PROJECTS

Framework

The use of pergolas as a complement to buildings has been increasingly valued for the space they provide, their versatility, functionalities and decorative aspect. As a result, a wide range of solutions are appearing on the market, using different technologies and allowing for a wide range of uses. However, the existing solutions have several challenges and limitations, particularly in terms of their maximum permissible size, the need to be connected to the electricity grid for operation, their poor hygrothermal and acoustic performance, the difficulty of architectural integration, as well as the difficulties associated with integrating other types of technology such as light fittings, alarm systems and intelligent pergola control systems.

Objectives

Shade4Comfort aims to develop an innovative pergola with adjustable and retractable slats that incorporates several added-value features, including an intelligent management system that operates the pergola according to environmental conditions, and the possibility of guaranteeing an autonomous system, without connection to the electricity grid, by incorporating photovoltaic slats with energy storage batteries. To achieve this, a large range of components will be developed from scratch, such as the aluminium profiles, the slats, the motors and the control and intelligent automation software. The aim is to create pergolas larger than 35 m2 that can be closed, with glass and/or blinds, and air-conditioned, differentiating themselves by their energy and acoustic performance.   

Project activities and expected results

WP1 - Preliminary studies and system definition

This activity begins the design of the pergola system that is to be manufactured, where systematisation of useful knowledge for system development is envisaged, namely: Survey of reference products that have been sold on the national/international market since the project was submitted and that may be competitors or have relevant features to be considered in the development of the new system; Identify the demands and requirements that the system will have to meet in the target markets; Begin the definition of the design, components and features useful for system design.

WP2 - Design and development of the adjustable and retractable slatted pergola system

WP2 focuses on the research and development of the main components of the retractable pergola, in particular the aluminium profiles, the rotating slats, the sound absorption elements and the mechanisms and motors needed to open and close the pergola. These industrial research activities will be complemented by numerical simulations and experimental evaluation of the respective components, to optimise and validate the solutions that will make up the complete system.

WP3 - Design of control, automation and energy systems

The objectives of WP3 are: to research and synthesise the technical specifications for sensors, actuators and control devices; to define and size the photovoltaic system with batteries for energy storage; to develop the wireless digital control and alarm system; to define ways of integrating the components into the pergola system profiles; to develop AI algorithms for decision making and pergola control.

WP4 - Prototyping and performance validation

This WP aims to evaluate (theoretically and experimentally) the system's performance in technical, environmental and economic terms. This includes: evaluating the system's life cycle and economic analysis; producing and assembling complete prototypes for laboratory testing and validation in a real-world context; carrying out laboratory tests to validate physical, mechanical and acoustic behaviour; installing, monitoring and validating the demonstrator prototype in-situ.

WP5 - Promotion and dissemination of results

A5 aims to disseminate the results of the project and includes: drawing up a technical data sheet and a manual for installing, operating and maintaining the pergola; preparing elements and disseminating the scientific results of the project; creating demonstrator products for technology fairs; commercial promotion of the new pergola to the target markets.

WP6- Project management

This WP covers tasks related to the technical management of the project.

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