• Initial Version which is based on the CraftbeerPi3 Plugin from IndyJoeA (https://github.com/IndyJoeA/cbpi_PIDAutoTune)

  • The purpose of this plugin is to autotune your System and determine automatically P, I and D values to optimize the heating for your system.
  • The derived values have to be entered later in your PID Kettle Logic.
  • For more info on PID and autotuning, you can check out the following articles:
  • (https://github.com/Manuel83/craftbeerpi/wiki/Autotune-PID)
  • (https://github.com/Manuel83/craftbeerpi/wiki/Manual-PID-adjustment)

• Installation: You can install it directly via pypi.org:

  • sudo pip3 install cbpi4-PID-AutoTune

  Alternativeley you can install (or clone) it from the GIT Repo. In case of updates, you will find them here first:

  • sudo pip3 install https://github.com/avollkopf/cbpi4-PID_AutoTune/archive/main.zip

  Afterwards you will need to activate the plugin:

  • cbpi add cbpi4-PID_AutoTune

  • cbpi >= 4.0.0.45 is required

  Important: Don't mix up the '-' and '_'

• Parameters:

  • Output Step: Defines the output power in % used for steps to ramp up to a temperature. Default is 100%.
  • Max Outpuz: Defines the maximum outpout power in % you are using with your system. Default is 100%.
  • Lockback Seconds: Defines the time in seconds how far the routine is locking back to identify temperature peaks. 30 seconds is typical. If you experience issues, increase the time (e.g. 60 seconds)

• Hardware Setup:

  • After installation go to hardware settings
  • Select PIDAutoTune as Kettle logic.
  • Select the Heater, Agitator and Sensor for your Kettle
  • Enter the parameters with the default values or change them to your needs as shown in the image below.

• Usage:
  • Go tou your cbpi4 dashboard and add a Kettle and KettleLogic.
  • You should run the Autotune as realistic as possible.
    • Therefore you should at least use the typical amount of water you are using also for a mash
    • Set a Kettle temperature via the Kettle Logic. I selected for instance 67C which is somehow between the typical mash temps of 62C and 73C
    • In my case I added even malt which is easy with the braumeister malt pipe as I just added the pipe back into the kettle after a full brewing step and was using the same amount of water
  • Start the automatic Kettle Logic (Click on the car symbol) and have a beer as it'll take sme thime. The system will heat up to the setpoint and overshoots intentionally.
  • If you are having a pump in your system or other agitators that may impact the heating cycle, you should run them also during the Autotune process
  • It is waiting until the temp is going down 0.5C below the target value.
  • Then it is repeating this procedure several times.
  • While running, it is writing a log file into the logs directory -> autotune.log
  • If successfull, the P, I and D values are listed in the log file and a message is displayed in the dashboard.
  • You can copy this message and enter the values then afterwards into your real Kettle Logic you are using for the mashing.

Changelog:

• 20.11.21: (0.0.6): Switch heater off at end of autotune. Usage of power settings (cbpi >= 4.0.0.45 required)
• 15.11.21: (0.0.5): Updated README
• 02.04.21: (0.0.4): Bug fixing
• 15.03.21: Support for cbpi >= 4.0.0.33