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BULLETINS & ARTICLES Automation of greenhouse roll-up side vents simplified Industry supplier Redpath Pacific Ltd have developed a straight-forward system to automate the common greenhouse roll up all blind system (see picture opposite - Manual wall "Eziwinder") Roll up walls are used extensively throughout New Zealand & Australia as an effective and simple greenhouse ventilation system.  Typically these are operated by self locking “eziwinder” style winches which require the grower to manually open and close the roll up blind on a daily basis. Whilst the manual system has proven to be reliable and cost effective the difficulty with it is that the accuracy of the ventilation control can be quite basic.  The wall is usually opened in the morning & closed at night and with many growers having busy daily schedules they are often unable to closely monitor the greenhouse conditions throughout the whole day. This can result in temperature and humidity fluctuations within the greenhouse environment and lead to inconsistent crop production or damaged crops the company says. To give growers more control over the greenhouse environment Redpath have developed an electric drive  system that is compatible with most existing roll up wall blinds on all brands of greenhouses.   The system is called the “Autowinder” roll up wall. Glen Williams from Redpath comments “The Autowinder system is a very effective and accurate ventilation drive system that is simple to connect to the power supply & will fit onto 99% of existing designs.

The motor drive itself is a 24v DC unit and it incorporates the reduction gearbox as part of the sealed unit.  The Autowinder features external adjustable limit switches which can be easily set by the grower to stop the wall at the top and bottom of its travel.  (see pic 2)

(Pic 2) Autowinder with roller guide

(Pic 3)

(Pic 4)

The company says that the Autowinder is also unique in respect that it may be controlled by any of the commonly available greenhouse environmental controllers used on the market.  The ‘power supply” box that is part of the Autowinder options will accept either an AC or DC 24volt signal to operate the motor drive.  Although they do offer a simple greenhouse controller for the specific purpose of controlling the Autowinders (see Pic 3)

 

The “ Roll up master”  controller monitors the greenhouses temperature & will open and close the Autowinder driven roll up walls in pre-set stages.  This controller costs less than $1000+GST & is a very cost efficient and effective greenhouse environment monitoring tool, - that works “ 24/7”  for the grower.  Monitoring the environment with a temperature controller and adjusting ventilation to suit throughout the day will provide the greenhouse with a far more consistent growing environment.  Also the Autowinder system will work when the owner or workers are not on the property and the greenhouse is unattended.

Redpath claim that the system can almost always be installed within one day and that much of the wiring (being only 24volt)  can be handled by the owner.  Wiring to the mains supply and final connection should be completed by an electrician of course.  (See picture 4 for an Autowinder fitted to a greenhouse).

Enquires to Redpath on Freephone 0508 733728