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phoenixs4r · 07-16-2012, 01:38 AM

it won't get cold enough. The problem isn't the refrigeration, i believe the insulation used is inadequate.

Probably going to shelf the project for a bit. Need to research insulation and a new way to put the kegs in, as it stands currently its awkward at best.

phoenixs4r · 07-16-2012, 09:08 PM

This is how it finished. We removed the cabinet all together and grabbed our existing Danby kegerator and just put the countertop on it for now.

Thank god I had a back up, I'm off call and just counting down the hours for a beer tonight. We moved the cabinet kegerorater into the garage for further assessment and rebuild at a later date when we figure out the best rigid insulation to use ,as well as a less back strenuous way to load the kegs.

phoenixs4r · 07-31-2012, 11:33 PM

So from my research, it appears the type of insulation I used may be the culprit to why this project didn't work. Apparently I'm using an open celled type of insulation, when I should be using a closed cell type of insulation. The local homedepot sells some pink insulation that should work better. I'm curious if anyone knows if 1" is an acceptable thickness for the project or if 2" would be needed. Obviously 2" would be BETTER, i'm interested in if I can get away with 1" thick.

**Carlscan26** · 11-27-2012, 08:17 PM

What did you end up doing with this?

**Revvy** · 11-27-2012, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenixs4r

One more for the DIY copy cat of revy's tap handles.

I'm honored, because you're project looks awesome....and insane.

Did you ever finish?

Bonwit · 11-27-2012, 11:20 PM

I can't help but wonder if your problem might be inefficient dissipation of heat from the condenser coil. When installed in the mini-frig, this coil is bonded with a metallic tape to the metal outer wall of the unit, which provides a very good heat-sink. Having the tube just loose like you have isn't going to cut it, and the icing of your evaporator plate is your first clue.

I'd try and find a way to increase the area of the condenser. Perhaps you can tape it to a sheet of metal screwed to the back of the cabinet, much like it was originally. H.D. or Lowe's carries this metallic tape.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

phoenixs4r · 11-28-2012, 01:42 AM

Thanks for the responses. The project currently sits in my garage collecting dust. Hopefully before Xmas it will be finished as I'm pretty much being forced to take a week off in December.

As far why it hasn't worked it is more than likely a combination of the condenser coils as the above poster mentioned and a lack of proper insulation. The crap I used wasn't good enough, but it was free so I attempted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonwit

I can't help but wonder if your problem might be inefficient dissipation of heat from the condenser coil. When installed in the mini-frig, this coil is bonded with a metallic tape to the metal outer wall of the unit, which provides a very good heat-sink. Having the tube just loose like you have isn't going to cut it, and the icing of your evaporator plate is your first clue.

I'd try and find a way to increase the area of the condenser. Perhaps you can tape it to a sheet of metal screwed to the back of the cabinet, much like it was originally. H.D. or Lowe's carries this metallic tape.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

Thank you for the advice. I think I saw a spare sheet of stainless floating around the shop I'll attempt to tape them to when I redo this.

phoenixs4r · 11-28-2012, 01:44 AM

To tide us over in the meantime I literally shoved my old mini fridge under the counter and drilled a hole for the home depot tower. The tap handles were custom widdled by my GF from a branch she randomly found.

Edit: and on the drip drains was some of the most delicious beer battered fish and chips using Denny's rye IPA as the beer of choice. My first attempt at cooking faired pretty well.

ten80 · 04-11-2013, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenixs4r

Thank you for the advice. I think I saw a spare sheet of stainless floating around the shop I'll attempt to tape them to when I redo this.

stainless retails heat, you be better off with aluminum or copper to act as a heat sink. Can't think of a good way to apply either right now, might need a beer for inspiration.

phoenixs4r · 04-12-2013, 03:24 AM

I ended up chucking this project unfortunately.