NYSAN SKYLIGHT LOUVERS
The system has been designed specifically to be used on horizontal or inclined glazing – the non-retractable rack arm system. The system comprises a series of support arms (rack arms) onto which the slats are mounted. The rack arms not only support the slats, but also incorporate a mechanism to enable them to be rotated through approximately 100º from fully open to fully closed.
Sketch of rack arm – 2” (50mm) system
The key elements in the system comprise:
- Assembled rack arms
- Brackets to fix the rack arms to the structure
- Drive shaft which connects the rack arms and, when rotated, opens and closes the slats
- Gearbox or motor to drive the system
- Slats
The system is extremely flexible and can be used on all types of glazing – horizontal, vertical or inclined. The rack arms can also be curved to enable the system to be installed inside a barrel vault. Furthermore, the system can be designed to fit almost any shape of glazing – rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal and circular. There are no other shading systems that can provide this degree of flexibility.
The system is available with a variety of different slats. The standard options comprise:
- 2” (50mm) flexible aluminum
- 2” (50mm) wooden slats manufactured from bass wood
- 3” (75mm) extruded aluminum slats
- 3” (80mm) rolled edge aluminum slats
- 3 ½” (88mm) extruded aluminum slats
Two versions of the system – the ones with the 2” (50mm) slats can only be installed internally. The other three versions with the 3” (75mm and 80mm) and 3 ½” (88mm) slats can be installed internally or externally. All five systems can provide a high level of light control; the external systems also provide significant solar control, cutting out in excess of 90% of solar heat gain.
The systems can use two different rack arms – a standard one which is suitable for most applications and a heavy duty one which can achieve larger spans and reduce the number of fixings that are required.
Standard rack arm assembly – 80mm slat – internal installation
Standard rack arm assembly – 88mm slat – external installation
Because the position of the slats is infinitely variable from fully open to fully closed, it means that very precise light control can be achieved. Furthermore, the 3 ½” (88mm) louver is an aluminum extrusion and is designed to interlock to provide very high levels of light exclusion. In order to achieve the maximum amount of light exclusion, it is possible to install baffles around the edge of the system. Furthermore, brushes can be installed along the edges of the blind to make the system more effective still.
The spans that can be achieved between supports are given in the table of design parameters below:
| Parameter / System |
2” |
3” int. |
3” ext. |
3.5” int. |
3.5” ext. |
| Max. slat width (w) |
235”
6000mm |
195”
5000mm |
195”
5000mm |
155”
4000mm |
155”
4000mm |
| Max. distance between rack arms (x) |
36”
900mm |
55”
1400mm |
39”
1000mm |
60”
1500mm |
48”
1200mm |
| Max. slat overhang (y) |
16”
400mm |
20”
500mm |
10”
250mm |
10”
250mm |
6”
150mm |
| Max. support spacing (z) |
100”
2500mm |
100”
2500mm |
78”
2000mm |
78”
2000mm |
60”
1500mm |
| Max. rack arm length (l) |
235”
6000mm |
235”
6000mm |
235”
6000mm |
235”
6000mm |
235”
6000mm |
| Max. area – gear operated |
160 ft²
15 m² |
160 ft²
15 m² |
160 ft²
15 m² |
130 ft²
12 m² |
100 ft²
9 m² |
| Max. area - motorized |
215 ft²
20 m² |
215 ft²
20 m² |
215 ft²
20 m² |
170 ft²
16 m² |
130 ft²
12 m² |
Note: These are approximate dimensions and would need to be reviewed for each specific application (in particular where the installation is external).
The non-retractable rack arm system has been tested in a wind tunnel to speeds of up to approximately 110mph (180kph) and actual installations have survived hurricane force winds. Good performance of the system in strong winds is dependent upon the system being correctly installed and the design parameters, as are set out in the table above, being respected. Additionally, it is possible to install edge baffles to protect the exposed edges of the blind.
The other issues that need to be considered with an external system are ice and snow. The system has been tested with a simulated snow load and has also been installed in the past in locations where snow regularly falls. The system can cope with an imposed snow load – it is not appropriate, however, in locations where heavy snow falls occur regularly and the snow remains on the ground for periods in excess of a few days.
Ice is also an issue. The assembled rack arms are manufactured from aluminum extrusions and nylon components. If the mechanism is iced up, there is a risk of damage to the nylon components if the system is operated. It is possible to fit a control which prevents a motorized system from being operated if there is risk of ice. If, however, temperatures remain below freezing for reasonably long periods, external installation is probably not appropriate.
For additional information contact Nysan at 403.204.8675