A method and system for temperature control of a fermenter

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of fermentation tank temperature control, and discloses a fermentation tank temperature control method and system, the method comprising: setting a plurality of temperature sensors at equal intervals in each temperature control area; constructing a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermentation tank according to the average temperature value of the area, and judging the overall temperature stability of the fermentation tank according to the temperature smoothness; if the judgment result of the overall temperature stability is stable, calculating the average temperature value of the fermentation tank according to the average temperature value of the area, and adjusting the overall temperature according to the average temperature value of the fermentation tank and the fermentation standard temperature; if the judgment result of the overall temperature stability is unstable, adjusting the temperature of each temperature control area according to the average temperature value of the area respectively. The present application provides reliable temperature protection for the fermentation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fermenter temperature control technology, and more specifically, to a fermenter temperature control method and system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern bio-fermentation engineering, the fermenter is the core equipment, and the accuracy and stability of its temperature control directly affect the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, the efficiency of product synthesis, and the quality of fermentation products.

[0003] However, current traditional fermenter temperature control technologies face numerous challenges in practical applications. On the one hand, traditional methods often employ a single temperature sensor or a small number of sensors for monitoring, making it difficult to comprehensively and accurately reflect the complex temperature distribution within the fermenter. This results in blind spots and errors in temperature monitoring, hindering precise temperature control. On the other hand, there is a lack of scientifically quantifiable indicators for judging temperature stability, relying heavily on operator experience. This subjective approach makes it difficult to accurately grasp temperature trends and stable states, easily leading to misjudgments. Furthermore, traditional temperature adjustment strategies typically employ a uniform, overall adjustment approach, lacking specificity and flexibility. When the temperature distribution within the fermenter is uneven, overall adjustment not only fails to effectively address localized temperature anomalies but may also interfere with other normal temperature zones, leading to resource waste and low control efficiency. Simultaneously, different fermentation processes and stages have varying temperature requirements, and traditional methods struggle to adapt to these dynamic changes, failing to provide the optimal temperature environment for microbial growth and product synthesis, thus impacting fermentation efficiency and product quality.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fermenter temperature control method and system to solve the problems of current traditional fermenter temperature control technology, which is unable to comprehensively monitor complex temperature distributions, relies on experience-based judgment, and lacks flexibility and specificity in overall adjustment strategies, thus affecting fermentation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a fermenter temperature control method and system, which aims to solve the problems of current traditional fermenter temperature control technology, which is difficult to comprehensively monitor complex temperature distribution, relies on experience judgment, and lacks flexibility and pertinence in overall adjustment strategy, thus affecting fermentation efficiency.

[0006] On one hand, the present invention proposes a method for controlling the temperature of a fermenter, comprising:

[0007] The fermenter is divided into several temperature control zones from top to bottom, and several temperature sensors are set at equal intervals in each temperature control zone.

[0008] Acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control zone based on the temperature data of each temperature control zone, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and determine the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness.

[0009] If the overall temperature stability is determined to be stable, the average temperature of the fermenter is calculated based on the average temperature of the region. The average temperature of the fermenter is then used to determine whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter. If the adjustment is required, the overall temperature is adjusted based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature.

[0010] If the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, then it is determined whether to adjust the temperature of the temperature control area of ​​the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the area. If it is determined to be adjusted, then the temperature of each temperature control area is adjusted according to the average temperature value of the area.

[0011] Furthermore, the step of dividing the fermenter into several temperature control zones from top to bottom, and setting temperature sensors at equal intervals in each temperature control zone, includes:

[0012] Based on the height of the fermentation tank, the fermentation tank is divided into several temperature control zones of equal height from top to bottom, and the number of temperature control zones is greater than or equal to two.

[0013] Within each temperature control zone, several temperature sensors are installed horizontally and at equal intervals on the body of the fermenter.

[0014] The collected temperature data is filtered, and the Kalman filter algorithm is used to remove noise interference.

[0015] Furthermore, when constructing the temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region, the following steps are included:

[0016] Using the average temperature of each temperature control zone as the vertical axis and the height of the fermenter corresponding to the temperature control zone as the horizontal axis, a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter is plotted.

