Beginner Question

[kylek42]

Hey guys I am just getting into the brew game (first batch is still in the carboy) and I came across this forum topic. Since then I have gotten crazy interested into electronic brewing and also automation. I am currently a computer engineer major at university and I love projects that can benefit my hobbies. I just had a few questions I thought you guys could answer.

1) What is automated Brewing? What is automated? Is it just the automation of measurements and timers for boiling and fermenting?
2)I was looking into electronic brewing and it seems like most of it could be a diy project rather than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars to buy the specialty made parts etc, is this true?
3) Is this automated/electronic brewing method only used for things like all wheat brews? I'm still unfamiliar with the various brewing methods being that as of now my only experience is with a brewers best kit.
4) Do you guys have any recommendations such as getting more experience before I go for electronic brewing etc?

 

[day_trippr]

[...]
1) What is automated Brewing? What is automated? Is it just the automation of measurements and timers for boiling and fermenting?

It is what you make of it: from merely controlling temperatures, to fluid volume measurement, valve and pump control, hop additions...

2)I was looking into electronic brewing and it seems like most of it could be a diy project rather than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars to buy the specialty made parts etc, is this true?

Quality parts are still pricey, but the labor is yours to value.

3) Is this automated/electronic brewing method only used for things like all wheat brews?[...]

Automation is generally recipe-agnostic.

4) Do you guys have any recommendations such as getting more experience before I go for electronic brewing etc?

Read. A lot. Here on HBT, over at http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/, maybe buy their book...

Cheers!

 

[bheinecke]

Assuming your first batch was an extract brew. Do an all grain brew or sit in with someone else who does all grain and you'll get a better idea of the processes involved and a better feel for the benefits of automation.

I am sure you would get cost numbers all over the board as it is largely dependent on the specifics of your system but I here is one data point(silibraid). I am wrapping up a fully automated 2-vessel system capable of 7 gallon batches and and using SS for everything that touches the wort except lines. I have been keeping track and hope to end around $1300-1400 after I include all of the odds/ends. This is using electric ball valves, pumps, two kettles, temperature & level sensors, and a lot of SS fittings (fittings cost is significant).
Looking at the BOM I could have shaved off ~$150 if I would not have made the system modular. I spent a extra so I can easily take it apart for cleaning and to put it in a closet when not using it.

This is only to cover the brew day. Automating temperature control during fermentation involves other equipment that I don't have first hand experience with.

 

[Brewmeister10]

Interesting topic! I would definitely recommend doing a couple of extract batches, and then some all grain batches before making your decisions on electric brewing and automation. As an engineering student you could have fun, learn something, and save money by building your own system. There are some electric brewing systems on the market you review on the internet, for example, the Picobrew system, and Speidels Braumeister. But if you are so inclined, I would go the build-it-yourself way.