has minimum or maximum water level respectively.

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2.7.7. Temperature sensor (thermistor)
This is a pre-wired and waterproofed (with heat shrink) version of a 1 Wire DS18B20-
compatible sensor. The sensor is good up to 125°C the cable is jacketed in PVC so we suggest
keeping it under 100°C. These 1-wire digital temperature sensors are fairly precise (±0.5°C
over much of the range) and can give up to 12 bits of precision from the onboard digital-to-
analog converter. The DS 18B20 work great with any microcontroller using a single digital
pin, and can even connect multiple ones to the same pin, each one has a unique 64-bit ID burned
in at the factory to differentiate them. Usable with 3.0-5.0V systems.

Figure 7: A waterproof temperature sensor.

2.8. Chapter Summary

This chapter explores a literature review of concepts of power system stability and its
significance. It also shows load shedding and its significances. Then, an overview of existing
methods of load shedding is also discussed with more concentration being put on the
traditional/conventional load shedding scheme branched into UFLS and UVLS. Moreover, a
proposed system of a programmable load shedding system is introduced. This involves a brief
explanation of the description and functioning of the main components and systems that are
used in this project.
A deeply detailed exploration of the proposed system will be given in the fore coming chapters.

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 CHAPTER THREE: MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
3.1. Introduction
Mathematical modelling is primarily concerned on describing various components of the
proposed system to be designed from the mathematical point of view. It involves basic guiding
equations, assumptions and other necessary relationships arrived to during the design process.
This modelling is very important as it can clearly show effects of different components and
help predict the overall system behavior.
Various parts of the system will be taken into consideration in the modelling. They include:
Power supply, Microcontroller interfaces like Relays, LCD, RTC as well as lamps (loads).
Each of these components will be explained in the upcoming subsections of this chapter.
3.2. Power Supply
For the case of power supply, the discussion will focus on the step down transformer, bridge
rectifier, filters and the voltage regulator, all of which are used to supply power compatible for
the functioning of the microcontroller and other interfacing electronic devices.
3.2.1. Step Down Transformer
A small transformer is used to step down ac voltage from the supply to ac voltage of lower
level. Figure 13, below gives the circuit arrangement of a transformer:

Figure 8: A step down transformer.

Where Np and Ns are the numbers of winding turns in the primary and secondary side
consecutively; and Vp and Vs are the voltages across the terminals of the primary and
secondary side consecutively.
From the principle of transformer action (electromagnetic induction), the guiding formula used
for the design was as in Equation 1 given below:
𝑁𝑝 𝑉𝑝
=
𝑁𝑠 𝑉𝑠

14
Therefore, a transformer wounded with correct turn ratio can enable supply of required voltage
level. For the case of this project a 230/12 V rated is selected.

3.2.2. Bridge Rectifier

Consider Figure 14 below for the full wave bridge rectifier:

Figure 9: A bridge rectifier.

Where Vs and is represent the voltage and current from the secondary of the transformer, D1
to D4 represent diodes and Vo and Io represent the voltage and current at the output terminals
of the rectifier. (Rashid, 2006)
The guiding formula for obtaining the output dc voltage, Vo from the rectifier is given in
Equation 2 as follows:

𝑉𝑜 = √2 ∙ 𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑑𝑒
3.2.3. Filters
Since the output dc voltage from the rectifier is not purely dc, to make it ripple-free, capacitive
filters are employed at the output terminals of the rectifier to shut out any remaining ac
components.
The following considerations are taken in designing the proper size of the filtering capacitor.
Due to variations in the input voltage on the primary side of the transformer, the 12 V ac output
from the transformer secondary side is not always obtained. For extreme values, it can be
assumed that this input voltage varies to within ±20% and in turn the transformer output voltage
also varies to within ±20%.
On taking the lower voltage limit, that is -20%; the transformer secondary voltage, Vs will be:
Vs = 12 V – 0.2(12 V)
Vs = 9.6 V

