Sample Project Report 3
Sample Project Report 3
INCUBATOR WITH
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
PRAVEENKUMAR S [730921121042]
UMAR KATHAF A [730921121054]
DHANUSH K [730921121006]
PRANAV N [730921121040]
BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING IN
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
APRIL 2024
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EXCEL ENGINEERING COLLEGE: KOMARAPALAYM
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “LOW-COST NEO NATAL INCUBATOR WITH
SMART CONTROL SYSTEM” is the bonafide work of “PRAVEENKUMAR S
[730921121042], UMAR KATHAF A [730921121054], DHANUSH K
[730921121006], PRANAV N [730921121040]” who carried out the project work
under my supervision.
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
We express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the respected Principal and
Executive Director Dr. K. BOMMANNARAJA, Ph.D., for his encouragement and
support to complete the project.
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ABSTRACT
The incubator for newborns is designed, modeled and developed with an integrated
temperature and humidity control system. Temperature plays an important role in our
environment. Changes in temperature can affect the behavior of people, plants, and even
materials such as semiconductors. The purpose of this project is to control the temperature and
humidity in a specific environment such as a baby incubator. Incubators provide warmth and
prevent heat loss, which greatly improves survival rates. The use of air-warmed incubators has
been the standard method to provide a stable and individualized thermal environment for the
newborn at-risk. Our project aims to develop an advanced portable and wireless incubator. The
baby incubator ensures a stable temperature, relative humidity and oxygen concentration. The
relative humidity must follow the set values according to the number of incubation days. Our
deployed system transmits continuous data on temperature and humidity over a large area to
one or more specific Android phones. It can alert parents in any dangerous situation. If the
temperature of the incubator has dropped above the set point, the arduino board will control the
activation of the heating pad until the temperature reaches the set point. The device can be an
incubator system for remote villages where standard newborn incubators may not be available.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS VI
3 DESCRIPTION
3.1 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
3.1.1 DHT11 SENSOR
3.1.2 LCD 16*2 DISPLAY
3.1.3 NODEMCU
3.1.5 5V DC FAN
6 CONCLUSION
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1. LOW-COST NEONATAL INCUBATOR WITH SMART CONTROL SYSTEM
1.1 Introduction
Premature babies are babies born before the normal 36-37 weeks (about 8 and a half
months) of pregnancy and weigh less than 2500 grams. The more premature the baby, the greater
the risk of death. Public health is greatly affected by their high mortality rate. Hypothermia often
occurs in LBW (Low Birth Weight) newborns because the subcutaneous fat tissue is low, and the
body surface is relatively large. This hypothermic condition causes permanent changes in the
central nervous system, which eventually leads to mortality. The worse thermal effect of the baby's
body is due to the imbalance of heat production and heat loss due to the optimal thermal
environment of the treatment. Newborns are wet when they leave the warmth of the womb, when
they are born, they are exposed to a much colder environment. The result is the ability to prevent
excessive heat loss to the environment and maintain a low body temperature. In addition,
premature babies who need special care, because some vital organs, biochemical systems and
enzymes cannot develop sufficiently, or fetal growth can be impaired or can be prevented by
diseases related to poor condition, such as hypoxia (below normal oxygen levels).
Premature babies need special attention to keep the baby alive. One way to keep a premature
baby alive is to put it in an incubator. An incubator is one tool that helps premature babies adapt to
the outside world, because the conditions inside the womb are very different, especially the
temperature conditions. Incubators provide optimal temperature and humidity for newborns,
babies require incubators and heaters, and provide an easier control mechanism for doctors to
monitor various parameters necessary to ensure the safety of babies. Maintaining the condition of
the baby in the incubator in the event that something adverse happens, such as the case of the
burned baby in the incubator, which is usually caused by the high temperature of the room in the
incubator, which is not well controlled. The baby is expected to stay at an appropriate temperature,
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like when the baby is in the womb.
1 1860 The first baby incubator was invented. Franco Tanier noticed that
premature babies died within days of birth. He realized that the world
needed a way to stop babies from dying.
2 1985 Babies are nursed in incubators using either air space or servo control of
skin temperature. Data is continuously collected by a computer-linked
monitoring system.
3 1998 Radiant heaters and incubators are used to maintain the body temperature
of newborns. Incubators provide a heated environment to reduce body
heat loss. Heat is produced by the forced circulation of air heated by an
electric heater, which is controlled manually.
