The modern market provides a huge selection of different equipment for greenhouses. Among them: automatic watering, humidity control, independent heating and much more. Plant care is, without a doubt, very important. But it is very difficult to achieve the desired effect without proper ventilation.
In order to maintain an optimal climate in a greenhouse or greenhouse, it is necessary to ensure air circulation. This process can be automated by installing greenhouse ventilation machines.
Modern ventilation systems
Of course, you can ventilate the greenhouse in the old proven way - manually, but the installation of automatic systems is still considered a more convenient option. Modern systems can be divided into the following categories:
- Automated volatile.
- Automated non-volatile.
The first ones work, as a rule, from a power source (for example, the mains). Some of them use alternative energy sources (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).e). The basis of such devices are thermal relays. This mechanism drives the electric fans. The latter, in turn, supply fresh air to the greenhouse.
The advantages of such automation for greenhouses include the following pluses:
- compatible with designs of all sizes;
- compact device;
- airing is carried out only at a certain time or according to the readings of sensors.
It is important to note that all volatile designs are high-tech.
The following disadvantages of such systems are distinguished:
- difficult to repair (in case of failure of just one component, the whole mechanism will have to be repaired);
- if the power supply is cut off, the machine will not work, because of which the plants may die.
To choose the right ventilation system, you should pay attention to:
- The size of the greenhouse and its design.
- Number and area of vents. If it is not possible to install one large one (which occupies 1/5 of the entire roof area), several small ones should be opened at once.
- The load capacity of the device, which must correspond to the weight of the window.
Autonomous ventilation systems
Autonomous greenhouse ventilation systems include:
- Bimetallic. Such a device consists of two metal strips, which, in turn, have different coefficients of thermal expansion. They overlap each othereach other and are connected at the ends. When the temperature rises, one of the bands changes position - it bends. A sufficient area of the unstable plate creates a great effort, and the window opens. If a piston device is added to such a design, it is possible to build a stand-alone device that will work without a power source. When the temperature drops, the plate cools down and returns to its original position. Accordingly, the window closes.
- Hydraulic.
- Pneumatic.
Advantages and disadvantages of autonomous systems
The advantages of bimetallic greenhouse ventilation machines are:
- affordability in price range;
- no need to connect to a power source.
The main disadvantages are:
- low power;
- difficulty in choosing the optimal temperature for the correct functioning of the machine.
Hydraulic ventilators for greenhouses
The hydraulic machine for ventilation of greenhouses works by changing the volume of the working fluid inside the vessel. The volume, in turn, changes under the influence of ambient temperature. When it rises, the liquid pushes the piston to a certain height, thereby opening the window. When cooling, the reverse process occurs.
Because the liquid expands faster than it contracts, the closing process is "late". This phenomenon is called inertia andis the main disadvantage of these systems.
When installing, pay attention to the location of the machine - it is best to fix it at the top of the greenhouse. In this case, the ventilation will be faster, and the cold air will not harm the plants.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic systems
This greenhouse equipment has the following advantages:
- it does not require power supplies to function;
- no need to control the operation of the machine;
- a hydraulic system can be built at home;
- when using automation, there are no unpleasant sounds and smells;
- even with an open window, you can work in the greenhouse.
The main disadvantages of the hydraulic system are:
- high cost;
- inertia.
It is important to know that hydraulics take into account the point temperature (that is, the one where the system itself is installed), and not the average greenhouse.
Pneumatic ventilators. Advantages and disadvantages
Automatic machines of this type operate on a simple principle: heated air from a sealed container is supplied to the piston through a tube. The piston, moving, opens the window. When the temperature drops, the reverse process occurs - the cooled air is compressed and returned through the tube into the cavity of the container. The piston returns to its place, and the window is closed. Greenhouse with automatic ventilation has the followingvirtues:
- complete independence from power sources;
- high performance;
- easy to install and operate;
- low cost.
The following disadvantages are also highlighted:
- large installation dimensions;
- high inertia;
- pneumatic system reacts strongly to changes in atmospheric pressure.
It is important to note that such a setup is almost impossible to make yourself.
Thermal drive. Working principle and features
Thermodrive, for example "Dusya San", is installed on the greenhouse vents. It is also suitable for opening greenhouse end windows. This machine operates without the use of power supplies. The thermal cylinder contains a special liquid that contracts or expands depending on the ambient temperature.
When the temperature rises, the working fluid "pushes" the piston to a height of up to 12 cm. At this moment, the process of opening the greenhouse takes place. When the temperature drops, the reverse process occurs - the liquid is compressed, and the piston returns to its place.
This greenhouse ventilation system operates in the range from 16 to 25°C. These are the temperatures that will be maintained inside the greenhouse.
The thermal actuator is able to open vents weighing up to 7 kg.
The package includes: the cylinder itself, levers and necessary connections, user manual.
The installation process is easy even for a beginner:it is enough just to fix the thermocylinder between the greenhouse and the window.
How to manually ventilate a greenhouse
In order to build automation for greenhouses with your own hands, you will need:
- vessels (jars of 3000 and 800 ml);
- caps;
- drill.
The construction process is quite simple: first you need to fill a larger vessel with water (800 ml) and roll it up with a lid. Next, a hole is made in the center of the lid and a brass tube is inserted. In this case, the distance from the bottom to the beginning of the tube should not exceed 2-3 mm.
The hole around the tube is carefully treated with sealant. The lid for the second vessel must be nylon. A hole is also made in it, which is carefully sealed.
The exit end from the first vessel is drawn almost to the bottom of the smaller jar (2-3 mm from the bottom).
