Smart sun shading, roller shutters, screens and window coverings
Nowadays most Dutch people have access to fast internet at home. Very handy for computing or watching films, but also for other applications. Smart home is becoming increasingly popular. By smart home we mean connecting smart devices to the internet. Sometimes we also call this the ‘Internet of Things’, or ‘IoT’.
Smart home in brief
Smart devices can quickly be linked to the standard router. In that case an app can be used to operate the smart sun shading, for example. The connection with this app runs via the manufacturer's servers. That is handy, because no adjustments need to be made, but at the same time it is also a risk: what happens if the manufacturer's servers have a fault?
Of course this can be solved by using Google Home, for example, but Google can also have a fault now and then. The chance is smaller with such a large company, admittedly, but not impossible. That is why it is a better idea to opt for a central hub. These hubs are sold by the manufacturers of smart sun shading, smart roller shutters, smart screens and smart window coverings.
Electric sun shading and smart home
Electric sun shading can be linked together on the central hub. Each device can also function autonomously, but in the ideal setting all devices talk to each other.
Automated window coverings are possible outside the home. Many people regard roller blinds as ideal. Logical, because they not only offer more privacy, but are also used as sun shading. When sunlight and heat need to stay outside, electric sun shading on the outside is a godsend.
For electric sun shading working with a smart home, there are various options. For example, a smart awning, a smart roller shutter or a patio cover with a roll-up screen can be installed. In principle, every moving part can be automated. The right hardware and software must be found for this, though.
Ready-made or self-build?
Those who are technically minded and handy with electrical engineering can also look for the right hardware themselves to control the various components. For example, there are manufacturers that make various electric motors for rolling screens up and down. So in principle, putting something together yourself is also possible.
Which motor is suitable for which screen depends on, for example, the type of sun shading, the size and the weight. Always ask the supplier of the components about the possibilities first. Just as indoors, different elements must be able to talk to each other. This creates an overarching system.
Prefer a ready-made system? Department stores sell these systems, but it is wise to visit a specialist as well. They know exactly how the sun shading, roller shutter, screen or window covering should be fitted and what is needed to make everything work together flawlessly.
Controlling the house with or without internet
The devices in the home often have a remote control with which they can be operated. With Smart Home, an internet connection is usually assumed. With it, the sun shading of a house in the Netherlands can still be operated while the owner of the house is in Spain. Ideal for those who forgot to close the shutters when leaving.
Those who would rather not rely on manufacturers' servers and the cloud are best off choosing a system that works locally. That can be done with a remote control, but also with a local network. The network that controls the systems is then not shared outside the local network. As a result, the owner of the house can only control their devices when they are within range of the network.
Extra eyes for the house
An awning is extended and suddenly a storm races by. When the owner is at home, they can of course quickly run outside to retract the awning, but that is not possible when you are in the supermarket. Problems like that can lead to damage.
With smart sun shading, roller shutters, screens and window coverings, this damage can be prevented. For example, a wind meter can be mounted that is smartly connected to the awning's motor. That way it can be retracted or rolled up.
With a light detector it is possible to have the sun shading retract or roll up automatically when the sun goes down and roll out again when the sun rises. In this way there are countless applications to set up any desired action. This is how electric sun shading can be combined with Smart Home, giving the house ‘extra eyes’.
More comfort and security
When the sun shading regularly goes up and down, it looks to burglars as if someone is simply at home. Burglars then prefer to pass the house by, because the chance of being caught is very high. So it deters thieves. Smart sun shading can therefore have a preventive effect.
This works, among other things, with sensors that detect whether someone seems to be coming under or between a type of sun shading. This way the whole house can be automated. A custom solution can be devised for every situation. It is wise to make enquiries with the specialist.
Types of sun shading
There are different types of sun shading, such as patio awnings with folding arms, a fabric and a storage cassette. And what about vertical screens, for example? All these solutions can be automated.
Roller shutters
With a smart roller shutter, the user never has to get up to operate it again. All that is needed is a smartphone or tablet. The smart roller shutter can be operated via an app. For this to work properly, a stable connection is needed. A roller shutter becomes ‘smart’ through the connection with Smart Home, but also by using roller shutter motors, strap winders and lifting straps.
Screens
Smart screens can be set so that they go down when the sun shines on the window and the temperature reaches a certain point. For example, the screens may go down when it is more than 20 degrees outside. That way it stays cool inside.
The possibilities and scenarios are endless. An action can be set via the app for every possible moment. For instance, it is also possible to have the shutters close when the home cinema set switches on.