[0017] Set a standard limit temperature reference value, and draw a horizontal straight line of the standard limit temperature reference value on the temperature curve of each temperature control zone;

[0018] Calculate the temperature difference between the average temperature value of each region and the specified temperature reference value. If the temperature difference exceeds the preset maximum difference, a fermentation anomaly warning will be issued directly, and the abnormal temperature control area will be marked.

[0019] Furthermore, the calculation of the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve includes:

[0020] If all the temperature differences are less than or equal to the preset maximum difference, then the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve is calculated:

[0021] Calculate the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference between each two adjacent temperature control zones based on the average temperature value of each zone, and calculate the average absolute value of the temperature difference of several such adjacent absolute temperature difference values. The reciprocal of the average absolute value of the temperature difference is the temperature smoothness.

[0022] If the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference is zero, it is determined that there is no need to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter or to adjust the temperature of each temperature control zone.

[0023] Furthermore, when determining the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness, the following steps are included:

[0024] Set a smoothness threshold. If the temperature smoothness is greater than or equal to the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is judged to be stable.

[0025] If the temperature smoothness is less than the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is determined to be unstable.

[0026] Furthermore, when determining whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter, the following steps are included:

[0027] A standard average temperature range is set. If the average temperature value of the fermenter is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that no overall temperature adjustment of the fermenter will be performed.

[0028] If the average temperature of the fermenter is not within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the overall temperature of the fermenter should be adjusted.

[0029] The fermentation standard temperature is within the standard average temperature range.

[0030] Furthermore, the overall temperature adjustment based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature includes:

[0031] Calculate the fermentation difference between the average temperature of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a first difference and a second difference, wherein the first difference is less than the second difference;

[0032] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is less than the first difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the first adjustment rate.

[0033] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the first difference and less than the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the second adjustment rate.

[0034] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the third adjustment rate.

[0035] The range of adjustment rate is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min;

[0036] If the average temperature of the fermentation tank is greater than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the fermentation tank is less than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to increase.

[0037] Furthermore, if the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, the step of determining whether to adjust the temperature of the fermenter's temperature control zone based on the average temperature value of the region includes:

[0038] If the average temperature value of the area is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of that area will not be adjusted.

[0039] If the average temperature value of the area is not within the standard average temperature range, then it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of the area should be adjusted.

[0040] Furthermore, when adjusting the temperature of each temperature control zone based on the average temperature value of the region, the following steps are included:

[0041] Calculate the regional fermentation difference between the average temperature value of the region and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a third difference and a fourth difference, wherein the third difference is less than the fourth difference;

[0042] If the fermentation difference in the region is less than the third difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the first adjustment rate.

[0043] If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the third difference and less than the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the second adjustment rate.

[0044] If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the third adjustment rate.

[0045] The adjustment rate range is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min;

[0046] If the average temperature of the area is greater than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the area is less than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to increase.

[0047] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Firstly, by dividing the fermenter into several temperature control zones and installing temperature sensors, this invention achieves refined monitoring of the temperature within the fermenter. It accurately acquires temperature data for each zone, providing a reliable basis for subsequent temperature analysis and control. This avoids the errors and limitations that may arise from monitoring with a single sensor, making temperature monitoring more comprehensive and accurate. Secondly, constructing temperature curves and calculating temperature smoothness to determine overall temperature stability allows for a macroscopic understanding of the temperature distribution and trends within the fermenter. Temperature smoothness clearly indicates whether the temperature is stable, providing a scientific reference standard for subsequent temperature adjustment decisions. This makes the assessment of temperature stability more objective and accurate, avoiding the subjectivity and uncertainty of human judgment. Furthermore, based on different assessment results of overall temperature stability, strategies for overall temperature adjustment and zone-specific temperature adjustment are adopted respectively, demonstrating targetedness and flexibility. When the overall temperature is stable, calculating the average temperature of the fermenter and comparing it with a standard temperature allows for overall adjustments, ensuring the overall temperature environment within the fermenter meets requirements. Conversely, when the overall temperature is unstable, adjustments are made regionally based on the average temperature of each area. This precisely addresses localized temperature anomalies, avoiding resource waste and disruption to other healthy areas that might result from overall adjustments. This improves the efficiency and precision of temperature control, ensuring the fermentation process takes place within a suitable temperature environment, which is beneficial for improving the quality and yield of the fermentation product. Furthermore, the temperature requirements for microbial growth, reproduction, and metabolic activities vary at different fermentation stages. Precise temperature control provides the most suitable growth environment for microorganisms, promoting their growth and metabolism, thereby improving fermentation efficiency and product quality. In conclusion, this invention provides a reliable temperature guarantee for the fermentation process.

