TH> I presume you are refering to a thermostat mounted on a black
TH>plate?
RS>I was thinking of a protected thermostat with the "probe" in
RS>contact with a "heat coductor" which would have one end exposed to
RS>direct sunlight, and the other end contacting the probe.
RS>Perhaps the "heat conductor" could be a short metal rod?
RS>Just an idea off the top of my head.
Thanks.
I was thinking of making a miniature version of the solar collector.
If the plate gets hotter than the water tanks, the cover door will
open. When it gets cooler, it will close.
Now, I still need to figure out the mechanics. The door will most
likely be hinged at the bottom, and hoisted up like a draw bridge. I
will probably use a rod with 14-gauge stranded steal cable, or 3/16"
UV resistant poly tied to the rod at the center. That way as the rod
turns the line will spirl outwards.
When closed, the door will be leaning against the solar box. So, I
guess I will need springs to push the door out as the rod unwindes
the line.
I'm not sure what kind of motorized control I can use to drive the
rod yet.
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