Side by side refrigerator conversion?

theron · 05-07-2009, 09:12 PM

Does anyone know if it is possible to use a side by side refrigerator to ferment ales in one side and the other side as a kegerator? If so how would you go about doing this?

theron · 05-08-2009, 03:11 AM

Does anyone know if it is possible to use a side by side refrigerator to ferment ales in one side and use the other side as a kegerator? If so how did you go about doing this?

jkpq45 · 05-08-2009, 03:13 PM

If I'm remembering correctly, my freezer and fridge have a separate temp. control knob in each compartment. I'd suggest sticking a thermal guessing device (thermometer) in each side, fiddling with the knobs and seeing what happens.

I doubt you'll be able to use stock temp. controls to get temp. in either compartment into the high 60s for ales though.

Arkador · 05-08-2009, 03:17 PM

my side by side fridge has the following ranged (2 temprature controlers)

Fridge 31-42
freezer 22-32

Boerderij_Kabouter · 05-08-2009, 03:24 PM

Unless you have a very high end side-by-side, there is only one compressor in that unit. This means that only the freezer has cooling potential and the temperature of the fridge is adjusted by variable vents.

Here is my idea of how to make this concept work:

Basically, you need a dual stage controller like the LOVE TSS2-2100 described in my side-by-side thread in my sig. The 16A relay will control your compressor to maintain your desired serving temp in the freezer, and the second relay will control the fan. The tube connects the fan at the bottom of the freezer to the top of the fridge zone. This way, the cold air from the freezer will not "spill" into the fridge and you should be able to maintain separate temperatures pretty well.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 05-08-2009, 03:26 PM

Or you could use two LOVE TS2's and control each space separately. That may be a better option because then you could more easily monitor your temps in each zone.

theron · 05-08-2009, 05:55 PM

So with one controller would the fan kick on at the same time as the compressor? Or would I be able to set a temp for the fan as well without a second controller? Also I am a rookie when it comes to electronics how difficult is this going to be? Sorry for so many questions but space in my one car garage is a premium and the fridge was free.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 05-08-2009, 06:04 PM

No problem.

The TSS2 (dual stage) can accept two temperature probes and control two relays independently. So yes, you could use one controller to control both the fans and the compressor (separately) to maintain two different temps.

The wiring is not all that difficult and if you can find a wiring diagram for the fridge I can help you out.

Arkador · 05-08-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boerderij_Kabouter

The wiring is not all that difficult and if you can find a wiring diagram for the fridge I can help you out.

Both of my refrigerators have wiring diagrams on the back of the unit.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 05-08-2009, 06:57 PM

If you do have two actual thermostats you may be able to simply over ride them without any other DIY fan building nonsense. Depends on the fridge. Post up you diagram and we can figure it out.