After the "manual" opener is ready, leave it in a warm, dry place until the sealant is completely cured.
In order for an ordinary structure to become a greenhouse with automatic ventilation, you can build another device. For this you will need:
- metal canister;
- cylindrical vessel;
- balloon;
- piston material (styrofoam or metal rod);
- rubber tube;
- glue;
- sealant;
- adhesive tape (better mounting);
- sewing machine bobbin;
- cord or fishing line.
Assembling the machine comes down toa few simple steps:
- First, you should paint the canister (preferably in a dark matte color). Then in the lid you need to make a hole for the pipe. All openings are carefully sealed.
- The next step is to make a cylinder. To do this, a pipe of a suitable size is rolled up from polycarbonate. The ends of the pipe are worked out with glue. The bottom for the cylinder is made of the same material. A hole is made in the center of the bottom to accommodate the stem. Then you should make a cylinder cover. The stem guide can be made from a plastic tube. Glue is used to fasten the parts. It is better to make the cover removable.
- For the manufacture of the pneumatic piston of the greenhouse ventilation machine, an inflatable ball, adhesive tape and material for the rod are used. Stick adhesive tape on the rod, then put on the balloon. A circle of suitable diameter is cut out of the foam. Its ends should be glued with tape. When choosing a diameter, it is important to take into account the size of the glass, and to reduce friction between them, the surface of the walls is treated with petroleum jelly. At this stage, it is necessary to attach a rod to the foam circle.
- The last step is to make the rocker arm and assemble the structure. In this case, platinum with holes at the ends will serve as a rocker arm. The smaller hole is for attaching the transfer string, and the larger hole is for attaching to the axle (you can use a nail for the axle).
The assembly order is as follows:
- The receiver is mounted under the greenhouse ceiling.
- The cylinder is mounted in any convenient place.
- Pulleyattached to the wall or on a separate tripod.
Further from the rocker, a transfer tape (string) is brought to the desired window and the system is adjusted.
It is as follows:
- The tube is attached to the balloon, which is inflated and then connected to the receiver.
- After you should install the piston.
It is important to note that the setting of the mechanism should be carried out at an ambient temperature of 15 to 18°C.
Ventilation machines for greenhouses. Overview
The most popular in today's market are:
- Autovent XL. The English device is designed to open small windows (up to 5.5 kg) to a height of up to 30.5 cm. The machine operates at a temperature of 12°C.
- Autovent MK-7. It has the same characteristics as the previous one. The difference lies in the design: Autovent MK-7 is reinforced with three springs at once.
- The powerful Danish device "Megavent" opens the windows to a height of up to 45 cm. The weight of the lifted structure can be up to 24 kg.
- Super Autovent MK-7 is a popular greenhouse ventilation machine. Its characteristics are as follows: load capacity - up to 16 kg, window opening height - up to 45 cm. It is worth noting that in this device you can independently adjust the operating temperature range.
- Tuymazy automation system is designed for installation both on the window and on the door. It is worth noting the unusual load capacity, which is 100 kg. The window at the same timerises to a height of up to 40 cm. Operating temperature range - from 16 to 25 ° C.
- "Dusya San". It is in an affordable price category and is considered to be a fairly efficient and reliable device.
- The hydraulic cylinder "Upofar" is also able to withstand the heavy weight of the window and a fairly wide range of operating temperatures. It is worth noting that after installation, the cylinder does not need maintenance and repair for about 5 years.
- Danish Gigavent. The device for ventilation of greenhouses is capable of lifting 30-kilogram vents to a height of up to 45 cm. The device is also equipped with an anti-stall system and can be easily mounted on any type of vents.
Ventilation machines for greenhouses. Reviews
The following systems are considered the most popular:
- "Banking". The self-made design consists of two cylindrical vessels - cans. Volume 3000 and 800 grams respectively. Homemade design is widespread among users. The main advantages are: availability in materials and price category, ease of installation and operation. The disadvantage is that such a system is intended only for vents that open along the horizontal axis.
- "Dusya San". The thermal drive has positive qualities: the installation process is very simple, and if installed correctly, the device will last for many years. Among the shortcomings, poor resistance to strong winds and low temperatures is distinguished. Also, the thermal drive cannot withstand loads over 7 kg.
- Hydraulic machine for ventilation of greenhouses "Ufopar"also deserves special attention. The main advantages are: no need for adjustment, resistance of the cylinder to temperature extremes. Accordingly, there is no need to remove it for the winter period (in order for the mechanism not to work, it is enough to tighten just one nut). "Ufopar" reacts to changes in ambient temperature, so the process of opening and closing the window takes place several times a day. The main disadvantages are: the difficulty in selecting the installation site and installation, the heavy weight of the structure.
- Ventilation machine for greenhouses "Opener-Lux". Customer reviews report that this device takes into account the ambient temperature and adjusts the height of the window opening. Also, the machine is suitable for any design. At the same time, the window leaf can be opened to a height of up to 45 cm. A positive point is the possibility of installing the ventilator on any window (both ceiling and end) and on the door. Installation of automation is simple and can be done even by a beginner. Among the shortcomings are the high cost and overall size.
- Thermal actuator T-34. The modern device has the following advantages: increased service life, complete autonomy, simple design. Also, the thermal actuator is quite powerful and is able to open windows weighing up to 10 kg. T-34 works at an ambient temperature of 24°C. The automatic machine is suitable for any kind of modern greenhouses. The disadvantages are: high cost, overall size and the need for dismantling for the cold season.
When choosing equipment for automatically opening windows or doors, one should take into account not only the parameters of the greenhouse, but also the climate zone, plant species and season.
