eBlade System Design - Architect's Guide
1. eBlade System Basics
The eBlade system is based on aluminum slats with integrated photovoltaic modules. It's a bit like LEGO bricks for architects - we have three basic sizes of slats at our disposal, which can be freely combined and configured to create functional architectural elements that generate energy.
Types and dimensions of lamellas
The system offers three types of lamellas, each available in a version with or without photovoltaic modules:
Lamella L (large):
- Width: 240 mm
- Capacity: 26 Wp per running meter
- Ideal for large shutters and fences
- Also available in a cell-free version for installation in shaded areas
Lamella M (medium):
- Width: 165 mm
- Capacity: 22 Wp per running meter
- Universal use in railings and blinds
- The possibility of integrating LED lighting
Lamella S (small):
- Width: 130 mm
- Capacity: 15 Wp per running meter
- Dedicated to frameless systems
- Best choice when minimalist aesthetics are key
Mounting systems and restrictions
We can mount the eBlade system in two ways:
Framework system:
- Uses 100x100 mm or 100x50 mm posts
- Allows you to mount vertical or horizontal slats
- Allows you to adjust the angle of inclination every 15 degrees (0-90°)
- Maximum length of single lamella: 2000mm
- Maximum spacing of mounting points: 2000 mm
Frameless System:
- Minimalist aesthetics without visible fixings
- Mounting directly to the facade on mounting profiles
- Click-in system for quick installation of slats
- Dedicated mainly for S-type lamellas
- Especially recommended for blinds and facade shutters
When designing, it is important to remember to maintain the appropriate gaps between the lamellas, especially when installing horizontally at an angle:
- 15°: minimum 140 mm
- 30°: minimum 170 mm
- 45°: minimum 200 mm
- 60°: minimum 230 mm
- 75°: minimum 250 mm
- 90°: 270 mm minimum
Minimum requirements for installation
The key issue in the design is to achieve a minimum power of 700 Wp for a single installation - this is the technical requirement of the microinverter. For example, an area of 2000 mm x 2500 mm with 11 L-type slats of 2000 mm length will generate about 836 Wp (11 lamellas × 2 mb × 26 Wp/mb), which already meets this requirement.
For larger installations (over 1.5-2 kWp), we recommend using standard grid inverters, which gives greater flexibility in design and better cost-effectiveness of the entire system.
Let's also remember about construction issues - the system must meet local building standards for wind and snow loads. Therefore, with each project, it is necessary to make appropriate static calculations for a particular location.
2. Planning the installation
Designing an eBlade system requires a thoughtful approach that begins long before the specific components are selected. Let's look at how to plan an effective installation step by step.
Analysis of available space
The first step is to thoroughly analyze the building for potential eBlade installation locations. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
Where will the system be most energy efficient? The best energy yields will be obtained on the southern surfaces, but remember that the eBlade system is also great for eastern and western facades. Even the northern exposure can be used - then we use lamellas without photovoltaic modules, maintaining the visual consistency of the whole.
What architectural elements can we transform into energetically active ones? Look at all the places where you plan shutters, railings or shading elements anyway. The eBlade system can replace traditional solutions by adding power generation without taking up extra space.
Where will the system best fit with the architecture of the building? eBlade is not only a technology, but also an element that shapes the aesthetics of the object. Look for places where the system can emphasize the character of the architecture and create interesting chiaroscuro effects.
Selection of the type of lamellas and settings
After identifying potential locations, we proceed to the selection of specific solutions:
Balcony and terrace railings:
- M slats in a vertical arrangement are the safest solution
- With a horizontal arrangement, additional glazing from the inside is necessary
- Standard height 1100mm or 1200mm
- Max span length 2000mm
Blinds and shutters:
- Frameless system with S-slats for a minimalist look
- L-lamellas for maximum energy efficiency
- Adjustable angle for optimal shading and power generation
- Height up to 2800 mm with module width 2000 mm
Fences and screens:
- L-slats for maximum power
- Can be combined with LED lighting
- Frame system for stability
- Adjusting the height to local regulations
Calculation of energy potential
When planning an installation, it is crucial to estimate its energy potential. Here's how to do it:
- Calculate the available area in running meters of lamellas:
- Count how many slats will fit at a given height (remember the required spacing)
- Multiply by the length of the installation
- Include any breaks for posts or joins
- Estimate the power of the installation:
- Multiply the total length of the lamellas by their efficiency (Wp/mb)
- Lamella L: 26 Wp/mb
- Lamella M: 22 Wp/mb
- Lamella S: 15 Wp/mb
- Check if you reach a minimum of 700 Wp for a single installation
- If not, consider increasing the area or choosing more efficient lamellas
- At higher powers (>1.5 kWp), plan the division into sections
- Include losses due to orientation and shading:
- South orientation: 100% efficiency
- East/West orientation: about 85%
- Shading can reduce yield by up to 20-30%
Remember that the eBlade system is not just about power generation - it is a comprehensive architectural solution. Sometimes it is worth giving up maximum energy efficiency in favor of a better visual effect or functionality.
