Movable Shading Devices with Integrated Photovoltaic Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential buildings consume significant energy for heating and cooling, with windows being a major contributor to energy use due to heat transmission, air infiltration, and solar heat gains, and existing window replacements are costly and not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
Movable shading devices with integrated photovoltaic panels that can be controlled to optimize energy efficiency and electricity generation, including tiltable panels and programmable controllers to regulate shading based on radiation, temperature, and time, providing insulation and on-site PV electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high performance windows (thin triple or vacuum-insulated glazing, high-performing inert gas fills, insulating frames) are implemented, then energy performance of windows is improved, but cost increases significantly making replacement not cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable shading device as an intermediary element between the existing window and the external environment. This shading device provides the energy performance benefits of high-performance windows without requiring window replacement, thereby avoiding the high costs associated with installing thin triple or vacuum-insulated glazing while still reducing heat transmission and solar heat gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the window system into two independent components: the existing window structure and the add-on movable shading device. This allows the shading function and insulation properties to be provided separately from the window itself, enabling cost-effective energy efficiency improvements without replacing the entire window assembly.
2Power
If movable PV integrated shading devices are used, then electricity generation benefit is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated device: the shading function and the photovoltaic electricity generation function. By combining these functions in one movable device, the system achieves on-site power generation without requiring separate complex installations, and the integrated design actually simplifies the overall system compared to having separate shading and PV systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shading device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides solar shading to reduce heat gains, generates electricity through integrated photovoltaic panels, and can be controlled to optimize both shading and power generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate systems and components.
3Loss of energy
If programmable controllers are used to optimize shading position, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable controller implements feedback control by monitoring environmental conditions (such as solar position, temperature, or occupancy) and automatically adjusting the shading device position to optimize energy efficiency. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automated control algorithms that independently determine optimal shading positions based on pre-programmed criteria or real-time sensor data. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and minimizes user intervention while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces annual energy consumption by up to 80% in buildings, especially in hot and mild climates, while offering energy efficiency and renewable energy benefits for both new and existing housing units without the need for roof access.
Implementation Method 1
Movable PV integrated shading devices (MPVISDs) can offer the additional benefit of converting solar radiation, otherwise wasted, to electricity that can be used on-site
Implementation Method 2
windows can affect thermal performance of buildings through several mechanisms heat transmission (i.e., conduction and convection through the glazing layers), air infiltration (i.e., uncontrolled airflow through cracks around the windows' frames), and solar heat gains (i.e., solar radiation transmitted through the transparent glazing)
Implementation Method 3
heat transmission (i.e., conduction and convection through the glazing layers)
Implementation Method 4
heat transmission (i.e., conduction and convection through the glazing layers)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of use of movable shading devices configured to conserve energy usage associated with the building or house as described herein. An example shade system includes at least one moveable shade that is moveable in position about one or more of a lateral axis, vertical axis, and rotational axis with respect to a window of the building or house, where the at least one moveable shade is external to or internal to the window, and a programmable controller configured to selectively control movement of the at least one moveable shade about the lateral axis, vertical axis, and/or rotational axis, where the at least one moveable shade is selectively moveable to regulate conditions of the building or house based at least on one or more of incoming radiation, temperature, season, and time of day.