[0048] On the other hand, this application also provides a fermenter temperature control system, including:

[0049] The sensor assembly includes several temperature sensors, which are equally spaced on several temperature control zones divided from top to bottom in the fermenter.

[0050] The judgment module is configured to acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control zone based on the temperature data of each temperature control zone, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and judge the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness.

[0051] The adjustment module is configured to, if the overall temperature stability determination result is stable, calculate the average temperature value of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region, determine whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter, and if it is determined to adjust, adjust the overall temperature based on the average temperature value of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature.

[0052] The adjustment module is further configured to, if the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, determine whether to adjust the temperature of the temperature control area of ​​the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the area; if the determination is to adjust, adjust the temperature of each temperature control area based on the average temperature value of the area.

[0053] It is understood that the fermenter temperature control method and system provided in this application have the same beneficial effects, and will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0055] Figure 1 A flowchart of a fermenter temperature control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the fermenter temperature control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for controlling the temperature of a fermenter, including the following steps:

[0059] S100. Divide the fermenter into several temperature control zones from top to bottom, and set several temperature sensors at equal intervals in each temperature control zone.

[0060] S200. Acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control area based on the temperature data of each temperature control area, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and determine the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness.

[0061] S300. If the overall temperature stability is determined to be stable, the average temperature of the fermenter is calculated based on the average temperature of the region. The overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted based on the average temperature of the fermenter. If the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted, the overall temperature is adjusted based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature.

[0062] S400. If the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, then the temperature of the fermenter's temperature control area is adjusted based on the average temperature value of the area. If the adjustment is determined, the temperature of each temperature control area is adjusted based on the average temperature value of the area.

[0063] Understandably, this invention achieves refined temperature monitoring within the fermenter by dividing it into several temperature control zones and installing temperature sensors. This allows for accurate acquisition of temperature data from each zone, providing a reliable basis for subsequent temperature analysis and control. It avoids the errors and limitations that can arise from monitoring with a single sensor, making temperature monitoring more comprehensive and accurate. Secondly, constructing temperature curves and calculating temperature smoothness to determine overall temperature stability allows for a macroscopic understanding of the temperature distribution and trends within the fermenter. Temperature smoothness clearly indicates temperature stability, providing a scientific reference standard for subsequent temperature adjustment decisions, making the assessment of temperature stability more objective and accurate, and avoiding the subjectivity and uncertainty of human judgment. Furthermore, based on different assessment results of overall temperature stability, strategies for overall temperature adjustment and zone-specific temperature adjustment are adopted respectively, demonstrating targetedness and flexibility. When the overall temperature is stable, calculating the average temperature of the fermenter and comparing it with a standard temperature allows for overall adjustments, ensuring the overall temperature environment within the fermenter meets requirements. Conversely, when the overall temperature is unstable, adjustments are made regionally based on the average temperature of each area. This precisely addresses localized temperature anomalies, avoiding resource waste and disruption to other healthy areas that might result from overall adjustments. This improves the efficiency and precision of temperature control, ensuring the fermentation process takes place within a suitable temperature environment, which is beneficial for improving the quality and yield of the fermentation product. Furthermore, the temperature requirements for microbial growth, reproduction, and metabolic activities vary at different fermentation stages. Precise temperature control provides the most suitable growth environment for microorganisms, promoting their growth and metabolism, thereby improving fermentation efficiency and product quality. In conclusion, this invention provides a reliable temperature guarantee for the fermentation process.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the step of dividing the fermenter into several temperature control zones from top to bottom and setting temperature sensors at equal intervals in each temperature control zone includes:

[0065] Based on the height of the fermentation tank, the fermentation tank is divided into several temperature control zones of equal height from top to bottom, and the number of temperature control zones is greater than or equal to two.

[0066] Within each temperature control zone, several temperature sensors are installed horizontally and at equal intervals on the body of the fermenter.

