by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
In a first for the Tshwane University of Technology’s, the Technology Station in Electronics (TUT) in collaboration with LC Dynamics have developed a pioneering invention to cut down on energy bills - smart blinds with built-in solar panels that can keep some of the most critical home devices charged.
Curtis Tshehla, Mechatronics Design Technologist and project
partner with Lisa von Benecke, the brains behind the solar blinds.
PV window blinds are designed to look like traditional Venetian window blinds, while incorporating solar cells within the slats. According to Lisa von Benecke, the brains behind the project, the cells within the slats are designed to collect solar energy and transform it into DC power. This can be used for recharging a range of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, strip lighting, wi-fi routers, security cameras and more.
The prototype developed together with TSE, comes with an automated system that manages the slats' orientation throughout the day to maximize the capture of solar energy. Additionally, they were equipped with an interrupt button and a potentiometer, offering manual control to users for adjusting the slats' angle according to their preferences.
Von Benecke hopes that the blinds will be officially launched before the end of 2024.
According to Curtis Tshehla, a TSE partner technician on the project who oversees both the mechanical and electronic needs of the product, the blinds offer a solution for people living in sectional titles or renters who cannot install elaborate solar power systems due to space constraints and ownership restrictions
“Installing the PV Window Blinds can save up to 70% on the electric power bill. In case of energy surplus, this can either be stored in a home battery system or sold to the utility grid.”
Tshehla added that the solar blinds can save energy by shading the home interior and reducing air-condition costs by up to 40%, in addition to generating solar power.
PV Solar Blinds.