Son of a Fermentation Chiller variant

[johnc66]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Coleman-ThermoElectric-Cooler-Powerchill-40-Quart-ware_W0QQitemZ300106273747QQihZ020QQcategoryZ16035QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

After failing the first Peltier assembly purchased on eBay, I have decided to use a more "commercial" solution, and have ordered one of the these cosmetically deficient Coleman units (also on eBay - link above). Not exactly sure how I am going to mount the thermal unit as of yet, but since this comes with all of the power cords, and a source for spare parts, this direction seems to make sense. With the current weather in NorCal, I need this unit to work as a heater. Specs and parts lists are available on the Coleman website. Hope to get an opportunity to fire-up the table saw this weekend, and get started.

My folks have one of the Coleman units and it works great!

[Bugeater]

That looks like it might fit a 3 gallon corny keg as is. Hmmmm.

Take a look at Chris J's post http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/phpBB2 ... php?t=5157

One of those on top of this coleman cooler with a 3 gallon keg would be a perfect beer engine set up for parties.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Otterbrew]

After spending way too much time on the design and procurement of components, I have finally built my cooling chamber.

Contructed of scrap MDF, a cooling unit from a Coleman cooler (with an upgrade to the internal heatsink), some "extra" fans from work, styrofoam, and a Ranco controller, I am ready to test this beast. I still need to finish sealing the wood with urethane, insulate the folding door, and come up with a good way to seal the door seams, but so far I am quite pleased.

As a Mechanical Engineer, I didn't spend much time on the wiring, but this will be cleaned up in the near future.

Here are the pictures:











I built a cart for the unit to sit in so that I can try to move this out of the way, but i am sure my kids will still lean thier bikes on it as often as possible.

Thanks to all who have shared information on this thread; I was a little disapointed when I first powered the unit, than I read about the effect that the fans had on the TEC when using the same power supply.

BTW, one great thing using the Coleman set-up, a simple switch of the power connector, and this unit will become a heater for the winter.

If anyone is interested, I have a drawing of the unit available, so let me know. Dimensions are roughly 34"W x 26.5"T x 17.5"D.

-Otterbrew

[johnc66]

Very nice Otterbrew! Keep us updated on the cooling temps.

[ahuntertx]

Any new updates on the performance of these boxes?

[Otterbrew]

I have now cleaned up the wiring mess on the back, added some light insulation to my folding door, and sealed all of the seams, so I should be ready to "pop this cherry". The unit has been on for the past few days, and I am seeing a littl more than 20 degrees below the internal temp of my garage (today it was 95F in the garage). The temperature prob is just floating in air inside the box, so I need to try a test with 5 gallons in one of the carboys.
One issue I may correct down the road is that my folding door doesn't allow for much thickness inbetween the panels, so I am limited on what can go inside in this area for insulation.
My next batch (tomorrow) is a lager, so I hope to put this box in use in a couple weeks (when it should be even hotter here in the East Bay Area).

[Lars]

I've been doing a bit more research on the electrics for my chiller. Looks like I'm going with 2 tec chips soon. Right now I have one chip pulling about 5.5amps, with my power supply capable of 12amps. I haven't been happy with how cool it has been, so it is time for more power! It has held 64 f +/- 5 degrees for almost two weeks. Of and more insulation is on the way too. I used 1" foam board... its just not emough.

[Otterbrew]

I have finally used my chiller for the first time with a 10 gallon batch of a Double IPA (initial gravity 1.068). The unit has work well, but with the single cooler from Coleman, the heat generated during the initial fermentation some what overmatched the cooling ability of the single TEC. With ambiant temps in Livermore (CA) during this time hitting 100+ F, and even hotter in my garage, I was forced to add a 1 gallon jug of ice each morning. In the evening, I pulled the bottle (still halfway frozen) and placed in freezer to be used in the next morning.

I have changed my door configuration so that I can have added insulation on these doors. The folding arrangment as shown in my earlier photos limited the thickness of insulation in these areas, and with my smaller TEC, the more insulation the better.

After the first week, I no longer needed to use the ice (outside temps have also dropped), and I am now in the dry hopping stage, and the unit is keeping my two carboys at a nice 67F.

It is great to know that the this chiller is working a well as it is, and I am now longer needing to pay attention to a wet t-shirt on a carboy, and the available water.

I am looking forward to the next batch (dry stout).

Take care,
-Greg