4 2002 The relative humidity of the incubator was measured and controlled. An
integrated circuit-type humidity sensor was used to measure the humidity
level of the incubator environment. The measurement and control
processes were realized with a PIC microcontroller. Efficient and fast PIC
ensured the flexibility of the system.
5 2005 A future clinical study aims to compare the delivery of oxygen
intermittent positive pressure with nasal cannulas and a face mask in the
initial resuscitation of a neonate suffering from moderate asphyxia.
However, in a direct comparison of nasal and mouth mask ventilation,
Segedin showed that artificial ventilation of babies can be better done
through the nose.
6 2007 advanced electronics are within reach of ordinary users. Collaboration
between wireless sensor networks and existing consumer electronics
infrastructure can aid healthcare and patient monitoring. It improves the
quality of life of patients, enables early detection of certain diseases, and
improves communication between doctor and patient.
7 2008 the main objectives were to: 1) determine practical field methods to
monitor oral temperature (OT), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR)
of captured manatees; 2) establish normal OT, HR, RR parameters with
correlations to blood chemistry; 3) provide an easy to reference OT, HR,
RR monitoring field guide for manatee researchers
8 2009 Application of wireless transmission technology for neonatal monitoring
at NICU. Software is developed for ensuring the correct data
transmission, detection and display. The system is designed to be suitable
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for integration into a non-invasive monitoring platform such as a smart
neonatal jacket.
9 2012 Research on an advanced temperature control system for a newborn
incubator was conducted by Tamanna et al. The advantage of this study
is that the ignition control keeps the incubator temperature at the desired
temperature level and remains constant.
10 2014 Arief Hendra conducted a comparative study on the temperature and
humidity measurement accuracy of DHT11 and DHT22 sensors, \like a
comparative study of Atmel AVR and Arduino platforms, indoor air
measurements with the DHT22 temperature sensor showed better
accuracy than the DHT11. The DHT11 measurements gave slightly better
results for the temperature parameters, while for the humidity parameters
the DHT22 actually showed better results by a small margin.
11 2015 Hitu et al conducted a study on temperature and humidity control in an
infant incubator using a microcontroller. The response time of the
temperature sensor DS18B20 is a very fast and unstable probe.
12 2016 identify and discuss the most important challenges in health systems that
can be effectively addressed by recent advances in information and
communication technology (ICT). They specifically focus on sensing
technologies, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and big data
analytics systems as emerging technologies enabled by significant
advances in many different areas, including network communication
speeds, computing capabilities, and data storage volumes. various benefits
and features that can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
healthcare services.
13 2017 Feki et al GPC temperature control in infant incubator simulation model
and practice with Arduino board. This study says that GPC administration
is better without a child.
14 2019 Research on a robust PID control system for a baby incubator based on
Arduino atmega2560 for temperature stability and humidity was
conducted by Widhihada et al. In this research, PID system is used, but
the error value under load is larger than that under no load. LM35 sensor
has high stability for temperature control system.
2.1 PHYSIOLOGY
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Babies can be classified according to their gestational age; Preterm (less than 35
weeks of pregnancy), full-term (35 - 42 weeks of pregnancy) and post-term (born after 42
weeks of pregnancy). Premature refers to those born before term. For a baby born before the
31st week of pregnancy, the main cause of heat loss is evaporation of water. This is due to
the loss of moisture in the skin, which increases permeability. Organ damage can occur in a
newborn baby who has difficulty regulating body heat. Heat can be lost from the body in
four ways; Conduction, evaporation, convection and radiation. Figure 1 illustrates the ways
in which infants lose body heat.
The temperature in the mother's womb is 38°C (100.4 °F). After birth, a wet baby
enters a much colder environment. So, it starts to lose heat immediately, which is why the
thermal protection of the newborn is very important. Figure 2 illustrates the metabolic rate
with the premature infant body temperature and the normal infant body temperature range
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where thermal neutrality is achieved. This temperature is very narrow and is between 36.5
and 37.5 °C. Therefore, the neutral (working) temperature can be considered the temperature
of the environment where the baby regulates its body temperature.
Thus, there is no exact ambient temperature that is suitable for newborn babies
without considering all factors such as gestational age, weight, size, etc. A newborn baby
cannot regulate its temperature like an adult. Therefore, it cools or heats up much faster and
can withstand only a limited temperature. The smaller the newborn, the greater the risk.
