Do-it-yourself automatic ventilation in the greenhouse. Do-it-yourself automatic window opener for greenhouses

Ecology of consumption. Manor: In order for the greenhouse to function properly, it is necessary to organize all the conditions for the growth of plants in it. One of the important components that facilitates the operation of the greenhouse is the electric drive on the window. With its help, it is possible to fully automate the ventilation in the greenhouse.

In order for the greenhouse to function properly, it is necessary to organize all the conditions for the growth of plants in it. One of the important components that facilitates the operation of the greenhouse is the electric drive on the window. With its help, it is possible to fully automate the ventilation in the greenhouse. There are several drive options. We will learn about their features and installation technology further.

Electric drive by hands scheme - reasons for ventilating greenhouses

Ventilation of greenhouses is a necessary process for their proper functioning. Greenhouses need ventilation for the following reasons:

1. To maintain optimal temperature conditions. To achieve vegetation of plants, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of about twenty degrees in the greenhouse. Intensive watering and higher temperatures lead to premature damage to plants and their wilting. In order to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to periodically ventilate the greenhouse.

2. With daily changes in temperature, the plants harden and become stronger. It is especially important when growing seedlings, which will later grow in ordinary soil.

3. The presence of fresh air prevents pests from entering the greenhouse. High temperature and humidity are excellent conditions for the development of mold and insects. By reducing these indicators, it is possible to prevent their development.

4. Since air masses move intensively inside the greenhouse, pollination of plants occurs and their fertility increases.

There are several ways to ventilate greenhouses. In relation to the principle of ventilation, they are divided into natural and forced ventilation methods. Natural ventilation methods are energy dependent, which have an electric drive and automatic drive systems.

Forced ventilation of the greenhouse involves the installation of several fans, some of which remove air from the greenhouse, while others force it. In large greenhouses, ventilation devices are also installed that contribute to the mixing and redistribution of air.

Please note that the greenhouse automatic ventilation system is equipped with additional batteries that need to be recharged periodically. Otherwise, the system may malfunction.

Electrical type ventilators - installed on greenhouse windows. Comparing them with the previous version of the drive, we highlight the following advantages:

  • ventilators installed on the vents allow for precise adjustment of the window position, quickly change the settings and allow you to adjust them;
  • the power drive has a high power, which opens not only one window, but also several windows at once;
  • used in greenhouses with a multi-stage ventilation system, it works at a certain temperature.

Among the main components of the electric drive for the window leaf, we highlight:

  • temperature controller;
  • auto drive settings relay;
  • remote type temperature detector;
  • reducer;
  • shaft;
  • cable;
  • window leaf directly.

Allocate openers for air vents of pneumatic and hydraulic type. Each of the systems differs in the same principle of operation. There is a working fluid inside the opener, which expands during heating and pushes the window opener out.

The main component of any opener is a steel hydraulic cylinder, inside of which there is a thermal actuator. In addition, the device is equipped with fasteners for cylinders, a rod, a pusher, clamps, levers, corners for fixing the frame, devices for fixing the opener on different types of windows.

Please note that all automatic window ventilation systems are equipped with expansion agents with a high inertia. If the room temperature rises too quickly, they may not work. In this case, it is recommended to open the windows manually.

Do-it-yourself homemade electric drives

If for some reason it was not possible to buy an automatic drive for opening a window in a greenhouse, we recommend that you make it yourself. In order to make a bank window opening mechanism, you will need:

  • wooden beam;
  • ventilation transom;
  • axes of rotation;
  • latch.

According to the principle of operation, the window opens in this way: the air temperature rises in the room, while water from one container flows into another, which opens an opening that provides ventilation. When the temperature drops, the vacuum begins to absorb water, which empties the jar and helps close the window.

In order to independently create a ventilation mechanism, you will need:

  • two cans, with a capacity of 1000 ml and 3000 ml;
  • two covers, steel and kapron;
  • copper pipe, 30 cm long, 0.5 cm in diameter;
  • flexible pipe;
  • tin or silicone sealant.

It is necessary to pour about 800 ml of water into a large jar, it is closed with a steel lid using a seaming key. A copper pipe is soldered into the inside of the can, which does not reach its bottom by a couple of millimeters. A flexible hose is installed inside the capron cover, which is carefully sealed. According to the scheme, the device is installed in a certain order and its performance is checked.

Do-it-yourself electric crane: greenhouse ventilation mechanisms

If for some reason an oil-based electric drive does not suit you, we recommend making the electric drive by hand. Such a device works much faster, almost immediately after the temperature rises.

The most important characteristic of the electric drive is its inertia. However, too long heating of the oil leads to damage to the plants, under the influence of a very high temperature. Therefore, the device must operate instantly, immediately after the temperature rises.

We offer a variant of a lock with an electric drive by hands for a greenhouse, which is based on the use of a cylinder from a table for a computer.

