Experimental performance of a multi-source solar incubation system under controlled and real weather conditions

Innovative, sustainable methods are needed for thermally demanding agricultural processes, especially poultry egg incubation, as the world moves toward renewable energy sources. To maintain the critical hatching temperature of 37 °C, this study presents a tri-hybrid solar-powered incubator that works with a passive Trombe wall, an active flat-plate solar water-heating circuit, and a photovoltaic-driven auxiliary resistive heater. The proposed prototype operates autonomously by combining passive thermal energy storage with actively regulated heat delivery. It was specifically designed for deployment in off-grid and remote rural environments. We used two sun irradiation conditions, 650 and 800 W/m 2 , for extensive experimental tests. Results show that the integrated hybrid system performs significantly better than any single subsystem, achieving thermal equilibrium in about 100 min and maintaining a highly consistent internal thermal environment despite notable external weather variations. The solar water circuit provides rapid initial warming during peak sunshine hours, while the Trombe wall gives steady, time-delayed heat release due to its significant thermal mass. Furthermore, the photovoltaic-powered resistive element compensates for sporadic cloud cover and continuous thermal support throughout nighttime hours. Overall, this eco-friendly system shows strong promise for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering operating costs, and creating a stable, self-sustaining thermal infrastructure suitable for sustainable farming in areas without electricity.