3D Fermentation Vessel Monitoring for Thermal State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and controlling conditions within fermentation vessels, such as wine fermentation tanks, rely on localized temperature measurements, which fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vessel's thermal state due to non-uniform temperature distributions caused by varying densities and exothermic reactions, limiting process control and wine quality.
Innovation Solution
A system employing multipoint sensor arrays within the vessel to collect data, which is then interpolated across the vessel's three-dimensional geometry, allowing for dynamic visualization and control of conditions like temperature and density through a control interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If localized temperature sensors are used to monitor fermentation vessels, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and comprehensive understanding of thermal state deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system divides the fermentation vessel into multiple spatial zones with sensor arrays distributed throughout the three-dimensional volume. Each sensor array segment monitors local conditions, and the computer integrates these segmented measurements to reconstruct the complete thermal state, resolving the contradiction between simple localized sensing and comprehensive global understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional surface or single-point temperature measurements to three-dimensional volumetric monitoring by strategically positioning sensor arrays at multiple heights and radial positions within the vessel. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive thermal state characterization without requiring excessive sensors at any single location.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor arrays are positioned throughout the vessel to capture complete thermal state, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor arrays measuring different parameters (temperature, density, refractive index) are merged into a unified monitoring system processed by a single computer. The computer integrates data from all sensor arrays and applies interpolation algorithms to reconstruct the complete three-dimensional thermal state, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer acts as an intermediary that receives raw measurements from distributed sensor arrays and transforms them into meaningful three-dimensional thermal state information through interpolation algorithms. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the relationship between complex sensor configurations and the final thermal understanding, making the system more manageable.
3Ease of operation
If spot temperature measurements are taken at single locations, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information about complete thermal state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides comprehensive three-dimensional thermal state information as feedback to operators through visual displays showing temperature distributions throughout the vessel. This rich feedback enables operators to make informed decisions about fermentation management, mixing requirements, and cooling needs, compensating for the increased information processing while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual three-dimensional copy of the thermal state within the fermentation vessel through computer-based interpolation and visualization. This digital replica provides complete thermal information without requiring physical access to multiple measurement points, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating information loss about the complete thermal state.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for regression modeling and mapping an interior volume of a fluid containment vessel and interpolating data from multi-point sensor arrays within the fluid containment vessel to detect conditions across the interior volume of the fluid containment vessel. The interpolated data may then be used to control operating equipment associated with the fluid containment vessel to modify the conditions within the fluid containment vessel.