Alternative to Blichmann Tower of Power

[Ghottman]

I am building a semi automated gas fired HERMS system and I am looking for an inexpensive way to control my HLT temp. After searching the web all I can find is the Tower of Power. If I had the money I would go this route w/o a doubt. Are there any products out there that are similar. I am not too electrically inclined, so I want a unit that runs on standard 120v.

 

[Brewcycle69]

Even if you don't want to build anything it would still be worth looking on the Electrical Brewing and Automated Brewing threads if you haven't already.

Cheers.

 

[Ghottman]

My problem is, i dont have a 220v plug anywhere near where i want to brew, and i am not too keen on paying an electritian to put one in. If i use 120v i dont think i would be able to heat enogh water to make a 10 gallons batch.

Would it be possible to use both propane and a heating element on my 15 gallon HLT. I would use the propane to heat the water to 150-160, and then use the 120v, (1500w) heater to maintain the temp, and heat it up fot step mashing?

 

[byrone]

You could use a RIMS tube to maintain the temperature. I use PID controller with the 2" rims tube from Brewers Hardware that has a 4500W 240V heater running on 120V to maintain my mash temperature.

 

[Brewcycle69]

With a HERMS you really don't need any electrically powered heating source. You need to monitor the temperature that's going through your HERMS (HLT) and back into your mash tun, correct? So you need a PID that can monitor temperature and turn on and off the burner under the HLT; the automation forum has several gas automation builds that should work for you. The control box with PID will easily run off 120v; they are very helpful with setting up an automated gas valve so your control box will re-light your burner automatically.

Good Luck it will be a nice system.