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29.01.2024
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Drive - electric or manual?
When ordering awnings, Refleksol Systems or Venetian Blinds, we often have a choice between electric or manual drive. Undoubtedly, in both cases the system will work perfectly, but which type of drive do we as a manufacturer recommend? To make the decision easier, we present the advantages and disadvantages of both types of drive.
1 Convenience of operation We have made sure that the crank operation is effortless, but there can only be one winner in this category - the electric drive. A single press of the switch or a button on the remote control opens or closes the system. This is particularly important with awnings - in the event of a sudden change in the weather, an electrically driven awning can be retracted much more quickly and efficiently (see point 3).
2. Costs In this category the manual drive wins, although given the overall cost of the system the price difference is not acute. However, the decision is up to the user.
3. Use of weather sensors Weather sensors provide comfort and even more functionality, but their use is only possible with an electric drive. Please read our articles on weather automation: https://www.selt.com/porady-en-5 , https://www.selt.com/porady-en-2
4 Energy supply interruptions A frequently used argument in favour of a crank system is that the system can be opened/closed in the event of a power cut. However, with an electric drive it is possible to use a motor with emergency retraction. In the case of awnings, this is an additional crank, and for Venetian Blinds and Refleksol Systems the optional Emergency Exit Safe module (second escape route). The battery belonging to the module allows the system to be activated in the event of a power failure. If the module is connected to a fire alarm system, opening will occur automatically.
5 Thermal bridges In the case of external covers, where the manual control is relocated through a conduit to the inside of the room, thermal bridges responsible for heat loss form at these points.
Brief summary Our overview clearly shows that the electric drive is not only more comfortable to operate, but also more functional. Given the undoubted advantages of the electric drive, we recommend it in our systems.
1 Convenience of operation We have made sure that the crank operation is effortless, but there can only be one winner in this category - the electric drive. A single press of the switch or a button on the remote control opens or closes the system. This is particularly important with awnings - in the event of a sudden change in the weather, an electrically driven awning can be retracted much more quickly and efficiently (see point 3).
2. Costs In this category the manual drive wins, although given the overall cost of the system the price difference is not acute. However, the decision is up to the user.
3. Use of weather sensors Weather sensors provide comfort and even more functionality, but their use is only possible with an electric drive. Please read our articles on weather automation: https://www.selt.com/porady-en-5 , https://www.selt.com/porady-en-2
4 Energy supply interruptions A frequently used argument in favour of a crank system is that the system can be opened/closed in the event of a power cut. However, with an electric drive it is possible to use a motor with emergency retraction. In the case of awnings, this is an additional crank, and for Venetian Blinds and Refleksol Systems the optional Emergency Exit Safe module (second escape route). The battery belonging to the module allows the system to be activated in the event of a power failure. If the module is connected to a fire alarm system, opening will occur automatically.
5 Thermal bridges In the case of external covers, where the manual control is relocated through a conduit to the inside of the room, thermal bridges responsible for heat loss form at these points.
Brief summary Our overview clearly shows that the electric drive is not only more comfortable to operate, but also more functional. Given the undoubted advantages of the electric drive, we recommend it in our systems.
15.05.2023
External sun shading systems -
are they more effective?
Interiors that are full of sunlight require effective sun protection. When deciding to purchase them, it is important to remember that external screens are much more effective. They retain heat energy outside, preventing a significant increase in temperature inside the room, while at the same time improving the aesthetics of the building.
In the case of interior shading, infrared waves are converted into heat energy at the sheathing and raise the temperature inside.
Well-chosen solar control systems are a worthwhile investment for years; they not only increase the comfort of the home, but also help to save energy by reducing the need for air conditioners.
In the case of interior shading, infrared waves are converted into heat energy at the sheathing and raise the temperature inside.
Well-chosen solar control systems are a worthwhile investment for years; they not only increase the comfort of the home, but also help to save energy by reducing the need for air conditioners.
15.05.2023
Sun shading systems - after what time the costs will be returned?
In order to estimate the payback time of the sun shading purchase, we assume that the room is equipped with an air-conditioning and heating system and that a temperature range has been established that must be maintained inside the room (by means of an automatic controller). The payback of the purchase costs is directly determined by the energy saved, which would have been spent on cooling (we block the heat input) and heating. The cost savings can be calculated using building energy efficiency simulation programmes.
