Howdy y'all,
I'm just wondering if there are any technical reasons that a mini split system air conditioner couldn't be used in a DYI glycol chiller?
Same basic principle as the window/wall unit idea - evaporator immersed in the glycol bath inside a cooler, circulation pumping over evaporator, additional pumps supplying fermenter jackets, etc. Just, the compressor can be located outside. From what I can tell, the only real difference is the length of copper between the compressor unit and the evaporator. Though wiring may take some additional research. Planning to use an STC-1000 with additional SSR as control. I've seen plenty of builds using the window units, but can't find anyone that has used a split system yet.
I'm not trying to complicate the window unit design, but I have a split system sitting in the garage not being used. Would be perfect if I could make use of it.
Downside would be cost of an HVAC tech to get involved for running copper and gassing it up - but I'm sure I can find one that likes beer!
Thoughts?
Cheers folks!
I'm just wondering if there are any technical reasons that a mini split system air conditioner couldn't be used in a DYI glycol chiller?
Same basic principle as the window/wall unit idea - evaporator immersed in the glycol bath inside a cooler, circulation pumping over evaporator, additional pumps supplying fermenter jackets, etc. Just, the compressor can be located outside. From what I can tell, the only real difference is the length of copper between the compressor unit and the evaporator. Though wiring may take some additional research. Planning to use an STC-1000 with additional SSR as control. I've seen plenty of builds using the window units, but can't find anyone that has used a split system yet.
I'm not trying to complicate the window unit design, but I have a split system sitting in the garage not being used. Would be perfect if I could make use of it.
Downside would be cost of an HVAC tech to get involved for running copper and gassing it up - but I'm sure I can find one that likes beer!
Thoughts?
Cheers folks!