Controller for automatic windows addresses safety concerns
While automatically opening windows are an effective strategy for natural ventilation, they could pose a threat to people’s hands and fingers — which a control system from WindowMaster overcomes.
To overcome safety issues of automated windows that are increasingly being installed as part of natural-ventilation strategies for buildings, WindowMaster has developed a control system to avoid fingers and hands becoming accidentally trapped as they close automatically. To overcome this problem, some architects have raised the height of automated windows above 2.5 m to prevent people reaching them. However, WindowMaster argues that this approach can restrict building design and be to the detriment of occupiers. The company’s NV Advance window automation systems incorporates ‘intelligence’ into each motor used for operating windows. Micro-processors monitor the electrical current being drawn and the position of the window within a millimetre. If the current drawn by the motor increases, indicating that a hand or finger may be trapped, the motor is instantly reversed to release the window. This is said to be the only window automation system in Europe that intelligently monitors windows as an integrated function of the motor and control system. It can be retrofitted on many existing windows and also be installed on new windows. It can operate on many types of window — including top and bottom opening, sliding and parallel opening. The system can also be used on windows for heat and smoke ventilation.
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