Shading Management Systems can operate as a standalone solution however modern buildings offer many ways to share data, combine logic and provide a more intuitive and capable system.

As an industry, we are only starting to explore this opportunity and the benefits it could bring. Already it is typical and normal to respond to a fire alarm, offer status information to the Building Management System and have user interfaces together with meeting room and lighting systems.

Advanced integration utilises shared networks, sensors and even central controls. All is technically possible. This can offer huge savings in many areas but understandably requires clear contractual management and strong collaboration between system providers from the outset.

Integration should always offer value with most techniques and methods being inexpensive, simple to plan, deliver and prove.

ShadeLogik can support the complete process from inception to post practical completion and help avoid issues both technically and contractually.

Building Management Systems and Shading Systems are typically working towards the same objective; trying to maintain an occupant’s thermal comfort whilst keeping energy use to a minimum.

There is always huge value to the systems working in harmony, with integration the shading system can offer adaptive responses to support cooling the building.

A building is greatly affected by many variable factors contributing to heat loads including occupancy levels and internal operations, the external factor of sun penetration (radiation) can be reduced if the BMS identifies and reports it.

Sharing communication networks offers considerable savings during installation and suits both new build and retrofit solutions. It also helps prepare the solution for future adaptions and improvements.

It simplifies integration potential allowing IP data sharing and endless opportunities for additional logic and user experience improvements.

Contractual concerns and technical complications continue to slow the adoption of shared networks across different systems. With early collaboration, knowledge and proven delivery experience it can and should be a success.

A typical strategy of the Shading Management System is to maximise natural light whilst maintaining visual comfort by eliminating glare.

This strategy requires an automated response to the current sun state and a shading system that will move according to the external light levels.

Lighting systems are already well placed to dynamically respond to a measured light levels but they hold crucial data on the building. The lighting system senses and can report OCCUPANCY and ABSENTEE states.

These states can affect the Shading Management System logic process… e.g. If nobody is present in the space all external radiation (sun / heat), even low levels, could be blocked from entering the building supporting the building cooling strategies and energy reduction.