Temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation bed
By setting up top, middle and bottom humidification sections and infrared radiation heating and insulation mechanisms in the whole grain fermentation bed, the problems of excessive air blowing and insufficient heat preservation in existing fermentation beds are solved, achieving energy-saving and efficient fermentation results and ensuring the growth environment of probiotics.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520158697.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing fermentation beds suffer from problems such as excessive air blowing and insufficient heat preservation, resulting in high power consumption, rapid moisture evaporation, and serious noise and dust pollution, which affect the fermentation effect of whole grains and prevent the growth of probiotics.
The humidification mechanism, which employs top, middle and bottom humidification sections combined with an infrared radiation heating and insulation mechanism, achieves all-round humidification and uniform heating. The independently operating humidification section ensures stable humidity, while infrared radiation heating improves heat conduction speed and heating uniformity.
It achieves all-round humidification and uniform heating, reduces energy consumption, improves fermentation efficiency, reduces noise and dust pollution, ensures the growth environment of probiotics, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN223837428U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bio-fermentation technology, specifically to a temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds. Background Technology
[0002] Fermentation engineering originated from ancient food production. From accumulated experience to a systems science, it has developed into a discipline encompassing microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, computer science, mechanical design, sensing, and control. Fermentation can significantly improve the sensory properties of whole grain products, alter their morphological characteristics, and impart unique flavors. Metabolomics analysis has revealed that *Lactobacillus plantarum* and yeast can improve the flavor of fermented grain products. Fermentation affects the nutritional value of whole grains by increasing their nutrient content, improving bioavailability, and reducing anti-nutritional substances. Fermentation can also increase the types and amounts of bioactive substances (such as the formation of phenols) in whole grain products.
[0003] However, existing fermentation beds suffer from excessive airflow and insufficient insulation. Approximately 70% of the airflow is excessive, resulting in high energy consumption, rapid moisture evaporation (wasting 45% of electricity and 70% of moisture), and significant noise and dust. 2. Prolonged high-volume airflow from the blower leads to excessive moisture evaporation and excessive oxygen, preventing the survival of facultative anaerobic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, and hindering the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus forcing the fermentation to stop. Furthermore, the existing fermentation bed's main structure consists of fiberglass insulation and a steel plate load-bearing structure, using electric heating and blower agitation for temperature uniformity. In actual production, this results in high energy consumption, easy drying, and uneven temperature, severely impacting the solid-state aerobic fermentation effect of whole grain particles. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-use temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds. The top, middle, and bottom humidification sections of this invention provide comprehensive humidification of the fermentation bed, offering more favorable fermentation conditions. Each humidification section operates independently; if one section malfunctions, the others remain unaffected and can continue operating, ensuring stable humidity levels for fermentation. The heating and insulation mechanism is integrated into the outer shell of the fermentation bed, saving space and utilizing infrared radiation heating for rapid and uniform heat conduction, resulting in better fermentation or germination. This temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds is simple in structure, highly reliable, and cost-effective, enabling continuous production that significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency.
[0005] To achieve the above, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a temperature and humidity system for a whole grain fermentation bed, comprising a fermentation bed and a frame, wherein the fermentation bed is installed on the frame, and further comprising a humidification mechanism and a heating and insulation mechanism. The humidification mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed to humidify the fermented material or germinating seeds, and the heating and insulation mechanism is set on the shell of the fermentation bed; the humidification mechanism comprises a top humidification part, a middle humidification part and a bottom humidification part, wherein the top humidification part is set at the top of the fermentation bed, above the material placement plate, the middle humidification part is installed in the middle of the side wall of the fermentation bed, and the bottom humidification part is set at the bottom of the fermentation bed, below the material placement plate, wherein the material placement plate is arranged in multiple layers.
[0006] Furthermore, the top humidification section includes a spray head, a spray pipe, and a bacterial liquid tank or a water tank. The spray pipe is laid on the top of the fermentation bed chamber, and a spray head and a solenoid valve for controlling the spray head's on / off state are installed on the spray pipe. The other end of the spray pipe is connected to the bacterial liquid tank or water tank via a pump body. When the spray pipe is connected to the bacterial liquid tank, the spray head sprays bacterial liquid to provide nutrients for material fermentation or seed germination. When bacterial liquid is not required, the spray pipe is connected to the water tank to provide moisture.
[0007] Furthermore, the central humidification section includes a humidifying fan, which is a centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan. The centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan is installed on the side wall of the fermentation bed, and at least one centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan is installed in each fermentation unit.