First of all, you should prepare a lifting type cylinder. One side of which is equipped with a metal stem, and the other side with a plastic valve stem. Instructions for making an electric drive with your own hands are as follows:

1. Place the plastic rod in a vise, clamping it in them. Next, the stem is abruptly pulled out of the drive in such a way as to open the steel pin.

2. Install a steel rod inside the cylinder, which will help relieve it of excess stress.

3. In order to cut off part of the cylinder, use a grinder. Work in a mask and goggles. Press the metal rod out of the cylinder. Try not to damage it, otherwise, you will not be able to make a quality drive.

4. Clamp the rod in a vice and install the thread on its end, use a grinder to remove the cuffs.

5. There will be a liner on the inside of the cylinder, which is installed in place. Leave the piston made of aluminum, remove the rubber ring pads from it.

6. Use gasoline to wash all parts. Place the stem in the inner part of the sleeve, do this work carefully to avoid damage to the stuffing box.

7. Install nuts on the threaded connection, they prevent the rod from falling into the inside of the cylinder during operation.

8. Install the aluminum piston. Take the pipe and weld the cut side of the cylinder to one end of it.

9. Install the system on the window and pour engine oil into it, after removing the air.

Check the functionality of the thermal drive. For more convenient filling of the system with oil, install a plug on one end of the pipe located in the horizontal direction. On the second part of the pipe, install a ball valve and a container into which the oil will drain.

Repair of electric drives by hand - we build from an automobile cylinder

To perform work on the independent manufacture of an electric drive, a gas hydraulic automobile cylinder is required. Since this device is gas, it needs to be modified in order for it to function as a drive.

Initially, drill a hole in the cylinder in order to get rid of the gas. Make a thread on it, to which the hose will be connected later. Secure it with a bolt that has a stud. Thus, the hinge head will be fixed in place.

Next, you should purchase or order a receiver that ensures the operation of the thermal drive. Remove the air and fill the device with oil. the stem end must be completely immersed in oil. Check the tightness of the entire system.

Another option for the manufacture of an electric drive is to use a gas-based shock absorber from a Zhiguli car. For these purposes, you will also need the presence of two pieces of steel pipe, at the ends of which there is a thread. At the end of the gas shock absorber, the lower part of the stud is sawn off. And at the bottom, a hole for the thread is drilled.

You should also purchase bolts for brake hoses, additional nuts and bolts. A hole is drilled in the central part of the device for the installation of plumbing plugs. Bolts are mounted inside it, and a nut is put on them. To connect all the parts together, use paronite-based gaskets. Use locknuts to connect the plug and tee.

Unscrew one part of the plug and pour oil into it. Release the air from the shock absorber. Screw the plug and fix the device on the window. Check the functionality of the mechanism.

Electric drive price, functions, manufacturing features

There are many types of electric drives with which it is possible to perform automatic ventilation of greenhouses. All of them differ in shape, size, material. However, the principle of operation is almost the same for everyone. Inside the hydraulic device there is a liquid, which, during the heating process, increases in volume, while pushing out the piston system. Thus, it is possible to achieve the opening of the frame.

When making an electric drive yourself, you must first stock up on a device and a substance that can respond to changes in temperature. Most often, ordinary car oil is used as such a substance. In addition, you will need:

  • automobile spring;
  • pipes into which liquid will be poured;
  • two taps - oil will be poured on one side, and oil will be drained on the other.

The damping rod is fixed on the frame, cut to a spring and connected to the pipe. At the same time, check the tightness of the connections. On each side of the appliance, install taps through which it is necessary to fill in oil and bleed air from the system. In the process of heating the oil, the rod extends, while opening the window, and when it cools, on the contrary, it closes the frame.

It takes a lot of work to create such a mechanism. In addition, you will need a certain tool and the skill to work with it. Failure to ensure the tightness of all connections leads to the fact that the device will not work efficiently. And this is fraught with the death of the crop in the greenhouse, because the constant exposure to high temperatures adversely affects the quality of the plants.

Therefore, the issue of installing an electric drive on a window should be approached very seriously. If you doubt that you will be able to make it yourself, it is better to purchase purchased models and install them according to the instructions from the manufacturer.

The method of fixing the appliance is determined by the material from which the greenhouse is built. Some manufacturers offer specialist installation services. published

When the greenhouse has already been built and its new inhabitants are planted in it, amateur gardeners may experience an unfortunate disappointment. Their pets in the greenhouse, instead of growing and delighting the owner, often begin to wither, wither and get sick.

Why you need ventilation of the greenhouse and how to organize it

The thing is that simply raising the air temperature to increase plant growth is not enough. In the greenhouse, you need to create the desired temperature and humidity conditions. Both temperature and humidity should not exceed comfortable indicators. The sun very quickly raises the air temperature in the greenhouse, on hotter days it rises to 60-70 degrees, and at the same time the humidity rises greatly. Poor plants in such an environment can simply boil. And different plants like different humidity conditions. If cucumbers and peppers tolerate high humidity well, then tomatoes like drier air. The air temperature in the greenhouse should be in the range of 25-35 degrees, otherwise the greenhouse turns for its inhabitants not into a house where they are taken care of, but into a torture chamber.


