Review of thermal actuators for automatic opening of greenhouses: device features, advantages and disadvantages, rating of the best

Every gardener dreams that working at their summer cottage will be not only pleasant, but also easy. Various automatic sprinklers and pumps make work easier; all sorts of means appear that make it possible not only to protect the crop from pests, but also to significantly increase its volume. And many also dream of modernizing their greenhouse, which should not only retain heat well, but also be ventilated in a timely manner.

How great it would be to automate ventilation - it’s not always possible to visit a summer cottage every day, you have to ask your neighbors to open the greenhouse, who have enough troubles of their own. But there is a way out - you can purchase a compact but functional thermal drive for the greenhouse, with which you can easily automate this process.

Thermal actuator for greenhouses

Why is greenhouse ventilation needed?

A greenhouse always poses several tasks for a summer resident - how to save heat, protect plantings from unfavorable climatic conditions and weather, and ventilate this structure in time to get rid of excess moisture and slightly reduce the air temperature in it. But few people think about why it is necessary to closely monitor the microclimate in the greenhouse and ventilate this structure in a timely manner.

Thermal drive-DV with bracket and closer (gas lift)

The main reasons for the need to ventilate greenhouses.

1. In greenhouses where ventilation is poorly organized, there is a high level of humidity, which is why pathogenic microorganisms actively multiply.
2. Not only bacteria, but also various pests love humid and stuffy conditions.
3. Plants need fresh air to “breathe,” or rather, for the process of photosynthesis.
4. For plant organisms, excessively high temperatures are very harmful - they begin to dry out, “burn” and eventually die.
5. Properly organized ventilation will provide an excellent microclimate, which will have a positive effect on the well-being of plants and the quality of the harvest.
6. Good ventilation allows you to harden plants and improve their immunity.
7. Ventilation will help harden the seedlings standing in the greenhouse and accustom them to independent life in the ground.
8. Air exchange and ventilation are necessary for the process of pollination of plants.

Attention! Air temperatures above +40 degrees and the scorching sun are very harmful to plants. Some crops even die from excess heat. Remember that the air temperature in a closed greenhouse can rise very quickly. A thermometer installed inside the structure will help monitor its (temperature) level.

To make plants and flowers grow quickly, take care of ventilation

It is important not just the presence of ventilation, but also its proper organization. Any haphazardly installed vents will clearly not be enough - as a rule, a primitive ventilation system that is convenient for humans is not suitable for plants.

Ventilation is especially important for polycarbonate greenhouses. In a conventional greenhouse, plants have at least a small chance that fresh air will penetrate through the cracks in the structure. From the same point of view, polycarbonate greenhouses can be called practically airtight.

Ceiling automatic ventilation

However, you need to be very careful with ventilation - heat-loving greenhouse crops may die due to drafts and cold air. That is why the greenhouse must be closed at night even in warm weather - frost can strike without warning and ruin all your work.

In order to properly ensure ventilation and air circulation in the greenhouse, gardeners need to closely monitor weather conditions, and also constantly be at their summer cottage in order to be able to open and close the doors and windows in the greenhouse structure. And this is not always convenient, for example, for a working person. But even this difficult situation now has a solution. You can purchase a thermal drive for a greenhouse, which will provide autonomous ventilation of the structure, doing this troublesome work for you.

Universal automatic greenhouse ventilator for side and dome vents

What is a thermal drive?

A greenhouse thermal actuator is a small device that allows you to automatically close and open doors, transoms, and vents when a certain level of air temperature is reached. A person will not have to control this process after installing this simple mechanism. By the way, the device works “by itself” - you do not need to supply electricity to the greenhouse or purchase batteries. Simply put, a greenhouse thermal drive is an automatic ventilator.

Thermal actuator - greenhouse automation system - capable of opening both a ceiling window (ideal for ventilation) and a hinged window and door to the greenhouse

How does it work? It's simple: at an air temperature of more than +23 degrees, a liquid that has the ability to melt (cyclohexanol) begins to expand, fill a special chamber, thereby moving the rod, which forces the door or window to open. If the air temperature decreases, this same liquid begins to decrease in volume, compressing and drawing the rod back. Accordingly, the sash also closes next.

Thermal drive for automatic opening of windows

Attention! In order for the device to control casement windows, it is also necessary to additionally use counterweights and springs.

