Improved temperature control system for an incubator

Abstract

The invention relates to a climate chamber for the treating of eggs to be incubated with a conditioned gas flow; the climate chamber comprising: - a substantially closed compartment having two opposing lateral walls provided with one or more passages for allowing the conditioned gas flow in a main flow direction between the opposing lateral walls, - a substantially closed channel which extends around an outside of the compartment and extends between said lateral walls to form a substantially closed circuit together with the compartment, wherein the compartment is divided into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments comprise a respective independent temperature control system for controlling the temperature in the respective subcompartment.

Description

[0001] Improved temperature control system for an incubator

[0002] Background

[0003] The present invention relates to a climate chamber for the treating of eggs to be incubated with a conditioned gas flow.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method of treating of eggs to be incubated with a conditioned gas flow.

[0005] EP1104987B1 relates to a method for controlling the temperature in a climate chamber, in which a flow of air is guided through the climate chamber, the temperature of the air flow is controlled with the aid of a heat exchanger, and the air flow is brought to the desired temperature with the aid of a first heat exchanger prior to or during the introduction of the air flow into the climate chamber.

[0006] Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to provide a climate chamber for the treating of eggs with an improved temperature control.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to improve a known climate chamber for the treating of eggs in that a problem associated therewith is at least partly solved.

[0009] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an alternative climate chamber for the treating of eggs.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention this is realized with a climate chamber for the treating of eggs to be incubated with a conditioned gas flow; the climate chamber comprising: a substantially closed compartment having two opposing lateral walls provided with one or more passages for allowing the conditioned gas flow in a main flow direction between the opposing lateral walls, a substantially closed channel which extends around an outside of the compartment and extends between said lateral walls to form a substantially closed circuit together with the compartment, wherein the compartment is divided into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments comprises a respective independent temperature control system for controlling the temperature in the respective subcompartment.

[0011] Dividing the compartment into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow providing each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments with a respective independent temperature control system for controlling the temperature in the respective subcompartment, enables a better temperature control along a width of the closed compartment, in other words along the lateral walls or between sidewalls. The improved temperature control reduces temperature variation between the sidewalls, that is in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction. For example, a temperature difference between adjacent subcompartments is smaller than 0,1 °C, or even smaller than 0,05 °C. This is important because a more identical treatment of eggs results in a smaller hatching window and a more predictable liveability or quality of the newly hatched chickens.

[0012] Dividing the compartment into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction means dividing the compartment into virtual subcompartments. In other words, a separation wall is not required between subcompartments, although separation walls between subcompartments are conceivable. Important is that every subcompartment has its own independent temperature control system. Thus, the division into subcompartments is a division with respect to temperature control. A separation wall is not required between subcompartments also because of the main flow which is a unidirectional and substantially laminar flow through the compartment because of the outside channel around the compartment. Therefore, a control action will have a direct effect in one subcompartment behind a heat exchanger and not in an adjacent subcompartment.

[0013] Treating with “conditioned gas”, includes temperature control and may also included control of humidity, CO2 content or any other relevant parameter.

[0014] The closed circuit is formed by the closed channel which extends around an outside of the compartment, and the compartment. Thus, the conditioned gas flow runs through the entire circuit and is driven by any suitable means, usually a fan.

[0015] “Independent temperature control system” means that the temperature in a subcompartment, can be controlled irrespective the conditions in other subcompartments in the remainder of the compartment.

[0016] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the climate chamber comprises a heat source and a cold source, wherein each respective temperature control system is independently coupled to both the heat source and the cold source. The heat and cold can be of any suitable source and are usually transferred to and transported by a medium, usually water.

[0017] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature control system comprises a mixing unit for mixing cold and heat, and wherein the temperature control system is independently coupled to both the heat source and the cold source through the mixing unit. The mixing unit assures that each and every subcompartment is provided with precisely the right mix of cold and heat.

[0018] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the mixing unit is arranged proximate the respective subcompartment. This is all the more advantageous for precise temperature control since pipe loss is prevented.

[0019] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat or cold from the heat exchanger to the respective subcompartment. Therefore, each and every subcompartment comprises an independent heat exchanger with the sole purpose to control the temperature in that subcompartment. This all the more reduces temperature variation in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction. The heat or cold is provided from the heat exchanger to the subcompartment via the conditioned gas flow.