The rate of return depends on several factors:
- the size of the window in relation to the volume of the room,
- the type of glazing, - location in relation to the world directions,
- geographical coordinates,
- the type of solar protection,
- air exchange rate coefficient with the surroundings,
- the type of automatic control adopted,
- the cost of purchasing the shade.
Taking into account the above factors, the payback time for the purchase of solar protection systems is between 5 and 15 years.
A study* was carried out in our climate zone, comparing the energy consumption of windows without an external solar control system, but with glazing fitted with a coating that blocks the transfer of thermal energy, with windows with an external solar control system controlled by a sun sensor (uncoated glazing). They have shown that by using glazing with a coating that effectively permanently blocks heat energy from the sun, we are depriving ourselves of the possibility of reheating the room with solar energy in autumn-winter and winter-spring. On the other hand, by using a dynamic solar shading system, we achieve significant energy savings (for cooling and heating the building). The advantage of dynamic shading over fixed shading comes from the ability to block energy and deliver it when it is needed. The use of a solar panel makes the system fully autonomous. Solar shading offers not only cost savings, but also comfort for users and contributes to environmental protection by reducing energy consumption. *Based on "AWNINGS AND SOLAR-PROTECTIVE GLAZING FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY USE IN COLD CLIMATES".
The rate of return depends on several factors:
- the size of the window in relation to the volume of the room,
- the type of glazing, - location in relation to the world directions,
- geographical coordinates,
- the type of solar protection,
- air exchange rate coefficient with the surroundings,
- the type of automatic control adopted,
- the cost of purchasing the shade.
Taking into account the above factors, the payback time for the purchase of solar protection systems is between 5 and 15 years.
A study* was carried out in our climate zone, comparing the energy consumption of windows without an external solar control system, but with glazing fitted with a coating that blocks the transfer of thermal energy, with windows with an external solar control system controlled by a sun sensor (uncoated glazing). They have shown that by using glazing with a coating that effectively permanently blocks heat energy from the sun, we are depriving ourselves of the possibility of reheating the room with solar energy in autumn-winter and winter-spring. On the other hand, by using a dynamic solar shading system, we achieve significant energy savings (for cooling and heating the building). The advantage of dynamic shading over fixed shading comes from the ability to block energy and deliver it when it is needed. The use of a solar panel makes the system fully autonomous. Solar shading offers not only cost savings, but also comfort for users and contributes to environmental protection by reducing energy consumption. *Based on "AWNINGS AND SOLAR-PROTECTIVE GLAZING FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY USE IN COLD CLIMATES".
15.05.2023
How does wind automation work?
Wind sensors are an optional, but nevertheless recommended, accessory for sunshade systems. They provide maximum comfort - in the case of strong winds, the system is automatically closed and because of this it is not exposed to the bad weather, preventing damage.
When the wind alarm value is exceeded, the standard set automation triggers the closing movement immediately (up to 3 sec.), protecting the system from the effects of the wind. The wind alarm blocks the manual and automatic opening of the system until the wind speed remains below the alarm value for 10 minutes.
The most commonly used wind sensors in awnings are shock sensors, and in other systems the popular 'windmills', which also come in a version with an integrated sun sensor. Priority is always given to the wind alarm - when it is triggered, other functions are temporarily blocked. If a wind sensor is installed, the automation only leads to the closing of the system. If a sun sensor is used at the same time, an opening/closing movement is triggered when the wind stops (10 minutes below the alarm value) and the light intensity exceeds the threshold value for 2 minutes.
When the wind alarm value is exceeded, the standard set automation triggers the closing movement immediately (up to 3 sec.), protecting the system from the effects of the wind. The wind alarm blocks the manual and automatic opening of the system until the wind speed remains below the alarm value for 10 minutes.
The most commonly used wind sensors in awnings are shock sensors, and in other systems the popular 'windmills', which also come in a version with an integrated sun sensor. Priority is always given to the wind alarm - when it is triggered, other functions are temporarily blocked. If a wind sensor is installed, the automation only leads to the closing of the system. If a sun sensor is used at the same time, an opening/closing movement is triggered when the wind stops (10 minutes below the alarm value) and the light intensity exceeds the threshold value for 2 minutes.