The main advantages of a thermal drive.

1. Reliability – throughout the entire warranty period, the thermal drive will definitely not let the gardener down.
2. The warranty period is 10 years of continuous operation, but in reality it is not limited.
3. The device does not require any additional adjustments.
4. The package includes all the necessary fasteners and the thermal drive itself.
5. The thermal actuator is easy and quick to install. Anyone can cope with this task.
6. The thermal actuator can close/open not only doors and vents, but also a raised frame on the ceiling or a swinging window.

Table. Greenhouse thermal drive delivery set.

Diagram of a thermal drive for greenhouses

Note that the mechanism includes all the necessary parts for opening and closing any sash.

Automatic greenhouse ventilation

The technical features of the thermal drive are as follows:

• the length of the device itself between the supports easily changes from 44 to 33 cm;
• rod stroke – up to 10 cm;
• the nominal force, which is sufficient to open and close any leaf, is 10 kgf;
• the hydraulic cylinder, which is part of the thermal drive, is able to withstand pressure on the rod up to 200 kg - thanks to this, the device is very durable and does not allow the door or window to close even in strong gusts of wind;
• temperature of use ranges from -40 to +60 degrees;
• the temperature when the door begins to close is +22 degrees;
• the temperature when active door opening begins is + 24 degrees.

Thermal drive Vent - chain against wind loads

Prices for heat drives for greenhouses

heat drive for greenhouses

How to ventilate a greenhouse correctly

In fact, the process of ventilating greenhouses is limited only by the required temperature and humidity inside the structure. After all, the main task is to create optimal conditions for plant growth. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules:

• You cannot create conditions under which drafts will occur inside the greenhouse.
• For uniform ventilation, openings with opening frames must be installed evenly along the entire length of the building.
• It is better to ventilate the greenhouse in the evening and in the morning, when the temperature outside is more favorable for plants.
• Plant inside the greenhouse only those plants for which the humidity and temperature conditions of growth will be approximately the same.
• Purchase ventilation mechanisms strictly according to the load they can withstand. The manufacturer must indicate this in the product passport. To do this, you will additionally have to determine the weight of the window.

Installing a thermal drive

How to install this simple but really useful device in your greenhouse? It's very simple - just follow the step-by-step instructions.

Methods for installing a greenhouse thermal drive

Step 1. Check how a door, window or window opens and closes. The sashes should turn easily on their hinges; you should not use much effort.

First, check the functionality of windows, vents and doors

Step 2. Using a marker, mark the place on the sash where part of the mechanism will be installed - the bracket, which is located in a single number. It should be fastened in such a way that the rod in one of the parts of the device can move 8-10 cm. Drill holes and secure it with two self-tapping screws.

Bracket Attachment

Step 3. Take other brackets (2 pieces in a set) and install them using self-tapping screws on the wall of the greenhouse and the doorway so that when the sash is fully opened, the distance between the support centers of the device is 44 cm. One of the brackets (for the gas spring) is attached on the frame, the second (for the thermal drive) - on the wall.

The other 2 brackets are attached to the greenhouse wall and doorway

Attention! During installation, be careful that none of the thermal drive elements rub against the window frame or door frame.

Step 4. Place special clips on the gas spring and the thermal actuator itself.

This is how special clamps should be attached

Step 5. Take the thermal actuator and begin to mount it on the side of the greenhouse that is opposite to the opening to be opened. The thermal drive is the part that is longer than the others.

Step 6. The brackets have special ball bearings onto which the clamps located at the ends of the thermal actuator and gas spring are placed. Secure these parts, installed on the other edges of the device parts, to the first bracket installed on the sash earlier.

Step 7. Check the functionality of the device, after which you can start using the thermal drive.

Attention! Install both the spring and the thermal actuator so that the chrome rod faces down. And without going too far, one more tip - before installation, place the gas spring in the refrigerator so that it contracts.

Automatic window opener "Volya"

By the way, if you need to dismantle the device (it is recommended to do this for the winter), then raise the special locking spring on the latch by only 2-3 mm.

Installation instructions for greenhouse thermal drive Vent-L. Downloadable file (click the link to open the PDF in a new window).

Instructions

A device such as a thermal drive for a greenhouse can be bought in gardening stores or ordered online. You can also do it yourself.

