FINALLY the FERM build is almost complete. Had to put the build off for a while (started 2/28) waiting for the STC-1000 to arrive from over seas. Finally came in this past Saturday so I got back to finalizing the inside yesterday. Here's a spec list of the build.
Dimensions: 6.5'x30''x2.5' (LxDxH)
Used a Magic Chef mini fridge from Lowe's and a small space heater
Temp Controlle: STC-1000 Dual Stage 110V
Metal Framing, 2'' rigis insulation, spray foam for all interior voids in the metal studs, HVAC foil tape for all joints, FRP for inside finish.
All wiring is completly hidden within the insulation, except where connected to the controler. I put an exterior outlet box on the back of the unit for the power to heater and refer (clipping off the jumper on the hot line connection of the plug). I am attaching the temp prob to the center carboy to access ambient temperature within the chamber (pics will follow).
I think I covered it. Here's some pics of the build. I'll post more once the chamber is 100% complete. Thanks to many of you who post on here for the good info as I used a binch of information from many to plan and complete this build.
Start of Framing:
On to Spray Foam of the metal fram voids:
Rigid Insulation Install (1.5'' base w/ full 1/2'' pieces over the 1.5'' to create a total of 2''. All pieces were taped w/ HVAC foil tape)
does anyone ever consider that stuff like this may be overworking the cooling unit on these? especially making something cool more sq ft than originally intended?
I ask because i may try something like this in the future. But im paranoid because my mom had a faulty mini fridge that burned her house down a few years ago. so i'm a bit paranoid..
does anyone ever consider that stuff like this may be overworking the cooling unit on these? especially making something cool more sq ft than originally intended? but nice build btw!!
I also wonder if you are going to get enough cooling from the frost type cooling the mini fridge uses. I imagine you will have some steep temp changes from one side to the other. Unless you plan on circulating the air somehow. Even if so, why did you keep the fridge box, you could have ripped it apart and just used the compressor and the cooling plate. It would also give you the ability to locate that plate centrally.
all in all hope it all work out for you!!! Looks great
Love the build looking to do something very similar soon.
Couple questions:
1. How many carboys will fit?
2. Is there a reason for the metal frame over a wooden frame?
3. Is the space heater going to be placed in the fridge or somewhere else?
1) 7 total
2) metal studs are way lighter and the strength of 1.5" metal studs against 1x wood is far superior. The whole unit is relatively light in comparison.
3) space heater is about 10" tall and yes is in the unit.
does anyone ever consider that stuff like this may be overworking the cooling unit on these? especially making something cool more sq ft than originally intended?
I ask because i may try something like this in the future. But im paranoid because my mom had a faulty mini fridge that burned her house down a few years ago. so i'm a bit paranoid..
but nice build btw!!
I insulated the living crap out of this unit. Total of 2" w/ spray foam inside all voids and cavities. I brew mostly Ales so temp needed is 64 degrees. Not that difficult to achieve with a well insulated unit. In the end you are trying to maintain the temp after you have already achieved target temp. So your really only putting the most strain on the unit at the beginning.
I also wonder if you are going to get enough cooling from the frost type cooling the mini fridge uses. I imagine you will have some steep temp changes from one side to the other. Unless you plan on circulating the air somehow. Even if so, why did you keep the fridge box, you could have ripped it apart and just used the compressor and the cooling plate. It would also give you the ability to locate that plate centrally.
all in all hope it all work out for you!!! Looks great
Lol To be honest that is one of many, damn I should of done this differently, thoughts I've had.
FERM Build Progress Pics (tons of pics)
Linear Mode
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