[0008] Furthermore, the bottom humidification part is a humidification water tank, which includes a water tank, an ultrasonic atomizer, and a temperature probe. The water tank has no top cover and is a drawer-type structure installed at the bottom of the fermentation and germination mechanism. The water tank contains nutrient solution, and a heating film is provided at the bottom of the water tank to heat the nutrient solution inside.
[0009] Furthermore, the ultrasonic atomizer and temperature probe are installed inside the water tank. The ultrasonic atomizer is installed on the bottom plate of the water tank to atomize and evaporate the nutrient solution into the space of the fermentation bed, which plays a role in natural evaporation and humidification. The temperature probe is installed on the side of the water tank to detect the temperature of the nutrient solution and is connected to the heating film through the controller to form a closed loop. When the temperature of the nutrient solution is low, the controller controls the heating film to heat it. When the temperature reaches the set temperature, the heating stops.
[0010] Furthermore, the water tank is also equipped with a water level switch for monitoring the nutrient solution level. The top of the water tank is equipped with an inlet pipe, and the bottom of the water tank is equipped with an outlet pipe. The water level switch, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe are all installed on the side wall of the water tank.
[0011] Furthermore, the heating and heat preservation mechanism includes a vacuum heat preservation board, a water flow sleeve, and an infrared radiation heat equalization coating. The vacuum heat preservation board is disposed on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell, the water flow sleeve is disposed on the inner side of the fermentation bed shell, and the infrared radiation heat equalization coating is disposed on the outer side of the water flow sleeve, covering the water flow sleeve.
[0012] Furthermore, the vacuum insulation board is arranged on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell in an alternating double-layer stacked manner, the water flow sleeve is attached to the inner side of the fermentation bed shell by aerogel felt, and the infrared radiation heat equalization coating is applied to the inner side of the water flow sleeve and the fermentation bed shell by coating or aerogel felt.
[0013] Furthermore, the heating and insulation mechanism also includes a heat source and a cold source. The water flow sleeve is connected to the heat source and the cold source through pipes and a water pump, and the heat source or the cold source is supplied into the water flow sleeve through the water pump.
[0014] The advantages of adopting the technical solution of this utility model are:
[0015] 1. The top humidification part, middle humidification part and bottom humidification part of the humidification mechanism of this utility model realize all-round humidification of the fermentation bed, providing more favorable fermentation conditions for material fermentation. Moreover, each humidification part works independently. If one part fails, the other humidification parts are not affected and can continue to work, ensuring that stable humidity conditions are provided for material fermentation.
[0016] 2. The heating and insulation mechanism of this utility model is embedded in the outer shell of the fermentation bed, which not only saves space, but also uses infrared radiation heating, which makes the heat conduction speed fast and the heating uniform, resulting in better fermentation or germination effect; the temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation bed has a simple structure, high reliability, and low cost, and can achieve continuous production, which greatly saves costs and improves work efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the temperature and humidity system of the present invention for whole grain fermentation bed;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the water tank in this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the humidifying fan of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and heat preservation mechanism of this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and heat preservation mechanism of this utility model. Figure 2 .
[0024] The markings in the above diagrams are as follows: 1. Fermentation bed; 11. Material placement plate; 13. Fermentation unit; 14. Fermentation bed shell; 2. Frame; 41. Spray head; 42. Spray pipe; 43. Humidifying fan; 44. Water tank; 441. Nutrient solution; 442. Heating film; 45. Ultrasonic atomizer; 46. Temperature probe; 47. Water level switch; 48. Inlet pipe; 49. Outlet pipe; 51. Vacuum insulation board; 52. Water flow sleeve; 53. Infrared radiation heat equalization coating; 54. Aerogel felt. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0027] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, a temperature and humidity system for a whole grain fermentation bed includes a fermentation bed 1 and a frame 2. The fermentation bed 1 is mounted on the frame. The system also includes a humidification mechanism and a heating and insulation mechanism. The humidification mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed 1 to humidify the fermented material or germinating seeds. The heating and insulation mechanism is located on the shell of the fermentation bed 1. The humidification mechanism includes a top humidification section, a middle humidification section, and a bottom humidification section. The top humidification section is located at the top of the fermentation bed 1, above the material placement plate. The middle humidification section is installed in the middle of the side wall of the fermentation bed 1. The bottom humidification section is located at the bottom of the fermentation bed 1, below the material placement plate. The material placement plate is arranged in multiple layers. The humidification mechanism, with its top, middle, and bottom humidification sections, provides comprehensive humidification of the fermentation bed, creating more favorable fermentation conditions. Each humidification section operates independently; if one section malfunctions, the others remain unaffected and can continue operating, ensuring stable humidity levels for fermentation. The heating and insulation mechanism is integrated into the outer shell of the fermentation bed, saving space and utilizing infrared radiation heating for rapid heat conduction, uniform heating, and better fermentation or germination. This temperature and humidity system for whole-grain fermentation beds is simple in structure, highly reliable, and cost-effective, enabling continuous production that significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency.