[0020] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature control system comprises a manifold arranged between the mixing unit and the heat exchanger, wherein the manifold is coupled with the heat exchanger along a height dimension of the heat exchanger for distributing heat or cold in an even manner over a height of the subcompartment, in particular, the manifold extends along the entire height of the heat exchanger. The manifold enables to distribute heat or cold evenly over the height of the heat exchanger and therefore the height of the subcompartment.

[0021] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature control system comprises a temperature sensing unit providing a subcompartment temperature signal. Therefore, each and every subcompartment comprises an independent temperature sensing unit with the sole purpose to measure the temperature in that subcompartment. This all the more enables to reduce temperature variation in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction.

[0022] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature sensing unit comprises a temperature sensor that is arranged downstream with respect to the heat exchanger. This all the more enables to improve precise temperature control within a subcompartment. “Downstream” refers to the conditioned gas flow.

[0023] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, each subcompartment comprises an egg trolley accommodation space. Each subcompartment comprising an identical egg trolley accommodation space, assures a similar heat capacity condition for each subcompartment and therefore, all the more enables to improve precise temperature control.

[0024] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the egg trolley accommodation space is configured to accommodate and fit exactly one egg trolley. This minimizes heat capacity for each subcompartment and therefore, all the more enables to improve precise temperature control and to improve uniformity of temperature in the subcompartment. Although the use of one egg trolley can make temperature control in a subcompartment faster, it will be clear that any suitable number of egg trolleys is conceivable.

[0025] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the temperature sensor is arranged downstream with respect to the egg trolley accommodation space. This all the more enables to improve precise temperature control within a subcompartment because the heat capacity of the egg trolley can be taken into account in a control strategy.

[0026] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the heat exchanger overlaps substantially the entire egg trolley accommodation space when seen in the main flow direction. The heat exchanger overlapping the entire egg trolley accommodation space enables to distribute heat over the entire egg trolley in an even manner.

[0027] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, a sidewall of the compartment comprises a glass door for allowing an egg trolley to be moved in and out a subcompartment. The egg trolley can also be replaced by a slideable stack of crates. Important is that a stack of egg crates or egg trays can be moved in and out a subcompartment through the glass door. The glass door allows inspection, while the improved T-control still provides satisfactory temperature regulation despite the imbalance introduced by the glass door as compared to the blind side wall at an opposite side of the compartment. The imbalance concerns at least insulation value and light transmittance of the glass door and blind side wall. The blind side wall is usually a sandwich panel. “Sidewalls” refers to the walls that are aligned with the main flow direction. The sidewalls connect to the two opposing lateral walls to form the compartment.

[0028] In an embodiment of the climate chamber according to the invention, the plurality of adjacent subcompartments comprise a number of rows of at least two subcompartments, and preferably the sidewall comprises a corresponding number of glass doors, one door for each row. It is of course conceivable that one glass door gives access to a number of rows, like two rows. Important is that each row can be visually inspected.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention this is realized with a method for operating the climate chamber as defined above, comprising the step of incubating a number of poultry eggs including an initial incubation phase wherein the number of poultry eggs are evenly heated from a physiological zero to an incubation temperature during an initial incubation period of between 4 - 8 days. This evenly heating over a long period of 4 - 8 days and over an entire volume of the compartment of the climate chamber is all the more possible because of the improved temperature control according to the invention. “Initial” refers to the start of incubation. After the initial period, incubation continues until hatching occurs.

[0030] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises providing a predefined temperature profile to the temperature control system, and operating the subcompartment according to the predefined temperature profile wherein a temperature deviation of the actual temperature with respect to the predefined temperature profile is less than 0,1 °C.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises maintaining the climate chamber gastight during the initial incubation period for avoiding exchange of gas with an exterior of the climate chamber. Maintaining the climate chamber gastight all the more enables to improve precise temperature control within a subcompartment because the amount of gas of the flow within the circuit is constant.

[0032] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises: providing a fan generating the conditioned gas flow in the main flow direction between the opposing lateral walls; providing a regulator system comprising a gas flow temperature sensor system for regulating the temperature of the conditioned gas flow, and wherein the regulator system is configured to compare the temperature detected by the gas flow temperature sensor system with a target temperature, and for adjusting a rotational speed of the fan for influencing a temperature of gas displaced by the fan. Adjusting a rotational speed of the fan for influencing a temperature of gas displaced by the fan, enables to change the temperature of the conditioned gas flow without use of a further source of heat or cold different than the fan. The blade friction between the fan and the gas suffices to control the temperature of the conditioned gas flow.