3. Application possibilities
The eBlade system goes beyond traditional thinking about photovoltaics. Let us examine in detail how its potential can be used in different parts of the building, creating an architecturally coherent whole generating energy.
Railings and fences
Railings are one of the most natural ways to use the eBlade system. Imagine a standard balcony in an apartment building - usually it is just a security barrier. Now it can become a miniature solar power plant.
In the case of railings, we have two main mounting options. The first is a vertical layout, which is the safest and does not require additional security. M-type slats mounted parallel to the railing plane create an elegant, compact surface. The second variant is horizontal mounting, which gives interesting chiaroscuro effects, but requires additional glazing from the inside for safety.
In the case of fences, we can afford more freedom. The L-type slats, thanks to their width of 240 mm, not only provide maximum power (26 Wp/Mb), but are also great as privacy elements. We can mount them at different angles to create dynamic compositions, and the additional LED lighting mounted in the profiles allows you to bring out their geometry after dark.
Blinds and shutters
Facade blinds are another application where the eBlade system demonstrates its versatility. Traditional blinds simply block the light - our solution turns it into useful energy. The frameless system with S-type slats (130 mm) allows you to create minimalist, almost invisible installations that blend elegantly into the facade.
Technical shutters are a particularly practical application of the system. We often have elements on buildings that we want to cover - air conditioning units, technical installations or utility rooms. eBlade allows you to transform these necessary covers into energy-active surfaces. With a height of up to 2800 mm and a module width of 2000 mm, we can create significant energy generating surfaces.
Carports and pergolas
For carports and pergolas, the eBlade system demonstrates its flexibility in creating larger structures. We can use the slats as shading elements by mounting them at the right angle for optimal energy production and comfort of use.
Of particular interest are hybrid solutions, where we combine different applications of the system. Imagine a carport with side shutters made of eBlade slats - it not only protects the car, but also generates energy from both the roof and the side walls. Or a pergola, where the slats on the roof work together with the shutters on the walls to create a complete energy system.
In the design of such structures, the analysis of insolation and the optimization of the angles of inclination of the lamellas are key. The system allows adjustment every 15 degrees (from 0° to 90°), which gives great possibilities to adapt to both local conditions and user preferences.
Let's also remember the practical aspect - the eBlade system in carports or pergolas can power lighting, irrigation systems or chargers for electric cars. It is not only the production of energy, but the creation of self-sufficient microinstallations that increase the comfort of use of the outdoor space.
4. Implementation of the project
Designing the eBlade system is just the beginning of the journey. Let's take a look at how to carry out a project from concept to implementation, avoiding typical pitfalls and using available technical support.
Design process and documentation
The implementation of a project with the eBlade system requires a systematic approach. Let's start from the very beginning. Any project begins with a consultation with the technical department of the manufacturer. This is a crucial moment that often determines the success of the entire venture. During such a consultation, we can verify our design assumptions and learn the detailed capabilities of the system in the context of our specific case.
After preliminary arrangements, we proceed to the preparation of technical documentation. At this stage, special attention should be paid to several aspects:
Static calculations must take into account not only the own weight of the system, but also wind loads specific to a particular location. The eBlade system is designed for different wind zones, but each installation requires individual calculations.
Electrical documentation is another key element. We need to precisely plan the cable routes, the location of the inverters and the way to connect to the building network. Remember that for installations below 700 Wp we use microinverters, and for higher powers - standard network inverters.
Technical Support
The manufacturer of the eBlade system offers comprehensive support at every stage of implementation. It is worth using it, especially for the first projects. We have at our disposal:
A CAD/BIM library containing detailed models of all system components. This is an invaluable design aid, allowing for precise planning and avoiding collisions with other building elements.
Specialized energy simulation software helps to estimate potential energy production taking into account local solar conditions and possible obstacles.
Technical consulting includes not only design issues, but also assistance in selecting optimal solutions and composing the system for specific requirements.
Examples of implementations
We learn best with concrete examples, so let's take a look at a few completed projects:
An office building in the city center used the eBlade system as facade blinds on the south facade. S-type lamellas in a frameless system not only protect the interiors from overheating, but also generate energy that is used to power the lighting of common parts. Annual energy production exceeds 12 MWh.
The housing estate used the system as balcony railings. M-type lamellas in a vertical arrangement were used, obtaining not only an elegant finish of the balconies, but also an additional source of energy. The total power of the installation on one building is about 15 kWp.
The shopping complex has integrated the eBlade system as a wall for the carport. The L-type lamellas, mounted at an optimal angle, form an efficient photovoltaic installation, while providing protection from the sun. The system powers electric vehicle charging stations as an auxiliary installation.
Each of these projects demonstrates the different capabilities of the eBlade system and can serve as inspiration for new projects. At the same time, it is worth remembering that each project is unique and requires an individual approach.
eBlade Solar Lamella