[0028] The top humidification section includes a spray head 41, a spray pipe 42, and a bacterial solution tank or a water tank. The spray pipe 42 is laid on the top of the fermentation bed 1 chamber. The spray pipe 42 is equipped with the spray head 41 and a solenoid valve for controlling the on / off state of the spray head 41. The other end of the spray pipe 42 is connected to the bacterial solution tank or water tank via a pump. When the spray pipe 42 is connected to the bacterial solution tank, the spray head 41 sprays bacterial solution to provide nutrients for material fermentation or seed germination. When no bacterial solution is needed, the spray pipe 42 is connected to the water tank to provide moisture. Multiple bacterial solution tanks can be installed, each containing different bacterial solutions. Different bacterial solutions are provided to the fermenting material according to actual needs or different fermentation stages, achieving multi-strain synergistic fermentation and resulting in better flavor.
[0029] The central humidification section includes a humidifying fan 43, which is a centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan. These fans are installed on the side walls of the fermentation bed, with at least one fan installed in each fermentation unit 13. Installing centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fans in each section achieves a five-in-one technical solution integrating rapid temperature control, humidification, oxygen supply, fresh air supply, and energy saving. Fan operating time is reduced by 65%, and overall energy consumption is reduced by more than 38%. Simultaneous control of moisture, heat, oxygen, and nutrients is possible, simplifying the entire fermentation process.
[0030] The bottom humidification section is a humidification water tank, which includes a water tank 44, an ultrasonic atomizer 45, and a temperature probe 46. The water tank 44 has no top cover and is a drawer-type structure installed at the bottom of the fermentation and germination mechanism. The water tank 44 contains nutrient solution 441. A heating film 442 is installed at the bottom of the water tank 44 to heat the nutrient solution in the water tank. The ultrasonic atomizer 45 and the temperature probe 46 are located inside the water tank. The ultrasonic atomizer 45 is installed on the bottom plate of the water tank to atomize and evaporate the nutrient solution into the space of the fermentation bed, which plays a role in natural evaporation and humidification. The temperature probe 46 is installed on the side of the water tank 44 to detect the temperature of the nutrient solution 441 and is connected to the heating film 442 through a controller to form a closed loop. When the temperature of the nutrient solution 441 is low, the controller controls the heating film 442 to heat it. When the set temperature is reached, the heating stops.
[0031] The water tank 44 is also equipped with a water level switch 47 for monitoring the nutrient solution level. The top of the water tank 44 is equipped with an inlet pipe 48, and the bottom of the water tank 44 is equipped with an outlet pipe 49. The water level switch 47, the inlet pipe 48, and the outlet pipe 49 are all installed on the side wall of the water tank 44.
[0032] The heating and heat preservation mechanism includes a vacuum heat preservation plate 51, a water flow sleeve 52, and an infrared radiation heat equalization coating 53. The vacuum heat preservation plate 51 is disposed on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell 14, the water flow sleeve 52 is disposed on the inner side of the fermentation bed shell 14, and the infrared radiation heat equalization coating 53 is disposed on the outer side of the water flow sleeve 52, covering the water flow sleeve 52.
[0033] Preferably, the vacuum heat insulation board 51 is arranged on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell 14 in an alternating double-layer stacked manner, the water flow sleeve 52 is attached to the inner side of the fermentation bed shell 14 by aerogel felt 54, and the infrared radiation heat equalization coating 53 is applied to the inner side of the water flow sleeve 52 and the fermentation bed shell 14 by coating or aerogel felt.
[0034] The heating and insulation mechanism also includes a heat source and a cold source. The water flow jacket 52 is connected to the heat source and the cold source through pipes and a water pump. The water pump supplies the heat source or the cold source into the water flow jacket 52. A temperature sensor is installed inside the fermentation bed. Both the temperature sensor and the water pump are connected to the controller. The temperature sensor transmits the detected temperature inside the fermentation bed to the controller. When the temperature inside the fermentation bed is low, the controller controls the water pump to deliver the heat source into the water flow jacket 52. When the temperature inside the fermentation bed is too high, the controller controls the water pump to deliver the cold source into the water flow jacket 52, thereby achieving temperature control.