15
The dc voltage, Vo across the output terminals of the rectifier will be obtained as in Equation
2:
Vo = Vs√2 – Diode Drop
Vo = (9.6 V) √2 – 2 × 0.7 V
Vo = 12.2 V
But according to the LM7805 voltage regulator catalogue, the allowable minimum input
voltage to the regulator is 7 V and so the net voltage drop, Vc across the filtering capacitor will
be:
Vc = 12.2 V – 7 V
Vc = 5.2 V
Then, the value of capacitance is obtained as in Equation 3 as follows:
𝐼𝑡
𝐶=
𝑉𝑐
where: I = Load current, taken as 1 A which is the maximum allowable load current given in
the catalogue/datasheet of the regulator
t = Half cycle time; for 50 Hz system, this is 10 ms
Vc = Net voltage drop across the filtering capacitor = 12 V
Thus:
1 × 0.01
𝐶=
12
𝐶 = 833.33𝜇𝐹
But from the available capacitor sizes in the market, the optimum option obtained was 1000 μF.
For the rating of capacitor voltage, the upper limit of the transformer secondary voltage is used to
obtain this value. The transformer secondary voltage, Vs will be:
Vs = 12 V + 0.2(12 V)
Vs = 14.4 V
The dc voltage, Vo across the output terminals of the rectifier will be obtained similar to Equation
3 as:
Vo = Vs√2 – Diode Drop
Vo = (14.4 V)√2 – 2 × 0.7 V
Vo = 18.96 V
But from the available capacitor sizes in the market, the optimum option obtained was 25 V.
Therefore, the capacitor selected for this design was rated 1000 μF, 35 V.

16
3.2.4. Voltage Regulator
For the voltage regulator selected, the values of the rated current ranges (5 mA – 1 A) and input
voltage ranges (7 V – 25 V) were useful in the previous design of the filters.
3.3. Loads (Lamps)
Lamps will be used as loads that are switched on or off in accordance to the shedding
requirements at any given instant. To model the current rating and eventually the cable size of
the cable that will be used to supply power to the load, the following equation was used:
For a single phase ac source, rated current, I is obtained as in Equation 4 below:

𝑃𝑂𝑊𝐸𝑅
𝐼=
𝑉𝑠 × 𝑃𝐹
where: Vs = Phase voltage; PF = Power Factor.
Lamps to be selected is of 60 W ratings. With the lower limit operating single phase voltage of
220V and assuming a power factor of 0.75, the calculations for the rated current are as follows:

60𝑊
𝐼=
230𝑉 × 0.75
I=0.34786A

With this value of the current rating, a suitable cable size is selected in accordance to BS
references (particularly BS 5467 and BS 6724). A 1.5 mm2 PVC/Cu/Stranded will be
selected.
3.4. Chapter Summary
This chapter highlights on the fundamental mathematical approach which are used to design
various system parameters involved in the design of the proposed system solution. The next
chapter will give a detailed explanation on the design of control system as well as the design
of parameters as obtain in this mathematical modelling chapter

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 CHAPTER FOUR: PROPOSED SYSTEM SOLUTION
4.1. Design of control system
This project principally aims at controlling the switching process on temperature control as
well as the feeding mechanism. To achieve this aim, there must be a control system to facilitate
this functionality. The microcontroller is an essential part of this project to accomplish the
control side of the project. Arduino UNO microcontroller is used in this project whereby a
program is uploaded in it to facilitate the loads switching by sending control signals to the
switching elements like Mosfet and solid state relay. Other microcontroller interfaces like the
RTC, thermistor and LCD all assist in the control process.
4.2. System Parameters Design and Analysis
From the proposed system, this section gives a clear and concise description of the technical
specifications of the parameters involved in this design. The guiding formulas established in
the mathematical modelling section set a fundamental base on how these parameters are
obtained. In this project, the system parameters are established along with the main components
of the system. These include power supply module, microcontroller, LCD, RTC, Mosfets,
thermistor and loads.
4.2.1 Power Supply Module Parameters
Power Supply Module includes all electrical devices set up to obtain the regulated power
supply from the AC source for supplying the low-powered microcontroller and associated
electronic interfaces. These devices include the transformer, bridge rectifier, filters and
regulator. Table 1 below shows various parameters of the power supply module.

Table 1:Power Supply Module Parameters used for the Designed System.

Step Down Transformer

S/No. Parameter Value
1. Transformer Ratio 230/12 V

Bridge Rectifier
S/No. Parameter Value
1. Maximum RMS 700 V
Bridge Input Voltage
2. Maximum DC 1000 V
Blocking Voltage

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 3. Diode Voltage 0.7 V

Filtering Capacitor
1. Capacitor Rating 3300 μF
2. Voltage Rating 25 V

4.2.2 Microcontroller Parameters

The Microcontroller ATmega328 comes already embedded in the Board (Arduino Board) with
all the power in ports, power out ports, serial transmission ports, inputs and Output port well
specified and defined. The specifications for the microcontroller selected for this project are as
indicated in Table 4-2 below:
Table 2:Microcontroller Parameters used for the designed system.

