The Solution

The solution I chose was to incorporate automation into the fermentation process. I achieved this by designing and building a programmable thermostat. Then I named it, the Fermostat™. The Fermostat™ allows the user to create different programs for each beer brewed by programming a series of stages throughout the process. Each stage has a start temperature, a stop temperature and a duration. For example, if the desired program requires fermenting at 72 degrees for 14 days, a stage can be programmed that has a start temperature of 72 degrees, a stop temperature of 72 degrees, and has a duration of 14 days. The user also has the ability to label each stage of the program, as well as name the program itself. For this example, the stage would be labeled 'Ferment'. To lower your beer from 72 degrees to 45 degrees over a 2 day period, simply add a second stage that starts at 72 degrees, ends at 45 degrees and has a duration of 2 days.

Here is an example of a lager program:

What Else Do You Need?

The Fermostat™ is a programmable thermostat that controls power to two AC outlets. The owner of the Fermostat™ must still provide some sort of temperature manipulating devices. 

Cooling elements can include a fridge, freezer, or even a home-made cooling chamber/device.  

Heating elements can include an ambient temperature heating device, such as a heat-bulb or space-heater, or can be a heat source in direct contact with your beer such as a heating blanket or heat tape.  

Why I Need Your Help

The design phase of this project is almost complete, however, additional funding is required to transition the Fermostat™ into production. Your donations will help offset some of the initial funds required to make this happen.

One stretch goal for the Fermostat is the incorporation of a 128x64 pixel graphic LCD as the display instead of the current 20x4 character LCD. This is not expected to affect the funtionality of the Fermostat™, but would be an improvement to the aesthetics of the overall product.

A second funding stretch goal is to conduct an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listing investigation.  Design guidelines have been followed and completed to allow for a successful investigation.  However, additional funds are required to contract the investigation and receive the official Listing.

Status of Design

The Fermostat™ is currently in the final stages of completion. I am on my third prototype version with over a dozen total units created. Many of these units are currently being beta tested by other home brewers, creating their own unique lagers and providing feedback.

One final prototype, currently in-work, will contain a few minor PCB and layout changes to improve retail production. The majority of the changes are meant to minimize assembly time and effort. This version will be available for test as one of the reward levels of this Kickstarter project.

The majority of the finalization efforts will be geared toward software tweaks and bug fixes to ensure a reliable product. The basic functionality of the device will not change.