Temp Controller Issue

[agillies]

Hi everyone,

I have been lurking around this site for a while now, and been getting some great information.

I did my first AG brew 4 weeks ago (DrSmurto's Golden Ale) and it tastes awesome.

My question is, my HLT has 2 x 2000w heating elements. I have a temp controller (16amp keg king) but didn't realise i couldn't change the cool outlet to heat as well. is there a way i can modify the unit to run both elements from the one temp controller? (would get a sparky mate to do it)

Cheers

Adam

 

[QldKev]

Just get him to throw 2 x SSRs at it.

 

[agillies]

Thanks QldKev, so it can be done.
Do you know what type of SSR I would need?

Would there be an issue of running 2 x 2000w elements of the same outlet?

 

[brewologist]

You could try having one element connected directly to the power point and the 2nd one going through the temp controller.

This way you should still be able to control the boil.

Are you doing double batches? eg 60L or so.

 

[agillies]

Thats how i did it with the last batch Brewologist, and it worked perfectly fine.

I only want to change as a mate and myself are in the process of fabricating a frame and want to mount the temp controller in the frame and not have to worry about turning the other element of manually. (We both have a small attention span, and beer and talking crap distract us, Lol)

First one we did was a single batch, only beacuse we though we would stuff it up. But the next brew will be a double.

 

[brewologist]

Sounds good mate.

Go the double batches.

You may find that one 2400w element will struggle to boil a double batch as you'd be starting with 60+ L of wort. I do to account for boil off and trub loss etc. So if only one of the elements was cycling on and off it should control the boil for a double batch.

If you step mash this set up would not work so your probably better of being able to control both elements in the long run.

 

[agillies]

The 2 elements are in the HLT. I have a Gasmate 4 ring burner i use for the kettle. but after reading some of these forums it sounds like it will take a while to boil a 60L batch.

I have a herms setup, so I would guess it it would be another issue?

Worst comes to worst, I can always just buy another temp controller and thermowell to run the other element.

 

[The Gas Man]

Just get him to throw 2 x SSRs at it.

Kevin
Can you explain this a little more, as I'm hoping to do the same thing shortly?