In the heart of Morocco, researchers are pioneering a smart approach to poultry farming that could revolutionize the energy and water management sectors. Yasmine Achour, a lead researcher at the Advanced Systems Engineering Laboratory within the National School of Advanced Sciences in Kenitra, has developed a model predictive control (MPC) strategy designed to optimize the operation of chicken coop integrated microgrids. This innovative system, detailed in a recent study published in *Smart Agricultural Technology* (translated to English as *Intelligent Agricultural Technology*), aims to enhance chicken production while efficiently managing resources and adapting to renewable energy’s inherent variability.
Achour’s research focuses on regulating critical variables such as artificial lighting, indoor temperature, humidity, ventilation, and water supply within optimal ranges. The MPC strategy proactively anticipates control actions, ensuring that chicken production is maximized while energy and water resources are used efficiently. “This approach not only improves the quality of chicken production but also addresses the challenges posed by the intermittency of renewable energy sources and external weather conditions,” Achour explains.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the world shifts towards more sustainable and efficient energy solutions, integrating renewable energy sources into agricultural systems presents both opportunities and challenges. Achour’s MPC strategy offers a robust framework for managing these complexities, potentially paving the way for broader applications in other agricultural and energy-intensive industries.
The study outlines the mathematical formulation of the optimal control problem and provides a comprehensive analysis of numerical results from a case study. By demonstrating the effectiveness of MPC in a real-world scenario, Achour’s research highlights the potential for similar systems to be implemented in various agricultural settings. “The proactive nature of MPC allows for better resource management and improved production quality, which can have a substantial impact on the commercial viability of poultry farming,” Achour notes.
As the global demand for food continues to rise, the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices becomes increasingly urgent. Achour’s work represents a significant step forward in this direction, offering a blueprint for integrating advanced control strategies into agricultural systems. The research not only enhances the efficiency of chicken coop operations but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable energy management.
In the coming years, the adoption of such technologies could reshape the agricultural landscape, driving innovation and improving resource utilization. Achour’s study serves as a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary research, bridging the gap between energy management and agricultural productivity. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, the insights gained from this research could prove invaluable in shaping a more sustainable future.