All Buildings utilize the concept of - The Energy Triangle -, which is the interplay between natural light control, artificial light control, and HVAC systems. Traditionally Natural Light Control options have not been maximized, nor have HVAC systems been effectively managed, due to the absence of appropriate Natural Light Control devices. Reduction of electrical loads and the conservation of energy, can effectively be accomplished, by incorporating automated shading systems, that are managed. This can be achieved in simple and cost-effective ways. By utilizing a high performance window shading system, significant amounts of heat can be mitigated, thus reducing AC costs, while natural light can be utilized to reduce the artificial lighting load. Contrary to what is often presumed, the interplay between the elements of the Energy Triangle, can be accomplished without complex interconnections and convoluted wiring scenarios. The presentation will outline a template for stakeholders which will outline a set of simple use cases for accomplishing the aforementioned task.

1. Justin Fransila
Intelligent Control of Window Shading
And
The “Energy Triangle”
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2. Why Should a Building Owner “Automate” a
Shading System?
In a typical commercial building, lighting, heating and cooling represents as
much as 65% of the total energy consumption, which puts a significant burden
on an operating budget.
Reducing the cost of such energy loads, can easily be achieved by
“ automating” window shading systems, whether interior or exterior.
Since “ manually” operated shading systems are used less often, employing
an automated system can be more effective in managing solar gain and glare,
which in turn, enhances one’ s ability to utilize existing natural light as a
substitute for artificial (electric) light, the end result being, “ a reduction in
energy costs” .
* Source:
www.esourcecompaniesllc.com
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3. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
The Energy Triangle
Natural Light Control
Somfy
“Energy Triangle”
HVAC Systems Artificial Light Control
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4. The Energy Triangle
“Bridging the Elements”
Artificial
Lighting
Heating
and
Cooling
Natural
Light
Control
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5. Shading 101
What is the purpose of a window shade?
Fundamentally, the purpose is to “mitigate solar gain and provide
comfort from glare”
Factors that dictate what type of window shade is used include:
Cost, aesthetics, functionality and type of application
Ultimately, when one considers the various factors, a solar screen
roller shade can be considered the most viable shading choice for most
commercial applications
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6. Shading 101
Why is automated window shading important?
The fact is, the vast majority of “manual operated” shades, do not get moved, often remaining in the
closed position, thus not providing one with the benefits of natural light, or conversely, in the open
position, thus increasing the need for air conditioning the space.
The type of window shade is also important!
Vertical Blinds are often used in commercial buildings, mostly due to cost. They are rarely automated
and have proven to be the least effective method for natural light control, providing no ancillary benefits
in terms of “ daylighting” or “ load shedding” .
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7. Motorization is available for all types of openings
and closures of homes and buildings.
RESIDENTIAL
Energy savings
Comfort
Security
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Energy savings
Natural ventilation
and visual comfort
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8. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Energy saving benefits are increased because
motorized window coverings can be:
 Programmed to operate at certain times of the day
 Programmed to operate depending on the amount of sunlight
 Programmed to operate based on the amount of sunlight and
temperature
 Controlled remotely via a central control or the internet
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9. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Optimize Natural Light
“Sun Tracking feature”
Shading device controls can offer a Sun
Tracking feature that positions the hem bar
on a sun screen or the blades on blinds
or louvers according
to the direction of the sun's rays
Sunlight is free and by reducing the use of
artificial lighting allows energy savings.
Artificial lighting can amount to 35% of a
commercial building's energy costs !
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10. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Optimize Natural Light •Automated shading devices with
timers and sensors optimize natural
light inside the building and can still be
controlled individually
•Maximize use of natural daylight to
ensure greater visual comfort, reduce
the need for artificial
lighting, lowering energy consumption
and operating costs.
•More comfortable to the human eye,
sunlight has proven itself as the best
source of well-being.
•Studies show benefits in schools where
grades have improved,
•and in offices with higher productivity
and lower absenteeism rates.
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11. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
What is the relationship between Natural Lighting and
Artificial Lighting?
Simply
“The use of natural light to supplement artificial light”
aka
“Daylighting” or “Daylight Harvesting”
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12. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Window Orientation Summer
•Direction that windows face for cooling and
heating
•Southern Windows
High exposure to sunshine
Excessive heat loads for cooling
•Northern Windows
Small amount of direct sunshine
Excellent for Cooling Illuminations
•Eastern / Western Windows
Susceptible to heat radiation
Long exposure to sunlight in each direction
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13. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Fabrics and How They Effect Energy Management
Items that effect energy management
Color
Dark - Good for heat absorption, poor reflective
properties
Light - Heat dispersion into room, better for heat
reflection
Opaque - Room darkening, excellent for heat
absorption
Weave Density
Will determine how much heat is absorbed and or
dispersed within room
Material
Heavy weight fabrics - Heat collection, poor light
dispersion
Light weight fabrics - Heat and light passes
through easily
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14. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Types of Shading
•Roller Shades
•Provide diffused light and keep heat between window and
shade in turn keep heat out of room. Allows for external
viewing.
•Southern exposures between 8:00am and 4:00pm with white opaque shades
reduce heat gain by 64%, white translucent shades can reduce heat gain by
56%, and dark shades can reduce heat gain by 30%.
•Western exposures between 12:00noon and 6:00pm with white opaque
shades reduce heat gain by 68%, white translucent shades can reduce heat
gain by 60%, and dark shades can reduce heat gain by 33%.