S/No. Name Specification

1. Microcontroller type Arduino UNO
2. Processor ATmega328P
3. Operating voltage 5V
4. Recommended input 7 – 12 V
voltage
5. Digital I/O pins 14 (of which 6 provide
PWM output)
6. Recommended current 20 mA
per I/O pin
7. Flash Memory 32KB (ATmega328P)
8. SRAM 2 KB (ATmega328P)
9. EEPROM 1 KB (ATmega328P)
10. Clock Speed 16 MHz

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4.2.3. LCD Parameters
Table 4-3 below gives the parameters for the LCD (LM016L type) used in the project design
used for displaying various commands as per the project operation:
Table 3: LCD Parameters for the designed system

S/No. Parameter Value

1. Power Supply 2.5 V – 5.5 V
Voltage, VCC (at
25°C)
2. Operating Voltage 3.9 V – 6.7 V
(at 25°C)
3. Current 2 – 3 mA
Consumption
(without Backlight)
4. Current 220 mA
Consumption (with
Backlight)

4.2.4. RTC Parameters

The RTC is responsible in tracking the current time so that input times for load shedding
schedules are inserted precisely. Table 4-4 that follows below summarizes the parameters of
the RTC (DS1307) used in this design.
Table 4: RTC Parameters for the designed system

S/No. Parameter Value

1. Power Supply 2.5 V – 5.5 V
Voltage, VCC (at
25°C)
2. Battery Voltage, 2 V – 3.5 V
VBAT
3. Active Supply 1.5 mA
Current
4. Logic 1 Voltage 2.2 V – (VCC + 0.3)
V
5. Logic 0 Voltage -0.5 V – 0.8 V
6. SCL Clock 100 kHz
Frequency

20
4.2.5. 12V DC motor.
A DC motor is a machine which can push or rotate an object with great precision. In rotating
an object at distance, then a DC motor can be suitably used to perform such tasks. In this project it
will be used to open a chute so as food is released for the chicks to eat specific time intervals.
Table 5: A 12V DC motor parameters for the designed system

S/No SPECIFICATIONS DESCRIPTIONS

1. Type Brushless DC motor
2. Operating voltage 12V
3. Power rating 3W
4. IP rating IP55

4.2.6. DC fan.
Similar to a DC motor a fan also is the rotating machine. It will be used in temperature
regulation (by reducing the temperature) of the chicken coop whenever called upon by the
microcontroller. It is also powered up using a 12V DC supply.

4.2.7. A light bulb.

Lamps (high wattage bulb) were selected as loads for this designed system. They were selected
as such that their ratings are within the maximum required ratings that are as calculated in the
mathematical modelling section. Table 4-7 below shows the parameters associated with the
loads selected.
Table 6: Load Parameters for the designed system

S/No. Parameter Value

1. Rated Voltage (AC) 220 V – 240 V,
50/60 Hz
2. Operation Voltage 176 V – 264 V,
(AC) 50/60 Hz
3. Rated Power 60 W
4. Rated Current 0.25A
5. Cable Size 1.5 mm2
PVC/Cu/Stranded

21
4.6.8. Temperature sensor (thermistor)
This is a pre-wired and waterproofed (with heat shrink) version of a 1 Wire DS18B20-
compatible sensor. The sensor is good up to 125°C the cable is jacketed in PVC so we suggest
keeping it under 100°C. These 1-wire digital temperature sensors are fairly precise (±0.5°C
over much of the range) and can give up to 12 bits of precision from the onboard digital-to-
analog converter. The DS 18B20 work great with any microcontroller using a single digital
pin, and can even connect multiple ones to the same pin, each one has a unique 64-bit ID burned
in at the factory to differentiate them. Usable with 3.0-5.0V systems.
4.3. Chapter Summary
This chapter is divided into two key aspects. The first part gives a description about the design
of the control system of the proposed system which is mainly centered around the
microcontroller, which works with other interfaces to perform the control purpose. The second
part provides the system parameters of the proposed system to be used in the project
implementation. These parameters were obtained from the mathematical analysis, valid
assumptions and from available datasheets of different components.