[0033] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the regulator system is configured to increase the rotational speed of the fan if the detected temperature is lower than the target temperature and to reduce the rotational speed of the fan if the detected temperature is higher than the target temperature.

[0034] Method according to a preceding claim, wherein the number of poultry eggs comprise long stored eggs. The improved temperature control system enables to incubate eggs that are normally within a rejection window. This improves total yield.

[0035] In this connection, egg storage refers to the following: Between the moment of lay and the start of the incubation process, eggs are stored at a temperature of 20°C or below for several days. This storage is for logistic purposes and aims to complete filling of incubation apparatuses. Egg storage duration may vary. Short storage is storage for 7 days or shorter. Long storage is storage longer than 7 days. In general, long storage of eggs has a negative effect on hatchability and can lead to reject of eggs.

[0036] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages.

[0037] Description of the drawings

[0038] The invention will be further elucidated referring to a preferred embodiment shown in the schematic drawings wherein shown in:

[0039] Fig. 1 a cross-sectional side view of a climate chamber according to the prior art; fig. 2A a top view of a climate chamber according to the invention; fig. 2B a side view of a row in the climate chamber of fig. 2A; fig. 3 a connection of respective control systems of climate chamber of fig. 2A to a cold and heat source; fig. 4 a side view of a row in the climate chamber according to a further embodiment of the invention; fig. 5 a side view of a row in a prior art climate chamber wherein temperature differences are shown; fig. 6 a side view of a row in the climate chamber of fig. 2A and wherein temperature differences are shown.

[0040] Detailed description of embodiments

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a climate chamber 1 according to the prior art. The climate chamber 1 is configured for the treating of eggs 2. The eggs 2 are incubated within the climate chamber. Therefore, a conditioned gas flow 3 is provided in the climate chamber. Conditioning of the gas flow 3 concerns any or more of temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration or any other useful parameter.

[0042] The climate chamber 1 comprises a substantially closed compartment 6. The closed compartment has two opposing lateral walls 4, 5. The lateral walls 4, 5 are provided with one or more passages for allowing the conditioned gas flow 3 to pass through the lateral walls 4, 5. In the compartment 6, the conditioned gas flow 3 flows in a main flow direction 7 between the opposing lateral walls 4, 5.

[0043] The climate chamber 1 comprises a substantially closed channel 8. The closed channel 8 extends around an outside 9 of the compartment 6. The closed channel 8 extends between said lateral walls to form a substantially closed circuit 6, 8 together with the compartment 6. The compartment 6 is divided into three adjacent subcompartments 10 in the main flow direction 7. The subcompartments 10 are divided by separation walls 22, 22a. The separation walls 22, 22a are permeable with respect to the gas flow 3. The subcompartmentslO are configured to accommodate two egg trolleys 15.

[0044] The climate chamber 1 comprises a fan 27. The fan 27 generates the conditioned gas flow 3 in the circuit 6, 8. The fan 27 generates the conditioned gas flow 3 in the compartment 6 in the main flow direction 7 between the opposing lateral walls 4, 5 of the compartment 6.

[0045] The climate chamber 1 comprises a regulator system 11 for conditioning the gas flow 3. The regulator system 11 comprising a gas flow temperature sensor system 12 for regulating the temperature of the conditioned gas flow 3.

[0046] Fig. 2A is a top view of a section of a climate chamber 1 according to the invention. The compartment 6 is divided into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments 13. The division into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments 13 relates to temperature control and not to a tangible separation wall per se. In other words, the division into subcompartments can be considered virtual. In this case, there is no separation wall between subcompartments 13. The subcompartment 13 is defined by a heat exchanger and its area of influence to the flow of gas 3 up towards an adjacent and downstream heat exchanger 18. It will be clear that it is conceivable to place separation walls between subcompartments 13. The subcompartments 13 are adjacent in a direction transverse 14 with respect to the main flow direction 7 of the conditioned gas flow 3 through the compartment 6.

[0047] Each subcompartment 13 comprises an egg trolley accommodation space 16. In this case, the egg trolley accommodation space 16 is configured to accommodate and fit exactly one egg trolley 15. The egg trolley 15 is schematically shown and only in one subcompartment 13.