•R-value of 2.0 to 4.0 can be achieved with roller shades
•Blinds
•Use of blinds on a sunny window can reduce heat gain by 45% if blinds
have a reflective coating, fully lowered, and completely closed
•Draperies
•Can cause the chimney effect by letting heat into the room but are effective
in keep cold out
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15. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Digital Network Motorization
A bold new approach to the automation
of window shading systems, providing unlimited
functionality without “complexity & excessive cost”.
Similar in concept to an “ethernet network”.
Follows principle of “distributed intelligence”.
Smart Controls driving an “intelligent motor”.
•Built in microprocessor
•Individually addressed
•Two-way communication
•Multiple intermediate positions
•Unlimited grouping possibilities
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16. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
A cost-effective solution for “Energy Management”.
•Unlimited control via in-wall or virtual switches.
 In-wall switches need only be connected to the bus line.
 Virtual switches can be loaded on any web based device.
•Remote access to shades via internet connection.
 Provides for easier maintenance and monitoring of shade
systems, such as via an IPAD, which might be carried around
by Maintenance Personnel.
In-wall Virtual
hard Type
wired Switches
switch
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17. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
“Virtual Switches” – actual examples of “Graphical User
Interfaces”
As seen on a PC or laptop As seen on an IPAD or
Smart Phone
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18. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Digital Network Motorization
•Simple to Design
System is totally “scalable” – pre-planning is not as necessary.
Options for control can be easily applied “after the fact”.
Control can be personalized, according to the client’s needs.
•Simple to Install
Utilizes standard “off the shelf” wiring for power and data.
•Conventional 12/2 or 14/2 for power – CAT5 for data.
Motors can be plugged in to standard duplex outlets.
No need for “Home Runs” and “Motor Controllers”.
•Simple to Program
Software based controls are easy to configure and adjust.
•Simple to Operate
Intuitive switches in both “in-wall” and “PC based” versions.
Easy to apply “time schedules” for “daylighting” purposes.
Integrated control via any 3rd party option, including,
“home automation systems”
“touch screens”
“smart phones”
“building management systems
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19. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
“Time Scheduling” and/or “Sun Tracking”
•Minimal componentry
•Minimal programming - Maximum Energy Savings
•Minimal maintenance
 Time Scheduling
• Utilizes time based set points, to move shade (s), with or without sun sensing.
• Simple to program and often effective, when applied to smaller building
envelopes.
 Sun Tracking
• Utilizes sun activated set points, in increments as small as one degree,
depending on the need. Set points are determined by algorithms built into the
software that are based on the latitude and longitude of a given locale.
• The complexity of the programming and the number of photocells (sun
sensing) required, is contingent on the size and character of the building
envelope and the level of accuracy demanded.
 Though the fundamental purpose of sun tracking is to increase energy
savings by maximizing the use of natural light to supplement artificial
light (daylighting), that is, if dimming ballasts are employed, this can
even be accomplished through the use of time scheduling, albeit less
accurately. The result may not be as productive in terms of energy
savings, but nevertheless, significant, with a payback or “ROI” which
is faster, due to a lower “up front” cost.
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20. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Sun Sensors
“Wired and Wireless Options”
Operates motorized window coverings in accordance to
the amount of sunlight received. Sunlight sensitivity
(threshold) can be adjusted for varying degrees of
sunlight intensity.
 Sun Sensors reduce heat gain while providing
UV protection.
 Reduces heat gain while providing UV
protection.
Simple wireless option for raising and lowering
shades and “programmable” wired options for “sun
tracking” purposes.
Can be employed as a stand alone
“ energy management” tool, such as in
applications where shades simply need to go
“ up” or “ down” based on sun conditions, or as
an integrated “ energy management” tool, when
used in conjunction with “ time scheduling” or
“ sun tracking”
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21. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Digital Network Motorization
How does it “ impact” project considerations?
•Budget
 System must respect the overall cost of the project.
• Advanced technologies allow one to reduce system costs.
•Functionality
 System must meet the needs of the end user.
• Advanced technologies allow one to more easily accommodate needs.
•Maintenance
 System must be easy to operate, adjust and repair.
• Advanced technologies provide a more user friendly and accessible system.
•Adaptability
 System must allow for changing client requirements.
• Advanced technologies provide a more flexible system which is scalable.
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22. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Automated Shading and How it Applies to Regulatory Bodies
Though Solar Screens and Shading Systems in general, are not directly recognized
as an energy saving devices, various State and Federal initiatives are demanding that
stakeholders take steps to lower solar gain and reduce energy costs.
LEED does recognize the value of a window shading system, from the point of view
of “optimizing energy savings” and providing “thermal comfort”. Many governments
and utilities have adopted LEED as the basis for their incentive programs, but they
vary from state to state, let alone community to community. Nevertheless, the
USGBC concept is now accepted as a “de-facto” standard for “sustainable design”,
within the architectural community.
California “ Title 24” , does specifically state that, “ one will take steps to lower
their solar gain, or they will be penalized” .
California Title 24 “ 2013 Building Efficiency Standards indicate a specific goal that
new building standards achieve "net zero energy" levels by 2020 for residences and
by 2030 for commercial buildings.
The Federal “ Tax Incentives Assistance Project” provides tax deductions to
commercial building owners that save 50% or more of “ projected annual energy
costs” for heating, cooling and lighting.
The employment of automated shading systems, can be an effective catalyst in
achieving the “load shedding” goals, when used in consort with occupancy sensors
and dimming systems, especially in terms of “unoccupied spaces”.
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23. Intelligent Control of Window Shading
Remember the “ Equation”
Automated Shading = Energy Savings
Thank you
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