BrewPi Fementation Chamber Build - A couple ?s

[mrcastellino]

Hi All,

I thought I would track on this forum my 'brewpi build' using an upright 16.6 cubic foot freezer as the fermentation chamber in the hopes that I could get some feedback from the community here as well as help others with future builds. I currently use this freezer for temp control with a ranco controller and decided to go with a brew pi after not being happy with the temp overshoot. I will preface all of this with I am a DIY noob with limited time on my hands. As such I am taking a 'plug n play' approach as much as possible. While not as interesting or very DIY, perhaps it will serve as another guide for those similar to me that are looking for the functionality of the brewpi without some of the DIY aspects.

I have put together a shopping list of items needed to get this project underway. I will be going with using switched power cords and leaving the freezer in its original state. Hopefully someone can chime in if I am missing something and answer a couple of questions I have:

• Brew Pi Spark v2 normal w/ enclosure + particle photon
• 12V Power Supply for Brew Pi Spark
• 2 Waterproof OneWire Temperature Sensor (RJ11, DS18B20). One for the conical thermowell, the other for the air in fridge.
• 2 SSRs: 1 for cooling and 1 for heating. Since I am going for a plug in play, I will get 2 PowerSwitch Tail II power cords.
Question, I am assuming I would get the ones that are ‘Normally Open (NO)’?
• Antec Tricool Computer Fan - 120mm DBB Cooling Fan with 3-Speed Switch for air circulation in the fermentation chamber.
• Question on whether I need a new Heater?? I already have a 40 watt ‘Fermwrap’ for wrapping around a conical or carboy. Not sure if that will suffice to tightly control the chamber temp in this size of a freezer. I believe over at the BrewPi community they mentioned getting a heat source in the 50-100 watt range such as Zoo Med Reptile Heat Cable 100 Watts, 39-Feet and to avoid ceramic heaters. I saw though that on the thread for 'BrewPi Controller for Cheap' it was recommended to use the heater Lasko 101 My Heat Personal Heater (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q1APZS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20).
Thoughts?
• Magnets to mount Brew Pi Spark (https://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MM-A-16). M3 size screw with a tapered countersunk hole

Attached are the freezer specs (runs 5 amps). It is an energy efficient model so it should have good insulation.


Attached is the Freezer setup with the conical. Note that this freezer does use a fan (vents at the top) to circulate air when cooling but based on the advise from everyone here, I opted to go with computer fan to ensure the chamber temps don't stratify either during heating or when idle.


Based on the setup I would install one of the shelves at the top to mount the computer fan, the temp probe for the fermentation chamber air and if it is recommended I get the 100W heat cable, wrap it through that shelf. Yes, heat does rise but if the computer fan is next to it, it should help to distribute the heat.

Lastly, right now I was planning on running the temp probes through the front door as I have always done. But if there is way to run them through the defrost drain located inside on the bottom shelf, perhaps I can explore that.

Again any input or suggestions would be appreciated before I order. Once I get the parts ordered and they arrive, I will post the setup process with pictures for all to chime in.

Cheers!

 

[mattrox]

Really nice setup!

 

[LBussy]

Since I am going for a plug in play, I will get 2 PowerSwitch Tail II power cords.
Question, I am assuming I would get the ones that are ‘Normally Open (NO)’?

Correct. Those are pretty fancy (and pricey). It looks like they can be wired either way, you would use the NO pair.

Question on whether I need a new Heater??

It sort of depends what your heating loads will be. If the setup is in a conditioned air space, it's possible that your heater will never be needed. All you can do is give it a shot and see how it works. All that costs is some water and time for a test run.

 

[Dolomieu]

Looks good! I use a 17 cuft upright with a brewpi. I use a little lasko my heat for my heat source. It works well. I don't use the heater from late spring to early fall. It's plugged in the rest of the year.

 

[miahpage]

Subscribed!

 

[Pratzie]

Subbing. I've been learning more and more about Pi in an IP Camera forum I'm part of, its amazing what these little boards can do, especially for the price.

Looking forward to seeing your progress here, good luck with it!

 

[Dolomieu]

I have also used a fermentation wrap like product to hear my chamber. I have it taped to the side of the freezer. It worked through the "polar vortex" a few years back. Many things will work. The my heat works well because it has a fan built in and I believe it runs less than when I had the lizard heating tape/fermwrap. I also just run the two probe of my brewpi and the cord for the heater under the door seal.

Best of luck