Optimal use of natural lighting in an apartment, home or office is necessary for people’s health, comfort, and energy savings. Therefore, the design of the Smart Home system involves the development of event-scenario control of blinds. Curtains, awnings, roller shutters and other types of window equipment can also be automated.

Typical automation solutions can take into account many external factors: weather conditions, external/internal lighting, temperature conditions - to provide comfortable lighting scenarios. All of them serve to optimize the functioning of the climate system.

The benefits of automating blinds

1. Comfort. If you choose a convenient and pleasant automation mode for yourself, you will watch your blinds automatically close after sunset, or slowly open in the morning.

2. Convenience. You will save yourself from the daily tedious task of manually opening/closing blinds. Automatic mode will provide this function even without your intervention. They can also be controlled via a smartphone, even while on vacation.

3. Energy saving. By adjusting the automation mode to the ambient light level, you will significantly reduce your energy costs. In winter, they will help keep you warm, thereby reducing heating costs.

4. Security. Automatic blinds increase safety while you are in or away from home.

5. Easy maintenance, wear-resistant. Smooth movements of the blinds and the absence of sudden pulling in manual mode ensure durability and wear resistance.

Automated blinds

The most popular wireless technology used for home automation systems allows you to quickly create a system that covers the entire house with the transfer of all device status parameters.

Choice of blinds

The market for blinds and shutters today offers several standard solutions, among which the most common are:

1. Power - 230V
The system is connected to the wireless controller directly. With its help, an electric motor is started, which allows you to move the blinds, stop them, and change the direction of movement.
This module is designed for all types of 230V blinds, roller shutters, motorized awnings. It is located behind the switch or next to the engine itself.

2. 24V power supply
Low-voltage blinds operate on 24V. Such systems have only 2 wires connected to the motor. They control the direction of movement by changing the polarity. The motors are connected to the controller. Control is carried out using an external switch. Remote control is provided by connecting a relay switch.

Comfortable control of curtains placed in an apartment or cottage involves the use of an over-the-air signal or special rays of the infrared spectrum. To do this, the cornice is equipped with a drive that receives the command sent by the corresponding devices. Their work can be regulated in the following ways:

remote control

control button

The efficiency and coherence of such a device depends, first of all, on the power of the main element of the system - the electric drive. It is also what ensures the noise level of the curtain opening process.

System composition:

The system consists of the following components:

• base unit or controller;
• various relays and drives that execute commands;
• timers and sensors;
• remote controls, tablet, smartphone or personal computer;

The choice of control method is carried out depending on what type of system is taken as a basis.

Curtain control methods:

Remotely

In order to control the curtains from a distance, no special effort is required. Thus, the assembly of a device that allows the use of a remote system is carried out if the following products are available:

• drive;
• sensor with an infrared signal perception system;
• the corresponding remote control;
• controller;

• special control unit;
• sensor;
• tablet or smartphone;
• drive.

Using a button

You can also use a regular switch. This button can be placed anywhere convenient for you. So, in the bedroom this can be done next to the bedside table. The installation requires the following items:

• drive;
• buttons (switch);
• signal reception sensor.

Moreover, if a switch is installed, then it should consist of 2 keys, one of which will ensure the movement of the curtain up, and the second - down. There should also be two buttons, each of which will have its own contact group. In this case, the switches are connected to a sensor that sends commands to the drive.

The MiMismart company offers to install intelligent technology for controlling curtains, blinds and roller blinds in your home. This function is implemented remotely using an electric drive and a touch panel, which can be your mobile phone. Thus, routine mechanical actions will be replaced by automation: the curtains will open and close depending on your desire or the command of the Smart Home controller. The “smart curtains” technology includes an electric curtain rod in which a reinforced cable or belt is located. This equipment has a built-in electric drive that moves the carriage with the fabric attached to it along the profile. Our specialists will help you set up convenient scenarios for controlling curtains in a Smart Home.

Advantages

Thanks to curtains on an electric curtain rod, you can close any window opening and organize automatic opening/closing depending on the lighting and time of day. This makes the systems popular not only in office premises, where they have been used for quite a long time, but also in private houses and apartments. Moreover, this technology does not require significant energy consumption.

In addition to the above-mentioned advantages, the following advantages of the smart curtain system can be highlighted:

• low noise level;
• smooth start and stop;
• various curtain options;
• many different options for setting up scenarios for an intelligent home;
• easy integration into an existing system.

Types of smart curtains

Blinds. Such an intelligent system operates using infrared and radio signals that are sent to a remote electric drive. The latter is mounted directly into the curtain rod. An excellent option for buildings with many windows. Also among the advantages of such a system is the ability to adjust a certain position of the lamellas to allow a strictly limited amount of light into the room. Various options for blinds are offered - vertical, horizontal and roller blinds.

Lifting curtains. They move along vertical axes due to cords or other mechanisms. This type of curtain is used in rooms where, due to the design of the window, it is impossible to install sliding models. Lifting options are quite popular in kitchens or loggias, as well as in the attic rooms of country houses. They are often used on stairwells, in greenhouses, solariums, etc. These models are indispensable when you need to close a window of complex shape, with beveled corners or a slope. There are various designs of such curtains - Roman, French, Austrian, London, etc.

Modern methods of window decoration are becoming increasingly popular, successfully replacing the usual curtains and drapes. The most practical and convenient solution is automatic roller blinds. Like all household appliances, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. In what cases is it appropriate to use automatic roller blinds? Indications for use include panoramic windows, conference rooms, and projector rooms that require simultaneous darkening of all windows. Such curtains are also irreplaceable when using the Smart Home system, as well as if the windows are located high - ceiling or attic options. An electric drive is also necessary when roller blinds are located on the outside of the glass unit.