What a homemade thermal drive for a greenhouse looks like

Manufacturers

Now we will make a short review of products for ventilating greenhouses from various companies. There are a number of automatic devices on sale today that operate on the various principles mentioned above. Any model that will be described is quite easy to install yourself. But if we are talking about electrical solutions, then it would still be better to contact a specialist.

"Dusya San"

So, the first option I want to talk about is “Dusya San”. This option uses a thermal cylinder operating on a hydraulic principle. This model operates at a temperature of no more than fifty degrees. The weight of the largest window that this device can open is seven kilograms. The machine is sold fully equipped, in addition to it comes with installation instructions.

Installation can be performed in various greenhouses. The main thing is that the window works clearly both for closing and opening. The opener does not require batteries or an electrical connection. In this case, the ventilator can be easily adjusted to open the window in the required temperature range. If the temperature rises to 30 degrees, then the window opens all the way.

"Sesame-M-2015"

Another interesting option is called “Sesame-M-2015”. The main element of this system is a hydraulic cylinder filled with oil. This model works over a wide temperature range and can be easily adjusted. The weight of the product is only one kilogram, but this is enough for the thermostat to easily open heavy oversized windows and doors. To avoid false operation of the system from overheating, you can protect it by installing special umbrellas on the street side.

If you need to leave the door open, there are special hooks for this. This option requires virtually no maintenance during use - you only need to occasionally lubricate the mechanism with machine-type oil.

"Thermal drive"

The next model is “Thermal Drive”. This development of a domestic manufacturer from Krasnoyarsk can open a window or door weighing up to twenty kilograms. But it is better to use it on window and door structures weighing up to ten kilograms. The largest opening angle is 45 degrees.

This design works using a hydraulic-type thermal cylinder. The manufacturer provides a twenty-year warranty on its products. It is quite simple to install such a system yourself - the instructions contain a similar installation diagram for this model.

Open Planet

Another solution that I would like to talk about is called Open Planet. The manufacturer guarantees that this device creates an ideal microclimate in the greenhouse for cultivating plants. Thanks to it, the temperature in the greenhouse can be adjusted in the range from 15 to 25 degrees.

This model has a reinforced structure with two springs, which makes it possible to use it not only on windows, but also on doors. The car ventilator is made of stainless steel. But in the cold season it is better to dismantle it so that the cylinder does not become deformed.

Do-it-yourself thermal actuator for a greenhouse

You can make a thermal actuator from parts of an old office chair. Actually, from the latter you only need one part - the cylinder, which is responsible for raising and lowering the seat. It consists of two rods - steel and plastic. So, let's begin.

Office chair cylinder

Step 1: Using a vice, remove the plastic rod. Inside you will find a pin made of strong steel.

Example of a cylinder (gas lift) device

Step 2. Take a metal rod, preferably steel, 8 mm in diameter, and clamp it with a reliable vice so that it protrudes about 6 cm.

Step 3. Place the cylinder on the rod, press firmly and completely remove the air from it.

Step 4. Cut off the cylinder that has a taper using a regular grinder and press out the metal rod from it. At the same time, do not spoil the smooth surface and the rubber element present on the rod.

Step 5. Make an M8 thread on the edge of the rod, and return the sleeve that was inside the cylinder to its place.

Step 6. Remove the rubber rings from the aluminum piston.

Step 7. Insert the piston into the sleeve that is inside the cylinder part and remove it from the cylinder. Try not to damage the oil seal with your actions. Screw on the M8 nut - it is necessary so that the piston does not accidentally fall inside the structure.

Nut M8 galvanized

Step 8. Insert the aluminum piston into the valve seat. Weld a metal pipe to the edge of the cylinder on the cut side as tightly as possible. Screw an extended M8 nut onto the thread on the rod.

Step 9. Connect the mechanism to the sash control levers and fill with regular motor oil. When doing this, do not forget to remove the air. To make this process more convenient, install a plug on one side of the pipe and a ball valve on the other.

A simple option - a thermal drive circuit for automatic ventilation of glass jars

Homemade bellows-based ventilation device

Greenhouse thermal drive made from a gas shock absorber

The thermal drive mechanism can be made in another way - from a car shock absorber.

