Ammonia Sensor Feedback Control for Poultry Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems in poultry houses and other ammonia-critical operations lack effective feedback mechanisms, leading to inadequate control over atmospheric ammonia levels, which can harm livestock and humans, and result in unnecessary ammonia loss or buildup, affecting health and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer system connected to ammonia detection sensors and ventilation systems that generates alerts via wireless communications when ammonia levels exceed thresholds, allowing users to remotely control ventilation systems through mobile devices, ensuring appropriate responses to maintain optimal gas concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive or active ventilation is used to mitigate atmospheric ammonia, then ammonia levels are reduced, but feedback control is lacking leading to unnecessary ammonia loss or buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where ammonia sensors continuously monitor atmospheric ammonia levels and transmit data to a controller. The controller compares measured levels against predetermined thresholds and automatically adjusts ventilation system operation accordingly, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and enabling precise control that prevents both ammonia buildup and unnecessary ammonia loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the ventilation system to self-regulate based on real-time ammonia level data. The automated controller independently determines when ventilation should be activated or deactivated without requiring farmer intervention, allowing the system to manage its own operation based on actual environmental conditions.
2Loss of substance
If automated fans vent excess ammonia only as needed, then ammonia loss is minimized, but farmers lack feedback mechanisms to know when ventilation should engage
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to farmers through mobile device notifications that inform them of current ammonia levels and ventilation system status. This enables farmers to make informed decisions about ventilation operation without being present at the facility, while the automated controller simultaneously acts on this information to optimize ammonia management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile communication devices as an intermediary between the ammonia monitoring system and the farmer. Sensors and controllers communicate ammonia level data and control status to farmers' smartphones or other mobile devices, enabling remote monitoring and decision-making without requiring the farmer's physical presence at the poultry house.
3Measurement precision
If farmers monitor ammonia levels on site, then real-time control is possible, but it takes extra time and may result in delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mobile communication technology as an intermediary to transmit ammonia level data and control capabilities to farmers' portable devices. This eliminates the need for farmers to travel to or remain at the poultry house to monitor conditions, allowing them to check ammonia levels and control ventilation systems from any location with mobile device coverage, thereby eliminating travel time and enabling immediate response to ammonia level changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical presence at the facility with electronic communication and remote digital access. Instead of farmers physically visiting the poultry house to observe conditions or manually operate ventilation, the system uses electronic sensors, wireless communication, and software interfaces to provide real-time data and control capabilities on mobile devices.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilation systems exchange air frequently, then ammonia buildup is prevented, but fertilizer value is reduced due to unnecessary ammonia loss
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors ammonia levels and adjusts ventilation operation to match actual needs. Ventilation is activated only when ammonia levels exceed predetermined thresholds and deactivated when levels are acceptable, preventing both ammonia buildup and unnecessary ammonia loss. This precise control optimizes the balance between maintaining air quality and preserving the fertilizer value of ammonia.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes ventilation operation parameters (on/off status, fan speed) based on measured ammonia concentration levels. By adjusting ventilation intensity and timing according to real-time ammonia measurements, the system optimizes air exchange to prevent harmful buildup while minimizing unnecessary ammonia removal, thereby preserving fertilizer value.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remotely managing gas concentrations in gas-sensitive facilities comprises a computer system communicatively connected to one or more atmospheric sensors and ventilation systems. When a sensor reports that a predetermined threshold for a measured atmospheric condition has been exceeded, such as for atmospheric concentrations of ammonia, the computer system generates an alert and forwards the alert across a wireless communications network to a user's mobile device. The user may select a user command to send to the computer system, whereupon the computer system may activate one or more ventilation systems in accordance with the response action or alternatively override the user command based upon one or more contextual determinations, the ventilation systems able to reduce the atmospheric condition to optimal, sub-threshold levels.