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Designing every piece of our electric brewing equipment from scratch has enabled us to introduce
a new level of process control, flexibility, and performance. Every detail has been carefully thought
through and refined.
Every component of our new eControllers was designed to enhance the eBrewing experience.
The custom extruded 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum housing is CNC machined, then coated in a
durable black anodized finish. This approach allowed us to keep the system compact, portable
and functional. The housing includes an integrated carry handle for easy setup and take down,
a T-slot for alternative mounting options along with a heatsink to keep the internal electrical
components cool.
The eController is driven by a PID controller, which doesn’t rely on high speed switching to module
heat. Voltage is modulated through an internal SSVR, which means element wattage will be directly
proportional to the set point on the eController. A rocker switch located just above the PID controller
allows the user to operate the controller in manual or automatic modes.
In manual mode, the proportional output can be fine-tuned on a scale of 0-100% of total element output,
which is ideal for dialing in a perfect rolling boil. Alternatively, in automatic mode, the PID algorithm
manages the proportional output relative to process temperature. To hold a steady HLT or mash temp
for instance. The eController quickly finds equilibrium with environmental heat loss characteristics, and
can maintain a high degree of accuracy during each brewing process.
The heater button allows the user to turn the element on or off without having to shut off the main
power or adjust the PID output setting. This is especially helpful if a boil-over occurs. This feature also
allows the eController to be used to monitor a process temperature, such as during runoff or in the latter
stages of the sparge process without the risk of dry firing the element. Lastly, the eController features
two accessory outputs, which would commonly be used for pumps, but could also be used for lighting
or even a phone charger.
Connectivity was an important consideration for our eControllers, we wanted the flexibility and familiarity
of a plug that could be adapted to an existing customer supplied kettle or element, and the reliability
of a UL approved connector type. For 240VAC main power and element connectors, we chose on the
common NEMA L6-30 standard, which is a 3-wire twist-lock plug type, capable of carrying 30 amps
of current. For the accessory connections, we settled on using a NEMA 5-15 standard, which is just
a standard residential 120 VAC outlet. Finally, for the PT100 temperature probes we opted for the 3.5
mm mini jack connector standard, commonly used for headphones, which is both durable and easy
to use.
INTRODUCTION
