R&D Lab

Having produced several prototypes at different stages of the R&D, the team tested different assembly configurations of the TBM actuator and PV cells subcomponents in order to explore a cost-effective solution with the highest possible efficiency and reactivity. The team continues to work on this concept through theoretical models and lab tests. The renewable electricity production combined with the dynamic memory-shaped movement of the TBM actuator distinguish this patent pending technology from other existing solutions (See Figure 7).

As mentioned previously, the solar shading device works without motorization or maintenance needs in the timeframe of the warranty period. This unique passive kinetic device is activated and controlled fully by the solar radiation. The PV cells induce important heat loss during energy production cycles, mostly because of the Joule heating effect as process output. The positive interaction of both photo-sensitive (PV) and thermo-reactive (TBM) materials heat exchange is beneficial to the overall energy efficiency of the device resulting from the improvement of the actuator reactivity.