Manual ventilation

To lower the temperature and humidity, the greenhouse is ventilated. For this, special windows and two doors are usually provided. Hot air exits the greenhouse and allows cooler air to enter. But this process needs to be monitored regularly. On ordinary days, the greenhouse is opened in the morning and closed in the evening. And if the weather is changeable, because it often happens: then rain, then suddenly a bright sun, then you have to open and close the greenhouse several times a day.

And for many summer residents who can come to the site only on weekends, such a ventilation mode becomes impossible. In addition, even if there is an opportunity to live in the country in the summer, then all the same, going away during the day on business or at work, the whole day you are worried about the thought that it will suddenly rain and get colder.

To help solve this problem can automate the ventilation of the greenhouse. Now it is often used by those who have a greenhouse. There are different possibilities. You can buy a ready-made system. You can make your own. Consider the main options for automation.

Automated ventilation

Automated ventilation can be organized in several ways. The main ones are:

  • automatic electronic systems;
  • automatic autonomous systems.

Automatic electronic systems

Advantages:

  • High level of accuracy;
  • Possibility to create a full cycle of plant care including watering;
  • High reliability.

Flaws:

  • Very high cost;
  • For self-production, appropriate knowledge is needed;
  • Dependence on electricity.

Automated electronic systems are based on the use of sensors and relays. These systems are offered ready-made, made to order, you can do it yourself if you have certain knowledge and patience. Despite their great attractiveness, their installation is not always advisable. They are installed in farms where they are purposefully engaged in the cultivation of vegetables and plants all year round. And a serious disadvantage is their dependence on electricity.

Autonomous automatic systems

These are devices that use the properties of materials to change their volume and size with a change in temperature. Thus, the physical properties of the material are used and no additional sources are required to bring these systems into action, which is why they are called autonomous.

Main types of autonomous systems:

Advantages:

  • Availability;
  • Independence from power supply;
  • Possibility to make your own.

Flaws:

  • Relatively high cost;
  • For manufacturing, special skills and tools are needed.

Autonomous systems are:

  • hydraulic;
  • Two-component.

Hydraulics use the properties of gases and liquids to expand when heated. The principle of hydraulic cylinders is used. In the form of an expander substance, compressed air, freon, paraffin, water, machine oil, etc. are used.

Various types of these devices are commercially available. You can also make them yourself from purchased components or make your own, including using old shock absorbers. But these works require certain skills to work in a locksmith shop, to be able to use welding and work with metal. In addition, in homemade oil cylinders, you need to be able to accurately fit the parts so that the oil does not leak.

Two-component devices use the properties of two materials to change their length in different ways when heated. Use bi-metal or metal-wood. A plate of material that expands faster when heated becomes longer and pushes (opens) the transom. On cooling, the reverse process occurs.

Simple automatic ventilation systems that you can do yourself

Advantages:

  • Ease and simplicity in manufacturing;
  • autonomy;
  • Easy adjustment;
  • Environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

  • Relatively small payload.

But now summer is on the threshold, hot days are approaching, and the issue of daily ventilation of the greenhouse is becoming very relevant. And it needs to be solved urgently and without large additional costs. And there is such a way. There is a simple and convenient way to make greenhouse ventilation automated and autonomous. And at the same time, you do not need to go anywhere and buy expensive components, which saves both time and money. You can get by with hand tools.

overflowing vessels

It is especially important and pleasant that, thanks to its simple design, it can be made by anyone who does not have any plumbing skills. At the same time, it works reliably and does not require constant maintenance, does not require complex adjustments. All materials used in the system are completely safe to use.

It can be used on windows, both in the side walls and on the roof. The system can be left for the winter, after the winter the water thaws and everything works again. The main thing is that the tightness of the joints would not collapse.

Manufacturing

To create a system you will need:

  • two containers, one large, the second small;
  • connecting hose - the length depends on the distance from the expansion tank to the transom plus free hanging;
  • fitting - a small metal tube with a diameter equal to the diameter of the hose;
  • sealant.

The volume of containers depends on the weight of the transom. For small, lightweight windows, it is enough to take plastic bottles with a volume of 4-6 liters large and 1.5-2 liters small. As a hose, you can use a catheter from a dropper or a rubber hose. The length of the hose should be such that it hangs freely without tension in any position of the window.

The large container (expansion tank) must be hermetically sealed. To do this, you can use its own cover, just fix it on the sealant. For a better and more reliable connection of the hose and containers, a fitting is inserted into the lid - a small metal tube. At one end of the tube, you can cut a thread and screw it into the cap. A hose is put on the second end of the fitting. Before closing the tank, it is filled with water in such a way that ¾ of the volume of air remains in the tank (for a 6 liter bottle, you need to fill in 1.5 liters of water) and close it tightly. All joints of the part must be carefully sealed.

