A solar shutter for all seasons
Bubendorff, the leading French manufacturer of electric window and door roller shutters, and CEA collaborated for five years to create the shutter of tomorrow. The first commercial success was achieved with the launch in 2012 of an energy self-sufficient, remote-controlled roller shutter.
The new roller shutter is energy self-sufficient because it can harvest the solar energy required for daily operation even in inclement weather or with a northern exposure, thanks to a photovoltaic module developed specifically for the application. Energy is stored in a battery that supplies the electric power needed to run the motor, which assures continuous operation even after several weeks of rainy weather.
CEA-Liten developed a dedicated battery-management system for maximum life expectancy across all French climates. The achieved longevity is outstanding for an electrochemical component integrated into a consumer product designed to operate outdoors, and required nearly two years of R&D. It provides a significant competitive advantage to Bubendorff.
The shutter is equipped with an individual radio control and can also be operated by bundled radio control. CEA-Leti worked on the communication electronics and designed the structure and size of the radio antenna to minimize energy requirements, while improving the devices' sensitivity and range. This new-generation radio is compatible with previous Bubendorff models, which allows the solar-powered shutter to be appended to an existing shutter installation.
This new shutter meets Bubendorff's dual objectives of maintaining the company's image of offering both a reliable, durable and easy-to-install product, and providing concrete solutions to new environmental challenges. This shutter can be installed quickly and easily, without an electrician, as it requires no power connection. It offers a convenient way to control incoming solar rays and therefore to improve buildings' energy efficiency.
A study of the complete life cycle of the product by Bubendorff and CEA-Liten shows that this shutter consumes 3.6 times less energy and produces 6.1 times less CO2 than needed to produce, transport and recycle it, primarily due to its operating longevity. Bubendorff sells its new product with its standard seven-year warranty, PV module and battery included.
