Mastering the Curve
The Technology Behind the Palmaz Dome
When Christian Palmaz went looking for a technology partner to help him realize his ambitious dream, a first-of-its-kind "Fermentation Intelligence Logic Control System" (FILCS), he wisely chose TankNET®.
The Vision
Seeing Inside the Tank
To bring the FILCS vision to life, Palmaz required a system that could see beyond the stainless steel walls. Each of the winery's fermenters is outfitted with a TankNET® PM-Series touch-screen controller. These rugged units serve as the nervous system for the tank, connecting to an industry-first array of 23 individual temperature sensors per vessel alongside high-precision density probes.
Guiding the Curve
Data capture was only step one; making that data actionable was the goal. TankNET®'s custom software serves as the computational engine for the cellar:
- Advanced Math: The software applies complex interpolating algorithms to the sensor array, calculating and rendering 3.5 million discrete temperature points inside each tank.
- Kinetic Precision: The system integrates Real-time Brix readings and fermentation rates into the control logic. By visualizing the exact kinetics of the yeast, the software empowers the winemaking team to precisely guide each lot along the perfect fermentation curve.
Data Projection on the Dome
The customized TankNET® software is projected onto the winery's planetarium-style dome ceiling. This presents comprehensive fermentation and control data for the entire fermentation round below. The winemaking team can stand in the center of the carousel, look up, and instantly identify the vineyard block source, thermal health, and kinetic progress of every lot at a glance.
The Future
Deep Learning
The innovation extends beyond the cellar. TankNET® uploads this detailed fermentation and analytical data to the FELICS cloud computing platform. By creating a rich historical archive of how specific fermentation rates correlate with temperature outcomes, TankNET® is helping Palmaz pave the way for future deep learning possibilities.
