Maximise Hatch Rates with Coolmay HMI PLC All-in-One Egg Incubator Solution
- tass peters
- Dec 17
- 2 min read
Egg incubation demands precise control of temperature and humidity to ensure healthy chick development. Even slight deviations can reduce hatch rates or harm embryos. The Coolmay HMI/PLC all-in-one controller offers a reliable solution to maintain optimal conditions in the hatching environment. This article explores how this technology improves incubation accuracy, simplifies operation, and safeguards your hatchery’s success.
Why Precise Control Matters in Egg Incubation
Eggs are highly sensitive to environmental changes during incubation. Temperature and humidity must stay within narrow ranges to support embryo growth and prevent deformities or mortality.
Temperature affects embryo metabolism and development speed.
Humidity influences moisture loss from eggshells, critical for proper air cell formation.
Traditional incubators often struggle to maintain these parameters consistently. Manual adjustments or simple thermostats cannot respond quickly to fluctuations, risking hatch quality.
The Coolmay HMI/PLC all-in-one controller uses advanced sensors and algorithms to monitor and adjust conditions automatically. This reduces human error and keeps the environment stable throughout the incubation cycle.
How Coolmay HMI/PLC Controls Temperature and Humidity
The system uses the Coolmay EX3G-43H-24MT-2AD-NTC10K controller, designed specifically for precise environmental control in incubation.
Temperature Measurement: Two high-precision thermal resistance probes measure dry bulb temperature. One probe is calibrated in a dry environment, while the other is placed inside a wet cotton swab to capture wet bulb temperature.
Humidity Calculation: The controller calculates relative humidity using the difference between dry and wet bulb temperatures combined with local atmospheric pressure. This calculation applies the Hyland-Wexler equation, a reliable method for determining humidity from temperature data.
Control Devices: The heater adjusts ambient temperature, and the humidifier manages moisture levels. Both operate based on real-time sensor feedback.
Alarms and Safety: The system triggers alarms if temperature or humidity exceed preset upper or lower limits. It also monitors exhaust fan operation and alerts if the fan stops or slows, preventing poor air circulation.
This integrated approach ensures the incubator environment stays within ideal parameters, maximising hatch rates.
Simple Operation for Hatchery Managers
One of the key benefits of the Coolmay HMI/PLC solution is its user-friendly interface. Hatchery staff can easily set parameters without complex programming knowledge.
Parameter Setting: Input local atmospheric pressure and desired temperature/humidity ranges through a clear touchscreen interface.
Real-Time Monitoring: The display shows current temperature, humidity, and system status at a glance.
Automatic Adjustments: The controller continuously adjusts heater and humidifier output to maintain stable conditions.
Alerts: Visual and audible alarms notify staff immediately if conditions deviate, allowing quick corrective action.
This simplicity reduces training time and operational errors, making it accessible for hatcheries of all sizes.
Practical Benefits and Results
Using the Coolmay HMI/PLC all-in-one controller delivers measurable improvements in incubation outcomes:
Higher Hatch Rates: Stable temperature and humidity reduce embryo stress and mortality.
Consistent Quality: Uniform conditions produce healthier chicks with better growth potential.
Reduced Labour: Automation cuts down manual monitoring and adjustments.
Early Problem Detection: Alarms prevent prolonged exposure to harmful conditions.
For example, a mid-sized hatchery reported a 5% increase in hatch rates after switching to the Coolmay system, along with fewer cases of dehydration-related embryo loss.