[0048] Each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments 13 comprises a respective independent temperature control system 17. The temperature control system 17 is configured for controlling the temperature in the respective subcompartment 13. Therefore, the temperature control system 17 comprises a heat exchanger 18 for transferring heat or cold from the heat exchanger 18 to the respective subcompartment 13. As shown, the heat exchanger 18 substantially overlaps the entire egg trolley accommodation space 16 when seen in the main flow direction 7. The temperature control system 17 comprises a temperature sensing unit 19. The temperature sensing unit 19 provides a subcompartment temperature signal to the temperature control system 17. In particular, the temperature sensing unit 19 provides a subcompartment temperature signal to a control unit 20 of the temperature control system 17. Here, the temperature sensing unit 19 comprises a temperature sensorthat is arranged downstream with respect to the heat exchanger 18. Downstream is related to the flow of conditioned gas 3. In this case, the temperature sensor is arranged downstream with respect to the egg trolley accommodation space 16.

[0049] Here, a sidewall 21 of the compartment 6 comprises a glass door 24. The glass door 24 allows an egg trolley 15 to be moved in and out a subcompartment 13. The glass door 24 allows inspection of the subcompartment 13 and even a row 25 of subcompartments. In this case, two glass doors 24 are shown. In this case, one glass door 24 is associated with one row 25 of subcompartments 13. The other glass door 24 is associated with two rows 25 of subcompartments 13. The sidewall 23 opposite the glass doors 24, usually a sandwich panel.

[0050] Fig. 2B a side view of a row 25 in the climate chamber of fig. 2A. Each egg trolley 15 comprises a plurality of egg trays 26 filled with eggs 2. The three subcompartments 13 are adjacent in a direction transverse 14 with respect to the main flow direction 7. Each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments 13 comprises a respective independent temperature control system 17.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a detail of the climate chamber of fig. 2A. There is shown a connection system 32 between respective control systems 17 of climate chamber 1 of fig. 2A to a cold source 27 and a heat source 28. Only a part of the connection system 32 is shown. It will be clear that every subcompartment 13 is connected to the cold source 27 and the heat source 28. It will be clear that this is a schematic view, in practice, heat and cold will be supplied to the mixing unit by use a transport medium, normally water. This well-known aspect is not shown. The climate chamber 1 comprises a heat source 27 and a cold source 28. Each respective temperature control system 17 is independently coupled to both the heat source 27 and the cold source 28. Each respective temperature control system 17 is independently coupled to both the heat source 27 and the cold source 28 through a respective heat distribution line 29 and a respective cold distribution line 30. Each temperature control system 17 comprises a mixing unit 31 . The mixing unit 31 mixes cold and heat to provide the subcompartment 13 with the right mix in view of the temperature control. Each subcompartment 13 is supplied with an independently determined mix by the mixing unit 31 that is associated exclusively with the subcompartment 13. This right mix is supplied the heat exchanger 18. Therefore, the temperature control system is 17 independently coupled to both the heat source and the cold source through the mixing unit 31 . The mixing unit 31 can be arranged proximate the respective subcompartment 13. The temperature control system 17 is coupled to the mixing unit 31 . In particular, the control unit 20 of the temperature control system 17 is coupled to the mixing unit 31 . Each temperature control system 17 and mixing unit 31 are associated with a single subcompartment 13 of the climate chamber 1. The mixing unit 31 is controlled depending on a subcompartment temperature signal provided by the temperature sensing unit 19.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a side view of a row 25 in the climate chamber 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the temperature control system 17 comprises a manifold 32. The manifold 32 is arranged between the mixing unit 31 and the heat exchanger 18. The mixing unit 31 supplies the mix 33 to the manifold 32. The manifold 32 distributes heat and / or cold along a height of the heat exchanger 18. The manifold 32 is coupled with the heat exchanger 18 along a height dimension of the heat exchanger 18 for distributing heat or cold in an even manner over a height of the subcompartment 13. In this case, the manifold 32 extends along the entire height of the heat exchanger 18.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a side view of a row 25 in a prior art climate chamber of fig. 1 wherein temperature differences are shown. A heat exchanger 35 extends along an entire width of the compartment between opposite side walls 37, 38. The cold and / or heat mix 34 is supplied at one sidewall 37 and flows to the other side wall 38. The one side wall 37 is provided with a door 36 (not shown here). Because the heat exchanger 35 extends along an entire width of the compartment, heat is accumulated from the one side wall 37 to the other side wall 38. Heat is in particular accumulated at a centre of an egg trolley 15. This is shown as a graph 39a, 39b, 39c that show temperature difference along a height of the row 25 at three locations. As shown, the temperature difference gradually increases from AT to 3AT.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a side view of a row 25 in the climate chamber of fig. 2A and wherein temperature differences are shown. The heat exchangers 18 extend along one subcompartment 13 only. The cold and / or heat supply 33 is provided independently to each heat exchanger 18. This enables reduction of heat accumulation to one AT only. This is shown as a graph 40a, 40b, 40c that show temperature difference along a height of the row 25 at three locations. As shown, the temperature difference is limited to AT at all locations.

