ferm chamber design

[psubrewer]

I've been pondering a fermentation chamber design and would like some feedback.

I don't want to buy another chest freezer just for this purpose. I would prefer to have something more portable and less expensive. I have seen the Son Of Fermentation design and I am certain that freezing and changing out the ice is a PITA that I would like to avoid.

In the basic sense, it will be a 2" foam board rectangular chamber that will fit 2 buckets or carboys.

To provide cooling, I plan on having two vents, one will be cold air supply and the second will be warm air return. The cold air supply and return will be connected to my chest freezer kegerator, which i generally keep between 39-44degs.

The idea would be to exhaust warm air from the top on the fermentation chamber to the keezer and have the supply line pick up air at the bottom of the keezer and return to the bottom of the ferm chamber.

I think I will include airflow check valve (or solenoid) in one of the lines to prevent airflow during the time the fan is off.

A 12V computer fan will provide airflow and will be connected to a temp monitoring system and turn on/off at set temperatures.

Anyway, looking for some general feedback on this design.

 

[runs4beer]

I'll be interested in hearing how this idea work for someone that has made one this way, I was contemplating doing a similar thing but then the folks told me that my collage boy dorm had over stayed it welcome after 18 years…

 

[Chrisl77]

Thats how i ended up cooling my fermentation chamber.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-fermentation-chamber-build-242016/index4.html
It works pretty good I can get it down to 59. When i make lagers i use an ice pack to get it down to 55.

 

[Chrisl77]

To add i would use a fan that moves more air then a computer fan. I used an inline duct booster fan connected to my aquarium temp controller. On the return line i used a 4 inch inline plastic duct damper to help keep cold air from coming into the chamber when the fan is not running.

 

[psubrewer]

Okay, thanks for the link, this is very helpful. I'll have to see if i can get my hands on a cheap inline duct fan.