Although I haven't updated this forum recently... here's a list of things we've accomplished:
(this is still a work in progress)
Note this is for an electric brewery, but I'll add expandability for natural gas or propane users soon. (As well as hybrid support for those who use gas to heat quickly, and electric to maintain temperature)
1) The brewery will require at minimum, 11KW to operate. However, only two plugs will be required to physically plug into the panel.
2) The system allows you to be boiling one batch while mashing the other in perfect timing with each other.
3) We've successfully parsed the BEER_XML file format and the system understands single infusion, n step infusion, and decoction mashing profiles.
4) The mobile interface successfully has connected to the beaglebone, and we can actuate pumps, valves, etc.
5) I've multiplexed the 7 analog inputs of the beaglebone to allow for up to 28 inputs.
6) We used the LM34 temperature sensor to measure temp instead of a thermister.
7) I've created a more efficient P&ID for the herms system. Meaning, the footprint of the brewery is now smaller. Also, the design allows the user to reclaim heat from the kettle.
8) I've eliminated the control box.
9) I've eliminated a ton of useless wiring
10) I've reduced the time to brew the first batch of beer by 23 minutes (on average), and subsequent batches by almost 2 hours (assuming that you start a new batch after completing the old one).
11) We've replaced
this with a $55 beaglebone black.
12) I eliminated all of those PID controllers that people have been using. This eliminated complexity as well as useless expenses.
13) We're currently working on finishing a CIP loop.
14) We're also working on integrating fermentation chambers with a wireless interface that will connect to your beaglebone.
I believe there is more than enough here to constitute what my senior design culminated into...
I'll be posting a more full work up as I finish knocking out the final kinks of the project. Currently it's in transit back home, but should be here in the next two weeks.
Questions? Any clarifications?
-JG