Radio systems for building automation

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The term building automation covers the control of light, heating, roller shutters, ventilation, alarm systems, etc., which in new buildings is usually implemented with wired bus systems . When modernizing existing residential buildings, the use of radio systems can be the most cost-effective solution, because in the simplest case the existing switches have to be exchanged for actuators and sensors , but the laying of new lines (with subsequent cleaning and painting work) is not necessary.

Radio systems as control technology are available in the frequency ranges 433 MHz and 868 MHz. As a rule, the radio systems from different manufacturers are not compatible.

Criteria for choosing a radio system

  • Maximum number of actuators and sensors
  • Type of actuators (switches, roller shutter switches, dimmers, radiator valves, switches with higher power)
  • Type of sensors (buttons, motion detectors, brightness, twilight, sunshine, wind, rain, timers, temperature, contact switches, light barriers, remote control, gas, smoke, carbon dioxide, etc.)
  • Types of actuators (surface-mounted, concealed) and sensors (switch top, flush-mounted switch, remote control, battery supply)
  • Range (possibly integrable repeaters); the range of a radio system is usually very limited by reinforced concrete ceilings
  • Control logic (possible logical links, timer functions)
  • Security (mutual authentication of the components, encryption of the transmitted data)
  • power consumption
  • Additional functions: control via PC software or a web browser, alarm messages via telephone
  • Compliance with standards / norms

Standards

  • ProLine 2 bi-directional radio bus system with rolling code and mesh function from elero GmbH on 868 MHz. Suitable for smart home systems. Compatible with Mediola and elero Centero Home with compatibility with Somfy RTS, HomeMatic, ZigBee
  • Bluetooth Smart , especially since version 5.0 with mesh function for smart homes, e.g. B. with devices from Medion
  • DECT ULE (Ultra Low Energy), energy-saving extension of the DECT cordless telephone standard for home automation
  • EN 50090 , the world's first open standard for home and building automation (wire / TP, powerline, radio)
  • Enocean , international standard since 2012, but not all EnOcean products use its security options
  • HomeMatic (also BidCoS), radio system for home automation
  • KNX-RF , radio version of the KNX standard for building automation
  • ZigBee , radio standard for building automation with the participation of numerous international companies
  • Z-Wave , a standard of the Z-Wave Alliance that is widely used in the USA in particular

Alternative technologies

A big advantage of radio systems over wired systems is that battery-powered switches and sensors can be placed anywhere without having to run a cable. In this way, a radio system can also be integrated step by step into a conventional electrical installation, while a wired system usually requires a decision for an overall system.

Most systems have the disadvantage that batteries need to be changed regularly. Exceptions are some products according to EN 50090 (power supply from the power grid) and products that use the Enocean technology as well as the first products with buffering via solar cells.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Dect ULE creates a spirit of optimism among home networkers . Konrad Buck. Accessed October 24, 2014.
  2. ↑ Radio protocols: Z-Wave, HomeMatic and RWE in comparison . Connected home. Last accessed on October 24, 2014.
  3. ↑ Radio protocols: Z-Wave, HomeMatic and RWE in comparison . Connected home. Last accessed on October 24, 2014.
  4. ↑ Urban warfare . Richard Sietmann. Last accessed on October 24, 2014.