Commercial Poultry System Controller
Project Plan
Dec03-04
Client:
Murray McMurray Hatchery, Inc.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Randall Geiger
Team Members:
Tetteh Akornor
Moses Castellano
Zachary Schmid
Brian Schmoll
Submitted:
February 11, 2003
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Table of Contents
List of Figures...... ii
List of Tables...... iii
List of Definitions...... iv
1 Abstract...... 1
2 Acknowledgements...... 1
3 Introduction...... 1
3.1 Problem Statement...... 1
3.2 Operating Environment...... 1
3.3 Intended Users and Intended Uses...... 2
3.3.1 Intended Users...... 2
3.3.2 Intended Uses...... 2
3.4 Assumptions and Limitations...... 2
3.4.1 Assumptions...... 2
3.4.2 Limitations...... 2
3.5 Expected End-Product and Other Deliverables...... 2
4 Proposed Approach...... 3
4.1 Functional Requirements...... 3
4.2 Constraint Considerations...... 3
4.3 Technology Considerations...... 4
4.4 Technical Approach Considerations...... 4
4.5 Testing Requirements Considerations...... 4
4.6 Security Considerations...... 4
4.7 Intellectual Property Considerations...... 5
4.8 Commercialization Considerations...... 5
4.9 Possible Risks and Risk Management...... 5
4.10 Project Proposed Milestones and Evaluation Criteria...... 5
4.11 Project Tracking Procedures...... 5
5 Statement of Work...... 6
Task 1 Problem Definition...... 6
Task 2 Technology and Implementation Considerations and Selection...... 6
Task 3 End-Product Design...... 7
Task 4 Project Reporting...... 7
6 Resources and Schedule...... 8
6.1 Estimated Personnel Effort Requirements...... 8
6.2 Estimated Other Resources...... 8
6.3 Estimated Project Costs...... 8
6.4 Schedule...... 10
7 Project Team Information...... 11
7.1 Client...... 11
7.2 Faculty Advisor...... 11
7.3 Team Members...... 11
8 Closing Summary...... 11
List of Figures
Figure 6.4 Project Schedule...... 10
List of Tables
Table 6.1 – Initial Personnel effort estimations...... 8
Table 6.2 – Initial other resources...... 8
Table 6.3 – Initial Prototype Budget...... 8
Table 6.4 – Initial cost estimates...... 9
List of Definitions
Fryer:A chicken that is raised for meat consumption.
Pullet:A chicken that is raised for its egg laying abilities.
Radiant heater: Infrared heat to objects instead of the air.
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1 Abstract
In hobby poultry farming, free-range chickens are best grown under tightly controlled environmental conditions. This project will develop a modular control system that optimizes the environmental conditions for these birds. Some of the controls include the opening and closing of the coop doors, the amount of feed provided to the chickens, the ventilation and temperature of the coop and the amount of sunlight to which the chickens are exposed. The design will observe total cost, ease of installation and use, and reliability concerns.
2 Acknowledgements
For this project we had the support of Lucien Wood of Murray McMurray Hatchery, Inc. as well as the input and questions from our faculty advisor Dr. Randall Geiger.
3 Introduction
The following sections will briefly discuss the problem, solution, operating environment, users and uses, assumptions and limitations, and expected end-product.
3.1 General Problem Statement
This project revolves around assisting small hobbyist poultry farms, about 25 to 200 chickens, with environmental controls for free-range chickens. The first module that will be included is a control insuring minimum daylight hours, whenever possible, for the chickens. This minimum will depend on user input, because fryers and pullets require different sunlight amounts for optimal growth. Another module will be temperature measurement, recording and regulation. Ventilation will also be activated as needed within the third module. The last initially planned module will be control and recording of feed for the chickens.
3.2 General Solution-Approach Statement
The implementation of the modules will include the existing equipment for chicken growing and adding control and recording mechanisms. A modular approach has been decided, because each farmer will have different requirements for the growing of their chickens. The sunlight sensing modules will include a phototransistor to detect the amount of sunlight. This module is also responsible for opening and closing the coop doors and will need motors. For temperature control a digital thermostat will be needed and heaters, vents and fans are used to alter errant temperatures. Ventilation will also make use of the vents and fans in the coop, making use of motors. Motors will also be needed to control the release of chicken feed within the final module. Each of these modules will be linked to a controller that records the values periodically and makes adjustments for optimal chicken growth.
3.3 Operating Environment
Some system parts will be located in outdoor conditions. All sensors will be exposed to a chickens’ environment. This includes the wastes of the birds, such as feathers and dirt. The micro-controller will be exposed to the interior conditions of a chicken coop.
3.4 Intended Users and Intended Uses
3.4.1 Intended Users
The intended user is an adult or child with adult supervision. The experience level of the user could range from a novice to an experienced chicken grower. They would also have a like range of computer skills.
