Fraunhofer challenge – Optimize daylight harvesting systems
You can pitch your results either onsite or virtually on Nov 17.
Since irregularities occur due to various work in the barn, we want to install an animal welfare-friendly daylight harvesting monitoring system in a chicken barn through Computer Vision. Daylight harvesting systems use daylight to offset the amount of electric lighting needed to properly light a space, in order to reduce energy consumption. This is accomplished using lighting control systems that can dim or switch electric lighting in response to changing daylight availability.
Goal
On the basis of computer vision, the potential for optimal use of daylight is to be determined. For this purpose, the participants will receive data from the Fraunhofer Institute at the virtual kickoff.
Background
Due to the natural rather dim environment, the eye of the poultry has adapted. Daylight that is pleasant for humans is often too bright and discomforting for poultry. On the other hand, the birds can see less well at night, so a barn that is too dark leads to poor orientation and thus less feed and water intake. Therefore, it is important to have a lighting programme that optimally fulfils animal welfare needs. The lighting programme can influence movement activity, feeding behaviour and feather pecking. Sufficient lighting and light promote health and encourage the broilers to grow healthily. Ideally, the barn has sufficiently large windows because it is not always possible to give the animals free access. Then it is good if sufficient daylight enters the barn.
Your impact
The results are used for studies on the development of new daylight harvesting systems. Win a follow-up contract based on your prototype and 100-days-MVP-concept!