Thermal stability gradually improves as the child's weight increases. Because the
temperature difference between the warm womb and the environment is very large, most of
the heat loss occurs immediately after the newborn is born. An incubator can provide shorter
hospital stays for millions of premature babies and enable babies who m Bay face life-long
serious injuries.
3. DESCRIPTION
The 16x2 LCD display stands as a cornerstone in the realm of electronics, serving as a
fundamental component in countless projects worldwide. It has the ability to exhibit 16
characters across 2 rows. Within its compact frame lies an intricate arrangement of
components, including the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a controller chip - most
commonly the HD44780, and optionally, a backlight to enhance visibility.
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In the realm of communication, the 16x2 LCD display interfaces with
microcontrollers and other devices, typically through a parallel or serial interface,
necessitating the allocation of several I/O pins for control. This connectivity facilitates
seamless integration into various systems, allowing for the presentation of alphanumeric
characters, numerals, and a selection of symbols. Operating within the voltage range of 3.3V
to 5V, this display often incorporates a separate LED backlight, providing illumination in
environments where ambient lighting may be insufficient.
Its capacity to convey status messages, sensor data, or menu options renders it
indispensable in diverse settings. Programming the display entails the transmission of
commands and data, facilitated by an array of libraries tailored for popular microcontroller
platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Despite its inherent limitations in resolution and graphical capabilities, the 16x2 LCD
display remains an enduring choice, revered for its reliability, simplicity, and cost-
effectiveness. Its ubiquity in electronics projects serves as a testament to its enduring
relevance and adaptability, making it an indispensable tool for displaying required
information that is acquired from the sensing elements. Whether illuminating a simple
message or conveying complex data, the 16x2 LCD display continues to leave an indelible
mark on the landscape of electronics.
3.1.3 NODEMCU
At its core, NodeMCU features an ESP8266 chip, which integrates a 32-bit Tensilica
microcontroller and a Wi-Fi radio. This allows developers to program NodeMCU through
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Arduino IDE, leveraging its robust processing power and wireless connectivity to interact
with various sensors, actuators, and online services.
NodeMCU's compact form factor and low cost make it accessible to easily transmit
the acquired data such as temperature and humidity of the infant, remotely to the cloud. Its
extensive community support and vast ecosystem of libraries and resources further enhance
its appeal, enabling developers to quickly prototype and deploy IoT solutions without the
need for extensive hardware or networking expertise. With NodeMCU, creators can build a
wide range of projects.
In such an incubator, an Arduino board can serve as the central control unit,
orchestrating vital functions such as temperature regulation, humidity control, and
monitoring of vital signs. By interfacing with sensors for temperature, humidity, and oxygen
levels, the Arduino can continuously monitor and adjust the incubator's environment to
create an optimal microclimate for premature infants' growth and development.
Moreover, integrating the Arduino platform into a low-cost neonatal incubator can
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facilitate education and capacity building among healthcare workers and biomedical
engineers in underserved regions. By providing hands-on experience with modern
technology and engineering principles, it empowers local communities to address their
healthcare challenges autonomously and sustainably. Overall, leveraging Arduino boards in
low-cost neonatal incubators holds tremendous potential for improving neonatal care
outcomes, reducing infant mortality rates, and advancing global health equity.
3.1.5 5V DC FAN
The fan can be strategically positioned within the incubator to facilitate air circulation
and prevent stagnant pockets of warm or cold air, thereby promoting uniform temperature
distribution. This is crucial for minimizing thermal stress and ensuring that neonates remain
within their optimal thermal comfort zone, vital for their growth and development.
The use of a 100W bulb can potentially serve as a heating source under specific
circumstances, albeit with several considerations and precautions. While unconventional,
this approach may be feasible in resource-constrained settings where alternative heating
elements are unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
The 100W bulb can provide a readily available and inexpensive means of generating
heat within the incubator. Placed at a safe distance from the infant and shielded to prevent
direct contact, the bulb can emit radiant heat, which warms the surrounding air and
maintains a stable temperature within the incubator enclosure.