In the same way, attach the hose to a small bottle. A very small hole with a diameter of 1-2 mm is made in the upper part of the bottle for air to escape. A small amount of water is poured into the bottle so that it covers the tube inserted into the cap. Thus, the containers are connected as communicating vessels. Here it must be said that bottles can be hung upside down and upside down. But in any case, the edge of the overflow pipe must be covered with water.

It is necessary to place the expansion tank in the place where the temperature will be measured, usually under the roof of the greenhouse. And close to the window that this device will open. For better heating, the tank can be painted black or wrapped in black film. A small bottle is suspended from the top of the transom frame.

Window Features.

The window itself (transom) should open around a horizontal axis in the center of the window. The axis should be slightly above the middle of the window in height so that the top part is slightly shorter than the bottom.

Principle of operation

Under the influence of temperature, the air in the expansion tank will begin to expand and will squeeze the water into a small bottle. The weight of the bottle increases and under its weight the window will begin to open. When the outside temperature drops in the evening, it cools down and compresses the air in the tank. The water from the small bottle will begin to flow back, the bottle will no longer act as a weight on the transom and the window will close.

To better return the window to its original position, a small counterweight can be attached to the lower frame. You can use a spring or a dense rubber strip for this purpose, which, when the window is opened, will be in a slightly stretched state and, when the weight of the bottle is loosened, will act as a reverse tightening of the window to its original position.

On the window frame, you need to install clamps for the maximum value of the window opening, so that the window does not turn over.

System adjustment

The system is adjusted by selecting the volume of the container for heated air. You can make two containers for one window. You can also choose a place for the expansion tank in that part of the greenhouse and on the side that heats up faster and the process of opening the windows was started on time. The width and speed of opening windows can be adjusted by attaching a weight to the bottom of the window and make the window open more slowly or not so wide. That is, there is an opportunity to very individually adjust the ventilation mode depending on the needs and size of the window. After observing the temperature in the greenhouse at which the opening and closing of windows begins, you need to adjust the system in order to achieve the desired performance.

It is possible to increase the lifting force of the system (with the same volumes of containers) and force a heavier window to open. To do this, you can attach a weight to the top of the transom. It will create more force and help the bottle open the window. Thus, with the help of different combinations of weights, it is possible to adjust the system with the desired parameters.

From the care of this system, it is required to add water to the bottle every 3 weeks, because. it gradually evaporates.

Reviews from the forum:

Igor P.

“When I had a dacha, I did this. I could only come to the dacha once a week. I used glass jars. Everything worked perfectly, even reacted to temporary cloudiness. I only periodically topped up the jar with water.

Victor Z.

“I assembled a system from bottles. Works. You can add machine oil to it so that the water does not evaporate so much. It is possible to pour antifreeze into it, they say. But it's somehow safer with water.

Other options.

Using the same principle, it is possible to construct a system in various ways. This makes it easy to adapt it to a particular greenhouse. Attach the bottle not to the frame, but tie it to the cord and throw it over the roller (coil).

So you can get different options, up to the point that it will be possible to open windows not only with rotation around the central horizontal axis, but also around the vertical one.

It is also possible to open windows with fastening on the upper frame and on the side.

It is necessary to understand the principle of operation and correctly select the volume of vessels, taking into account the losses due to friction of the cord over the coils. You can even teach the system to open the door. The system is really very flexible.

piston cylinder

This is a method in which the principle of expansion of heated air is used.

Manufacturing:

For manufacturing you will need:

  • Large capacity - expansion tank (it can be an old canister), approximate volume - 15-25 liters
  • Rubber ball or volleyball camera
  • A plastic cylinder with a diameter slightly larger than a ball
  • Piston (can be any dense material, such as dense foam)
  • Metal or wooden rod
  • Metal or wooden lever
  • Roller (coil).

Production of an expansion tank. The container can be plastic or metal. Holes are made in it for inserting a hose. It is best to insert the hose through a metal tube (fitting), which can be melted or screwed into the cap of the container. The cork should fit tightly into the container. Joints are carefully sealed to prevent air from escaping.

To make a piston cylinder, you can take any thin sheet of plastic (it can be the remains of polycarbonate), roll it into a pipe and do something like a tube - solder the bottom on one side of the pipe, and on the other side make a cover with a hole into which the walking guide is inserted stock. From dense foam or wood, make a piston according to the size of the inner diameter of the cylinder so that it fits snugly enough against the walls, but at the same time slides smoothly along them. We attach a rod to the piston and insert it into the cylinder. The upper part of the rod rests against the lever. The connection of the stem and lever should not be rigid, but such that the lever could slide over the top of the stem. The upper part of the rod can be in the form of a slingshot or a loop into which a lever is inserted. Or in the lever itself, you can make a groove in which the top of the rod will move. The lever is better to make in the form of an arc. This improves the sliding trajectory and there will be less resistance in the operation of the system itself, and, accordingly, the useful force for opening the window will increase.

