Modelling and temperature control of a wine fermentation process with solar cooling

This paper presents modelling, controller design and implementation of a solar-powered vapour absorption cooling system for wine fermentation. All the major system components are modelled and simulated, and a model predictive control approach is taken to design a closed loop system for regulation of the fermentation temperatures. The system was implemented and tested during actual wine fermentation, yielding a very good control performance. This work demonstrates the potential of energy-saving cooling technologies and control system design for the wine making industry.