Smart home without internet. "Smart home" with their own hands. What does "smart home" mean?

Today, there are many elements of an electricity control system - various, temperature, motion and sound sensors. Together with the internal electrical wiring of a house or apartment, they are able to automate the processes of turning on / off the light, heating, control the operation of some household appliances, taking into account time regimes. But at the same time there will be no centralized control system, that is, you will not be able to control the light and other consumers from a single device.

That’s why the smart home system is good, because with it you can control all consumers connected to the wiring using one device - mobile (tablet, smartphone, remote control) and / or stationary (computer / laptop, system graphical interface). At the same time, all sensors and relays are also present in the system and perform power management in automatic mode.

In addition to elementary household consumers, an intelligent (smart) house can monitor and control communication systems, fire extinguishing, security alarms, telephone lines and much more, including engineering communications.

However, for complete control of household appliances, for example, regulation of air conditioner or refrigerator modes, the appliances themselves must have a special connector, through which they are connected to the electronic logic controller of the control system. Next, we will consider the basics that will give you an idea about the smart home system, its principle of operation and its constituent elements.

Components of a smart home system

First of all, it is worth noting that today there are many modifications and configurations in which the smart home control system can be implemented. Many manufacturers provide system kits with built-in Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth transmitters (communication modules) sewn into the controller, through which you can control the system wirelessly via a mobile device within an apartment / house.

A variety of smart home system architecture

There are modifications in which control takes place via the Ethernet interface (by wire, via); they additionally need to connect switches and Wi-Fi routers for wireless control, if they are not built into the controller. As for the manual switches, they can also be connected to the central controller wirelessly or via electrical wiring. In general, there is a variety of equipment for a smart home system, and the system consists of the following elements:

smart home controller (main and discrete input-output modulators);
expansion and communication modules (switches, routers, GPS/GPRS modules);
electrical circuit switching elements (relays, dimmers, power supplies);
measuring devices, sensors and sensors (movement, temperature, light, etc.);
system controls (remotes, touch panels, PDAs, tablets);
actuators (valves for water, ventilation, gas, shutters, etc.).

When choosing equipment, it is also important to consider which protocol (method) of data transmission of the Smart Home system is used. For example, the widespread EIB \ KNX protocol uses computer networks, radio channels, power electrical networks as data transmission. There is also the X10 protocol, which uses a 230 V AC household network for data transmission: devices exchange a signal given at the moment the AC passes through zero. Such signals are radio frequency pulses of 120 kHz, 1 ms duration.

What is a smart home controller?

A smart home controller is a device that manages all consumers, appliances, and also sends a report to the owner about the state of these consumers. It is guided by temperature, air, light sensors to control lighting, heating, air conditioning systems. Can be programmed to perform various actions over time, according to a time schedule. In addition to the offline mode, the controller can be contacted via a special interface (computer network, mobile operator or radio network), and control the devices manually.

Appliances controlled by the smart home system controller

It is necessary to select the controller depending on how you want to build the architecture of the control system. For example, there are two types of governance system: centralized and decentralized. At the heart of the centralized control system is a single high-performance central controller that manages all consumers (devices) and utilities in the house.

In the case of decentralized control, the smart home intelligent system consists of several simpler controllers, each of which has the functions of controlling a specific area - a room and all appliances in it, separate lighting groups throughout the house, a certain purpose of household appliances, etc. ( regional controllers).

Central controller for a modern smart home system, it is a computer enclosed in a small plastic case with its own OS (operating system), RAM and many electronic components for switching (controlling) signals: electronic relays, terristor switches, etc.

One of the configurations of the central home controller of the smart home system (on-board wireless transmission module, USB, COM, Ethernet ports)

Also, depending on the configuration, there may be a built-in GSM module for remote control via a mobile phone, a Wi-Fi transmitter for controlling the system from anywhere in the house and a graphical touch or button interface (LCD screen). In addition, connectors for connecting to a computer and / or network equipment: Ethernet, USB.

Such a controller is able to control intelligent equipment such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, utilities, etc. (if such a function is provided in the equipment itself), even reporting to the owner such data as the temperature in the refrigerator, input-output telephone line calls and much more.

Regional controller , a discrete input-output modulator is a low-power logical electronic control unit that implements smart home technology (for comparison, the frequency of the microprocessor CK is about 500 MHz, the RK is about 50 MHz), as a rule, it does not have an operating system and is system-configurable. It can be configured for any elementary scenarios by time or by signals from certain sensors.

