Object-oriented modelling and simulation of starch mashing

In the brewing process, a well-functioning temperature control in the mashing phase is of paramount importance for a good quality of the final product. Given the complexity of the underlying biochemical reactions, a reliable process model can be of great help. However, most of the models developed in the literature are not suited for that task, since the mash temperature is considered an exogenous input. In this work, literature models are complemented with suitable energy balance equations, implemented in the Modelica language, and verified against literature data. A temperature control system is then set up with one of those (first principle) models, to illustrate the usefulness of the idea, including the possibility of simulating the control code up to a quasi-replica setting—i.e., integrating continuous-time and event-based modelling. Future developments will include more extensive use of model-based control techniques, and also the integration of model forecasts and process measurements, to further improve the control results.