Window Covering Answers

  Windows that Create Power  Pythagoras Solar has been around for awhile steadily helping to build the buildings of the future.  Incorporating photovoltaics within the buildings' structure and utilizing the vast expanses of windows in modern construction... they have effectively envisioned the future in construction. Here are several links to this company's vision. http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligent-energy/a-double-duty-solar-window/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/pvgu-benefits/net-zero-energy-buildings-why-bipv/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/technology-solutions/technology-overview-energy-efficient-windows/#prettyPhoto/1/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9pTVyY9OZw

Solar Socket       For those of you who have missed it.  This is one of the ways in which the world is becoming a better place for all of us.     Imagine plugging your charger into this little device at the window.       Built by Yanko Design, this product is still in its infancy.  A very small battery currently limits its usability... but look for this device to bring new opportunities for all of us within the near future.   Via Inhabitat. 

  Blinds that create Power  Dreams are fast becoming a reality. Solar power modules on venetian blinds create a new way to transform our lives.  NANERGY Inc. manufactures several solar powered products including a photovoltaic blind that generates electricity. At last, blinds that create enough electricity to sell back to the power utility. These venetian blinds can gather solar power in open, closed or partially open positions. This is definitely another step in the right direction. Have a look at the company's website for more information. http://www.nanergyinc.com/pvblinds.html http://www.nanergyinc.com/index.html     http://www.nanergyinc.com/projectgallery.html         Deakin University Australia   Research by Phd student Ghayatri Devi Rajmohan is currently working on ultra thin and flexible films that one day might be used to power kitchen appliances or generate power for you devices in your back...

  When you need it to be DARK     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XhqfV6gqUE   This one seems obvious but isn't. This semi-permanent blind gives you the darkness you may crave.     Primarily used for nurseries, or for small children who  have the inevitable habit of rising with the sun...this blind is the answer. Whether travelling to grandma's or somewhere else in the world... here is an answer to a good night's sleep for everyone.     There are others who might enjoy such a device.  Anyone who must sleep during the day, or those who must travel for their jobs could also benefit from such a cool idea.     What a blessing for those of us who are sleep impaired.       

    Blinds that Produce Light     BLIGHT     This does look like an idea whose time has come.  Blinds that soak up the sun during the day and then produce light at night will have many applications. Imagine if these blinds were to be installed in offices where so much electricity is wasted. How about those institutions that operate on a 24 hour cycle, 7 days a week.   Imagine the power savings in any community. So many applications.  Venetian blinds have been around forever.  My dream has been blinds that produce solar power, this application is an obvious step towards that reality.  See the links below for further information.           http://inhabitat.com/blight-blinds-by-vincent-gerkens/     http://www.gizmag.com/blight-solar-blind/11233/     http://www.coolplanet2009.org/cool-innovations-for-more-ecology/189-blight-vincent-gerkens.h...

  Kitchen Curtains   What is it about kitchen curtains that we agonize about. If the kitchen is the "new" hearth then what goes at the window here can make a real statement.   First. It doesn't have to be practical, but it helps. Can you clean the blind you have chosen? Does it offer enough privacy? Enough light? Is the blind or curtain too close to the stove? Should you have flame retardant blinds? Some condos demand it.   Beyond that, kitchen curtains or blinds can offer a glimpse of the past, or of the future. Perhaps within the heart of family activities, where nurturance and food are prime, a kitchen curtain or blind becomes a reflection of the main nurturer. Whatever it is, or isn't - it should be beautiful to you. Whether it is nostalgic for the past or commandeering the future, whether it looks out on a magnificent landscape or a terrible view.... it needs to be something more than utilitarian.  More than other rooms what goes at...

Outdoor Blinds          "What?", you say, "Why would anyone need outdoor blinds."  Weather protection sometimes begins on the exterior of a building. With today's new construction which often uses far more glass than in the past... outdoor blinds become another layer of protection from the elements. More than that outdoor blinds offer sun control over thermal windows. Thermal windows work great in the winter but as the summer sun beats  down on thermal windows...up goes the temperature.  Then we have to use the air conditioning and up go our electricity costs. For some time now I have been thinking about this and wondering how in summer in North America at least, where we design our homes to retain heat we can remedy this situation. Here is one answer. Hella Group from Austria, have been building sun and weather protection systems since 1959. They offer a variety of systems which address this need for further climate cont...