Programmable controller of the smart home system with an interface (connector for connecting to the network) Ethernet

He manages elementary tasks and events. For example, a light sensor connected to it gives a signal (when it gets dark); the controller sends a signal to the executive relay or group to control the lighting. It also notifies the owner of each action. In other words, a discrete I/O modulator is a kind of intelligent programmable electronic relay.

Such a device also consists of electronic components for network switching and an intelligent part: a microprocessor with memory. It (depending on the manufacturer and configuration) may have USB, an Ethernet interface and other ports for control, programming and reporting to the owner.

What are expansion and communication modules for a smart home system.?

Expansion modules are devices connected to the controller and expanding its functionality. To some extent, adapters, doubler-triples and measuring devices are also expansion modules. Such devices can be built into the controller, connected separately through a specially designed connector or a common Ethernet, USB and other interfaces. Due to the fact that manufacturers of smart home systems use different data transmission encryption systems, when choosing an expansion module, it is important to pay attention to its compatibility if the controller is purchased from another manufacturer.

On the right - smart home system controllers with built-in wireless data transmission modules

Communication expansion modules for a smart home system, they are devices for transmitting data wirelessly or wired. The first include well-known Wi-Fi routers that connect to the controller in the same way as to a computer, via Ethernet or USB (there are also specially “sharpened” branded modules with their own connection system). Separately connected GSM / GPRS modules are used less frequently (as they are usually built-in), with the help of which the smart home system can communicate with the owner via SMS alerts to his phone number. There are modules for wireless communication Bluetooth (radio signal) and IR (transmission by means of an infrared beam).

GSM and Wi-Fi wireless communication modules; wired ethernet switch

For the wired method of expanding communications, switches are used - devices that connect several clients (computers, controllers and other intelligent devices) to one local network. They are necessary when building a decentralized smart home system, when there are several regional controllers, as well as to create a common network with computers and other smart devices using the appropriate interfaces. With a long signal transmission distance, special digital amplifiers - repeaters - are used to amplify it.

Functionality expansion modules smart home systems have the most diverse functionality, and, as a rule, are connected to a common or special interface connector. They expand the list of controller functions, for example, the voice message module makes it possible to control the system using sound (voice) commands. It is also possible to make the smart home control system play audio messages (greetings, warnings, congratulations, etc.) on the speakers.

Expansion modules for controlling complex mechanisms, stepper motors, etc.

It is also worth noting the expansion of functionality by means of adapter modules, which can be used to achieve compatibility of various device standards. Special control modules are designed to control various specific devices (motors, door opening/closing mechanisms, ventilation valves, and much more) and electrical circuit switching elements. So, the smart home controller does not have power over power circuit breakers (plugs, circuit breakers), and when the machine control module is connected and controlled machines are used, the function of turning them on / off by means of the controller becomes available. To connect lighting controllers (dimmers - see below) to the smart home system, special expansion modules are also required.

What are the switching elements of the smart home system circuit.?

The concept of switching an electrical circuit should be understood as closing / opening it, as well as regulating the voltage and other parameters of the electric current. Voltage regulators (lighting), converters / transformers, power supplies, circuit breakers and relays - all these are switching elements, without which the installation of a smart home system (as well as any electrically conductive system) cannot be performed. They may have built-in protection against mains overload and short circuit and operate by opening the circuit, thus performing a protective function.

A simple diagram of a smart home system with a controller, switching (control) elements of an electrical circuit and elementary consumers (in this case, lighting lamps)

Circuit breakers designed to protect electrical wiring from overload or short circuit. They are selected according to the power for which the electrical wiring line controlled by them is designed. For the smart home system, there are both ordinary manual and controlled circuit breakers.

The image shows simple single-pole circuit breakers.

The first have in their design a mechanism that, when heated due to overload, opens the circuit, and can also be turned off manually. Controlled machines have a special interface output to the control module, through which the main controller and the owner can control them remotely without looking into the control room at all.

Relays and relay blocks - these are power circuit control elements using a signal from the controller. The signal may look like a low power current, usually 24 V (again, there is no single standard, there are different systems and manufacturers) or another signal.

In the image - electromagnetic relays for controlling one and several lines of the power circuit

Unlike circuit breakers, relays do not have protection and the circuit closing / opening mechanism looks the opposite: when a control voltage is applied to the electromagnetic part, the latter activates the armature and closes the contacts of the power supply circuit (220 V) by mechanical influence. The most elementary relay for controlling one phase power line has three inputs and one output: zero and phase control of an electromagnet (24 V which), input of the power phase (220 V) from a protective circuit breaker and its output to the consumer.