[0055] It will also be obvious after the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person which are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention, and which are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.

Claims

Claims1. Climate chamber (1) for the treating of eggs (2) to be incubated with a conditioned gas flow (3); the climate chamber comprising: a substantially closed compartment (6) having two opposing lateral walls (4, 5) provided with one or more passages for allowing the conditioned gas flow in a main flow direction (7) between the opposing lateral walls, a substantially closed channel (8) which extends around an outside (9) of the compartment and extends between said lateral walls to form a substantially closed circuit (6, 8) together with the compartment (8), wherein the compartment is divided into a plurality of adjacent subcompartments in a direction transverse with respect to the main flow direction, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent subcompartments comprises a respective independent temperature control system for controlling the temperature in the respective subcompartment.

2. Climate chamber according to claim 1 , comprising a heat source and a cold source, wherein each respective temperature control system is independently coupled to both the heat source and the cold source.

3. Climate chamber according to claim 2, wherein the temperature control system comprises a mixing unit for mixing cold and heat, and wherein the temperature control system is independently coupled to both the heat source and the cold source through the mixing unit.

4. Climate chamber according to claim 3, wherein the mixing unit is arranged proximate the respective subcompartment.

5. Climate chamber according to any of preceding claims 2 - 4, wherein the temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger for transferring heat or cold from the heat exchanger to the respective subcompartment.

6. Climate chamber according to claim 5, wherein the temperature control system comprises a manifold arranged between the mixing unit and the heat exchanger, wherein the manifold is coupled with the heat exchanger along a height dimension of the heat exchanger for distributing heat or cold in an even manner over a height of the subcompartment, in particular, the manifold extends along the entire height of the heat exchanger.

7. Climate chamber according to a preceding claim, wherein the temperature control system comprises a temperature sensing unit providing a subcompartment temperature signal.

8. Climate chamber according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensing unit comprises a temperature sensor that is arranged downstream with respect to the heat exchanger.

9. Climate chamber according to a preceding claim, wherein each subcompartment comprises an egg trolley accommodation space.

10. Climate chamber according to claim 9, wherein the egg trolley accommodation space is configured to accommodate and fit exactly one egg trolley.11 . Climate chamber according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged downstream with respect to the egg trolley accommodation space.

12. Climate chamber according to any of preceding claims 9 - 11 , wherein the heat exchanger substantially overlaps the entire egg trolley accommodation space when seen in the main flow direction.

13. Climate chamber according to a preceding claim, wherein a sidewall of the compartment comprises a glass door for allowing an egg trolley to be moved in and out a subcompartment.

14. Climate chamber according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of adjacent subcompartments comprise a number of rows of at least two subcompartments, and preferably the sidewall comprises a corresponding number of glass doors, one door for each row.

15. Method for operating the climate chamber according to a preceding claim, comprising the step of incubating a number of poultry eggs including an initial incubation phase wherein the number of poultry eggs are evenly heated from a physiological zero to an incubation temperature during an initial incubation period of between 4 - 8 days.

16. Method according to claim 15, comprising providing a predefined temperature profile to the temperature control system, and operating the subcompartment according to the predefined temperature profile wherein a temperature deviation of the actual temperature with respect to the predefined temperature profile is less than 0,1 °C.

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, comprising maintaining the climate chamber gastight during the initial incubation period for avoiding exchange of gas with an exterior of the climate chamber.

18. Method according to any of preceding claims 15 - 17, comprising:providing a fan generating the conditioned gas flow in the main flow direction between the opposing lateral walls; providing a regulator system (11) comprising a gas flow temperature sensor system (12) for regulating the temperature of the conditioned gas flow, and wherein the regulator system is configured to compare the temperature detected by the gas flow temperature sensor system with a target temperature, and for adjusting a rotational speed of the fan for influencing a temperature of gas displaced by the fan.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the regulator system is configured to increase the rotational speed of the fan if the detected temperature is lower than the target temperature and to reduce the rotational speed of the fan if the detected temperature is higher than the target temperature.

20. Method according to a preceding claim, wherein the number of poultry eggs comprise long stored eggs.-0-0-0-0-0-

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