State and parameter estimation in beer fermentation using dielectric measurements

In this paper a dielectric measurement method for the determination of yeast concentrations in beer fermentation is shortly described. On the basis of measurements using a low cost prototype dielectric sensor not only the biomass concentration is determined, but the sugar and ethanol concentrations are estimated as well using an Extended Kalman Filter-based observer. The results of beer fermentation tests in a pilot plant scale bioreactor are reported. It may be concluded that application of this (software) sensor in beer fermentation is promising.