[0067] The collected temperature data is filtered, and the Kalman filter algorithm is used to remove noise interference.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, constructing the temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region includes:

[0069] Using the average temperature of each temperature control zone as the vertical axis and the height of the fermenter corresponding to the temperature control zone as the horizontal axis, a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter is plotted.

[0070] Set a standard limit temperature reference value, and draw a horizontal straight line of the standard limit temperature reference value on the temperature curve of each temperature control zone;

[0071] Calculate the temperature difference between the average temperature value of each region and the specified temperature reference value. If the temperature difference exceeds the preset maximum difference, a fermentation anomaly warning will be issued directly, and the abnormal temperature control area will be marked.

[0072] Understandably, in fermenter temperature control, dividing the fermenter into at least two equal-height temperature control zones and horizontally spacing temperature sensors within each zone enables precise spatial monitoring of the fermenter's temperature. The division into multiple zones captures temperature differences at different heights, while horizontally spaced sensors acquire temperature data from different locations at the same height. This combination forms a three-dimensional monitoring network, effectively avoiding blind spots and ensuring more comprehensive and accurate temperature data. Furthermore, applying a Kalman filter to the collected data significantly reduces noise interference, improving the reliability of the temperature data and laying a solid foundation for subsequent temperature analysis and control. When constructing temperature curves, a graph is plotted using the average temperature of each zone and its corresponding height. A horizontal straight line is drawn with a standard reference temperature. Anomalies are identified by calculating the difference between the average temperature of the zone and the reference temperature, providing a clear visual representation of the deviation between the temperature distribution and the standard value. When the temperature difference exceeds the preset maximum difference, timely warnings of fermentation anomalies are issued and abnormal areas are marked. This helps operators quickly locate the problem, facilitates timely measures to address it, prevents the temperature anomaly from having a greater impact on the fermentation process, and ensures the stable progress of the fermentation process.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, calculating the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve includes:

[0074] If all the temperature differences are less than or equal to the preset maximum difference, then the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve is calculated:

[0075] Calculate the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference between each two adjacent temperature control zones based on the average temperature value of each zone, and calculate the average absolute value of the temperature difference of several such adjacent absolute temperature difference values. The reciprocal of the average absolute value of the temperature difference is the temperature smoothness.

[0076] If the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference is zero, it is determined that there is no need to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter or to adjust the temperature of each temperature control zone.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, determining the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness includes:

[0078] Set a smoothness threshold. If the temperature smoothness is greater than or equal to the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is judged to be stable.

[0079] If the temperature smoothness is less than the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is determined to be unstable.

[0080] Understandably, when calculating the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, the reciprocal of the average absolute value of the absolute values ​​of the temperature differences between adjacent temperature control zones is used to determine the smoothness, which directly reflects the degree of smoothness of the temperature curve. The smaller the average absolute value of the temperature difference, the more gradual the temperature change in adjacent areas, and the greater the temperature smoothness value; conversely, the larger the average absolute value, the smaller the smoothness value. When the absolute values ​​of adjacent temperature differences are all zero, no adjustment is needed, improving the efficiency of the judgment. When judging the overall temperature stability, a smoothness threshold is set for comparison. If the temperature smoothness is greater than or equal to the threshold, the system is stable; if it is less than the threshold, the system is unstable. This allows for a quick and accurate determination of whether the overall temperature of the fermenter is stable, providing a clear basis for subsequent temperature adjustment decisions. For example, in the fermentation process of a certain yogurt, the fermentation tank is divided into 5 temperature control zones. The absolute values ​​of the temperature difference between each adjacent zone are calculated to be 0.2℃, 0.3℃, 0.2℃, and 0.3℃, respectively. The absolute value of the average temperature difference is 0.25℃, and its reciprocal, i.e. the temperature smoothness, is 4. If the smoothness threshold is set to 3, the temperature smoothness is greater than the threshold. It can be determined that the overall temperature stability of the fermentation tank is stable, and no temperature adjustment is required, thus ensuring the stable progress of the fermentation process.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, determining whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter includes:

[0082] A standard average temperature range is set. If the average temperature value of the fermenter is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that no overall temperature adjustment of the fermenter will be performed.

[0083] If the average temperature of the fermenter is not within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the overall temperature of the fermenter should be adjusted.