3.4.2 Intended Uses
The use of this system would be primarily for chickens, but could be adapted to other poultry. It will be used to ensure optimal growing conditions for the birds and will be adaptable to each farmers needs. Automation and efficiency are also included to help the farmer grow well-bred chickens. This includes record keeping, so the farmer can keep track of the conditions within the coop.
3.5 Assumptions and Limitations
3.5.1 Assumptions
The following is a list of assumptions regarding the design of the product. Updates will occur as the process continues.
- Base infrastructure is currently in place (coops, ventilation, heaters etc.)
- Hobby poultry farming, approximately 25-200 chickens
- Control unit inside chicken coop
- Maximum of 2 sensors per measured reading
3.5.2 Limitations
The following is a list of limitations imposed on the design of the product. Updates will occur as the process continues.
- Initial budget of $100
- Installation should be understandable to anyone
- Concern for cost of system
- Controller unit to use 120 or 220 volts and 50-60 Hertz
- Sensors exposed to the weather
- Minimum of 50 sq. ft. coop, maximum of 900 sq. ft. coop
- Maximum of 4 doors to the outside needing controlling
3.6 Expected End-Product and Other Deliverables
The final product will include a control program and a schematic for installing the hardware and sensors onto an operating farm. An assembled program plus hardware will be able to control the environment in which small numbers of free range chickens are raised. Prior to the end of the project, the client will be receiving copies of project reports.
4 Proposed Approach
This is the description of how the project is intended to be implemented. This description consists of 11 components which will be described briefly below.
4.1 Functional Requirements
The following are requirements to be fulfilled by an assembled end product.
- All participants can operate the system
The project is designed for ease of setup and use for the wide array of intended users.
- Current conditions output
A display on the micro-controller will show the current conditions of the chicken coop. The displayed conditions will include door status, sunlight received within the past day, food delivered, high and low temperature for the day, current temperature, heating and ventilation status. The user will also be able to view records of each condition from the past x days.
- Menu for modifications
The micro-controller display will grant access to a menu where settings may be modified by the user. The user will be able to change desired coop opening time, feed delivery timing and amount, desired temperature range, and desired coop closing time.
- Database of recorded conditions
Data from each day will be saved in a downloadable database for records keeping with the farmer. The results will write to a text file for Excel to read.
- Control doors, vents, heaters, fans and feeder
The system shall be able to control equipment to adjust the current environment within the coop. Doors and feed will respond to user inputs. When a sensor reads a parameter out of bounds, the program will activate the appropriate component to correct the aberration.
- Algorithm
An algorithm will be developed which can convert the light sensor data into effective sunlight hours.
4.2 Constraint Considerations
The following are the constraints the system will be expected to operate within.
- Adverse weather conditions
Some of the sensors will be exposed to outdoor conditions and must be designed to withstand extreme weather.
- Contact with animals
The entire unit, including the microcontroller, will be in close proximity to animals, specifically various brands of poultry.
- Minimal cost
The users are hobbyist and so low cost is a concern for the system.
- Power
The system will be expected to run on standard 120 or 220 volts and 50-60 Hertz.
- Outputs
The system will be expected to be able to send output commands to up to two doors, two radiant heaters, a ventilation system, and a feeding system.
4.3 Technology Considerations
- Data transfer
The system will need to transfer recorded conditions, by USB, from the microprocessor to the farmer’s computer.
- Digital/Analog technology
The photo sensor and thermostat will be analog and digital, respectively.
- Programming Language
C++ will be the first consideration, but the merits of Java will also be discussed. Integration with hardware will dictate the final choice.
4.4 Technical Approach Considerations
- Research chicken coop design and sensor placement
Various coop designs will be analyzed to provide general suggestions on controller and sensor placement. Suggestions will include avoid placing thermometers near heaters and coolers and placing all sensors out of the reach of the chickens as much as possible.
- Simulate control programming
The microprocessor programming will be simulated to show how it interacts with the system functions.
4.5 Testing Requirements Considerations
The software will be the first part to be tested and debugged to make sure all parts of the system are being controlled properly. The next step would be to test each component of the controller. This would mean hooking up a sensing device to each of the components of the micro-controller to make sure the output is correct. The last step in the testing phase would consist of testing the prototype of the controller.
4.6 Security Considerations
A security consideration during the project is keeping a client’s competitor from gaining knowledge of the project and its expectations. One way this concern will be handled is by keeping random discussion of the project to a minimum. Another way to handle this concern is by properly managing documents associated with the project.
One security consideration related to the operation of the end product is making sure the equipment, such as fans and doors, does not harm the chickens. Properly functioning equipment will also prevent harm to the user. Another consideration is making sure the product is properly grounded.
4.7 Intellectual Property Considerations
At project completion, a concern will be who has access to design documentation. It has been decided that copies of all documents will be handed over to the client. The client will have control of further development of the automation system.
4.8 Commercialization Considerations
The client will decide whether or not the chicken automation system would be profitable if offered to the hobby chicken farm market. Along with the intellectual property considerations the client will also have sole responsibility for the marketability of the product.
