AFAJ Brew Guy
Well-Known Member
So I have been thinking about the rising temps here in Nevada and the temps associated with brewing beer and getting quite concerned. I know that there is a plethora of info here on the forum about this that and the other ways of keeping your brew cooled and have finally settled on the tried and try cooler solution. However that got me thinking even more. Could you not just build your own?
Now I know you can, but being a beer snob and an IT guy kind of leave me lacking in the building department. Don't get me wrong, in my day I could build some really nice cabinets, and have, but I have never had to keep the contents cool. That is where I need help, I know little to nothing about insulation.
Now I know all an ice chest is, is foam with plastic sandwiched around it, and well I guess I better get to the point.
After the cabinet is made we would have to worry about three types of thermal contamination, radiative, conductive, and convective. The foam board insulation should take care of the last two, but what about radiation? So what I have been thinking is using the Reflectix foam bubble wrap in between the wood paneling and the foam board.
Now the question is, will this work? Is it even worth it? What "R" rating would you need to keep the cabinet in the 60's while it is sitting in a 100+ degree garage? Maybe the master home builders on the site can answer this question. Thanks!
Now I know you can, but being a beer snob and an IT guy kind of leave me lacking in the building department. Don't get me wrong, in my day I could build some really nice cabinets, and have, but I have never had to keep the contents cool. That is where I need help, I know little to nothing about insulation.
Now I know all an ice chest is, is foam with plastic sandwiched around it, and well I guess I better get to the point.
After the cabinet is made we would have to worry about three types of thermal contamination, radiative, conductive, and convective. The foam board insulation should take care of the last two, but what about radiation? So what I have been thinking is using the Reflectix foam bubble wrap in between the wood paneling and the foam board.
Now the question is, will this work? Is it even worth it? What "R" rating would you need to keep the cabinet in the 60's while it is sitting in a 100+ degree garage? Maybe the master home builders on the site can answer this question. Thanks!