One end of the lever is fixed with a hinge to the greenhouse structure. A cord is attached to the other end, which will open the window. For proper operation of the tension cord, it is thrown over the roller (reel). The roller is placed so that it forms the position of the cord approximately perpendicular to the frame.

An implementation of this system can be seen in this video.

Principle of operation

When heated, the air in the tank expands and inflates the rubber ball, which in turn, increasing in volume, pushes the piston up. The piston raises the lever and this leads to the tension of the cord, which opens the transom.

Systems adjustment.

It is better to adjust the system at a temperature of 15-20 degrees. First, attach the hose to the ball (ball) and inflate it. Then the second end of the hose is connected to the tank. The ball is placed in the cylinder and the piston is mounted on it. The weight of the piston must be such that the ball is more than half deflated. This creates compressed air in the tank and increases the lifting force of the installation.

The technology of growing plants in closed ground provides for the formation of a special microclimate in the premises. And one of the devices that ensure that all parameters are maintained at the proper level is an automatic window opener for greenhouses. This device contributes to the most efficient ventilation, and also normalizes the temperature and humidity conditions.

Today, there are many modifications of such devices, ranging from the most primitive handicraft levers to factory thermal actuators. Below we will consider the principles by which they function, and describe how to make an automatic window in the greenhouse on your own.

Greenhouse ventilation basics

Why are vents needed?

In the presence of high-quality heating and airtight glazing, it is quite simple to choose the optimal temperature regime and air humidity in the greenhouse. However, the main difficulty lies in maintaining all parameters at a certain level, because the composition of the air, its moisture content and temperature are influenced by both external and internal factors.

At the same time, we should not forget that different plants require different growing conditions, which also complicates our task. Partially, thermostats on heating appliances help to cope with this problem, but sometimes they are not enough.

Note! An increase in temperature by 10 0 C significantly accelerates plant growth. At the same time, as soon as the temperature rises to 38-40 0 C, most crops begin to wither, and soon die. This explains the need for strict control of the microclimate.

The easiest way to normalize the climate in a greenhouse is periodic ventilation. Naturally, in the summer, air must be supplied to the greenhouse almost constantly, while in autumn, winter or early spring, the influx from outside must be strictly dosed.

To ensure ventilation in industrial greenhouses and greenhouses, entire ventilation systems are installed. For a private house, such costs will be unbearable, so you just have to make small windows in the walls and roofs.

A vent is an opening in a wall or roof slope that is closed by a sash. As a rule, they are made frame, which minimizes heat loss through the slots around the perimeter.

The easiest way to adjust temperature and humidity is manual ventilation. However, this process is very time-consuming (especially if the greenhouse is located in a remote country house), therefore, automatic opening of the window in the greenhouse is actively used today.

Technology overview

To date, there are several technologies that allow you to control ventilation when growing plants in closed ground.

The most requested are:

  • Electrical devices. They are the easiest to install, and therefore quite often used by novice gardeners. The basis of such a device is a temperature sensor located indoors. As soon as the parameters reach the desired values, the sensor activates the electric motor, and it either starts the fan or sets the window leaf in motion.
  • A significant disadvantage of this solution is its dependence on a constant power supply. A power outage for several hours can put an end to the entire crop.

Note! You can, of course, supply each greenhouse with an uninterruptible power supply, but then you will need to purchase sufficiently energy-intensive models. And their price, frankly, is rather big!

  • Hydraulic technology. The operation of such devices is based on the principle of expansion of a liquid when heated. Hydraulic levers, which provide automatic opening of the side windows in the greenhouse, are simple and reliable. In principle, there is simply nothing to break there: containers filled with liquid are located inside, and when the temperature rises, the hydraulic mechanism simply raises the transom.
  • The disadvantage of such devices lies in the high inertia of the system: when the temperature drops, the sash does not return to its place immediately, and there is a risk of plants freezing.
  • Compact factory ventilators work on the same principle, only oil is used instead of water in the tanks.

  • Bimetal devices can also be used to provide ventilation. The principle of operation of the bimetallic lever is based on the unequal expansion of different metals with increasing temperature. The bimetallic pair installed inside the opening device reacts to changes in the temperature regime, and when a certain level of heating is reached, it lifts the transom sash on the roof.
  • The main disadvantage of bimetallic devices lies in their low power: they cannot cope with heavy glass doors, therefore automatic windows for polycarbonate greenhouses are often adjusted with their help.

Ventilator installation

factory devices

On the market today you can find many modifications of devices that serve to automatically open windows and transoms in greenhouses.

However, most of them are designed according to a single principle:

  • The basis of the system is a hydraulic cylinder. The volume of the cylinder can be different, since it is he who largely determines the power of the system, i.e. maximum opening weight.

