rkhanso
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- Jan 24, 2017
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I just picked up a used window A/C unit. Tested it in my basement and it works. Now to get the rest of the parts -- but that brings up some questions. I "skimmed" through this long thread, and someone asked, but I didn't see an answer... Using this system for a single fermenter. No need for the pex or fancy table/stand.
FYI - I'm using a Raspberry Pi and CraftbrePi to control the equipment and temps.
I have just a single Plastic Conical that I'll be cooling. Not the motorized valved 3-fermenter systems that others have built.
My plan is to have a small circulation pump to just move the water around inside the cooler to keep it mixed so the temp sensor of the 'tank' gets an accurate reading. Maybe a pump like THIS or THIS. This temp sensor would turn on the A/C unit as needed.
A larger pump in the cooler/tank - will circulate the chilled water through the immersion chiller in the fermenter. Maybe a pump like THIS or like THIS (maybe an 800gph model?). I'm not sure how many GPH or HP is needed to pump from the cooler through the chiller coils and back. Is a 25' or larger coil needed in a 15gal fermenter? I'm wondering if I can maybe make a DIY coil cheaper and have it only 10-20' long. But I'm not sure where to get SS tubing, or if it's cheaper than getting one pre-made. If a shorter chiller would work, I suspect a less powerful pump would be needed?
I guess it may not matter...I found a 25' length of 1/2" SS tubing for $48 shipped, online. I'd have to form it myself though. Shouldn't be too bad, right?
Or, might this be an option? Though it's only 3/8" SS Tubing.
FYI - I'm using a Raspberry Pi and CraftbrePi to control the equipment and temps.
I have just a single Plastic Conical that I'll be cooling. Not the motorized valved 3-fermenter systems that others have built.
My plan is to have a small circulation pump to just move the water around inside the cooler to keep it mixed so the temp sensor of the 'tank' gets an accurate reading. Maybe a pump like THIS or THIS. This temp sensor would turn on the A/C unit as needed.
A larger pump in the cooler/tank - will circulate the chilled water through the immersion chiller in the fermenter. Maybe a pump like THIS or like THIS (maybe an 800gph model?). I'm not sure how many GPH or HP is needed to pump from the cooler through the chiller coils and back. Is a 25' or larger coil needed in a 15gal fermenter? I'm wondering if I can maybe make a DIY coil cheaper and have it only 10-20' long. But I'm not sure where to get SS tubing, or if it's cheaper than getting one pre-made. If a shorter chiller would work, I suspect a less powerful pump would be needed?
I guess it may not matter...I found a 25' length of 1/2" SS tubing for $48 shipped, online. I'd have to form it myself though. Shouldn't be too bad, right?
Or, might this be an option? Though it's only 3/8" SS Tubing.
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