Brew Chamber Controller

This project includes python code for and a walkthrough of the design of a controller for a chest freezer brew chamber. The code is written to be easy to follow for beginners.

Currently the project contains the code to turn on/off two IO ports based on the reading from a thermistor.  I have tested the code using LEDs on a breadboard and it works as predicted.

The following is a list of things the controller may accomplish depending on how far you want to go with the project:

THE BARE BONES REQUIREMENTS

• Monitor ambient brew chamber air temperature
• Turn on heating if needed
• Turn on cooling if needed

SELECTING AND AUTOMATING THE PROCESS

• Ability to select different fermentation processes depending on what we are making
• Automate the fermentation process

• warmer start temperature to quickly optimize yeast colony size

• gradual cooling to optimum fermentation temperatures

• cold crash cycle when ferment is complete (requires a freezer)

• lager cycle if needed for style of beer (requires a freezer)

Network access (SSH, WWW and/or VNC for GUI) to the controller

• Private access for control of the process
• Public access for monitoring the process 

Alarm system sends texts/emails/tweets etc. 

MySQL database to track history/store yeast statistics etc.

OTHER THINGS TO MONITOR

• Monitor fermentation vessel temperature

• Chart vessel/chamber temperature differential

Web cam for visual monitoring

CO2 off gassing

• Monitor rate of fermentation
• Determine when fermentation is complete

Monitor  power consumption

Monitor keg pressures

Monitor external/room temperature 

Monitor humidity (still not sure on this)

LOCAL INPUT GUI DEVICE

• Local LCD touchscreen GUI (doubles the expense but gives a nice professional finishing touch)

Homepage: http://mybbbprojects.blogspot.com/2014/07/designing-brew-chamber-controller-part-1.html