Changing to electric? Help please

[hstuurman]

I run my still on a propaneburner, but can't use it in winter. Don't have a garage or something like that, and can't burn propane inside the kitchen.
So I'm thinking about changing it into a electric system, but need some advice.

What do i need? I run a 30 ltr (about 7 to 8 gallon) copper boiler, and a ponu column.
I have easy acces to a 2 kW heating element, do I need more then 1? How can I regulate it, a ponu is not a reflux, but I like to turn down the heat.

Who can help me.

[scotty]

do you itend to use 120 volts or 240 volts???
the 120 volts gives you cheaper options for varying the heat control.

perhaps you might consider investing in a higher wattage element and using a device to reduce the ivoltage applied as needed.

[HookLine]

2kw is enough for a 30 litre boiler. Will take about 45-60 minutes to heat up.

As I understand it, a Ponu needs power management, so you will need a good controller. A burst fire, zero switching triac unit, or similar, will do it. I have one for a 2.4kw element, and it works very well.

Or, if you know how much heat it needs to run, then use 2 elements. One big one and one smaller. Use them both for heating up, and then use just the smaller one for the main run.

[hstuurman]

As I understand it, a Ponu needs power management, so you will need a good controller. A burst fire, zero switching triac unit, or similar, will do it. I have one for a 2.4kw element, and it works very well.

Thanks Hook,

because I'm a layman in electric systems, what is a "zero swithing triac unit"?

[cob]

because I'm a layman in electric systems, what is a "zero swithing triac unit"?
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342
lots of info on triacs and stuff. cob

[hstuurman]

because I'm a layman in electric systems, what is a "zero swithing triac unit"?
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342
lots of info on triacs and stuff. cob

Thanks Cob,

just bookmarked this topic, have to do a lot off reading.
Does anyone know if it is possible to print out a whole topic?

[rad14701]

Does anyone know if it is possible to print out a whole topic?

I don't believe that you can do that... There is a lot of disparate information in that topic so you may need to pick and choose your way through it... Your best bet would be to copy and paste any and all information you find useful into a text file and then print it from there... You would still need to add in any images, but it is a doable task... It just depends on how much information you really want to absorb...

You could probably do some web based research on "triacs" or "phase angle controllers" and learn a bit from there as well... I have been doing such research, on and off, for several years... I've also tossed together a few spreadsheets that spew out information that's probably only worthwhile for my own use...

[hstuurman]

Ok,
Thanks to you guys and some help form the dutch forum i came up with this:

I will use 2 elements of this type:
http://www.brouwmarkt.nl/catalog/images/41899.jpg; 2 kW, 220V.
One is connected to a switch, so I can turn it of after heating up, the other is connected to this:
http://media.conrad.com/xl/1000_1999/19 ... FB.EPS.jpg

[hstuurman]

one thing I'm concurned about, how clean must your wash be? A little bit cloudy, is that a problem?

[scotty]

what is the amperage rating of that control???

[squidd]

Hstuurman,

Your control is rated @ 15 amps/2760 VA, which is fine for ONE of your elements.

Make sure that it is properly mounted on a suitable heat sink, with thermal compound, so that it does'nt overheat and burn out.

squidd

[scotty]

Hstuurman,

Your control is rated @ 15 amps/2760 VA, which is fine for ONE of your elements.

Make sure that it is properly mounted on a suitable heat sink, with thermal compound, so that it does'nt overheat and burn out.

squidd

ditto

[heeler]

Hstuurman.
I use a router speed controller which I purchased from ebay for 30$ plus shipping. It powers 1 4500 watt hot water heating element and its plugged into a 110 volt (15amp circut) receptical in my garage. I know I'm not getting 4500 watts but it heats 5 gallons in about 45 mins. And then when your at cook temp just change it to variable and adjust the temp you want to cook at. Since you cant use gas this little unit is just what the bartender ordered.
My cooker is SS, and thats tougher to weld than copper but still, it can be a pretty easy project to tackle. Once you get it installed you get a short extention cord and add to the element and plug it into the RSC and man yur off and running. No REAL electrical knowledge needed to make this gem work. Hope you think about this and givera try.

[HookLine]

one thing I'm concurned about, how clean must your wash be? A little bit cloudy, is that a problem?

I let my ferments sit for at least 2-3 days after they have completely stopped bubbling, before running them. Racking the wash (finished ferment) off into a second container for another 2-3 days can help a lot.

Haven't had any trouble yet with either rum or all grain. But yes you need to be careful.

[hstuurman]

Hstuurman,

Your control is rated @ 15 amps/2760 VA, which is fine for ONE of your elements.

Make sure that it is properly mounted on a suitable heat sink, with thermal compound, so that it does'nt overheat and burn out.

squidd

OK 1 element it is, for safety I will build in an on/off switch, so I can turn of the element in a moment. A thermal compound is new to me, thanks for the tip.
I was thinking about a wooden box, so some grease underneath the control is needed.
Edit
Did a bit of google-resurce, a thermal compund is used in computers for heat-transfer, but I think I better have a conductor, so how thus this compound work?

[rad14701]

Edit
Did a bit of google-resurce, a thermal compund is used in computers for heat-transfer, but I think I better have a conductor, so how thus this compound work?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_grease" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[MuleKicker]

The PSR25 build detailed in the New distiller's lounge is a very simple, cheap build that gives you great power control. No need for multiple elements, and it runs on 120/240, 50hz/60hz. It is very versitile.