Why Did My Pub's Cellar Temperature Rise During a Sudden Cold Snap?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unexpected rise in temperature within a pub's cellar during a sudden drop in outside temperature. Participants explore potential explanations for this phenomenon, considering factors related to thermodynamics, cooling systems, and environmental influences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the cellar typically maintains a steady temperature of 11°C but observed a rise to 16°C during a cold snap.
  • Another participant suggests there may be no thermodynamic reason for the temperature increase and questions whether a heater was activated or if the air conditioning was functioning properly.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about whether the Earth sciences section could provide insights into the situation.
  • A later reply proposes that the cold snap may have turned off the cooling system, which could explain the delayed response in temperature regulation.
  • There are comments regarding beer serving temperatures in different regions, with some participants sharing preferences for warmer beer temperatures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the cause of the temperature rise, with multiple competing views and hypotheses presented regarding the functioning of the cooling system and environmental factors.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific details about the cooling system's operation or any other assumptions that may affect the discussion.

mufcdiver
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Hi,
Something weird happened the other week and I was wondering if anyone here could explain why. I run a pub and our cellar operates at about a steady 11°c all year round (cooler assisted). The other week we were enjoying some pleasant weather for the time of year(16/17°c) then wham! in the space of about 15/20 mins the outside temp dropped to 9°c. The next thing I know someone complains that the beer is warm, I roll my eyes and to pacify them say I'll check the gas, I go to the cellar and the temp is nudging 16°c(in a heatwave[30°c] it only gets to 13°c)
So in a general physics kind of way, what went on?
 
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I know of no thernodynamic reason for this - perhaps a heater went on somewhere? Did you make sure you still had cold air coming out of the air conditioner?
 
I wouldn't be surprised if our Earth sciences section could easily explain this.
 
mufcdiver said:
Hi,
Something weird happened the other week and I was wondering if anyone here could explain why. I run a pub and our cellar operates at about a steady 11°c all year round (cooler assisted). The other week we were enjoying some pleasant weather for the time of year(16/17°c) then wham! in the space of about 15/20 mins the outside temp dropped to 9°c. The next thing I know someone complains that the beer is warm, I roll my eyes and to pacify them say I'll check the gas, I go to the cellar and the temp is nudging 16°c(in a heatwave[30°c] it only gets to 13°c)
So in a general physics kind of way, what went on?

All I know is I wish I could drink in your country (wherever it is). Here in America, people keep beer at about 2C and it's Godawful! There's no taste left when it's that cold.
 
TVP45
I've heard that on the east coast over there(NY) there are some pubs serving traditional English beers at 11c with all the flavour intact and Mr Beckham says you can get them now in California(though if you are in the middle[USA] it might mean quite a bus trip lol)
 
Mk said:
I wouldn't be surprised if our Earth sciences section could easily explain this.

Cheers MK I've posted there now too
 
The cold snap turned off your cooling system.
For some reason, it was slow getting back on.
 

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