Looking for a solution on how to determine when to close and open skylight blinds. I can just do hours of the day but would like it to be a bit more intelligent.
Anyone looked at using something like the math used for solar panels? I was thinking that when max solar power was generated in the summer that is when they are closed to keep heat out.
So there is a calculation for what time the sun is at a particular angle in the sky which will be relative to your area and factors in the time of year etc. You could use that as it will give you a very specific to your area mathematical answer to when you should close your shades. This is a good start. If you mix that with a light sensor and set minimums that will get you the rest of the way there (no sense run blocking lightning a cloudy day.) You can just use a light sensor but it will be more erratic if you don’t correct for weather and seasonal light levels.
The rest is personal to how sensitive to light changes and seasonal settings you apply to it.
As far as the physical control goes - there are several commercial devices available as well as diy solutions involving motors and 3d printing on YouTube.
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If your goal is just to prevent glare from direct sunlight? Maybe a purely passive diffuser is what you’re looking for
Just a few ideas for very easy math:
Start with the sunrise and sunset times. You can have them automatically for your location.
Calculate the middle between these: this is your best “noon” time (free of DST etc).
Calculate the duration between these: the longer it is, the warmer.
Light sensor threshold, and a rule to trigger the blinds. Pretty simple.
So there is a calculation for what time the sun is at a particular angle in the sky which will be relative to your area and factors in the time of year etc. You could use that as it will give you a very specific to your area mathematical answer to when you should close your shades. This is a good start. If you mix that with a light sensor and set minimums that will get you the rest of the way there (no sense run blocking lightning a cloudy day.) You can just use a light sensor but it will be more erratic if you don’t correct for weather and seasonal light levels.
The rest is personal to how sensitive to light changes and seasonal settings you apply to it.
As far as the physical control goes - there are several commercial devices available as well as diy solutions involving motors and 3d printing on YouTube.
It’s not clear to me if you have photovoltaic panels and can use the data from them or not.
I don’t have panels. I was wondering if I can apply the same math and if so has anyone done this in home assistant already.