  • Inside the cylinder is oil or paraffin, which ensure the operation of the device when the temperature changes.
  • A movable rod is fixed at one of the ends of the structure.

The device is installed as follows:

  • Base with or on the window frame.
  • We attach the stem to the leaf of the window in such a way that when it is fully extended, the window opens by about 30-40 cm.
  • We fix the sash with safety chains or canvas tapes to avoid damage to the mechanism during gusts of wind.

Advice! For more accurate operation of the system, close the hydraulic cylinder housing with a sun screen. So the automation will only respond to the internal temperature of the greenhouse, and not to heating from direct sunlight.

The device works very simply: when the internal temperature rises, the oil or paraffin expands, and the stem pushes the window out. Cool air enters through the open sash, the temperature gradually decreases and the stem returns to its place.

Homemade designs

Quite popular among gardeners is also a home-made hydraulic automatic window for a greenhouse: you can literally assemble it with your own hands from improvised materials, and it works a little worse than branded models.

Handicraft construction: 1 - counterweight, 2 - sash, 3 - retainer, 4 - mount

This device is made like this:

  • Pour 0.8 - 1 liter of water into a three-liter jar and roll it up with a lid. We insert a thin (5-7 mm) copper tube into the lid and solder the connection for complete tightness. The tube should not reach the bottom by a few millimeters.
  • We put a flexible rubber or PVC hose of the appropriate diameter on the copper tube.
  • We connect the hose with a jar with a volume of 0.8 - 1 l through a polyethylene lid.

Do-it-yourself similar automatic vents for greenhouses are assembled according to the following scheme:

  • We fix the vent leaf in the frame on a rotating central axis.
  • We hang a small jar from the top of the sash, and balance the bottom with a bar - a counterweight.
  • We fix a large jar under the ceiling of the greenhouse.

Now, when the temperature rises, water from a large can will flow into a small one, and with its own weight, the sash will turn on the axial mount. Closing the window occurs in the reverse order.

Despite the apparent simplicity, such a device works almost flawlessly. The instruction manual recommends only monitoring the water level in the system, and topping up if necessary.

Conclusion

Whatever technology you choose, in any case, pretty soon you will be able to make sure that the automatic opening of the window in the greenhouse saves you a lot of time (

Automatic window opener for greenhouses ensures favorable growth for greenhouses

What is an automatic greenhouse window for?
In order for the cultivation of plants in a greenhouse or greenhouse to be as successful as possible, it is necessary to provide them with the most optimal climatic conditions indoors. And here you can’t do without additional equipment, since you will need to equip an automatic ventilation system.

For this, it is necessary to install: automatic vents for the greenhouse, working in conjunction with other devices included in the forced ventilation system (thermal sensors, fans, and so on).
All greenhouses with automatic ventilation are conventionally divided into three main categories:

  • Autonomous systems.
  • Automated systems.
  • Non-volatile.

Let's take a closer look:

  • The first option is the simplest and cheapest. For its implementation, it is necessary that automatic vents for greenhouses be installed.
  • The second option is already more complex and requires the interaction of all components of ventilation systems. But for the arrangement of a non-volatile ventilation system, the installation of a backup power source is required.

Note. Each of these systems has its pros and cons, if the main advantages of the first are its ease of manufacture and low price, then it should be borne in mind that it is suitable mainly for small summer cottages and individual farms.

  • The greenhouse window opener can be installed both on small structures and on entire greenhouse complexes.

This is due to its ease of use and high manufacturability, but it has a very significant drawback - a power failure can cause irreparable harm to the plant or even to their complete death.

Advice. Therefore, for large greenhouses, the priority can be considered the arrangement of non-volatile ventilation systems.

Vents for automatic opening of greenhouses

Regardless of which ventilation system is chosen, they all have one common characteristic detail. These are windows for automatic greenhouses. They can have various basic designs and devices.
The automatic window opener for greenhouses is of the following types:

  • Bimetallic
  • Pneumatic
  • hydraulic
  • Electrical

Note. In addition, the automatic opening of the vents in the greenhouse can be carried out according to various predetermined parameters, for example, at a precisely set time, according to certain temperature indicators.

Do-it-yourself automatic window openers for greenhouses

How to equip a do-it-yourself ventilation machine

For a long time now, many gardeners have successfully used do-it-yourself automatic greenhouse window openers that work when exposed to natural energy.
Their main advantages are:

  • Low price, which is several times lower compared to factory models, especially since the latter are dangerous to leave unattended.
  • Simplicity of design.
  • Reliability.
  • The ability to use inexpensive improvised means.
  • It does not require special skills and special tools.
  • Versatility.

Note. One of the most common and reliable is the greenhouse window opener, the principle of operation of which is based on the application of the force of the movement of an expanding liquid (as the temperature rises).

