Upping my Game..

Apologies to all, but I've been remiss in sharing my updates over that last few months, and with a really busy spell, haven't brewed since August.

Well I've deceided to do the only logical thing: (brewing? - no!) buy more equipment and dismantle the old brewery. So apart from the as yet unused Fermentasaurus and new fridge, I am also building a lovely new control panel. There will be the HLT and HERMS PIDs (shown), plus a new PID setup up with only th P term enabled for the boiler elements. This means that by setting the Proportional band to 10 degrees and setting the SV to anywhere between 100 and 110, I can have an effective simple power control (however vigorous the boil is, the temp won't deviate much from ~100 degrees). This also provides built in tmeperature monitoring, so no need to hold a thermometer over the boiler when cooling...

Also, I'm adding a timer top right.

Panel

IMG_3674.JPG (111.89 KiB) Viewed 756 times

IMG_3675.JPG (118.02 KiB) Viewed 756 times

Also, taken the opportunity to add in stainless float sensors on the boiler and HLT to prevent dry running of the elements.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302540102548

Anyone got any other possible additions, I'm not scared of getting complicated?!

How about using the relays in the controllers for low/high alarms via a sounder?


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So. I've finished it mostly. I just have a couple of water level float switches to add to the HLT, and maybe the boiler, to avoid firing the elements dry.

Hope this interests, please don't comment on how bad the wiring is, its very safe, just not beautiful. The top row is two selector switches (HLT and boiler 1 on the left, and then HERMS and Boiler 2 on the right). The timer is to the right, with a start / stop switch and a reset button. Its all pretty comapct, as you can see.

Next row shows which elements is armed by the switches on the top.

Then PIDs for HLT, HERMS and boiler (I know, but it works).

Next row of lights is when the element is firing.

Bottom row is 12v HLT pump, PWM controller knob from dismanltled dimmer box, then MT / Boiler pump (I switch it over as needed).

LeeH - I'm not sure whether I'd have space now to add much else the box is very small! (see pics)

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IMG_3716lr.jpg (144.75 KiB) Viewed 578 times