However, several critical factors must be addressed to ensure the safety and efficacy
of this approach. Firstly, precise temperature regulation is essential to prevent overheating
and thermal stress in premature infants. Utilizing a thermostat or temperature sensor in
conjunction with the bulb can help maintain the desired temperature range within the
incubator, minimizing the risk of temperature fluctuations. Adequate ventilation and airflow
must be maintained to prevent the buildup of excess heat and ensure proper air circulation
within the incubator. This may involve incorporating vents or fans to dissipate heat and
maintain optimal environmental conditions for neonatal health and development.
ThingSpeak, a platform for IoT applications, enables the collection, analysis, and
visualization of sensor data in real-time. By integrating the ThingSpeak API into the
neonatal incubator's software, sensor data such as temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, and
infant vital signs can be securely transmitted to the cloud for storage and analysis.
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One of the primary advantages of using the ThingSpeak API is its flexibility and ease
of integration with various microcontroller platforms, including Arduino. Arduino boards
equipped with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity can be programmed to send sensor data to
ThingSpeak using HTTP or MQTT protocols, providing real-time insights into the incubator
environment.
4.METHODOLOGY
The working procedure of a low-cost neonatal incubator with a smart control system
involves several interconnected steps aimed at creating a stable and optimal environment for
premature infants while enabling remote monitoring and intervention. Here's a detailed overview
of the working procedure:
The smart control system within the low-cost neonatal incubator continually monitors
temperature and humidity levels through embedded sensors strategically positioned within
the incubator. These sensors provide real-time feedback on the environmental conditions
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crucial for the infant's comfort and well-being. Upon receiving data from the sensors, the
control system activates or adjusts heating elements, cooling mechanisms, or humidifiers to
maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels. Utilizing advanced algorithms, the
system dynamically regulates the intensity and duration of heating or cooling to ensure
precise control and stability, minimizing fluctuations that could compromise the infant's
health.
The low-cost neonatal incubator with a smart control system is equipped with
wireless communication capabilities, allowing for real-time transmission of sensor data to a
remote monitoring station or cloud server. Utilizing protocols such as Wi-Fi or GSM, the
smart control system utilizes the ThingSpeak API or similar platforms to securely transmit
and store sensor data, enabling remote access and analysis by healthcare professionals. This
remote monitoring functionality enables caregivers to monitor the infant's condition and
incubator environment from anywhere. Visualization tools and dashboards provide real-time
insights into the incubator environment, allowing for timely intervention and decision-
making.
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Logical expression for arduino programming
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4.Safety Features and Redundancies:
Safety features and redundancies are paramount in the design of the smart control
system to mitigate risks and safeguard the infant's well-being. Fail-safe mechanisms, backup
power sources, and emergency shutdown procedures are implemented to prevent accidents
and protect against system failures. By prioritizing safety and reliability, the smart control
system enhances the overall effectiveness and trustworthiness of the low-cost neonatal
incubator, providing peace of mind to caregivers and healthcare providers.
Continuous monitoring and optimization are integral aspects of the smart control
system's functionality, allowing for proactive management and enhancement of neonatal
care protocols. The system continuously monitors the incubator environment and
performance metrics, collecting and analyzing data to identify trends, patterns, and potential
areas for improvement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the smart control
system ensures that the incubator operates at peak efficiency, providing the best possible
care for premature infants while minimizing risks and optimizing resource utilization.
We set a certain temperature according to infant’s comfort. So, when the temperature
with-in the incubator decreased below the setpoint the red-led turns on and arduino-uno
board set the heating-pad on. And when the temperature stay with-in the given range the
green-led turns on and the red-led and heating pad turns off. Same for the temperature above
the set-point the red-led turns on and green-led off. In this case the controller immediately
instructs the heating pad to be turned off. Thus, the temperature is controlled in the
incubator. The below table illustrates the functioning of the temperature controlling part of
the incubator.
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The main concern of this incubator is to regulate the temperature of the baby's room
and keep it in the desired range of 36-37 °C. The figure below shows an example of
controlling the process with an Arduino UNO microcontroller. Here, the adjusted
temperature data of the whole day (24 hours) is added to the outside temperature of the same
day.
From the above figure, it is inferred that at 00:00 the air temperature was low and
almost constant until 6:00 in the morning. It then rises during the day and falls again at 5pm
and later. But for a system to keep a premature baby safe and healthy, the temperature must
be constant. The built incubator did this effectively and the graph shows that it maintained
the temperature of the baby section at 36-37°C regardless of the ambient temperature.
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