Window coverings
All window coverings can be set to a particular status at a certain time or upon a certain action. With window coverings it is important to pay close attention to compatibility with other devices. For example, with some smart lighting it is not possible to make a link with the window coverings. Certain manufacturers, on the other hand, offer more extensive support if they also make equipment other than window coverings.
The technology behind smart sun shading
Smart sun shading often makes use of a gateway (a controller). It is important that the different gateways can work with each other. With systems from, for example, Homey, Zipato, Fibaro or Domoticz, existing electric sun shading systems can be added to the smart home network. This can be done by placing a built-in module behind the switch. The requirement for this, though, is that the sun shading already works electrically and can be operated by means of a switch.
Use is often made of the so-called Z-Wave protocol, Wifi, radio frequencies or ZigBee. With these, the functions of the switch are taken over by the controller.
Creating scenarios
Various scenarios can be created in the smart home app. We already mentioned some examples, such as closing the shutters at a certain temperature. But devices can also be linked to each other. All smart home products are then operated via the controller's app. It can often also be done with Apple HomeKit or Google Home.
It is handy to use a universal protocol for this, such as Z-wave, 433 MHz, WiFi or Zigbee. That makes it possible to change controller later after all. Controllers also often offer more advanced options to create extensive scenarios and to have the sun shading respond to the other smart products in the home.
Built-in modules for window coverings and sun shading can often be linked with, for example, smart lamps, speakers or the camera system. The window coverings then respond, for example, when the camera detects certain things.
Voice control
With the arrival of Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple’s Siri, it is even possible to control the sun shading, roller shutters, screens and window coverings with voice control. For instance, with Apple it is possible to teach Siri specific commands. Make a link between the smart sun shading and the command: ‘Siri, raise the shutters!’ and the shutters will go up.
Actually, with Smart Home you can make it as crazy or as simple as you like. Operating various equipment in the home is becoming increasingly centralised as a result.
Privacy and security
Smart devices always have an impact on privacy. When smart devices can be operated with voice control, there are always microphones switched on. Such devices are usually only activated when in use. Only then is data sent to the servers.
That does not mean it never goes wrong. At the end of 2017, for example, the Google Home Mini was constantly listening in and everything was sent to the manufacturer. A month later, roughly the same happened with Amazon Alexa. On that occasion a complete private conversation was even sent to a contact.
Moreover, with digital devices people leave a digital trail that can also be used for marketing purposes. Smart home equipment records a large amount of usable data.
On top of that, all of this must be well secured. Preferably use passphrases with capital letters, symbols, numbers and lower-case letters. IkeetelkewoensdaggehaktvanSlagerJan!9001 is, for example, a good example of a passphrase. Fairly easy to remember and secure as well. It takes a long time before such a password is cracked.
Frequently asked questions about smart window coverings
Everyone who sets up a smart home has questions. That is normal, but it is important to get an answer to these questions. Frequently asked questions about window coverings are therefore answered below.
How can I set up scenarios for the sun shading?
Often all kinds of things can be set in the manufacturer's app. A system such as Apple HomeKit or Google Home can also be used. It is important here that there is support between the different systems. Another interesting option is the use of ‘If This Then That’ (IFTTT). With it, certain scenarios can be completely automated.
Can I also use smart sun shading?
In principle, smart sun shading is suitable for every house. How this can be realised in a user's home depends on the connection that is present and the space that is available. A specialist can help with installing and connecting the smart sun shading. Those who are handy with electrical engineering can also buy electric motors themselves and link them to existing systems, or write their own program for the sun shading.
Is internet a requirement for smart sun shading?
In many cases internet is a requirement for smart sun shading. The advantage is that the user always has it to hand. The remote control is practically always in his or her pocket. Unfortunately, smart sun shading does have a disadvantage: if the internet drops out or there is no connection with, for example, Google Home, it is difficult to operate the sun shading. That is why it is handy to choose a model that also has a physical remote control, without a link to the cloud.
How do I operate smart roller blinds?
Smart roller blinds can be operated with the supplied remote control or with the app recommended by the manufacturer. In some cases this also works with Apple's HomeKit or Google Home. Multiple roller blinds can be operated with the same app or remote control.
What is a signal repeater?
A signal repeater is often needed to operate the device you want to link. The repeater supports the signals exchanged between the remote control (such as a physical remote control or an app) and, for example, a roller blind. The presence of a repeater is important for correct operation of the wireless function.
Smart sun shading. Smart sun shading, roller shutters, screens & window coverings: how does it work?