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Project Overview

Exciting energy-saving technologies such as the “smart” grid have captured the cultural imagination. Meanwhile, simple household practices are increasingly being used to reduce energy demand. Products like the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) have shown the commercial viability of these everyday energy-savers.

As identified by the Department of Energy, one simple energy-saving solution is the proper operation of window treatments like blinds and shades. These window treatments are capable of reducing the load on household air conditioning units, thereby reducing energy consumption. In addition, properly operated window treatments offer other benefits, such as security, to the homeowner. However, to maximize the return on these window treatments, an automated system is needed to ensure the timely opening and closing of the window treatments. Through the utilization of current technology paired with innovative engineering design, Smart Windows solves this problem of window treatment automation.

While the Smart Windows system will be adaptable to many types of window treatments, the Smart Window is designed for Solar Shades polarizing window treatments. Solar Shades, a start-up company operated out of Innovation Park at the University of Notre Dame, seeks to revolutionize the design of window treatments. The Smart Windows system will be the brains behind these windows, giving the homeowner central control and the power of automation..