[0035] The type of infrared radiation heat-spreading coating 53 can also be selected according to different needs. The infrared radiation heat-spreading coating 53 uses a binchotan carbon nanotube infrared heat-spreading ceramic coating to achieve high-speed radiative heating of materials. Simultaneously, the infrared ceramic coating is a water-based inorganic ceramic material, biologically inert and does not react chemically with the material, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. It has a fast thermal conductivity and heat transfer rate, allowing for surface-to-surface radiative heat transfer, increasing heat and mass transfer efficiency by an average of 180%.
[0036] The system employs a Miller plate jacket design, with the intermediate jacket using circulating water for real-time temperature control and adjustment. The outer wall of the jacket utilizes double-layered 10mm STP vacuum insulation panels, stacked in an alternating pattern for insulation. The vacuum insulation panels offer excellent insulation performance, with a thermal conductivity of 0.008 and a heat retention time of approximately 180 minutes.
[0037] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present invention is limited to these examples; within the framework of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.
[0038] Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A temperature and humidity system for a whole grain fermentation bed, comprising a fermentation bed (1) and a frame (2), wherein the fermentation bed (1) is mounted on the frame, characterized in that: It also includes a humidification mechanism and a heating and insulation mechanism. The humidification mechanism is installed in the fermentation bed (1) to humidify the fermentation material or germinating seeds. The heating and insulation mechanism is set on the shell of the fermentation bed (1). The humidification mechanism includes a top humidification part, a middle humidification part and a bottom humidification part. The top humidification part is set at the top of the fermentation bed (1) and above the material placement plate (11). The middle humidification part is installed in the middle of the side wall of the fermentation bed (1). The bottom humidification part is set at the bottom of the fermentation bed (1) and below the material placement plate. The material placement plate is arranged in multiple layers.
2. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top humidification part includes a spray head (41), a spray pipe (42), and a bacterial liquid tank or a water tank. The spray pipe (42) is laid on the top of the fermentation bed (1) chamber. The spray pipe (42) is equipped with a spray head (41) and a solenoid valve for controlling the opening and closing of the spray head (41). The other end of the spray pipe (42) is connected to the bacterial liquid tank or water tank through a pump body.
3. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The central humidification section includes a humidifying fan (43), which is a centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan. The centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan is installed on the side wall of the fermentation bed, and at least one centrifugal vortex spray humidifying fan is installed in each fermentation unit (13).
4. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom humidification part is a humidification water tank, which includes a water tank (44), an ultrasonic atomizer (45), and a temperature probe (46). The water tank (44) has no top cover and is a drawer-type structure installed at the bottom of the fermentation and germination mechanism. The water tank (44) contains nutrient solution (441), and a heating film (442) is provided at the bottom of the water tank (44) to heat the nutrient solution in the water tank.
5. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The ultrasonic atomizer (45) and temperature probe (46) are installed inside the water tank. The ultrasonic atomizer (45) is installed on the bottom plate of the water tank to atomize and evaporate the nutrient solution into the space of the fermentation bed, which plays a role in natural evaporation and moisturizing. The temperature probe (46) is installed on the side of the water tank (44) to detect the temperature of the nutrient solution (441).
6. The temperature and humidity system for a whole grain fermentation bed as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The water tank (44) is also equipped with a water level switch (47) for monitoring the nutrient solution level. The top of the water tank (44) is equipped with an inlet pipe (48), and the bottom of the water tank (44) is equipped with an outlet pipe (49). The water level switch (47), the inlet pipe (48), and the outlet pipe (49) are all installed on the side wall of the water tank (44).
7. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heating and heat preservation mechanism includes a vacuum heat preservation plate (51), a water flow sleeve (52), and an infrared radiation heat equalization coating (53). The vacuum heat preservation plate (51) is disposed on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell (14), the water flow sleeve (52) is disposed on the inner side of the fermentation bed shell (14), and the infrared radiation heat equalization coating (53) is disposed on the outer side of the water flow sleeve (52) and covers the water flow sleeve (52).
8. The temperature and humidity system for whole grain fermentation beds as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The vacuum heat insulation board (51) is arranged on the outer side of the fermentation bed shell (14) in an alternating double-layer stacked manner. The water flow sleeve (52) is attached to the inner side of the fermentation bed shell (14) by aerogel felt (54). The infrared radiation heat equalization coating (53) is applied to the inner side of the water flow sleeve (52) and the fermentation bed shell (14) by coating or attaching aerogel felt.
9. A temperature and humidity system for a whole grain fermentation bed as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The heating and insulation mechanism also includes a heat source and a cold source. The water flow sleeve (52) is connected to the heat source and the cold source through pipes and water pumps, and the heat source or cold source is supplied into the water flow sleeve (52) through the water pumps.