Page 1 of 1

Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 8:45 pm
by steve crawshaw
[Geek Alert!]

I bought a Maxi chiller from roger years ago, and a small chinese rip off STC 1000 recently when finlay sold up. I put them together to control the pumped output from the unit such that when the set point is exceeded the pump runs. Here's the insides of the box.
Image

and here's the display showing

Image

I'm using it to control the temperature of a water bath into which I submerge a corny keg. This means the beer will keep longer and in better condition as summer (eventually) warms up the cellar.

Image

The chiller and water bath are in separate rooms in the cellar so that the warm air from the chiller doesn't influence temps of the water bath. The old bin I am using is insulated with silver bubble wrap and only loses about 4 degrees over 8 hours if the chiller is turned off (from 5C to 9C).

I might also use it to ferment a lager using a larger copper coil and a builder's bucket as i haven't really got space for any more fridges..

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 9:24 pm
by Jeltz69
Nice work Steve.

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 9:58 pm
by mrlard
***even bigger geek alert***


the next step on from that is to include a couple of DPDT relays and tap the python into both of them and then add heating and cooling either side..

heating being achieved by use of an inline heater..............

then you have proper temp control ;) with all your shiny on show!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s6vcr79e1tw1f ... 8.jpg?dl=0

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:25 am
by steve crawshaw
mrlard wrote:***even bigger geek alert***


the next step on from that is to include a couple of DPDT relays and tap the python into both of them and then add heating and cooling either side..

heating being achieved by use of an inline heater..............

then you have proper temp control ;) with all your shiny on show!
damn! I've been out - geeked :-)

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:10 am
by mrlard
I Can't take credit for this - Barneey and wallybrew dreamed up this (credit where credits due)

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:21 am
by I_used_to_brew
I don't think the heat output from Maxi chillers is a problem if you leave them on permanently. I've monitored my 'cellar' temperature and there is a slight rise whilst the icebank builds up but after that there is such low power useage by the chillers that it's not a worry.

For more chill you could add an antifreeze to the water, cheap vodka should work :)

Re: Keg chiller Maxi hack

Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 11:50 am
by beerbulger
Nice one. I was planning something similar but with a 4 line cooler to give 4 independent temperature control zones. Of course I will never get around to it ....

Mark