Saving on containment and cabling with automated solar shading

In June 2024, we introduced our S3 Synchronised Solar Shading range to provide architects with a future-proof, sustainable and energy efficient solar shading solution for their projects.

And in the two months since, we’ve had plenty of promising conversations with specifiers about using automated solar shading to optimise new buildings and retrofit projects.

One common topic from these discussions is the installation benefits that come with automated systems, and how S3 Synchronised Solar Shading can result in significant savings on containment and cabling.

Containment and cabling

Traditionally, motorised systems using relays would control between two to four blinds, switched individually, and would require a spur for each relay.

The switches could then be networked via several relays. However, as this is a closed contact switch, this method would only be able to send the blinds up or down. Furthermore, there is an increased risk in system failure with traditional motorised systems due to the amount of containment and cabling required.

Such systems using digital motors were developed with traditional wiring as a base, with added network cables for digital control on top. However, this approach means double connections, double the containment and double the wiring as network and power cables cannot be run together.

But, as the diagram below explains, S3 Synchronised Solar Shading significantly reduces the need for such cabling and containment through SMI motors, and therefore provides a significant saving in this area.

Furthermore, the parallel connection significantly reduces the points of failure and M&E requirements, which also achieves a far more aesthetically pleasing solution.

To summarise, installing one of our S3 Synchronised Solar Shading systems ensures:

• Minimal containment – Facilitating a large reduction on aluminium baskets and a significant cost saving.
• No fused spurs – Systems can be run from single source, three-phase supplies, adding to further cost reductions.
• Up to 60% less wiring – Depending on the location of power panels, further cost savings can be made, and this increases the sustainability credentials of a building with less copper and plastic required.
• Less points of failure – Using 16 motors per actuator ensures less points of failure.
• Easier fault diagnosis – With less points of failure, it’s easier and quicker to resolve errors and carry out maintenance.

If you have any more questions regarding S3 Synchronised Solar Shading, specification or automation, please contact us here or view our S3 page for further information.