Using this as a greenhouse vent actuator is pretty cool. It just makes so much sense.
I'm surprised this page doesn't mention the automotive thermostat which uses the same principle to control the flow of coolant between the engine block and radiator in an ICE vehicle.
Seems as though it's been filed under a different page:
Perhaps you would consider adding that information? That's would be an interesting addition!
The "See Also" has "Wax thermostatic element" [0] which seems focused on automotive applications, so perhaps it was there and grew enough to bud-off.
> Its principal application is in automotive thermostats used in the engine cooling system.
Big Clive took one to bits some years back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPuvhnIoz2g
I once had an interview at PA consulting where they asked one of those questions where they have "the answer" but their question isn't well specified enough to lead to that unique answer. They kept adding conditions, but I hadn't ever heard of wax actuators before. (I was like 19 or something - didn't get that job!)
Objects like this make me think of grimdark (steam|diesel)punk works like the video games Dishonored or BioShock. It feels like there's a touch of occultism or corruption whenever one creates a device that exploits analog side effects to create machines in a closed, black-box package.
> Objects like this make me think of grimdark (steam|diesel)punk works like the video games Dishonored or BioShock. It feels like there's a touch of occultism or corruption whenever one creates a device that exploits analog side effects to create machines in a closed, black-box package.
The second sentence also fits a field effect transistors and solid state electronics in general.
I have bad news to tell you about your "digital" computer.