Adare Poultry Farm: Integrated Climate & Production Control System

The Challenge

Adare Poultry Farm required a comprehensive electrical control infrastructure to manage a large-scale broiler operation housing 50,000 birds across a 168 x 18-metre shed. The facility needed precise climate control spanning multiple ventilation modes, heating, cooling, and production systems — all coordinated through a single integrated platform with mandatory redundancy and fail-safe manual override capability.

Our Approach

Deftec designed and engineered a complete control system centred on the Skov DOL539 climate controller, delivering 12 shed control boards, 12 auxiliary control boards, and 12 winch panels alongside two 630A main switchboards. The solution integrated 18 variable-speed LPC fan circuits (including 12 x DA1700-6 fans and multiple BF50 units), tunnel and side-mode ventilation switching, pad cooling systems with redundant pump circuits, 24VDC sensor networks (temperature, humidity, CO2, and pressure), and critical production equipment including winch motors, feed augers, and lighting circuits. Every critical function — tunnel ventilation, cooling, and feed systems — was wired to operate from both front control boards and rear auxiliary boards with automatic/manual selection and electrical indication. Our schematics encompassed power distribution, control logic, sensor integration, and alarm circuitry across multiple cabinet assemblies, ensuring compliance with EU directive 98/58/EU for mechanically ventilated livestock houses.

The Outcome

The system delivered a safe, redundant control architecture capable of maintaining optimal bird welfare across variable environmental conditions whilst providing Adare Poultry operators with transparent manual control and comprehensive alarm protection. The modular cabinet approach enabled straightforward commissioning and future maintenance across all 12 identical sheds on the property.

Technologies and Capabilities

• Climate Control: Skov DOL539 CT controller with 10” HMI display
• Ventilation: Variable-speed LPC fan circuits (BF50 and DA1700-6 models) with 0-100% modulation and feedback
• Actuation: DA175 side-inlet dampers; DOL90 winch motors for ridge/sidewall doors; solenoid-controlled cool pad and heating circuits
• Sensor Integration: DOL12, DOL114, DOL10, DOL43R, and DOL19 transducers for temperature, humidity, CO2, pressure, and production feedback
• Switchgear & Distribution: 630A main boards; MCCB-protected front and rear cabinets; redundant 24VDC power supplies with changeover switching
• Control Architecture: Dual-board topology with critical function cross-wiring; manual/auto selection; series-connected alarm aggregation
• Standards Compliance: EN 60204-1; EU livestock ventilation directive 98/58/EU; Australian electrical installation practices