Global Automated Venetian Blind-Lighting System

Results:
The objective was to develop integrated building equipment communications system (IBECS) ballast network interface that would allow control of motorized window shades, such as Venetian blinds or roller shades, from the IBECS network. We designed and built IBECS-enabled interfaces to direct-current (DC) and alternating current (AC) motorized Venetian blinds. The IBECS interface enables a user to control the tilt, raise, and lower functions of motorized Venetian blinds using a One-Wire Dallas Semiconductor network from a virtual user LabView control panel installed on a personal computer. Three IBECS-controllable Venetian blinds were installed on west-facing windows in an open-plan occupied office at Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Building 90, Room 3111 and have been reliably operational for over a year.

Left: Photograph of the installed Venetian blind system at LBNL. Right: Screen capture of the LabView "virtual instrument" panel used to control the operation of the IBECS-controlled Venetian blinds.

Contact: Eleanor Lee, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), (510) 486-4997