Controllable solar shading louvre systems enable buildings to react to any changes in the weather and to the sun's position, optimising the flow of heat and light energy through the facade. This will help to reduce the heat load and glare, and will enhance the use of natural daylight, helping to reduce the operating costs of the building.
Colt Tollfab Soltronic automatic sun tracking solar shading louvre systems can be supplied with glass or metal solar shading louvres, photovoltaic louvres and natural ventilation devices.
During the winter months the louvre system may move automatically in an open position to allow solar radiation to pass through the windows to support the heating system, increasing the building’s passive solar heat gain. On overcast days the louvre system will automatically rotate in the open position to maintain certain daylight levels. An external mounted light sensor triggers the central control panel.
Soltronic automatic sun tracking louvre systems feature three main operating modes:
Sun tracking, where the automatic louvres move perpendicular to the projected sun’s rays (vertical shadow angle –VSA). This is used when sunlight needs to be prevented from entering the space.
Daylight optimisation, where a balance is struck between reducing heat energy and enhancing light energy. Mathematical algorithms enable the louvres to open to the right amount just to avoid having direct sunlight passing through the gap of two louvres next to each other.
PV illuminating, where priority is minimising the amount of shading of the PV cells mounted on the louvres, whilst permitting as much daylight entry to the building as is permissible under this PV shading mode. (The efficiency of cells reduces drastically if they are shaded).
Solar shading louvre systems can be used to great effect to create a strong visual impact, whilst reducing heat loads on a building to ensure the best performance, while making a strong architectural statement.
