by Ann Withanee — June 22, 2011—MechoSystems’ WhisperShade IQ is a groundbreaking shade system, a motorized window covering that increases energy efficiency. It was a featured product by MechoSystems during the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair at The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Besides its aesthetic appeal, independent, government-sponsored studies show that window-shading systems like WhisperShade deliver significant energy savings:
- Shades help reduce peak electric loads by 20-30% (California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research Program and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories).
- Lighting systems incorporating window-shading systems can lower lighting usage by 40% or more (U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Information Administration).
- Solar heat gain is reduced by as much as 80% if a window is shaded (National Institutes for Science and Technology).
- Lighting needs can be reduced by as much as 3 watts per square foot with a shading system (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories).
- Lighting systems incorporating window-shading systems can lower lighting usage by 40% or more (U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Information Administration).
WhisperShade IQ features smooth, ultra-quiet performance utilizing powerful line-voltage motors. It has advanced control logic built into its tubular motor, and it easily integrates with other manufacturers’ control systems. With customized shade positions, it has the ability to support a shadecloth covering more than 400 square feet.
The system’s internal-control card allows for five shade positions, including three user-set, intermediate-height points. Shades can be set at repeatable and precise positions across the span of an entire elevation. Multiple motors can also be daisy-chained together, and the system’s communications card eliminates the need for a separate group controller or relay—which greatly reduces the time and costs associated with wiring, mounting, and installing.
WhisperShade IQ can also be operated by Control4 ZigBee-based wireless controls through MechoSystems’ own MechoRF C4 2-Zone Interface. WhisperShade motors provide the power, so that no external supply is needed. The system offers even greater flexibility when connected to MechoSystems IQ/485 Network Interface card, which lets each unit connect to a two-way communication network.
For more information visit MechoSystems Web site.