Voltage regulators (lighting) are mainly used to control the supplied power and voltage for lighting fixtures. The basis of such regulators is a circuit element - a rheostat, a device for controlling lighting. For an ordinary power circuit, it is a mechanism with a slider enclosed in a box with the dimensions of a switch and also has an on / off function.

Dimmer controlled manually (right) and remotely controlled (left)

A new type of smart home control system for lighting groups contains a device called a dimmer (it is also connected to the controller through a special control module). This device is designed to control one or more lighting power groups and is controlled by the controller in automatic mode or remotely by the owner, which is convenient. Another advantage of the dimmer is that through it the controller can control the brightness of the lighting, guided by the data on the level of illumination received from the light sensors.

Power supplies, transformers, converters - these are devices of complex architecture that are designed to change the parameters of the electric current, if necessary, in a particular section of the circuit or throughout the circuit.

Power supply from 220 V to 12 V

They are used due to the fact that some consumers are designed for other current characteristics than alternating 220 V / 50 Hz, supplied in everyday life in the CIS and Europe. For example, take the same lighting: there are special fluorescent, neon and other highly decorative lighting that operate on 10/12/24 V DC. In order to achieve such characteristics, a 220-10V, 220-12V, 220-24V power supply is mounted on the corresponding section of the circuit. Such devices can operate in one mode, for example 220-24V, or in all three of the above.

What are measuring devices, sensors and sensors in a smart home system.?

These devices are like organs of smell and touch for a person: they give an idea of what is happening in the environment. Thanks to modern measuring instruments, sensors and sensors (of which there is a very wide variety today), the controller of the smart home system receives data on temperature, humidity, degree of illumination and atmospheric pressure outside and inside the room.

In the figure, sensors with elementary functions

There are control and measuring devices for monitoring the state of engineering communications: pressure and accounting for water consumption and gas leakage with an electronic interface that allows you to transfer this data to an intelligent smart home system that will build reports and send them to the owner.

Gauges and sensors analog The traditional model uses low voltage current up to 24 V as a data transmission, as a rule, and small-section electrical wiring as a transmission medium. For example, the most elementary light sensor contains a photocell with an input and an output through which a low-voltage current phase passes. This photocell changes resistance when light hits it, thus giving out different current parameters at different times of the day.

The figure shows elementary analog sensors that respond to household and carbon dioxide gases.

The controller receives these values, processes them and, accordingly, sends a signal to turn on / off groups of lighting fixtures, as well as control the lighting level (if a dimmer is available). A roughly similar system, only with different working elements, is available in temperature control sensors (based on their data, the intelligent home system controls heating), movement and noise (light, alarm), gas and water leaks (control of valves that shut off gas and water) and much more.

Sensors and sensors digital new generation have advanced functionality and are smart devices. For example, modern multifunctional motion sensors are capable of not only outputting data to the controller in two parameters: 1 (“yes”, there is movement) or 0 (“no”, there is no movement).

The figure shows a digital air humidity control sensor.

They are able to measure the distance from the sensor to a moving target, detect delays in the movement of an object, and much more. All this is processed by the microprocessor built into the sensor and fed to the controller in the form of digital signals. It is worth distinguishing sensors from control and measuring devices: sensors and sensors detect events, and control and measuring devices detect the physical quantities of the measured body, object (speed, weight, volume, etc.).

Instrumentation - these are more complex, unlike simple analog sensors, devices that contain new smart home technologies and control a wide range of parameters, provide their physical units of measurement. Digital barometers, water and gas meters, the same voltage - all these are control and measuring devices.

Hot water temperature and flow control instrument

Unlike analog devices and sensors, modern digital ones have their own calculation system based on a simple microprocessor; they process signals and feed the data to the smart home controller in finished form, thereby partially unloading its processor. Digital instrumentation and sensors use a dedicated interface as the communication medium.

What are the elements and methods of managing a smart home system?

The control system of an intelligent (smart) home can be performed in three ways: wireless local, remote wireless, wired local, remote wired. Control devices are included with the system - these are graphic control panels with touch or push-button input, remotes with receivers tuned to a certain frequency. Devices not included in the kit, such as mobile compact computers (smartphones, tablets) are configured using special software for remote control via worldwide information networks.

