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Tincups controller

Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 4:42 am
by tincup
When I put my system together I didn't realize that surging could be an issue (I should have done more research).

I'm running a 4.5kw element in a 16gal keg with a 2" reflux on top. I am using a Pulse Width Modulator to control the element here is the schematic:
pwm.gif
pwm.gif (9.31 KiB) Viewed 9837 times
I pulled the schmatic from a home brewing site for a guy who was using it for his boiler. http://home.highertech.net/~cdp/boilnew/boilnew.htm

The PWM circuit works great at switching the 220v through a 50A SSR but the problem is that the pulses are too wide. I'm not very experienced at electronics but I've read enough about PWM circuits to know that if I change out the 4.7u cap I can alter the pulse. I just don't know what I should change it to. It seems like I should have more of a rapid fire pulsing rather than the slow on-off pulsing I have now.

It appears that I should have just ordered from Pintoshine but hopefully I can salvage this controller.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Re: Heating Element Control

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 6:25 pm
by tincup
I fixed it. I put a 1u cap in place of the 4.7u cap and it keeps the temp rock solid without surging.