22
 CHAPTER FIVE: SIMULATION RESULTS
5.1. Performance Validation
In this chapter, the proposed system will be tested to check if it works properly as planned. The
system parameters obtained in the previous chapter act as a key to the buildup of this stage of
the project. A simulation software is used to establish the circuit diagram of the proposed
system.
5.2. Simulation Model
Prior to the prototype building, the proposed circuit of the project was simulated for the purpose
of ensuring that the performance of the entire circuit can be valid through a software before
shifting the system into hardware. Proteus Simulation Software Tool (Version 8.6) was used to
draw the circuit and develop it by the use of codes which ensured the proper running of the
system. The circuit in Figure 5-1 below shows the proposed system circuit diagram as it was
drawn by the Proteus Simulation Software tool indicating parts of the system like the
microcontroller, push button, RTC, thermistor, mosftes, solid state relays, loads (which
includes lamp, motor and fan) and the power source (230V Ac and 12V DC).

Figure 10:Simulation Model Showing the Proposed System Circuit Diagram.

23
5.3. Simulation Results
From the simulation model developed, different simulation tests were done to check the
performance of the circuit components and the overall system in accordance to the program written
to control the switching process of the system. The simulation results obtained by checking
different operating conditions such the time of feeding as well as the optimum temperature ranges
needed for the growth of chickens.
Case 01: This is considered when the temperature is within the required range (25⁰C -30⁰C).
Here neither the fan and the lamp turns on.

Figure 11: A simulation model of temperature within range.

24
Case 02: Considered when the temperature is above the required range. i.e. above 30⁰C. the fan
gets turned ON.

Figure 12:A simulation model when temperature is ABOVE the range required.

25
Case 03: Considered when the temperature is above the required range. i.e. below 25⁰C. the
fan gets turned ON.

Figure 13: A simulation model when temperature is BELOW the range required.

5.4 Chapter Summary

This chapter summarizes the software results, that is the simulation model and the associated
simulation results that show the working of this system. These simulation results set a
foundation for the working of the actual prototype which is to be implemented. The next
chapter details the prototype implementation results.

26
 CHAPTER SIX: PROTOTYPE TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION
6.1. Introduction
Prototype Implementation is the process that involves the actual building of the designed
project solution so that it materializes and performs its prescribed tasks according to the
requirements. The initial part of this implementation involves the software designing which
deals with uploading of the codes to the microcontroller. Then the second part is the hardware
designing which involves the building and connection of all the components of the circuit.
Testing and the results will also be shown in this chapter.
6.2 Tools and Equipment Used
Several tools and equipment were used in the construction process of this project prototype.
These tools and their functions are explained below.

6.2.1 Digital Multimeter

This is one of the most crucial equipment used in the process of prototype building. It had
various uses including checking on the continuity of circuits, measuring of different circuit
parameters like voltage, current, capacitance and frequency at different points throughout the
circuitry. The multimeter was also useful on troubleshooting various problems that arose during
the prototype building process like connectivity.
6.2.2 Screws and Screwdrivers
These two were used to make some connections on the lamps as well as on the relays. They
were also useful in making the connections that hold all the components together on a
hardboard were all these components are secured.
6.2.3 Soldering Gun and Solder Wire
These tools were used to solder various components of the circuit that needed to be connected
to complete the circuit according to the requirements. LCD and I2C headers are examples of
the two components that were soldered together.
6.2.4 Breadboard
This was the device used to make all the connections of the control circuit.
6.3 Software Implementation
This part of the implementation involves the uploading of the codes into the Arduino
microcontroller. Programming language used for this project was C++. The codes were compiled
and run with the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) software, and once they
were checked to be error-free the next procedure was then to upload/burn them into the
microcontroller through the Universal Serial Bus, USB.

27
6.4 Hardware Implementation
The hardware part of implementation involves the procedures used to develop the physical
prototype model. The procedures involved were as follows:
 The soldering gun was used to solder together the terminals of the LCD to the PCB bus
 Connections of the microcontroller together with other associative interfaces like RTC,
Thermistor, LCD, mosfets, T-box (where different connections are made like for the fan,
motor), relays, were made as per circuit requirement using connecting low-power wires
 Connections of the loads (lamps) with the relays and the AC power supply cables using
screwdrivers, wire strippers and testers.
 Digital multimeter was used to check the continuity of different connections to check if
the connections are in accordance to the circuit requirements.
 Then the circuit was ready to be powered and tested.

Figure on the next page, displays the prototype setup after building and fixing all components
of the circuit.

Figure 14: A top view of the implemented prototype.

28
 Figure 15: A side view of the implemented prototype

6.4.1 Experimental Results and Analysis

After the complete connection was made, the circuit was then powered and tested to ensure
that it works satisfactorily as in simulation results case.
 First case is when the system was powered on and all the condition for any operation
were not yet reached. i.e. temperature was within range ((25⁰C -30⁰C) but also the
feeding time not reached. This is vivid in the figure below.

