Looking to purchase a few 15 gallon kettles and fit them (HLT and BK) with electric single phase heating elements that are siply plug n play without a control panel. Would a 5500 watt be too intense for this size? Anyone doing electric on a 1/2 bbl setup?
I have no experience with this setup, but my first impression was 5.5KW is too small. I searched Google and found these guys who are doing what you propose and they imply that it all works. The claim it brings to a boil in a reasonable time. Anyway, they have documented the process pretty nicely. My question would be how would you regulate the boil? Or just let it rip all the time? Wouldn't the HLT be even more touchy?
5500w/240v would be too intense if it were run at 100% power without a regulator/controller of some kind. I have 15/20 gallon vessels with 5500w elements in the BK and HLT with a HERMS control panel. When mashing, the panel automatically keeps the MLT/HLT at the proper mash temp by regulating the power to the HLT element. When boiling, the panel is set to manual mode at about 50-60% power to maintain a proper boil. If it were run at 100% there would be nothing left in the kettle after 60 minutes!
Maybe this 2500 watt would fit the bill better if I plan to just use 100% plug and unplug method: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0060HN8KQ/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B000BQW9WK_b
Isn't there a variable control switch (like a dimmer switch) that you can source that could handle 240v? For your BK, I would stick with the 5500w element and just put it on a dimmer switch that can handle to juice. Would think it would be easy to wire up... It's a bit more expensive than i thought...but something you should consider: http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/EBC-II-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p3073.htm