The disadvantages of this type of system include:

  • Cannot be used with side windows.
  • Closing delay (approximately 20-30 minutes), which can sometimes be critical.
  • Requires periodic maintenance.
  • Low power.

Note. In second place in terms of distribution are automatic window openers for greenhouses with a pneumatic drive. They can also be either factory-made (industrial) or made on their own using improvised means.

Construction types

The simplest option can be considered the automatic opening of the window in the greenhouse, the principle of operation of which is based on the effect of the difference in expansion (linear) of various materials. The undoubted advantage of this mechanism is simplicity, the ability to control power, low cost, the ability to close and open the side windows.
Automation is much simplified:

  • In fact, it is absolutely not difficult to create an automatic opening of window vents in a greenhouse, and absolutely every person can cope with this task.
  • In addition, maintenance will be very simple. They are ways to serve a wide variety of scales.

Advice. In any case, it should be noted that they can be created practically from improvised means, although certain goods will still have to be bought.

Electrical fixtures:

  • The main advantage of this method can be considered ease of installation, as well as a relatively low cost.
  • They are equipped with special relays that instantly respond to the overall temperature inside and in products with a new sample it is possible to set the standard temperature range and also allow you to control the switching on and off of the system.
  • But the fans themselves, at the moment, are able to independently regulate the strength and direction of the air flow.

Note. The most important and obvious disadvantage of this type of machine in order to ventilate with the help of a special device is the need to purchase equipment in order to ensure an uninterrupted electrical supply.

Stopping the supply of electrical energy can completely destroy growing crops in just a couple of hours. But the main disadvantage is power consumption.
Bimetal way:

  • This machine is designed for automatic ventilation of greenhouses of various sizes and volumes. His work is based on the use of such a property of the metal as its expansion and contraction under the influence of temperature fluctuations.
  • To put this into practice, you just need to take two metals with a different expansion coefficient.

Plates made of metals that expand much faster simply push the window out when heated. And when cooling, on the contrary, they close.

cylinders

Devices of this format are a standard cylinder, which is filled with a special liquid (paraffin mixed with oil). A special rod is fixed in one of its ends.
So:

  • The main principle of operation is based on the full thermal expansion of any oil. In the case of an increase in temperature inside the greenhouse itself, the common oil, heating up, displaces the stem itself, which opens the window or door.
    The higher the indoor temperature, the larger and wider the door opens.
  • With a significant decrease in air temperature in the evening or during the day or when it rains, the oil inside the cylinder begins to shrink and the window, respectively, closes (thanks to the return spring).
  • Before purchasing, you should first consult with qualified specialists who have extensive experience in carrying out such work. They will help you choose the most suitable and convenient option for each specific case.

Advice. In any case, it should be noted that at the moment there are a large number of factors that influence the choice of the type of automatic window opener in the greenhouse.

  • If you make the right choice, then the purchase will be able to pay for itself in the shortest possible time. At the same time, it is important to note that today, each person can afford to choose the most optimal type of automatic opening of vents in greenhouses, depending on their capabilities, preferences and features of the entire structure.
  • If a decision is made to purchase a special machine, then it is advisable to pay attention first of all to such an indicator as the maximum weight of the window and the window that it can open. In most cases, the indicator has a limit of 5-7 kg. and it is quite enough for manipulating lapel windows.
  • It is worth paying attention to the total mass of the device in order to preliminarily determine the place where exactly it will be fixed. In this case, it is necessary to take into account what maximum mass this section of the greenhouse frame can withstand.

Various devices can initially be designed for certain temperature response modes. We recommend watching a video on arranging an automatic window opening.

Greenhouses are, undoubtedly, a very important and useful agricultural invention that allows growing heat-loving vegetable crops throughout the year, even in the cold regions of the country. A well-built greenhouse provides seasonal cultivation of seedlings of various vegetables for diving into open ground, whose pre-planting growing season does not fit even in the southern summer, for example.

The optimal greenhouse microclimate implies strict adherence to the temperature regime, as well as ensuring the humidity of the air inside the greenhouse for the entire growing season of the grown crops. If we talk about the seasonal use of the greenhouse, then it almost does not require heating: the greenhouse accumulates heat from the radiation of the sun in the spring and summer. If we are talking about year-round greenhouses, then you can’t do without additional heating! But both greenhouses must be ventilated to ensure optimal humidity of the intra-greenhouse atmosphere.

It is best to periodically ventilate greenhouses through vents. But it is quite laborious to ensure the regularity of ventilation manually, because you need to independently monitor the time and open and close the windows with your hands. The optimal solution to the problem of ventilation is to make automatic control of the opening and closing of greenhouse windows. There are two approaches here, firstly, you can do the automatic opening of the windows in the greenhouse with your own hands, or you can buy ready-made industrial solutions. Let's explore both options.

What are automatic ventilation systems for greenhouses?

