Recent simulation and test data indicate that to
reach performance desired for a Zero Energy Home, optimum windows may need to
have dynamic seasonal solar control: high solar gains in the winter with high
insulation and low solar gains in the summer.Dynamic, high performance products can be based on several possible
technologies. Although elements of these technologies exist today, the existing
marketplace has not stimulated investment in the innovation needed to produce
systems that will meet cost and
Zero
Energy
Building
performance requirements. This window is a first prototype of a dynamic
residential window.
This animation shows a typical cycle of different
weather conditions during one day. It has the following sequence:
In the morning the blinds are down, the
override button is pushed and the blind raises
Fast forward to mid-morning with direct solar
radiation and elevated outdoor temperatures (above 78 degrees F) the blind
automatically deploys
Fast forward to cooler afternoon (less than 74
degrees F), blind is automatically being raised because the solar gain
through the window is unlikely to add to the interior cooling load
Fast forward to evening/night, it is dark
outside, the blind automatically drops to provide privacy and nighttime
insulation.
At any stage, the override button can be
pushed to change the blind position
Pella Designer Series Aluminum Clad Wood
Window with Dual Glazed Panel (DGP, similar to a storm panel):
The NFRC rating is SHGC = 0.29, U-factor = 0.24, Tvis = 0.47
Pella Pleated Fabric shade (between insulated
glazing unit and DGP)
Dallas Semiconductor / Maxim TINI
board
A real-time Java-based micro-controller with Ethernet and 1-wire interfaces
