Smart homes and smart buildings: Technologies, applications and products
The terms ‘smart home’ and ‘smart building’ are based on separate operating principles and are suited to different types of applications.
To understand the difference between these two concepts we need to look at the meaning of the two terms.
‘Smart home’ refers to a home that is equipped with connected systems that are manageable remotely and by one or more devices. Products used in smart homes tend to meet certain prerequisites of home automation, such as the use of the Internet, a high level of integrability with external systems, and an installation that tends to be simple and unobtrusive.
‘Smart building’ refers to a system of data collection from different sensors that is processed and then used to improve the energy efficiency of the building, and the quality of life of its occupants.
In general, the system underlying a smart building will include certain features such as the presence of a connecting bus data communication protocol, software for monitoring and data collection, and various other cloud computing services.
Therefore ‘smart home’ is the term used for the connection of various electrical and electronic devices in the home for management via smartphones or voice assistants, whereas the concept of ‘smart building’ refers to a method of data collection and processing to optimize a building’s resource efficiency.
Finder's smart home solutions
Finder’s smart home solution is YESLY, a simple and unobtrusive system for optimizing and making existing systems ‘smart’. YESLY is based on dual technology that ensures the integrated operation of all products in the system – even in the absence of an Internet connection.
The Finder smart home system allows multiple devices to be controlled at the same time by using programmed ‘scenarios’. Examples of this include operations such as turning on all the lights and lowering all the shutters at the same time, or dimming the lights in your living room when you want to watch TV.
The YESLY system currently includes different products for the total and simplified control of: lighting, controlled power outlets, electric locks, and electric blinds, curtains and shutters. Smart climate management can also be added to these functions through integration with the BLISS2 chronothermostat.
The Finder smart home system comprises:
Multifunction relay with 2NO 6 A contacts
Multifunction relay – compatible with most the popular Italian residential switch systems
Multifunction relay with 1CO 16 A contact – particularly suitable for the management of electric locks and controlled power outlets
Bluetooth actuator for blinds and shutters
Universal electronic dimmer 230V AC – perfect for LED loads up to 200 W;
Dimmer with PWM technology – perfect for controlling LED strips
Dimmer 230 V AC – compatible with most the popular Italian residential switch systems
interface unit – the ‘retrofit’ solution integrating the YESLY system with traditional switches or push buttons
Wireless push button – with no batteries and no need for charging
BEYON remote control wireless push button– with no batteries and no need for charging
GATEWAY – the heart of the YESLY system.
It can also be used with Finder temperature control products, including:
– BLISS2 – the smart chronothermostat that let you manage the temperature and humidity level in the room, both easily and intelligently.
– Type 13.21-S000 remote actuator – for temperature control in a single or multi-zone installation. Thanks to its radio-frequency transmission, this versatile product can be used in a heating or cooling system by allowing the thermostat or chronothermostat to be placed anywhere within the home.
– Type 01C.02-0500 power supply unit – powers thermostats and chronothermostats directly from the mains.ù
Finder's solutions for building automation
Like any other KNX-certified products, Finder KNX devices have undergone various compliance tests. The tests on these products certify compliance with the standards for communication and data security.
Products based on these technologies include:
Corridor movement detector for ceiling and suspended ceiling mounting via KNX BUS. Particularly suitable for corridors and transit areas
Movement and presence detector with a 64 m2 detection area. Designed for ceiling and suspended ceiling mounting. Particularly suitable for installations in offices, schools and common areas
Universal dimmer with 2 outputs, 400 W 230 V AC. For controlling dimmable LEDs, halogen lamps, dimmable CFLs, and electronic and electromechanical transformers
>>> Download the KNX Finder product brochure
In addition to KNX, DALI also enables the automatic management of lighting.
The Type 18.5D movement and presence detector with DALI is designed to meet application needs with a high level of automation. It features simple installation without configuration software.
Conclusions
In the technological journey that the world continues to face, home and building automation occupy an increasingly relevant space.
Choosing the right system brings benefits in terms of efficiency and costs.
Both systems allow for the controlled and optimized management of energy consumption, and the remote and personalized management of installations.
Do you want to know more?
Contact our team!
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