Industrial-style greenhouses are equipped with specialized ventilation devices, but small-sized country greenhouses are ventilated in different ways: in warm weather, the windows are constantly open, and cold weather forces such ventilation to be done in a dosed manner. It is better to entrust this to special machines, which are technologically divided into bimetallic, hydraulic and electric.

In this series, automatic ventilation devices powered by electricity are distinguished by ease of manufacture, installation and operation. They are driven by an electric motor through a temperature sensor, which will open or close the window when the specified range of air temperature inside the greenhouse changes. The problem can be considered the lack of a reliable permanent power supply in some summer cottages, then you will have to look for an alternative solution or provide an autonomous power supply for the greenhouse's automatic ventilation system.

Hydraulic systems for automatic ventilation of greenhouses

Some summer residents prefer automatic devices for opening and closing windows on a hydraulic basis, which, by the way, can be made with your own hands from improvised means. To create a hydraulic ventilation system for the greenhouse, you can use containers with liquid, which, according to the laws of physics, reacts to changes in the external air temperature by changing the volume, which means that the pressure in the container also changes. As a result of the thermal expansion of the liquid in the tanks, a hydraulic mechanism is activated that sets the window in motion: it gets colder - it closes; warmer - opens.

It would seem ingeniously simple, but the disadvantage of the operation of such automatic machines is a certain delay in the closing reaction, during which cold air has time to penetrate and the risk of frostbite of greenhouse plants remains.

Automatic ventilation systems based on a bimetallic lever

The work of a bimetallic lever is based on the elementary law of physics on the compression of different metals, which, as a result of the difference in compression of the two metals used in its design, is capable of lifting a window of only light weight. Heavy glazed transoms are beyond the power of a bimetallic machine.

We make automatic opening of the windows in the greenhouse with our own hands

Nobody argues that they look better, and everything that is needed is immediately included in the kit, and they are mounted quite quickly, but the prices for ready-made polycarbonate greenhouses bite. If possible, then using improvised means and skillful hands, it is always possible, according to the drawings and diagrams available on the Internet, to automatically open the windows in the greenhouse with your own hands.

You can make automatic ventilation with electric vents with limit switches and a temperature sensor, or you can, for example, make an automatic device using a hydraulic circuit, when the greenhouse is ventilated with a vent, depending on the air temperature in it.

Industrial hydraulic machines for ventilation of the greenhouse

Ready-made hydraulic machines for ventilation of the greenhouse are made in the same way as the self-made ones described above, but when buying it is better to know how much weight of its hydraulic cylinder will cope with the weight of your particular window. Inside such a cylinder is not water, but oil or paraffin.

The installation of such a finished machine is described in the attached instructions and begins with fixing its base on a vertical stand of the greenhouse structure or directly on the window frame. The rod attached to the window frame, moving forward, opens it. In the absence of protective anti-hurricane equipment in the configuration of the machine, you should take care of the permissible fixation of the ventilating window or transom.

The principle of operation of hydraulic machines for ventilating a greenhouse is the same as for self-made ones: the air temperature in the greenhouse rises - the substance in the cylinder expands, the pressure on the rod that drives the window increases, and it opens. The temperature drops, the contents of the cylinder are compressed, the pressure decreases, forcing the rod to return to its original position, and the window closes.

Installation of devices for closing and opening windows in the greenhouse

It will not be difficult to mount ready-made automatic machines for greenhouse vents bought in the store according to the instructions attached to them with your own hands. But it is worth considering quite important prerequisites even when installing the greenhouse frame itself, which contribute to the optimal organization of the air exchange system in it:

  • doors and transoms should not be located on the same side;
  • it is better to place vents on the leeward side;
  • optimally - place the vents on the roof of the greenhouse.

Lightweight electric machines can be mounted directly on the vents, heavier machines - on the frame of the greenhouse. It is best to pre-weigh the device and calculate its optimal place. To insure a sharp opening of the window, it is necessary to provide limiters (chains, ropes, etc.) that, when properly fastened, can fix the permissible angle of its opening.

Taking into account the reaction of the device specifically to the intra-greenhouse temperature and in order to avoid heating the automatic device, it is advisable to cover the automatic device from direct sunlight so that it does not heat up and does not give large errors in its work.

Ready-made automatic devices for ventilating the greenhouse with vents

If you still have an interest in ready-made machines for ventilating the greenhouse with vents, then with the help of search queries in the same Yandex or Sputnik you can find a large number of commercial offers on this topic.

As a rule, there are ready-made automatic devices for ventilating the greenhouse with vents from 1500 to 3000 rubles: inexpensive Dusya-Sun, Tuymazy, Ufopar. More expensive, for example, foreign-made devices (England): "Autovent MK7", "Autovent XL"; Danish ventilation machines: "Megavent", "Gigavent".

Whatever you choose: to buy or make devices for ventilating the greenhouse with your own hands, remember that the optimal temperature and humidity of the environment inside the greenhouse without an automatic device for opening and closing the windows will be quite difficult if you cannot be present at the site all the time.

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