Cellar temps with Cool Zone jacket

[Sublime8365]

Although I have seen this product discussed when I've done searches, I haven't seen my specific question answered: Does anyone have any experience using this cool zone jacket as a standalone cooling solution without the big enclosure? (i.e. just using the wrap instead of the wrap plus enclosure that they sell in the kits).

http://www.gotta-brew.com/products/cool-zone-cooling-jacket.html

The use case for me will be keeping a sour beer at cellar temps (63-68 F) throughout the year. I would have a small fridge to use for the reservoir. During the summer my house is typically low to mid 70's when I'm home and high 70's when away. Will the wrap/jacket be enough to get it down to those temps without the need for the extra insulation (and cost) of the enclosure?

 

[helterscelter]

Although I have seen this product discussed when I've done searches, I haven't seen my specific question answered: Does anyone have any experience using this cool zone jacket as a standalone cooling solution without the big enclosure? (i.e. just using the wrap instead of the wrap plus enclosure that they sell in the kits).

http://www.gotta-brew.com/products/cool-zone-cooling-jacket.html

The use case for me will be keeping a sour beer at cellar temps (63-68 F) throughout the year. I would have a small fridge to use for the reservoir. During the summer my house is typically low to mid 70's when I'm home and high 70's when away. Will the wrap/jacket be enough to get it down to those temps without the need for the extra insulation (and cost) of the enclosure?

I use these to control fermentation temps in sanke(s) with my glycol system -- both ale temp and lager temp ranges.. I use insulation on the fermenter and the glycol lines.

the biggest problem you'll have with your plan (afaik) is heat ingress overpowering your fridge/reservoir's capacity to cool..
without insulation your fridge will need to work much harder than it normally should and won't last as long. it also may not have enough btu capacity to keep your intended 10 degree drop from ambient without any insulation.

if price is a concern, you could build a simple enclosure out of hard-board insulation or some other insulation you can find at a hardware store:

(I've not used this, but it looks interesting: http://www.homedepot.com/p/UltraTouch-48-in-x-6-ft-Radiant-Barrier-30000-11406/100656748)


a square under your fermenter and a box made of this stuff placed over the fermenter should get you a pretty good enclosure without a whole lot of cost:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Foamular...uare-Edge-Insulating-Sheathing-20WE/207179253