Open Source Temperature Control For Fermentation...

Temperature control is a requirement for successful fermentation if your natural environment does not provide the temperatures you need. We figured that if we had a temperature controlled cabinet, closet or work space we could ferment all kinds of foods and beverages. For most of the fermented products we looked into, we would need to temperature range of about 59 to 113 degrees F. Having an even broader range would be even better as one could both make more types of fermented products and also dehydrate food.

So what can you ferment? Cheonggukjang, doenjang, miso, natto, soy sauce, stinky tofu, tempeh, Soybean paste, Beijing mung bean milk, Amazake, beer, bread, choujiu, gamju, injera, kvass, makgeolli, murri, ogi, sake, sikhye, sourdough, rice wine, malt whisky, grain whisky, vodka, Kimchi, mixed pickle, sauerkraut, Indian pickle, Wine, vinegar, cider, perry, brandy, Mead, metheglin, Cheese, kefir, kumis (mare milk), shubat (camel milk), cultured milk products such as quark, filmjölk, crème fraîche, smetana, skyr, yogurt and Kombucha to name a few...

Home brewing, wine making, crafting Tempe, making yogurt and the like is an interesting hobby because it involves life. Fermentation is at the heart of that life process, and with the right equipment you can ferment many kinds of foods and drinks. If you take it even further you can make fuel. Fermentation, however, requires temperature control.

Asking around, we tried to come up with either components or pre-made equipment for the kind of temperature control we were after. No one we asked could think up what would be an affordable simple solution for the home fermenter. Most other solutions we found require some degree of knowledge of electronics.

"Whether one is fermenting, making a solar air or water heater or heating with compost, temperature control is what it is all about. "

Some of the more interesting solutions we found are open source micro controllers and software. Arduino and Sanguino were the first solutions we found. These are open source generic controllers meant for the hobbyist who might want to utilize a controller for just about anything.

For something more specialized we found the BrewTroller which is based upon the Sanguino Controller and was designed for brewing beer. Additionally we found the automated Halfluck Automated HABS. There was even open source software on the site for an automated setup!

We then found the FermTroller. "FermTroller is another project brought to you by the BrewTroller team. FermTroller was designed to control heat and/or cooling outputs for fermentation, lagering and kegerators. Fermtroller is based on the same hardware that BrewTroller uses but has its own firmware."

The best price for the Sanguino and the only place that seemed that has them in stock was Bhasha In India that had them for $22.83 plus shipping. You get the Sanguino + FTDI USB Breakout Board + USB A-B Cable + 6 pin Double sided connector. Not sure how much shipping was though.

These kits seem pretty powerful. The kit though is only the beginning on the cost, however, as you still need things like the temperature probes and such. We wonder what the learning curve is on this type of devices? Like do you need a degree in electrical engineering or what?

Any ideas how to rig up an affordable solution for temperature control for the home fermenter? The classic light bulb heating the inside of the cabinet is one idea, but one still needs to regulate the temp and keep it consistent. Plus many fermented products do not like light. Another idea is to take a part an inexpensive thrift store item like a cheap food dehydrator and build it into a cabinet or old refrigerator. Depending and when, what and where your fermenting you might need to cool the air rather than heat it. All suggestions welcome.

"It would be nice to have temperature control down. To be able to master and use the same basic components for solar, compost or fermenting would be awesome."

Links:

1Check out Fermentation Food on the Wikipedia for more info...

2Check out Fermentation Beverages on the Wikipedia for more info....

3Check out BrewTroller Video Demo for more info...

4Check out HalfLuck Temperature Controller for more info...