Fermentation chamber

[Dewrag]

I just joined the forum and wanted to share my idea. I have been reading thread for a while and decided it was time to partake. As with any new idea, it has probably been done before.

My fermentation chamber:
I drilled holes in the top of my kegerator and attached a PC fan above the hole to pull air out of the freezer. I made an insulated box above the kegerator that holds two five gallon carboys. I installed a heating blanket and a Lerway Temperature controller. To keep the holes from freezing solid I attached resistors to a 12V DC adapter and snaked them through the holes. The chamber holds a constant temperature and free's up the kegerator for my corny kegs. I keep the kegerator at 45F and the fermentation chamber at whatever temp I need for fermentation. I was wondering if anyone else could share their DIY fermentation chamber secrets? :rockin:

 

[estricklin]

I just joined the forum and wanted to share my idea. I have been reading thread for a while and decided it was time to partake. As with any new idea, it has probably been done before.

My fermentation chamber:
I drilled holes in the top of my kegerator and attached a PC fan above the hole to pull air out of the freezer. I made an insulated box above the kegerator that holds two five gallon carboys. I installed a heating blanket and a Lerway Temperature controller. To keep the holes from freezing solid I attached resistors to a 12V DC adapter and snaked them through the holes. The chamber holds a constant temperature and free's up the kegerator for my corny kegs. I keep the kegerator at 45F and the fermentation chamber at whatever temp I need for fermentation. I was wondering if anyone else could share their DIY fermentation chamber secrets? :rockin:


View attachment 276237

Very creative I like it. Does the PC fan only run when the temperature controller kicks on? I'm asking because I'm guessing your still keeping kegs in that thing?

 

[BadWolfBrewing]

Neat idea, although lifting full carboys up that high sounds bad for the back.

 

[Dewrag]

The heating pad and fan only come on when needed. They are plugged into the temperature controller. I am working on a three pulley system to lift the carboys that high. That's my next project after I finish my "water" still... :cross: I am going to circulate through the freezer to make the still's condenser. I am just trying to get the maximum use out of the freezer on my kegerator. In the past, all of that cold air has just been unused.

 

[vwmasstransit]

Cool idea! I agree that lifting that high sounds like a pain. Here's what I did: View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1431881416.111052.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1431881436.136247.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1431881454.962041.jpgView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1431881480.858198.jpg

 

[BadWolfBrewing]

That's a neat idea, nice work

 

[mabrungard]

I employed a similar approach with ducting from the freezer compartment. The OP's approach would place the chamber pretty high and that would be a chore to get beer into and out of. My chamber is beside the fridge with twin insulated ducts tying the freezer and chamber together in a circuit. There is a thermostat-controlled computer fan in one duct to control air flow. There is no worries with cold air siphoning in or out of the chamber. Its good for temperatures between freezing and ale temps. That chamber has been in use for about 10 years.

 

[C-Rider]

I have 4 apt sized refers from Sam's Club that DO NOT have that use less freezer compartment. Sorry just a bit off topic. I use mine for drinking beer, conditioning beer, and cold crashing.

 

[Dewrag]

I agree. Lifting the carboys above the fridge is a chore. I like the workout but can see how it isn't for everyone. I thought of building the unit next to the fridge, but the space above was very usable and didn't encroach into my packed garage. I am a man with too many hobbies and garage real estate is borderline priceless... On a similar note, anyone looking to buy some music equipment (guitars pedals, mixer, etc, etc...)