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Operation and Control
The operation of solar shading systems can be manual, generally by hand, or motorised using some form of electric motor.
The control of these devices can be hand operated, by switch, remote control or through a fully automated electronic control system using the latest hardware and specially written software to control the system to follow the path of the sun.
Levolux offers a full design service to provide the most suitable controls for their shading systems.
Solar Shading can reduce energy costs by providing natural ventilation and shading
The need for effective solar shading is becoming more widely recognised as the way to reduce energy costs by providing natural ventilation and shading. Levolux’s shading solutions control solar heat gain, which can significantly reduce a building’s energy costs by limiting or even eliminating the need for air conditioning. The use of optimum daylight not only contributes to energy savings but also provides a better working environment.
It is imperative that the design process incorporating solar shading identifies the relationship between the building and the sun. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West, travelling in an arc throughout the day. Solar shading on a south facing façade will effectively only deflect the intense rays of the sun at its highest point of the day. Consideration must be given to shading on the East and West facades where the sun can still cause overheating.
Horizontal or vertical louvre systems can be used separately, or combined for maximum shading protection. Louvres can be fixed at a point in conjunction with design of the building, ensuring that optimum protection from the angles of the sun is achieved. Alternatively, a moveable louvre system can be designed ensuring that the louvres react the amount and direction of daylight that strikes them, producing the most effective system, shading when required yet making the best possible use of natural daylight when overcast.