Types of automatic roller blinds

Like regular roller blinds, automatic curtains can be of various designs. They are a fabric sheet that is wound on a shaft. The cornice can be fixed to the wall or ceiling. The difference is that regular roller blinds are wound up (opened) manually, while automatic roller blinds are opened using an electric drive.

Also, roller blinds may differ in mounting options.

1. Fastening is carried out in the window opening. This option looks more aesthetically pleasing, but it should be possible to open the window or window sash.
2. Overlapping fastening - plus 5-10 cm to the width of the window opening.
3. External roller blinds are mounted outside the window and protect not only from sunlight, but also from dirt and dust. It is clear that the material of manufacture must be resistant to pollution and precipitation, and easy to wash.

By design, automatic roller blinds can be:

• open;
• cassette (with a top box, side guides are possible);
• mini-cassette.

The winding of the fabric is usually internal, that is, the shaft lies on top of the curtain, but upon request it can be mounted vice versa.

Advantages and disadvantages of using automation

Much more convenient than manual options.

• They are suitable for large windows.
• It is convenient to use an electric motor if there are many windows in the room.
• There is a possibility of remote control.
• Ability to use a simple timer.
• Simultaneous opening and closing of all curtains in the room.
• The fabric wears out less.
• Simple and convenient controls for outdoor roller blinds.
• The advantages of automation are obvious if the windows are at a high altitude.

Roller blinds with automatic control are an excellent solution when using the Smart Home system.

Like any technology, automatic curtains have their drawbacks. First of all, breakdowns or short service life in case of purchasing low-quality products. This leads to the second significant drawback - the high cost of both the blade itself, the shaft and the electric drive, as well as the accompanying automation, remote controls, electronic units and other things.

As for the noise floor, manufacturers strive to keep sound effects to a minimum. According to international standards, the comfort zone in terms of noise in a house is no more than 25 dBA. All models of world leaders in the production of automatic systems for curtains and blinds comply with a similar standard.

Electric drive

The “heart” of automation is the electric motor. For heavy curtains, the drive is located on the side and is usually mounted on the wall. For lightweight roller blinds - and these are the models that are usually used in residential premises - the electric drive is located inside the shaft on which the fabric is wound. The engines differ significantly in their characteristics. The power supply can be supplied from a standard 220 V network, or a voltage converter for 24 or 12 V DC will be required. Light weight roller blinds can be powered by built-in batteries. If they are of good quality, they will last for one year and then require recharging. Such options have an advantage if it is impossible to install electrical wiring without compromising the appearance of the interior.

How else do electric motors and their auxiliary equipment differ?

• The engine power is adjusted to the weight of the web; it ranges from 30 to 250 W.
• The opening speed of the canvas should be comparable to the length of the curtain and range from 10 to 25 cm per second.
• The electric motor is equipped with an emergency shutdown system - if there is an obstacle to the operation of the drive, the power supply is turned off.
• High-quality drives have limit switches - the electronics record the open and closed position of the curtain.
• Some models are equipped with a memory of the favorite intermediate position of the canvas.
• A good system has a finishing function - just move the canvas by hand in the desired direction, and the roller blind will automatically open or close.
• In case of a power outage, the manual mode function is useful.

Typically, the motor is selected individually according to the characteristics of roller blinds: weight and length of the curtain, number of drives and their control system.

The most popular manufacturer of automation for roller blinds in Russia is the Franco-German concern Somfy, a recognized world leader in this market segment. The company provides a warranty on products for up to 5 years. The maximum height of the roller blind is 5 m, and the width is 5.5 m. The operating range of the control panel is up to 200 m or 20 m through the wall.

Also popular are RAEX and NOVO. The products of these campaigns are characterized by high quality, a 2-3 year warranty, a wide range of products and the presence of various auxiliary devices. European companies producing roller blinds with automatic control, less popular in Russia: Dutch G-Rail, Italian Mottura, German Sundrape, Silent Gliss, Elero, Decomatic companies. Prices for the products of these manufacturing companies are at the upper end of the consumer scale. More affordable price segments: companies Chofu, Bofu, Aerolux. Chinese companies are also engaged in the production of inexpensive roller blinds with AC, however, when costs are reduced, the quality of the product suffers accordingly.

Control

The cost of roller blinds is determined primarily by their size and motor power. But the electric drive control system plays an important role in the issue of pricing and ease of use. It can be of different levels of complexity.

• The simplest model is a switch on the wall, connected to the motor by electrical wiring.
• A wall-mounted remote control or a touch transmitter on the wall makes it possible to control the servomotor without the use of wires.
• The remote control can be radio waves or infrared.
• When using a radio remote control, a radio receiver is built into the engine (motor with RTS).
• If an IR remote control is used, a sensor is mounted on the wall next to the engine. The IR range requires precise aiming of the remote control beam at the sensor. Such a signal will not pass through the wall.
• The remote control can be single-channel, multi-channel, simple or with an LCD display. If the remote control is single-channel, then it can be configured for several curtains, but they will work simultaneously.
• Control can be tied to photocells. In this case, the opening or closing of the curtains depends on the light level. The sensors react to the sun or to the switching on of electric lights.
• The electric motor can be powered through simple time relays. In this case, the mechanism will begin to move at specified time intervals.
• More complex is software control. It is based on electronic units and allows you to make the most of the capabilities of modern technologies: combine control of curtains with the general control system of the house, set opening and closing times, focus on the annual cycle based on the time of sunset and sunrise, control automation from a computer or cell phone.

Regardless of the complexity of the control systems, roller blinds with an electric motor greatly facilitate manipulation in cases of a large number of windows, their inaccessibility for manual control, when installing a Smart Home system. The use of effective electronic devices will significantly reduce the cost of effort and time and give the interior of any room respectability and modernity.