Single pot, small automated brewing system design

[Tytonegro]

Hello to all,

I love brewing and electronics, but most of all I like things to be good and simple.

Currently I'm using a small Biab setup to do my brewings. Recently I've done some brews that required multi-step mashing (I made a very good Duvel-like Belgium strong ale!).
Since I have a temperature controller, I could do this, but of course I needed to lift the bag to prevent burning or scorching the bag or grain on the bottom of my pan.

So I started thinking and designing an automated brewing system.

My list of wishes and requirements for the controller were:

* Suited for a one-pot system, inspired by machines like the Speidel Braumeister.

* A self-contained unit. Everything in one box. I don't like the idea of having to drag a pc or laptop to my brewing place, not to mention the risc of spilling beer or wort over it...

* Input for a temperature sensor(s?)

* Outputs for:
a heater (10 - 16 Amp, (in Europe that would be 2300 to over 3000 Watt)
(so that would be enough for a max. of 30 to 40 liters?)
a pump, either 230 AC or 12 Vdc

* LCD display (I choose a 2 line 16 char display)

* Build-in PID controller for temperature control

* Simply programmable for multi-step mashing (temp. / time )

* Audible alarms to notify the user to fill malt, add hops etc.


I think I've already come quite far with my design, but I appreciate input of likeminded people, like you guys ;-)

Am I re-inventing the wheel? I haven't seen yet what I have in mind, but maybe it is out there somewhere...

If not, any suggestions for improvements or things I have forgotton in my design?

Let me know what you think,

Cheers

 

[changchuyo]

Hi Tytonegro, if you wish take a look on my work. Here are some ideas that can help you with your project.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-brauduino-system-476659/

Cheers!

 

[Tytonegro]

@changchuyo,

Thanks for tipping me about your project. Very nice! You sure know your ways around. I'm aiming more towards a 'plug-n-play' solution on the electric side. Everything in one box.

I uploaded 2 pictures of the first brew with a prototype... The controller is on the right in the wooden case ;-) This version had only a 2 x 8 char display. That's really too small, so now I opted for 2 x 16 char, another processor with more memory, capacitive keys and a IP65 box.

 

[changchuyo]

Tytonegro, very nice prototype.

I'm moving to stainless steel parts and incoloy heating elements in my second version (almost completed), there are some myths about cooper and brass that I want to check by brewing the same recipe on the two kettles. Braumeister uses a brass head recirculation pump, and most of the chillers (immersion and counterflow) are made of coper.

¿Have you checked the brauduino? You can also control your electric stove if you don't want any contact of the elements with the PID control, it has user defined (temp & time) up to 8 mash stages, up to 8 hop add alarms, and it's open source. Everything you need can be added or removed from the code.

Cheers!