A recent study conducted by the Illinois Institute of Technology reveals that automated insulating window shades have the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. This substantial reduction in energy usage has been found to offset the initial installation costs within a relatively short period of three to five years. [1]

Figure 1. with and without shades.

Figure 1 shows the temperature difference between with shades and without shades. A comprehensive study funded by ComEd and conducted at Willis Tower demonstrated the effectiveness of automated insulating window shades in enhancing buildings' energy efficiency. This case study, specifically conducted in a climate similar to Chicago, highlighted that buildings in such regions typically allocate 30-40% of their energy consumption towards temperature regulation. [1]

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering, Mohammad Heidarinejad, a dedicated research team conducted a study to assess the energy-saving capabilities of window shades. The team discovered that when integrated with an automated control system, insulating window shades proved highly effective in reducing energy consumption, particularly during heating and cooling seasons. [1]

“If you’re designing a new building, you have a lot of freedom to look at new technologies that save on energy consumption, but for existing buildings, you have limited options,” explained Heidarinejad. [1]

In collaboration with Parata Solutions LLC and Amatis Controls, the research conducted over a ten-month period at the Equity Office in Willis Tower focused on assessing the efficacy of insulating window shades. The building itself featured single-paned windows and a high window-to-wall ratio, making it an ideal case study. The study examined three distinct control strategies for Parata's patented insulating shades: manual control, a predefined schedule, and a sensor-based system that took into account outdoor conditions and room occupancy. By evaluating these strategies, the research aimed to identify the most effective approach for maximizing energy savings and optimizing the use of automated window shades. [1]

The research yielded remarkable outcomes, demonstrating that the implementation of motorized shades resulted in a noteworthy 25% decrease in energy consumption during both heating and cooling seasons. This substantial reduction highlights the significant energy-saving potential of automated window shades. Furthermore, the study found that an overwhelming 80% of office users preferred the new motorized shades over the previous blinds, indicating a highly positive response to the enhanced functionality and benefits provided by the automated shading system. [1]

“Working with Mohammad Heidarinejad and his team at Illinois Institute of Technology was a game changer for our company,” said Christopher Nurre, CEO of Parata Solutions LLC, who praised the collaboration with Illinois Tech. “Their rigorous field measurements helped confirm the efficacy of our shade system to drastically reduce energy use while offering a solution that occupants and building owners prefer over the incumbent,” he added. [1]

Additional research is now being planned to analyze the efficacy of these groundbreaking window shades in various scenarios, including structures utilizing natural gas, diverse weather conditions, and windows oriented in different directions. [1]

“In addition to the exciting findings of energy savings and payback period, this project served as a perfect example of the type of industry-relevant research we enjoy—combining field measurements and computer simulations to evaluate a unique strategy to save energy in one of the most famous buildings in the world,” added Brent Stephens, a co-principal investigator on the project and the Arthur W. Hill Endowed Chair in Sustainability. [1]

References:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/study-finds-that-automated-window-shades-can-save-25-of-energy-costs
2. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/989627

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Unleashing Energy Efficiency: Automated Window Shades Illuminate a Brighter Future, AnaTechmaz, pp.436