Automotive gas shock absorbers

Piston in front

Step 1. Take two pieces of metal pipe, each 1 m long, and make threads on them. Connect them with a tee in the middle, and install plugs (standard plumbing) at the ends.

Cylinder mounting

Step 2. For a car shock absorber, remove the pin at the bottom and drill a hole in the bottom (diameter 8.5 mm). Cut the thread M10Z1.23 there too.

Stem fastening

Step 3: Take a 10x1.25 nut and also a bolt for the brake hose. The bolt has a small hole in the middle. Drill right through it.

Piston in profile

Step 4. Drill a 10 mm hole in the plug, then insert a bolt into it from the inside, screw on the nut, and screw the rest of the bolt into the thread you made on the shock absorber. Connect all this through paronite gaskets.

Rod and cylinder interface

Step 5. Attach the plug with the previously made thread to the tee.

Step 6. The system is almost ready. Unscrew the plug from one end of the metal pipe and pour oil into it. Slide and lock the rod in the lower position, release the air mass from the shock absorber.

Hydraulic cylinder for a greenhouse from an automobile gas piston

Step 7: Screw on the plug. Install the finished mechanism in the greenhouse structure. By the way, pipes can be installed above the beds and plant garters can be attached to them (pipes).

One of the homemade options

Greenhouse thermal drive from a hydraulic cylinder

You can also create a thermal drive yourself from a car hydraulic cylinder.

The thermal actuator can be made with your own hands and from a hydraulic cylinder from a car

Step 1: Take the hydraulic cylinder and make a hole in its body to release the gas. Make a 10x1.25 thread in the hole.

Step 2. Attach the brake hose from the Niva to the hole using an M6 bolt and the same pin that was present at the bottom of the cylinder.

Step 3. Make a receiver or order it from a turner.

Step 4: Remove air from the system. As a rule, this happens while filling it with oil. Make sure that the cylinder rod is completely recessed and do not forget to test the system for leaks.

Heating a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter

In this article you will find the best ways to arrange heating in a polycarbonate greenhouse, as well as detailed step-by-step instructions! We also recommend reading the material about do-it-yourself drip irrigation from PVC pipes.

The success of automated windows

The automation that opens and closes the windows works on the principle of engine oil expansion. Such factory-produced mechanisms can be purchased online and in traditional stores. When purchasing, you should pay attention to important points:

1. Price. A mechanism with a closer costs from 1600 to 3500 thousand rubles. You need as many of them as there are windows in your greenhouse.
2. Check the weight the unit is designed for.
3. Find out if the model you like can be adjusted to a specific temperature. Not all devices have this feature.

If you do not want to automate the vents using factory mechanisms, then organize ventilation in the greenhouse yourself using improvised devices.

Care and use

In order for the thermal drive to serve for many years, it requires appropriate care. The basic principles of servicing the mechanism are given below.

1. Do not forget to lubricate the structure with oil every year.
2. Do not disassemble the device yourself, otherwise it may become unusable.
3. It is advisable to remove the thermal drive in winter so that it does not become unusable during severe cold weather.
4. Remember that nothing should interfere with the operation of the mechanism. Do not lock it in the closed position under any circumstances.
5. There should be no latches, latches or locks on doors and windows that could interfere with the operation of the thermal drive.
6. Do not open the thermal door with force.

There is no need to use too much force when opening the door.

Now you know how to simplify your work at your summer cottage. Even if it’s just automatic ventilation of the greenhouse using a thermal drive. It’s one thing if you have only one small greenhouse structure on your site, but imagine if there are several of them? In addition, thanks to the thermal drive, you do not have to go to the dacha every day.

Video - Thermal drive

Automatic ventilation machine RUSICH

The automatic ventilation system allows you to open the door wide without damaging the thermal drive for the greenhouse. Designed for automatic opening/closing of doors and vents in greenhouses. Its operation is based on the property of various liquids to expand with increasing temperature. When heated, the liquid in the hydraulic cylinder begins to increase in volume, which sets the rod in motion, opening the doors and vents. As the temperature decreases, the volume of liquid decreases, as a result of which the rod moves under the influence of the spring, closing the door (or window) of the greenhouse.

Automatic ventilation machine RUSICH

Advantages:

• simplicity of design
• ease of installation
• equipment
• nice price

Flaws:

• quality of parts