Lutron introduces new roller shade fabric, Sensor Layout and Tuning Service at Greenbuild 2012

Light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics has partnered with Mermet, a manufacturer of solar screen fabrics, to introduce the Basketweave E Screen with KoolBlack technology at Greenbuild 2012 in San Francisco. The company has also announced its new Sensor Layout and Tuning Service to assure that wired or wireless Lutron daylight sensors and occupancy sensors help projects achieve energy-savings goals.

Conventional dark-colored shade fabrics absorb energy and increase the solar heat gain in the space, wasting energy and creating an uncomfortable environment. This limits the use of dark screen fabrics in green or sustainable building design where heat reflection is specified in a shading solution. The new KoolBlack technology solves this problem by utilizing innovative heat reflecting properties that enable the dark fabric to reflect more solar heat. The technology increases the energy efficiency of dark, solar-shade fabrics to levels comparable with light colors, reducing solar heat gain coefficients up to 23% and contributing to LEED certification. It provides exceptional glare control and allows
superior view through, comfortable work environments, and elegant street-side aesthetics while saving energy. Constructed in a 2 x 2 basket weave pattern and available in a wide array of colors, the new Basketweave E Screen with KoolBlack technology offers an ideal cost-saving solution for commercial automated shading applications.

In addition, installing occupancy sensors and daylight sensors can be an inexact science, and sensor fine-tuning is best performed after the space is fully occupied, furniture is in place, and the HVAC system is balanced to the environment. Projects that include the new Lutron Sensor Layout and Tuning Service offer building owners and facility managers the assurance that the Lutron-provided sensors will be installed and calibrated to perform as intended.

“Lutron has developed its Sensor Layout and Tuning Service to ensure that Lutron Lighting Energy Management Systems achieve their energy savings goals through properly placed and tuned sensors, and establishes one-party ownership before, during, and after construction," said Scott Hanna, Vice President, Service Solutions at Lutron.

The Sensor Layout and Tuning Service is a three-step process. A Lutron service representative will analyze reflected ceiling plans for the project and design a detailed sensor layout based on an agreed-upon sequence of operations. Prior to, or during system startup, Lutron may advise the installing contractor regarding sensor relocation in the event that conditions in the space deviate from the original drawings
Lutron will provide up to two additional on-site service visits post-startup within the first calendar year from the time the building is turned over, to fine-tune sensor calibration.