Still Smarter

Well its taken longer than I thought!
Mission Control is now complete. Just waiting for the new Heater elements to arrive.

New controls include meters to actually see what power levels are being used, rather than the old "Dialaguess" method!
I can also switch the power controller out with a bypass circuit so I don't have to run the controller at full power on the initial heat sequence. That's got to be easier on the controller. It should also run cooler as its a 10Kw device, and I've increased the heatsink size by a factor of about 3. Hopefully It shouldn't need a fan, but that's an easy fix if its needed.
Going for a 4.5kw heater and its run straight off the Ring Main, it should be OK, but I can now monitor the voltage, so will see if there is any volt drop when on full load.
Also I can use something smaller like a single hotplate off the 13A socket which is also fed by the controller.

Next job is to complete the cooling for the fermentation chamber. Heating has been done, the Peltier plate I got isn't man enough, but four of them on a huge heatsink should do the job. It doesn't need to chill like a fridge, just reduce the heat a bit when too warm. If its doesn't work, then I'll look for another way to cool it. I am not likely to find a fridge as big as the freezer!

A small step forward today. Once the cooling has been completed I hope to get some corn mashed in, and some Rye.
At least it will be warmer than the car port when winter gets here!

Ele.

Looks very professional Ele. Good job

Well done dude....I need to upgrade my box..


Ice.

i like to see a happy chappie.

Robert.

The one on the left is a bit wonky

Seriously, nice job.

I am watching with interest how you get on with the peltier units. I tried and failed (well ran away screaming)

Mash wrote: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:49 am The one on the left is a bit wonky

Seriously, nice job.

I am watching with interest how you get on with the peltier units. I tried and failed (well ran away screaming)

Yes, a bit off line! The wall behind the plasterboard saw to that. But its securely fixed. Its working gear not a showpiece.
Although I hate it when it goes like that. Leaves me feeling I could have done better! In days gone by I would have mounted it all on a plywood wallboard, and fixed that to the wall. The Socket really ought to be a 32A Commando socket, I will see how it goes, as 16A is enough for 4Kw of heat. May change it later, the old one didn't even get warm at 4Kw.

Ah the Peltier plate! Ordered 10 from one place, and a day later they refunded me as they were out of stock, but then it was shown as the last batch. Poor Stocktaking I suspect! However, I have some more on order. Am thinking of 4 plates, on my 12v 25A supply. Now that's a lot of current (at 12v), but still only 240W. Apart from the plates, I have everything else lying about, so no major supplies to be bought. If it works, its less than a tenner spent. Would replace the PSU if anything for long term use.

Just got back from the shed, and the 60L of Cornflakes are bubbling well and sitting at 25C. My only concern is there is no cooling on the cabinet as yet. But its not High Summer, so think its worth a chance. The shed is a lot cooler than the kitchen! So will suck it and see.
Cant get a bubble trap in the freezer cabinet as its height restricted with a 60L blue barrel in there. So got a bit of pipe into a cider bottle half fulll of water, and that is working well.

So far.. So good!

Ele.

I just love the way different folk approach this hobby.
When it comes to electrics, I am the type that in an emergency would jam cables into a socket with matchsticks.-
Not that I advocate others doing so.
I am equally capable of rewiring a domestic dwelling to be compliant with current regulations.
Done so several times, and had my work signed off.
Stay safe!
There is only the one of you,

Robert.

Elecrafter wrote: Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:37 am Just got back from the shed, and the 60L of Cornflakes are bubbling well and sitting at 25C. My only concern is there is no cooling on the cabinet as yet. But its not High Summer, so think its worth a chance. The shed is a lot cooler than the kitchen! So will suck it and see.
Cant get a bubble trap in the freezer cabinet as its height restricted with a 60L blue barrel in there. So got a bit of pipe into a cider bottle half fulll of water, and that is working well.

So far.. So good!

Ele.

I think cooling is quite rarely required in the UK.

Beer & White wine is probably the hardest because of its lower temps. (18 - 20c)

Wash and Red wine don't need cooling, you just turn the heating off (25 - 32c). In extreme circumstances remove the insulation.

Mash wrote: Fri Oct 15, 2021 7:49 am The one on the left is a bit wonky

I am the same - funtion not form. But that odd one where the screw pulls it away REALLY gets my goat.