My New Fermentation/Bottle Conditioning Area?

ThreeTaps · 09-17-2009, 11:56 PM

Hi all,

So I'd like to move my fermentation and bottle conditioning area from the second bathroom to the garage. The good thing is I have this great closet area that will fit probably 4 buckets / carboys, as well as a top shelf for all the bottles. I can also do whatever I want to the inside, such as add shelves, etc. In the pic you'll notice I have a window A/C unit that works great, which I'd like to incorporate somehow to alleviate using frozen bottles in a water bath to keep temps down.

I welcome any and all ideas on the most beneficial way to use this space, and how best to incorporate the A/C unit.

**Brooklyn-Brewtality** · 09-18-2009, 12:08 AM

some insulation board, a little lumber, and some sweat, you could make that one hell of a fermentation chamber

ThreeTaps · 09-18-2009, 01:47 AM

This is something I did in 20 seconds, a very crude portrayal of what I was thinking. The A and B are both possible positions of the A/C unit. A is where the unit would sit on top of the cabinet, and pass the cold air down through a hole in the top. My only concern about this is that the top will be hotter than the bottom, and I don't want it being 68F up top while it's 58F at the bottom...unless I somehow move the temperature sensor of the A/C down to the bottom. B is where the A/C unit would be at ground level.

I could also just take off both doors and make something custom where underneath the new shelf (in blue) could be a contained chamber with side swinging doors and the A/C unit on top of the shelf, passing cold air down through a hole that's like a duct. Above would be side swinging doors too. That area would be for room temperature bottle conditioning.

I just don't know!

Tripod · 09-18-2009, 02:27 AM

I like this idea. You've got me re-thinking my garage now!

shortyjacobs · 09-18-2009, 02:54 AM

I'd put the AC on top, either as depicted in your picture, or sticking through the side and resting on that top shelf.

Cool air falls, so you want to put cool air in the top of the chamber, and put your thermostat somewhere in the middle of the chamber. You'll want a temp controller to run the AC unit, (LOVE controllers can be had for 60 bucks, or there's Ranco or Johnson...), so you can accurately control the temperature.

ThreeTaps · 09-18-2009, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyjacobs

I'd put the AC on top, either as depicted in your picture, or sticking through the side and resting on that top shelf.

Cool air falls, so you want to put cool air in the top of the chamber, and put your thermostat somewhere in the middle of the chamber. You'll want a temp controller to run the AC unit, (LOVE controllers can be had for 60 bucks, or there's Ranco or Johnson...), so you can accurately control the temperature.

Thanks, that's what I'll do. I'll also cut the shelves length wise and take about 1.5 inches from each side, leaving a 3 inch gap down the middle length once I set them back up on the shelf supports. That will help the cold air to fall better and more evenly.

ThreeTaps · 09-18-2009, 04:06 AM

How's this controller look?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-Temperature-Controller-Great-for-Beer-Fridge_W0QQitemZ320424402584QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_15?hash=item4a9ac85e98&_trksid=p3286 .c0.m14#ht_701wt_1165

I need something cheap, hah. Doesn't need to look good as long as it works and does the job.

ThreeTaps · 09-18-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berserker_Brew

some insulation board, a little lumber, and some sweat, you could make that one hell of a fermentation chamber

What kind of insulation board is best? I see foam board, fiberglass, etc. A link to something at home depot or lowes would be awesome

09-18-2009, 06:54 AM

They should be kept in better order.

**Hang Glider** · 09-18-2009, 12:41 PM

Home Depot and Lowes sell 4x8 sheets of 3/4" and 2" foam - that will work to line your closet. 2" would probably be best, but will consume space.

Drop an extension cord into the space and get a small desk-top style fan to keep the air circulating. Then all the cold won't "fall" to the bottom.

looks like it's going to be awsome!

edit: - your e-bay link - says Non-US compliant, and it also runs on 250V. Something to consider.
It switches 250v/16a - so that means you can run almost anything THRU it, but the power required to run it - you need to watch that. Do you want to run it from a household plug? Then you need a 120V unit.