We tell me how smart curtains work, how to choose an electrocarption for them and what benefits have similar systems.
Photo: Somfy.
Modern mechanization systems allow you to manage curtains as manually (remotely, using the remote control or smartphone) and fully automatically, for example, using a timer or other devices. Such automated eaves are often part of the integrated automation system ("smart home"), but can well be used separately.
How is the "smart curtain" system?
It usually includes the following components: an electric drive eaves, a power supply and controller (device receiving signals along a radio or infrared channel) and a control panel (or wall panel). Currently, the market presents kits that do not need additional elements. Everything is sufficient simply - the installation requires installations of accuracy and accurate following instructions, but accessible and unprofessional. The cost of such a kit may be from 15-20 thousand rubles. (Chinese production) up to 40-90 thousand rubles. (products of European companies).
For integration into the Smart Home system, additional control modules may be required for compatibility with the other equipment running via the KNX wired protocol, or to the wireless equipment ZigBee, Z-Wave. Thus, the curtains can be controlled via general control devices - using a wall or portable remote control or a smartphone or a tablet computer.
Connecting to the Smart Home system allows you to implement various scenarios. For example, with the help of a timer, you can set the opening and closing time of the curtain, imitate the presence of people in the house. The light sensor in the summer will automatically close the curtain when the sunlight fills the room. The temperature sensor will cover the curtains if it becomes too hot in the room. The home theater system will automatically close the curtains when the video projector is turned on and will open after the end of the view. Through a smartphone, you can remotely control the curtains, even if you are not at home.
System for rolling curtains EOS 500 (Hunter Douglas). In this case, fabrics are used, savory-resistant. The development of automated rolled curtain systems is practically silent. The mounting profile makes it easy to attach the product, reducing the installation time. Photo: Hunter Douglas
5 useful options for curtains
- Adjustable closure / opening speed. Usually from 10 to 20 cm / s in sliding and from 10 to 30 rpm in rolled cornices. Each has its own preferred pace of life.
- The ability to move the curtains manually without damaging the structure (in sliding cornices). This option is especially in demand in hotels, but does not hurt and forgetful owners in everyday life.
- Installing a preferred intermediate position. Perfectionists will certainly appreciate this option.
- Function "Imitation of Presence". Remember how Matroskin's cat spoke in the cartoon "Three of Prostokvashino": "And then the person will think that someone is at home, and you will not steal anything."
- Reverse function (for sliding options). Return allows you to align the top and bottom of the curtains when the bottom edge is spilled by the floor. So the curtains look more neat.
The Somfy electric drive is distinguished by a compact design - in the interior it will be almost impaired. Photo: Somfy.
Choose electrocarption
When choosing an electrounge, it is important to correctly select the type of device. To do this, you need to answer the following questions.What will be the mechanism of the curtain: lifting or sliding? If the mechanism is sliding, is one-sided or bilateral? Depending on the type of curtains, the type of drive is selected.
How will the engine power supply be organized? Most electrical models operate from the network, but there are rechargeable options. They are chosen if the wired nutrition is not possible or difficult.
Is the engine noise level important? For rest rooms, it is advisable to choose a more quiet system - with noise level when working no more than 35-41 dB.
What are the sizes of the curtain and the weight of the fabric? Electric drives differ at maximum load. Insufficiently powerful engine simply not cope with heavy tissue. Also, the choice of power affects the direct cornice or curved: the latter requires a more powerful engine.
Approximate scheme of rolled mechanism curtains
1 - electric drive; 2 - a set of adapters for a round shaft; 3 - adapter for a round shaft; 4 - mounting from the drive; 5 - mount opposite; 6 - metal sleeve; 7 - adapter for a round shaft; 8 - Round aluminum shaft. Photo: Somfy.
Consider the dimensions and weight of the tissue fabric!
Distribute in advance what the sizes of the curtain and the weight of the fabric will be. The fact is that the electric drives differ at the maximum load (30, 40, 60 kg, etc.). Insufficiently powerful engine simply not cope with heavy tissue. Also, the choice of power affects, direct cornice or curved: for the latter, you need a more powerful engine.Automation of the curtain allows you to optimize the temperature indoors: in the summer it is reduced by 3-5 ° C, and in winter, on the contrary, to increase - and save on heating.
Approximate Sliding Curtain Sliding Mechanism
1 - drive plug; 2 - belt; 3 - Ceiling mount with a snap; 4 - reinforced karnis connector; 5 - roller slings; 6 - ceiling eccentric mounting; 7 - profile of the cornice; 8 - standard or shortened response cap; 9 - Curtain fixation hook; 10 - leading carriage for curtains; 11 - drive. Visualization: Igor Smirhagin / Burda Media
Manufacturers and prices
Among the most famous manufacturers in the market in the premium price segment you can highlight such brands like Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Warema, Leha, Silent Gliss. From the lower price segment, we note the brands ISOTRA, ANWIS, BESTA. The cost of the finished electrounge depends not only on the brand, but also from the device parameters such as engine power. On average, the finished electrocarption will cost by approximately 15-40 thousand rubles.
Electric shutters can be opened and close at once with the entire group of products, groups in each room or on each window. Photo: Warema.
Electricity with remote control is the classic element of any "smart home". Many of the technological innovative solutions can significantly improve the quality of life. Even such a familiar and simple, at first glance, the thing, like curtains, can be supplemented with an electric drive and an intelligent control system. In the HOME Automation class, we have a budget solution that makes the comfort of a premium level. The Connexoon Window RTS system will allow you to enable up to 24 devices using the application on the smartphone. Depending on the mode, you can configure the system so that the roller shutters will open before your home returning home and the light will turn on, and when you leave the house - everything closes and turn off.
Alexey Prize
Specialist of Somfy