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?

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.

RANGER1:
Good plan. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RANGER1

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.

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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!

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:D

9 Devices to Heat or Cool Your Fermenter | Homebrew Academy

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?

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by martin123i

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?

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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.