CRAFTBEERKING
Member
A couple years ago I was fortunate enough to acquire a used fridge from a buddy which I rapidly converted to my first keggerator. I have an SS Brewtech 7 gallon chronical fermenter with the FTSS temp control on the way. What I am looking to do is run the coolant in and out lines into the freezer compartment on the same fridge unit. Inside would be a 7 -10 gallon reservoir with glycol solution. I also have an old immersion chiller from a DIY build years back. I'm hoping that if I run the line coming into the freezer through the coil (coil is also in freezer box) then back into coolant reservoir, that the coolant temp will remain low enough for the system to be reasonably efficient.
I have read up on some of the posts detailing the BTU output of freezers being significantly lower than that of the AC builds. However. I am trying to use what I have first, before going out and buying more stuff to rip apart.
I also have a basic understanding of heat transfer-ie the air in the freezer has insulating properties; direct contact with coolant coils is more efficient.
I understand the inherent danger in drilling through a freezer wall, but I am handy enough to manage that without any trouble.
My questions for the more savvy DIYers are:
Assuming the reservoir has a seven gallon capacity, Is the cooling capacity of this freezer adequate to keep my ferm vessel at temp? (I only ever do 5 gallon or less batches)
Would I even need the immersion coil in the freezer or could I just run the line back into the reservoir?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Drinking: Oak aged Yeti
Bottled: Babygirl Chocolate Coffee Stout
On tap: Tubaweizen
On Deck: All grain harvest brew of some sort
I have read up on some of the posts detailing the BTU output of freezers being significantly lower than that of the AC builds. However. I am trying to use what I have first, before going out and buying more stuff to rip apart.
I also have a basic understanding of heat transfer-ie the air in the freezer has insulating properties; direct contact with coolant coils is more efficient.
I understand the inherent danger in drilling through a freezer wall, but I am handy enough to manage that without any trouble.
My questions for the more savvy DIYers are:
Assuming the reservoir has a seven gallon capacity, Is the cooling capacity of this freezer adequate to keep my ferm vessel at temp? (I only ever do 5 gallon or less batches)
Would I even need the immersion coil in the freezer or could I just run the line back into the reservoir?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Drinking: Oak aged Yeti
Bottled: Babygirl Chocolate Coffee Stout
On tap: Tubaweizen
On Deck: All grain harvest brew of some sort