Development and testing of Energy Frames, Folding shutters

The project will develop a dynamic facade system that can be mounted directly on the outside of existing windows or produced as an accessory for new windows, and can reduce the building's energy needs by 20 - 50% compared to buildings with passive facades.

The project builds on an existing facade system, Energy Frames, which is a system consisting of various insulation and solar control frames modules that moved outside on the facade using a patented drive system.

A disadvantage of this facade system however, is that it always requires an area next to the window for the ‘parking’ of the frame when it is withdrawn from the window. The project aims to overcome this problem by designing the elements as folding shutters that can be folded along one of the window edges.

The focus is on creating a shutter type that closes tightly and dramatically increased insulation in the closed state and which occupies a minimum of space when the shutter is open and folded along the edge(s) of the window. In the closed and partially closed mode, the shutter also functions as sun protection that allows the free view, while protecting against direct sunlight.

It is expected that the folding shutter at completion of the project has been developed so far that it can be tested - in mock-up form - on existing and new buildings, so there realistic measurements and performance evaluation can made.