My Electric Brewery

[FattySparks]

I work for a company that does Building Automation Systems (HVAC control, lighting control, etc.). I was able to acquire one of our plant controllers (multi-input/multi-output). I programmed it so that most of the process is automated. I also created a GUI so that I can control the system using my Surface Pro and a web browser.

Currently it is set up as a single kettle system. My controller supports PID and PWM, so I have a SSR that I'm using to control my 5500W ULWD 240v element. I also used to be a commercial electrician, so I did the wiring myself (excuse the open junction box, I forgot to get a cover )

The system is mostly automatic. The only input it needs once I begin the sequence is a momentary push-button that I use to silence the addition alarm and move the program forward in its sequence.

I haven't made the jump to all grain yet, but I figured when I'm ready, I can start with BIAB. The system has tons of room for expansion (the controller has 12 universal inputs (analog or digital), 8 digital outputs, and 8 universal outputs). So, my plan is to add on to the system as I get more experienced and more $$ (mostly the latter).

I've attached some images. Let me know what you think.

 

[mongoose33]

Braggart!

Very nice.

I keep seeing these electric breweries and I would love to do one. Unfortunately it's difficult to wire in my house (my garage is pretty far away from the breaker box), and I don't know how much the copper would cost, but I'll bet I'm $300 or more away from having a 220v circuit in my garage.

Sigh.

 

[BrunDog]

Nice job!

 

[FattySparks]

The Home Depot near me sells 250' of 10-2 (Black, White, Ground) Romex for less than 100 and 50' for less than 50. If you also buy a 30a 2-pole GFCI thats around 100. By the time you buy connectors, staples, you're probably looking at $150-200, depending on if you need more than 50' or not.

 

[jcav]

Looks great!

John

 

[augiedoggy]

The Home Depot near me sells 250' of 10-2 (Black, White, Ground) Romex for less than 100 and 50' for less than 50. If you also buy a 30a 2-pole GFCI thats around 100. By the time you buy connectors, staples, you're probably looking at $150-200, depending on if you need more than 50' or not.

I got a 100ft roll of 10/3 (3 wires plus ground) for about $100 at the home depot 3 years or so ago to run it up to my brew room on the second floor. the addional 30a breaker and 50a spa panel did cost me another $80 or so combined...

 

[jcav]

I bought this wire and had an electrician run the wire from my panel in my garage up through my attic and out to my lanai, so I could brew out there. Great quality and fair price for 100 feet (I have prime so free shipping). Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPD970/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

John

 

[lschiavo]

Nice job. That's the first time I've seen anyone use seal tight on a brewery built.

 

[FattySparks]

Nice job. That's the first time I've seen anyone use seal tight on a brewery built.

Yeah, that's the commercial electrician in me. I had some laying around. I'll eventually find something that will disconnect a little easier (and maybe look a little better), but for now it will do just fine.

 

[lschiavo]

I think it looks great. I've got some on my rig. Its nice to see some new ideas around here once in a while.