Please tell more about the "smartPID"!
Hi
I bought the cube version ( don't think they make the Din version now) this link takes you to the product, scroll down to the homebrew bit for more info.
https://smartpid.com/products/
Basically you remove the control panel and electronics in the brewzilla and then wire this in. It's pretty straightforward, I managed it and have remotely helped with a friend another brewer to fit one in their system.
Instead of using a thermostat for on off control of the elements or having to switch elements on and off this has a small computer in it with an algorithm for temperature control. As the temperature approaches your target temperature the power input to the elements is reduced using a Solid State relay rather than the 30 amp relays on the brewzilla. This stops overshoot and also then maintains a steady state. Multiple mash steps can be programmed in, also there is control of boil power so you can have a gentle boil and more control. This is important on my system as I use a steam hat and condenser, without significant power reduction the boil would be out of control. I usually boil at about 30% power.
The SmartPID also controls the pump so it can be cycled during the mash ie every ten minutes it will turn off for your prescribed time and then restart. This lets the grain bed drain. It also cuts off the pump at a set temperature so you don't boil with the pump on. Starts the whirlpool etc.
You can add another sensor to measure temperature from another area of the system, say the top of the mash bed or plug it in to get temperature out of the counterflow chiller.
It can also control and run a separate HLT again with the algorithm, a further 12 V controller is in place for running another thing such as a powered mash stirrer ( I haven't done that).
It has a separate app and also integrates with brewfather so you can build the recipe and mash profile, export via wifi and then start it via the app, get alerts for additions etc.
It really is good, no overshoots now control within 0.3 celsius, doesn't need watching all the time transformational really.
I've done a few other modifications to my Guten such as a whirlpool fitting and three way on the recirculation to allow whirlpool and over the top recirculation at the same time if needed. This helps during the mash as the whirlpool mixes the dead space liquor / wort caught between the malt pipe and kettle wall. This was pointed out to me as an efficiency issue to me by
@doug293cz , the suggestion of lifting the malt pipe during the mash doesn't work with the brewzilla because when you do this the bottom grille in the malt pipe can get dislodged, grain escapes etc. The Anvil I understand has a fixed malt pipe bottom so not an issue with those. The whirlpool during mash improved my efficiency and has of course helped during the end of boil phase to isolate hops and trub before transfer.