The unobtrusive and battery-less Wireless Daylight Sensor, from MechoSystems, won the best of NeoCon Innovation award. It utilizes a special integrated solar-powered photosensor to monitor the light coming through the curtainwall and, via EnOcean RF communication technology, transmits data to a daylight controller to move roller shades in small offices and light commercial spaces effortlessly. In addition, when connected to the MechoSystems’ SolarTrac WindowManagement control system, the sensor provides information for shade movement in large buildings with multiple zones. 
The MechoSystems’ Wireless Daylight Sensor is small, compact, and does not require any batteries for its light energy collection or for the ultra-low-power EnOcean wireless communication protocol system. Daylight information is sent by the Wireless Daylight Sensor to a small wireless controller directly connected to the MechoNet data network, enabling shades in the space to move autonomously. These two units seamlessly enable shades within the specified zone to move full up, full down, and to intermediate positions, based on daylight present at the curtainwall/window without additional hardware/computers/sensors being required.
The peel-n‐stick daylight sensors mount inconspicuously to the window mullion horizontally, vertically, or even upside down. They communicate the information about available daylight (greater than 200 lux) to the compact Wireless Controller connected to the MechoNet data network and the shades respond effortlessly and automatically.
The small sensor is powered by renewable solar energy and utilizes supercapacitors to store surplus charge. Supercapacitors charge quickly and withstand millions of charge/recharge cycles without any loss of storage capacity. They eliminate the need to connect to a cabling system or the worry of managing replacement battery stock, scheduling replacement activities to avoid unplanned downtime, or requiring specific disposal/recycling procedures of batteries. Key to the sensor’s operation is its power efficiency afforded by the sensor’s EnOcean two‐way RF transceiver. The sensor monitors the daylight level and thermal condition at the window and then relays it to the controller using the EnOcean protocol.
The controller logs the data to support analytics, and can be set up to either feed information over MechoNet to a whole building automation controller like SolarTrac, or it can be configured to operate the shades directly, based on the local conditions using internally configured settings and addresses of the motorized shades.
In addition to sensors, the MechoNet Wireless Controller can also receive data and/or commands from EnOcean devices (used in other systems) such as batteryless keypads, occupancy sensors, magnetic door and window sensors, lighting controllers, thermostats, and the like. Up to 20 wireless EnOcean sensors and/or devices can be hosted by each controller enhancing local operation without adding any cables.
The combination of the Wireless Daylight Sensor and Controller enables a simple automation system to be implemented for effective daylight integration. Roller Shade Automation is easier to install for retrofit applications as cabling is eliminated for the sensors. Designers can utilize daylight integration to preserve views to the outside, manage glare and solar radiation in a space, and comply with codes and standards mandating reductions in building energy consumption (and attendant reduction in greenhouse gases caused by energy usage).