The expectations of modern and flexible building technology are constantly growing. Because living and working spaces are becoming visually appealing, they should offer more living comfort and at the same time ensure sustainable and low energy costs.
KNX system solutions offer the full range of modern living and working comfort. The intelligent concept can be seen as an interconnected system of networked devices which communicate with each other and are perfectly coordinated.
Is KNX the right solution?
KNX is a standard for home and building control. All functions can be controlled and monitored by a uniform system. KNX solutions require less wiring, provide control information at all building automation components and ensure that all components communicate with each other in a common language. Certified by the KNX Association, the manufacturers’ products are compatible across the board. With currently 500 members worldwide, no other bus system is supported by so many manufacturers, and the steadily increasing number of joining companies and compatible products ensures the long-term investment and future security of a KNX installation.
eConfigure KNX Lite – The basis of the KNX system
The eConfigure KNX Lite, an efficient automation solution for equipping homes and building complexes with smart controls for lighting, shading and HVAC systems. With full compatibility with ETS Pro software for large buildings, it allows flexible solutions to be developed and adapted as building requirements change. With eConfigure KNX Lite, professional bills of materials, reports and room books can be easily created and edited, for example, to discuss specifications with project stakeholders and create accurate cost estimates. As reuse is already available in the system or prefabricated solutions provided by Schneider Electric are established, time and money can be saved in future installations.
The logic controller for home and building automation: Wiser for KNX + spaceLYnk
The logic controllers complement the bus technology in their functional and application diversity. Thus, a multitude of available protocols and standards for building automation and energy consumption measurement – from Modbus RTU to BACnet IP as well as Modbus TCP/IP – can be seamlessly integrated into the existing KNX installation. Wiser for KNX is the perfect choice for single- or multi-family homes or residential complexes and integrates a wide range of control functions. In commercially used buildings, the spaceLYnk is the ideal solution. The 2,000 BACnet data points and 31 Modbus devices can be easily integrated into complete energy and building management systems.
Both local control from a central location and mobile control of all building functions are possible via smartphone or tablet while on the move.
Simplicity and flexibility in planning and installation thanks to the SpaceLogic KNX actuators
Due to its decentralized structure, the system is extremely clear and scalable – the KNX system grows with increasing demands on building technology. This is precisely where the product development of the SpaceLogic actuator series comes in. The modular concept consists of only two references: a master and a maximum of two extension modules each in a uniform size of 4HP.
The extensions are simply mounted next to the master or offset on the top-hat rail and connected without tools via the connection module. All three devices are programmed via the ETS application of the master. In addition to controlling the extensions, the power supply is also provided via the master. When the master is connected to one or two extensions, a compatibility check is carried out automatically. This also allows a time- and cost-efficient reaction to a change in room use in terms of KNX installation.
A master blind/switch actuator can be combined with a maximum of two extensions. A master dimming actuator can be combined with a maximum of two extensions dimming, two extensions blinds/switching or also in a mix.
KNX sensors
The control of KNX building technology is a distinction made up between “automatic control” and “manual control”. Apart from a statically programmed timer circuit, a versatile product selection is available in the area of sensor technology, which allows a demand-oriented, efficient and fully automatic control of building information depending on defined parameters. Presence detectors, for example, detect the presence of people and CO2 sensors and measure air quality. Weather stations, which have integrated wind, precipitation, temperature and brightness sensors, in turn record extensive weather data. If they communicate their information to the actuators in the form of data telegrams, the actuators switch on the light, open the windows or close the blinds.
Operating elements such as push-buttons or controllers, which ensure manual control of the building functions, complete the range of sensors. Multi-function push-buttons such as the KNX Multitouch Pro or the Push-button Pro T combine several main functions in one device, which can be selected via a user-friendly and intuitive operation. They are available in the familiar Merten System M and System Design switch designs..
Contactless control using a push button sensor Pro T
The KNX push button sensor Pro T can be elegantly integrated into any interior. It is available in the System M and System Design switch ranges and offers a large selection of colours, materials and possible combinations. Thanks to the extended functions, the KNX push button sensor Pro T offers customizable control elements for more comfort, innovative non-contact functions for particularly hygienic use and an integrated intelligent temperature sensor for more control.The KNX push button sensor Pro T can control up to four functions. Even after installation, the functionality of the push button sensor for controlling lights, shutters or scenes can still be adjusted. No re-installation is required and the button sensor’s symbol foils can be easily replaced. Thanks to the possibility of controlling the KNX push button sensor Pro T by gesture, the lighting and blinds can be conveniently regulated without having to touch the button with dirty or wet hands. An ingenious combination of comfort and hygiene.
The built-in temperature sensor offers more comfort and always ensures the right room temperature. The KNX touch sensor Pro T works with actuator controllers that control the heating, while the temperature can be set in the central system or with a smartphone.
Images: Schneider Electric
