Use of automated blinds in smart buildings for energy savings: A mexican case

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the saving of electrical energy and therefore the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in smart spaces. Such saving was achieved through an automated system of blinds or curtains that allow the entrance of natural light into a room of a building. The paper discusses the advantages of using an automated system in comparison to a conventional or mechanical one. The prototype system makes use of a logical and electromechanical architecture for its operation. The automation of this system seeks to maintain a level of comfort and adequate lighting based on the Mexican normative (NOM-025-STPS-2008) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. The system has three operating modes: manual, automatic, and programmed. In manual mode, the user can adjust the level (height) of the blinds according to a specific need. In the automatic mode, the user establishes a required set point of illumination and, through a photo-resistance module, the system seeks to reach such illumination level. In the programmed mode and upon the use of a calendar, the user decides the opening percentage of the blinds throughout the day and the week. In this paper, energy and emissions have been calculated based on the 2017 Mexican energy mix.