4.9 Possible Risks and Risk Management
One risk that will have an impact on the project is the loss of a team member. The team only has one Electrical Engineering major, so the loss of this team member will limit our knowledge on micro-controllers, sensors, and other hardware. The loss of a team member with a Computer Engineering background would result in the other Computer Engineers having to pick up the slack in programming or hardware/software integration.
Another risk would be the possibility of falling behind schedule. This could result in an unfinished project or an error-prone product. A way to minimize the risk is producing an accurate schedule at the beginning of the project. This will help in determining how far behind schedule the product is and what parts of the project can have less time devoted to it.
Misunderstood design requirements could also be a possible risk. This could result in a dissatisfied customer. To handle this risk the team will keep in constant contact with the client for the duration of the project. This will involve voicing our concerns and having clear answers to our questions. Consulting with the faculty advisor will also help in minimizing this risk.
4.10 Project Proposed Milestones and Evaluation Criteria
- Project Definition (10%) – Meet with client to define the project plan then follow up with a revision. Meet with advisor for his input.
- Research (10%) – Gather information about computer languages, microprocessors and sensors.
- Project Design (15%) – Finalize the design of the project, review with advisor and client.
- Implement (40%) – Write the software and design microprocessor design layout.
- Test (25%) – Test software for correct functionality. Revise as needed.
4.11 Project Tracking Procedures
A first line of defense is the Gantt chart to keep track of how far the team has come. This gives a reference to how far ahead/behind schedule the project is. The measurable milestones will give priorities to sections if trimming is necessary. Possible use of Microsoft Project will be investigated.
5 Statement of Work
This project will initially consist of design with a prototype being favored but not required. The designated tasks are as follows: problem definition, technology and implementation considerations and selection, end-product design, and project reporting.
Task 1 -- Problem Definition
The poultry system controller’s intended use is to ensure optimal growing conditions for the chickens. This will include components such as: automatic coop doors, temperature control, feed control, sunlight recording, and ventilation control. The user of the system will consist of an adult or child with adult supervision.
One constraint that must be observed is the system cost, which will be kept low for the needs of hobby farmers. To keep the cost low, cheaper yet fully functional materials will be used. The system will be in a modular design to allow users to purchase the parts that they prefer. Another constraint that will be accounted for is the power limitation. The components will be able to run off the standard 120 or 220 volts (typical household voltages). Ease of installation will also need to be considered when designing the system. The system will be a single box system that contains instructions for sensor installation and has labeled input ports, output ports, and power receptacles. The system components will have to withstand adverse weather condition. The main box must be housed separately from the chickens.
The end product shall be a low cost, automated system to help the farmer grow well-bred chickens.
Task 2 -- Technology and Implementation Considerations and Selection
Software selection will be one of the considerations when developing the product. Researching the aspects of different programming languages will be done to ensure proper selection of the most feasible software. The software will have to be able to integrate easily with hardware to allow smooth functioning between the controller and external components. The size of the program will need to be factored into the decision, because system memory on a microcontroller is very limited in size.
Hardware selection will be another consideration in the development of the system. Research will be done on different hardware components to determine which will yield the best results. One factor in the selection process is the speed of the processor, because there will be controlled multi-tasking. Since cost is a factor, a compromise between functionality and expense will have to be reached. Operating voltage will also aid in the selection of hardware. The components will be able to run off the standard 120 or 220 volts. The functionality of specific micro-controllers will be used to properly select a chip. Since this will be a control-oriented system, the micro-controller that is selected will be specific to this functionality. Sensor quality and cost will contribute to the selection of a sensor. The sensors that are chosen will withstand adverse environmental conditions, give accurate readings, and be reasonably priced. The motor selection will factor in the amount of power needed to control the opening and closing of the door.
Task 3 -- End-Product Design
The end product will be a device that will measure, record and activate mechanisms to influence the environment of a poultry farm. The group shall meet with the client to further clarify desired components and discuss the possibility of designing hardware as well. The end product will work with any type of chicken equipment. The product will open/close coops, observe lighting conditions, temperature, feed, and ventilation.
The product will work with currently available sensors to provide the input to the system. Research will be done into available microprocessors and relative effectiveness. A discussion will be held to debate the merits of various programming languages. Initial considerations point to C, C++ or Java. It will be necessary to design the physical layout of the final product.
The project will be documented through weekly update e-mails. More detailed documentation will be found in the project plan and design report. All will come together in a final report before being presented to an industrial review board.
Task 4 -- Project Reporting
Weekly e-mails shall be sent to all group members, the faculty advisor, the client, and the course facilitator. These e-mails shall say what the group has accomplished in the past week and what the group hopes to accomplish during the next week. A project poster shall be completed and displayed in the foyer of Coover Hall. The poster will include information gleaned from this project plan. A design report shall be completed which will be a more detailed description of the project, similar in structure to the project plan. A final report shall be made in December 2003 when this project comes to a close.