Results 1 to 8 of 8
-
25-02-2023, 09:18 PM #1
Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
Hoy! I'm new here
So I've recently picked up brewing as a hobby again. When it comes to fermentation, some yeast strains need cold climate all the way down to 4C/39F. Others need way higher up to 40C/104F.
My plan and question:
I want to modify a small fridge. Thinking that if I put in a 4-way valve and a digital controller I might be able to switch between cooling and heating the fridge for fermenting.
Would this work?
Would I get away with just putting in a 4-way valve, or do I need a check valve group like a heatpump?
-
25-02-2023, 10:13 PM #2
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
Martin,
Can’t you just turn a light bulb on/off on thermostat?
Possibly hard to buy an old type light bulb is only difficulty.
-
25-02-2023, 11:57 PM #3
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
RANGER1:
Good plan. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!
-
26-02-2023, 04:08 PM #4
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
Small heating element instead?
Would building an insulated box onto the back of a fridge work? use it to house the condenser (and compressor?) as a heat source. Open the fridge door when you want heat the back box. Open the back box door when you want to cool the fridge box. Daft eh!
-
26-02-2023, 09:03 PM #5
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
I think lots of cheap equipment already out there, see link as example.
To convert a fridge to a reverse cycle system that works would be your new hobby, while you drink beer that is easy to make with kits available
9 Devices to Heat or Cool Your Fermenter | Homebrew Academy
-
27-02-2023, 05:50 PM #6
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
Heating element, light bulb and heating element are all good suggestions for the sake of simplicity. However. If I'm not mistaken; a reverse cycle system is the most efficient way of generating heat in a closed system.
Would I be able to control such a system with a stc controller? Or am i required to use some of the expensive Danfoss controllers?
-
27-02-2023, 06:43 PM #7
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
So I believe I've found a suitable controller
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32954349844.html
If it is of interest: I'll keep you posted with the progress when I get to building this with my father that has the required equipment for the job.
-
28-02-2023, 02:34 AM #8
Re: Converting a small fridge to brewery accessory
Depends, you do not say how big your small refrigerator is?
If you are making small quantities how are you going to compare with a 100 watt light bulb.
Reverse cycle need a lot of thought & design work.
What will be your ambient temperatures.
Where will the condenser , now evaporator on reverse cycle be.