by Brianna Crandall — June 20, 2016 — MechoSystems, an innovator of WindowManagement solutions, took home both a Silver award and an Innovation award in the renowned Best of NeoCon Competition [see FMLink article] during the NeoCon 2016 contract furnishings show last week, for its daylight sensor and shadecloth window solutions.
Innovation: Wireless Daylight Sensor
MechoSystems’ Wireless Daylight Sensor earned the Innovation award in the Window Treatments category. The unobtrusive and battery-less sensor utilizes a special integrated solar-powered photosensor to monitor the light coming through the curtainwall and, via EnOcean RF communication technology, transmits data to a daylight controller to move roller shades in small offices and light commercial spaces effortlessly. In addition, when connected to the MechoSystems’ SolarTrac WindowManagement control system, the sensor provides information for shade movement in large buildings with multiple zones.
The Wireless Daylight Sensor uses a solar-powered photosensor to monitor the incoming light and, via EnOcean RF communication technology, transmits data to a daylight controller to move roller shades effortlessly. Click image to enlarge.
The compact Wireless Daylight Sensor does not require any batteries for its light energy collection or for the ultra-low-power EnOcean wireless communication protocol system. Daylight information is sent by the Sensor to a small Wireless Controller directly connected to the MechoNet data network, enabling shades in the space to move autonomously. These two units seamlessly enable shades within the specified zone to move full up, full down, and to intermediate positions, based on daylight present at the curtainwall/window without additional hardware, computers or sensors being required.
Steve Hebeisen, MechoSystems director of Engineering, points out:
The Sensor by itself is a sleek device, designed to be compact, almost-chameleon-like when placed near the mullion, and the use of EnOcean technology gives huge flexibility to the A & D community to have an entire ecosystem of sensors communicating effectively about conditions in the built-environment. Our design utilizes solar power and efficient energy storage for a no-maintenance sensor that will inform other systems of daylight conditions. The age of “intelligent building” is here.
The peel-n‐stick Daylight Sensors mount inconspicuously to the window mullion horizontally, vertically or even upside down. They communicate the information about available daylight (greater than 200 lux) to the compact Wireless Controller connected to the MechoNet data network and the shades respond effortlessly and automatically.
The small Sensor is powered by renewable solar energy and utilizes supercapacitors to store surplus charge. MechoSystems notes that supercapacitors charge quickly and withstand millions of charge/recharge cycles without any loss of storage capacity, eliminating the need for a cabling system, or the worry of managing replacement battery stock, or requiring specific disposal/recycling procedures for batteries. Key to the Sensor’s operation is its power efficiency afforded by the sensor’s EnOcean two‐way RF transceiver.
Once the Sensor relays daylight level and thermal condition via the EnOcean protocol, the Controller logs the data to support analytics, and either feeds information over MechoNet to a whole building automation controller like SolarTrac or operates the shades directly. Click image to enlarge.
Once the Sensor relays daylight level and thermal condition via the EnOcean protocol, the Controller logs the data to support analytics, and can be set up to either feed information over MechoNet to a whole building automation controller like SolarTrac, or it can be configured to operate the shades directly, based on the local conditions using internally configured settings and addresses of the motorized shades.
MechoNet Wireless Controller can also receive data and/or commands from EnOcean devices used in other systems such as batteryless keypads, occupancy sensors, magnetic door and window sensors, lighting controllers, thermostats and the like. Up to 20 wireless EnOcean sensors and/or devices can be hosted by each controller enhancing local operation without adding any cables.
The combination of the Wireless Daylight Sensor and Controller enables a simple automation system to be implemented for effective daylight integration. Roller Shade Automation is easier to install for retrofit applications as cabling is eliminated for the sensors. Designers can utilize daylight integration to preserve views to the outside, manage glare and solar radiation in a space, and comply with codes and standards mandating reductions in building energy consumption (and attendant reduction in greenhouse gases caused by energy usage).
Silver: EcoVeil Sheer Collection
The MechoSystems EcoVeil Sheer Collection in the EcoVeil Shadecloth Collection continues the innovation of environmentally minded shadecloths. It is woven with 100% polyester dyed yarns in the warp/weft, allowing intricate patterns, and is available in 1% and 3% openness. EcoVeil Sheer has optimized all chemical flame retardants out while still passing NFPA 701. This broken-twill weave textile can be recycled.
MechoSystems EcoVeil Sheer Collection continues the innovation of environmentally minded shadecloths.
Stocked at 118 inches wide, this shadecloth is well-suited for larger windows that are often included in today’s buildings. As an engineered textile for roller shades, it has the tensile strength and abrasion resistance needed for shade usage.
The EcoVeil Sheer is a polyester textile so it has a softer hand by the inherent nature of the material. It is available in white, mid-tones of grays, and black. According to MechoSystems, EcoVeil Sheer looks good and sits flat in the window and is resistant to direct sunlight.