[0084] The fermentation standard temperature is within the standard average temperature range.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, the overall temperature adjustment based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature includes:

[0086] Calculate the fermentation difference between the average temperature of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a first difference and a second difference, wherein the first difference is less than the second difference;

[0087] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is less than the first difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the first adjustment rate.

[0088] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the first difference and less than the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the second adjustment rate.

[0089] If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the third adjustment rate.

[0090] The range of adjustment rate is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min;

[0091] If the average temperature of the fermentation tank is greater than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the fermentation tank is less than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to increase.

[0092] Understandably, by setting the standard fermentation temperature within the standard average temperature range, a reasonable temperature tolerance range is formed, avoiding over-adjustment for minor temperature fluctuations and reducing energy consumption and equipment wear. The three-tiered differential temperature control and corresponding adjustment rate design enables precise, tiered temperature control: when the fermentation differential is small, a lower first adjustment rate (e.g., 0.2℃ / min) is used for fine-tuning to prevent temperature overshoot; for medium differential temperatures, the second adjustment rate (e.g., 0.5℃ / min) is switched to achieve rapid stabilization; and for larger differential temperatures, a third adjustment rate (e.g., 0.8℃ / min) is activated for emergency correction, ensuring the temperature quickly returns to the standard range. This stepped adjustment strategy ensures both fast temperature control response and precise adjustment. For example, in the yogurt fermentation process, when the standard fermentation temperature is 42℃ and the standard average temperature range is set to 41.5-42.5℃, if the average temperature of the fermentation tank is detected to be 43℃ (difference of 1℃), which is within the second difference range, the temperature is reduced at a rate of 0.5℃ / min. When the temperature drops to 42.2℃ (difference of 0.2℃), the temperature automatically switches to a fine-tuning rate of 0.2℃ / min, and finally stabilizes precisely at 42℃. By dynamically matching and adjusting the intensity and degree of temperature deviation, the stability of the fermentation process and the consistency of product quality are effectively improved.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, when determining whether to adjust the temperature of the fermenter's temperature control zone based on the average regional temperature value if the overall temperature stability is unstable, the method includes:

[0094] If the average temperature value of the area is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of that area will not be adjusted.

[0095] If the average temperature value of the area is not within the standard average temperature range, then it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of the area should be adjusted.

[0096] In some embodiments of this application, the step of adjusting the temperature of each temperature control zone according to the average temperature value of the region includes:

[0097] Calculate the regional fermentation difference between the average temperature value of the region and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a third difference and a fourth difference, wherein the third difference is less than the fourth difference;

[0098] If the fermentation difference in the region is less than the third difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the first adjustment rate.

[0099] If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the third difference and less than the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the second adjustment rate.

[0100] If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the third adjustment rate.

[0101] The adjustment rate range is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min;

[0102] If the average temperature of the area is greater than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the area is less than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to increase.

[0103] Understandably, in fermenter temperature control, when the overall temperature stability is deemed unstable, adjustments to each temperature control zone are determined based on a comparison between the regional average temperature value and the standard average temperature range. This, combined with a stepped adjustment rate mechanism based on the differential values, overcomes the drawbacks of traditional uniform overall adjustment. It can accurately locate abnormal temperature zones and adjust them individually, avoiding interference with normal temperature zones and significantly improving the efficiency and resource utilization of temperature control. By setting third and fourth differential values ​​to divide different fermentation difference ranges and matching them with corresponding first, second, and third adjustment rates, precise and dynamic temperature adjustment is achieved. For small regional fermentation differences (less than the third differential value), a lower first adjustment rate (e.g., 0.2℃ / min) is used for fine-tuning to prevent over-adjustment; for medium differences, a second adjustment rate (e.g., 0.5℃ / min) is used for rapid correction; and for larger differences, a third adjustment rate (e.g., 1℃ / min) is activated for emergency handling to ensure that abnormal temperature zones quickly return to the standard range. For example, in the fermentation process of a certain probiotic, the standard fermentation temperature is 37℃. When the average temperature of a certain temperature control zone in the middle is detected to be 38.2℃, the fermentation difference between the zones is 1.2℃ (absolute value 1.2℃). At this point, the difference is greater than or equal to the fourth difference of 1.0℃, so the temperature of this zone is adjusted by cooling at a third adjustment rate of 1℃ / min. When the temperature drops to 37.2℃ (the fermentation difference between the zones is 0.2℃, which is less than the third difference of 0.5℃), the adjustment rate is switched to the first adjustment rate of 0.2℃ / min for fine-tuning, eventually stabilizing at 37℃. This not only effectively solves the problem of local temperature anomalies but also adapts to the dynamic requirements of temperature control precision at different fermentation stages, providing a more suitable local temperature environment for microbial growth and product synthesis, and improving the stability of the fermentation process and product quality.

