Project
Title
Modellbasierte digitale Plattform für Echtzeit-Ethylenvorhersage in der Obstlagerung
Acronym
DigiEthylene
Start
01.01.2026
End
31.12.2026
Coordinating Institute
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)
Coordinator
Partner
Universität Bremen
Project team ATB
Allocated to research program
Summary
Fresh fruits and vegetables are highly perishable commodities, and ethylene plays a central role in regulating ripening, senescence, and postharvest quality loss. Despite significant advances in ethylene sensing technologies, real-time monitoring in commercial storage remains challenging due to high costs, sensor drift, environmental sensitivity, and limited scalability. This project, DigiEthylene, proposes a model-based digital platform for real-time ethylene prediction in fruit storage by integrating physiological modelling with Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks. The platform combines kinetic and mechanistic models of ethylene production, diffusion, and scavenger-based removal with live measurements of temperature, O2, CO2, and airflow. A state-observer framework will be implemented to reduce sensor noise and improve prediction accuracy, while simplified spatial modelling will enable real-time estimation of ethylene distribution within storage environments. Monte Carlo simulations will be applied to quantify uncertainty and assess model reliability, followed by experimental validation using controlled storage trials with Conference pears as a case study. The proposed approach shifts ethylene monitoring from direct measurement to predictive modelling using low-cost sensor inputs, enabling scalable and energy-efficient digital twins for postharvest storage systems. Ultimately, the platform aims to support decision-making in fruit storage by enabling early prediction of ethylene accumulation, reducing food waste, improving shelf life, and enhancing storage management strategies.
Funding
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Funding agency
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Funding framework
Basismodul, Eigene Stelle