Fermentation temp control build

[rukkus]

I've been thinking of ways to control temps for fermentation without having to have another fridge. I see morebeer does this using peltiers. I've just ordered 5 90w peltiers on ebay for about 20 euro. I also have an arduino on the way. I'm thinking of throwing a big heat sink and fan on one side of one of these and somehow connecting the other side directly onto a corny and then insulating the corny.

The theory is depending on which way the current flows the peltier either heats or cools the corny. Add a temp sensor to the arduino and magic things can happen if the peltier can transfer enough heat.

These things seem to work compressed between two surfaces. The heat sink is easy but the curved surface of the corny could cause some fun.

Thoughts.....?

[Partridge9]

Holy mother of god - (excuse the religious reference) that sounds like a serious amount of work - but I like your endeavour !

[Will_D]

The Lidl/Russel Hobbs beer machine uses a large machined chunk of aluminium. One side flat for the pelties, t'other id curved to snug up against the mini-keg.

Will

[rukkus]

Sounds like it'll work then. Just a matter if it'll manage 20l

Oh and the arduino arrived today

[Ciderhead]

Sounds like it'll work then. Just a matter if it'll manage 20l

Oh and the arduino arrived today

You lost me at peltiers,  
post pictures and show us how it works

[rukkus]

I'll post progress as I go. Waiting on peltiers at the moment

[Will_D]

Some rambling thoughts:

The peltiers have to exposed on the hot side as they need cooling fans.

The cold side needs to be flush with the container wall for max heat transfer.

The beauty of using a fridge is that its insulated!!

Your cooler is going to have to be out in the open in free air so the fans work efficiently

So you need to insulate the fermenter every where except at the Peltiers.

If you used a stainless pot as the inner container for the wort then you could hammer flat the areas where the peltiers mount. The rest of the pot's surface is convered in insulation. As much as you can get. Don't forget to sit it on a block of styrofoam and also to insultate the lid.

Maybe not pretty but it might be an optimal solution

Will