[0104] On the other hand, see Figure 2 As shown, this application also provides a fermenter temperature control system for applying the above-described fermenter temperature control method, comprising:

[0105] The sensor assembly includes several temperature sensors, which are equally spaced on several temperature control zones divided from top to bottom in the fermenter.

[0106] The judgment module is configured to acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control zone based on the temperature data of each temperature control zone, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and judge the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness.

[0107] The adjustment module is configured to, if the overall temperature stability determination result is stable, calculate the average temperature value of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region, determine whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter, and if it is determined to adjust, adjust the overall temperature based on the average temperature value of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature.

[0108] The adjustment module is further configured to, if the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, determine whether to adjust the temperature of the temperature control area of ​​the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the area; if the determination is to adjust, adjust the temperature of each temperature control area based on the average temperature value of the area.

[0109] Understandably, this invention achieves precise control and management of fermenter temperature through the coordinated operation of sensor components, a judgment module, and an adjustment module. Several temperature sensors within the sensor component are evenly spaced across each temperature control zone, forming a comprehensive temperature monitoring network. This network can acquire temperature data from various areas within the fermenter in real time and accurately, providing reliable raw data support for subsequent temperature analysis and control, and avoiding blind spots and errors associated with traditional single or limited sensor monitoring. The judgment module, based on the acquired temperature data, calculates the average temperature value of the area, constructs a temperature curve, calculates temperature smoothness, and judges overall temperature stability. This transforms subjective judgment, previously reliant on human experience, into objective judgment based on scientific calculations and quantitative indicators, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of temperature stability assessment and laying a scientific foundation for subsequent temperature adjustment decisions. The adjustment module flexibly adopts either overall temperature adjustment or regional temperature adjustment strategies based on the overall temperature stability assessment. When the overall temperature is stable, it performs overall adjustment to ensure that the overall temperature environment meets the requirements; when the overall temperature is unstable, it performs regional adjustment to precisely address local temperature anomalies. This avoids interference with normal areas caused by traditional uniform overall adjustment methods, improving the targeting and efficiency of temperature control. At the same time, the phased adjustment rate mechanism also ensures the precision and dynamic adaptability of temperature adjustment, better meeting the temperature requirements of different fermentation processes and stages. This provides reliable temperature assurance for the fermentation process, effectively improving fermentation quality and efficiency, and reducing resource waste and failure risks.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program goods. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program goods embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0111] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program goods according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0112] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0113] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0114] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the temperature of a fermenter, characterized in that, include: The fermenter is divided into several temperature control zones from top to bottom, and several temperature sensors are set at equal intervals in each temperature control zone. Acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control zone based on the temperature data of each temperature control zone, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and determine the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness. If the overall temperature stability is determined to be stable, the average temperature of the fermenter is calculated based on the average temperature of the region. The average temperature of the fermenter is then used to determine whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter. If the adjustment is required, the overall temperature is adjusted based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature. If the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, then it is determined whether to adjust the temperature of the temperature control area of ​​the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the area. If it is determined to be adjusted, then the temperature of each temperature control area is adjusted according to the average temperature value of the area.

2. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of dividing the fermenter into several temperature control zones from top to bottom, and setting temperature sensors at equal intervals in each temperature control zone, includes: Based on the height of the fermentation tank, the fermentation tank is divided into several temperature control zones of equal height from top to bottom, and the number of temperature control zones is greater than or equal to two. Within each temperature control zone, several temperature sensors are installed horizontally and at equal intervals on the body of the fermenter. The collected temperature data is filtered, and the Kalman filter algorithm is used to remove noise interference.

3. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When constructing the temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region, the following steps are included: Using the average temperature of each temperature control zone as the vertical axis and the height of the fermenter corresponding to the temperature control zone as the horizontal axis, a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter is plotted. Set a standard limit temperature reference value, and draw a horizontal straight line of the standard limit temperature reference value on the temperature curve of each temperature control zone; Calculate the temperature difference between the average temperature value of each region and the specified temperature reference value. If the temperature difference exceeds the preset maximum difference, a fermentation anomaly warning will be issued directly, and the abnormal temperature control area will be marked.

4. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calculation of the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve includes: If all the temperature differences are less than or equal to the preset maximum difference, then the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve is calculated: Calculate the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference between each two adjacent temperature control zones based on the average temperature value of each zone, and calculate the average absolute value of the temperature difference of several such adjacent absolute temperature difference values. The reciprocal of the average absolute value of the temperature difference is the temperature smoothness. If the absolute value of the adjacent temperature difference is zero, it is determined that there is no need to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter or to adjust the temperature of each temperature control zone.

5. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When determining the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness, the following steps are included: Set a smoothness threshold. If the temperature smoothness is greater than or equal to the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is judged to be stable. If the temperature smoothness is less than the smoothness threshold, the overall temperature stability of the fermenter is determined to be unstable.

6. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When determining whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter, the following steps are included: A standard average temperature range is set. If the average temperature value of the fermenter is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that no overall temperature adjustment of the fermenter will be performed. If the average temperature of the fermenter is not within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the overall temperature of the fermenter should be adjusted. The fermentation standard temperature is within the standard average temperature range.

7. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The overall temperature adjustment based on the average temperature of the fermenter and the standard fermentation temperature includes: Calculate the fermentation difference between the average temperature of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a first difference and a second difference, wherein the first difference is less than the second difference; If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is less than the first difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the first adjustment rate. If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the first difference and less than the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the second adjustment rate. If the fermentation difference in the fermenter is greater than or equal to the second difference, the overall temperature of the fermenter is adjusted at the third adjustment rate. The range of adjustment rate is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min; If the average temperature of the fermentation tank is greater than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the fermentation tank is less than the standard fermentation temperature, the overall temperature of the fermentation tank is adjusted to increase.

8. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, then when determining whether to adjust the temperature of the fermenter's temperature control zone based on the average temperature value of the region, the following steps are included: If the average temperature value of the area is within the standard average temperature range, it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of that area will not be adjusted. If the average temperature value of the area is not within the standard average temperature range, then it is determined that the temperature control area corresponding to the average temperature value of the area should be adjusted.

9. The fermenter temperature control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When adjusting the temperature of each temperature control zone based on the average temperature value of the region, the following steps are included: Calculate the regional fermentation difference between the average temperature value of the region and the fermentation standard temperature, and set a third difference and a fourth difference, wherein the third difference is less than the fourth difference; If the fermentation difference in the region is less than the third difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the first adjustment rate. If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the third difference and less than the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the second adjustment rate. If the fermentation difference in the region is greater than or equal to the fourth difference, then the temperature of the temperature control region is adjusted at the third adjustment rate. The adjustment rate range is 0.2℃ / min ≤ first adjustment rate < second adjustment rate < third adjustment rate ≤ 1℃ / min; If the average temperature of the area is greater than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to decrease; if the average temperature of the area is less than the fermentation standard temperature, the temperature of the temperature control area is adjusted to increase.

10. A fermenter temperature control system for applying the fermenter temperature control method as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: The sensor assembly includes several temperature sensors, which are equally spaced on several temperature control zones divided from top to bottom in the fermenter. The judgment module is configured to acquire temperature data from each temperature sensor, calculate the regional average temperature value of each temperature control zone based on the temperature data of each temperature control zone, construct a temperature curve in the vertical direction of the fermenter based on the regional average temperature value, calculate the temperature smoothness of the temperature curve, and judge the overall temperature stability of the fermenter based on the temperature smoothness. The adjustment module is configured to, if the overall temperature stability determination result is stable, calculate the average temperature value of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the region, determine whether to adjust the overall temperature of the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the fermenter, and if it is determined to adjust, adjust the overall temperature based on the average temperature value of the fermenter and the fermentation standard temperature. The adjustment module is further configured to, if the overall temperature stability is determined to be unstable, determine whether to adjust the temperature of the temperature control area of ​​the fermenter based on the average temperature value of the area; if the determination is to adjust, adjust the temperature of each temperature control area based on the average temperature value of the area.

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