29
 Figure 16: A powered prototype when all condition are yet to be met.

 Second case is when the temperature set exceeds the preset value. In this case the fan
has to operate so as to bring down the temperature to the required value or range. This
can be observed on the below.

Figure 17: A system in operation after temperature range is exceeded.

From the above illustration it can be observed that the temperature reading is about
34⁰C, this temperature is out of the range set. Hence, the fan is turned ON.

30
 Third case is when the temperature recorded is below the set temperature. The lamp
(heater) is expected to turn on so as to elevate the coop temperature up to the required
value. i.e. the accepted ranges. This can be seen below;

Figure 18: A system in operation after temperature fell below the range.

31
 CHAPTER SEVEN: CHALLENGES, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

7.1 Challenges
Several challenges were encountered throughout the entire project towards its completion.
These included:
 Unavailability of various components in the market which led to changing of
specifications on some parts of the circuit so as to suit the requirements with the
available components. The container for dispensing foods to the chicken had to be
manufactured by means of 3-Dimensonal printing which accounted for a large amount
of financing. Comparing to its size.

 Troubleshooting of various problems consumed an expendable amount of time and

energy.
7.2 Recommendations
The following are the recommendations suggested for this project:
 This project is only made up to prototype-level whose applications are limited only to
low-power applications. However, the foundational/basic idea can be used for practical
cases with an upgrade of the components to suit the high-power needs.
 To improve the system, it can also be interfaced with a GSM module or integration the
system with internet of things (IOT) for communication to the owner of the chicken
coop for remote operation.

7.3 Conclusion
Chicken keeping has been one of most practiced activities in most societies. Therefore, there
is need of improving the way at which the chickens are attended. The project aims mainly in
reducing the involvement of the human being to minimum level as possible. Human doesn’t need
to check the chickens at all times but ensuring that the food is available in the containers ready for
distribution to the chickens which will be done automatically when needed even if he/she isn’t
around. The system simply replaces the human labor feeding the chickens and thus overcoming the
labor costs. The systems use Arduino Uno as the main controller. It controls the motor coupled to
the feeding tank/storage tank. The Arduino Uno controls the temperature sensor so as to keep the
temperature at optimum range (temperatures within which the chickens are comfortable) by either
triggering the fans or the heater to operate when required.

32
 REFERENCES
Dvies. J. H. . (2011). Microcontroller basics. New Delhi: Elsevier.
Fredrick M Cady. (2009). principle of microcomputer and microcontroller engineering.
london: Oxford University Press.
Moyle, J. (2017, 4 Saturday, 2 January). Basic Management of Intensive Poultry Production.
Retrieved from Basic Management of Intensive Poultry Production:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/62967659/Basic-Management-of-Intensive-Poultry-
Production-11-14-16pdf/
Rashid, M. H. (2006). Power Electronics. Florida: Pearson.
Safie, M. K. (2017). Development of an automatic chicken feeder. 2017 International
conference (p. 1). Kanazawa, Japan: IEEE.
Wikipedia. (2021, February 19). Power supply. Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply
Wikipedia. (2021, February 17). Servomotor. Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servomotor

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 APPENDIX A-1: PROJECT COSTS
S/N Type of Item Quantity Unit Price (Tshs) Total Price (Tshs)
1. Arduino Uno 1 25,000/= 25,000/=
2. 16 x 2 Liquid Crystal Display 1 10,000 /= 10,000 /=
3. T-block 4 500 /= 2,000 /=
4. Bulb (60 Watts) 1 1,000 /= 1,000 /=
5. Mosfet 2 1,000 /= 2,000 /=
4 PCB 1 35,000 /= 35,000 /=
5 Connecting wires 30 100 /= 3,000 /=
7 Thermistor 1 10,000 /= 10,000 /=
8 DC fan 1 5,000/= 5,000/=
9 Resistor 10 200/= 2,000/=
10 Capacitor 3 1,000/= 3,000/=
11 Power supply 1 10,000/= 10,000/=
12 Solid state relay 1 3,000/= 3,000/=
13 Variable resistor 1 500/= 500/=
14 Real time clock 1 10,000/= 10,000/=
15 Thyristor 1 3,000/= 3,000/=
16 Food container 1 50,000/= 50,000/=
17 Wood 1 5,000/= 5,000/=
18 Contingencies 10,000/= 10,000/=
TOTAL PROJECT COST (Tshs) 170,000 /=

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35