The smart home system can be controlled by remote control, control panel and mobile devices

Wireless local control method with a limited radius is made using control devices via a local (local) radio signal, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless radio networks. In principle, in this way you can control the system from anywhere in the house and even while on a plot nearby. However, in large houses, you may need additional radio points, wireless signal amplifiers. Control is carried out by remotes, touch panels, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that have a built-in or externally connected transmitter of a particular Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth or proprietary radio frequency signal.

On the tablet screen - software for monitoring indicators and devices connected to the smart home system

Wireless remote control method available if the smart home system has been installed to global networks or communication expansion modules that provide access to them. These networks include GSM / GPRS (control by means of mobile communications), mobile Internet, a special dedicated radio signal. The presence of access to the GSM / GPRS network allows the system to send SMS, MMS and voice messages to the phone number of the owner of the house. It is also theoretically possible to control via the voice menu. Tools for managing smart home systems via global networks are, as a rule, smartphones, as well as tablets and laptops with built-in transmitter modules for mobile Internet.

Wired local control method , depending on the data transmission protocols used in the smart home system, may have data transmission media over twisted pair (computer network cable), electrical wiring (X10 system protocol) or some other cable. In each regional and central controller, the smart home control system provides an output for wired communication with control devices, as well as information exchange with other smart devices that are “subordinate” to it. If there are several devices, then the interface is expanded using a switch (see "communication expansion modules" above), creating several branches. For the wired local control method, the control panels and switches (button and touch) that come with the kit and separately are used, and it can also be controlled via a computer or laptop connected to the cable.

Touch control panel for the smart home system, combined with an intercom

Wired remote control method smart home systems - this is a network larger than the local one, that is, the house is controlled from the outside via a laid cable connected to the internal control network. As a rule, this method of control is used in the management of automated processes of buildings. In general, for home use of this (management of systems through regional conductor networks) you do not need to know.

What are the actuators of the smart home system.?

Unlike relays, which can partly be called executive elements (giving a command - the relay closes / opens the circuit), actuators controlled by smart equipment for the smart home system are complex electromechanical products, devices designed to test high mechanical loads.

On the image, you can observe objects that can have built-in actuators of the smart home system

The working body of more complex devices (drives for opening / closing gates, blinds, etc.) is an engine, for less complex devices (valves, locks) - a core driven by an electromagnet. Most are controlled from low-voltage current up to 24 V inclusive, but there are also high-power drives rated for 220 V.

Electromechanical opening/closing drives gates, gates, doors, windows, blinds and curtains; electromechanical parts built into the furniture, making it motorized. In the kit, they can have a connection interface and a remote control.

The girl controls the window mechanism of the smart home system using a wireless remote control

Advanced models of drives have elementary automated control systems: built-in sensors and the ability to adjust speeds and extreme opening / closing positions. Today, most often there are autonomous drives for curtains and blinds that are not controlled by an intelligent smart home system: controlled from an infrared transmitter remote control and having no connection with a smart home controller. However, such devices are also considered separate elements of a smart home.

Low, medium and high pressure valves - these are simpler mechanisms for managing water supply networks (including fire extinguishing), gas pipes and ventilation. Valves are used in control systems: gas - in gas control systems, water - control of water supply, flood prevention and fire extinguishing.

The image shows a water valve controlled by a smart home system.

Very healthy, and worth noting is the ventilation valve system, which is triggered by carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. The system weathers the gas harmful to humans and creates a favorable microclimate. Such elementary mechanisms include electromagnetic locks and other elements of access control to the premises, which are part of the smart home security system. Such devices basically do not have microprocessors, they have only two positions: open and closed.

There are many original and sometimes extraordinary solutions in the world aimed at comfortable improvement of living quarters and united within the framework of a single concept of a smart home. The range of such complexes is amazing, while their installation can be carried out independently. Today we will talk about how to “build” a smart home with your own hands, its features and the main stages of installation.

Features of the smart home system

Smart home - a modern residential building, fully automated, organized for comfortable living in it due to high-tech devices. A smart home is understood as a number of systems capable of recognizing specific situations and responding adequately to them, one of these systems can control the functioning of the others in accordance with a predetermined algorithm, and all of them are combined into a single controlled complex.

Management of a smart home that combines the latest technologies is simple - just select one of the predefined scenarios, according to which the system will select the optimal operating parameters for the required devices. The house will be based on the wishes of the owner and on the existing environmental conditions, both inside and outside the premises.

What does a smart home include

The smart home system includes the following features:

Climate - heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems. The controllers used will select the temperature in the room and save a significant amount;
Lighting - the equipment allows you to create various lighting schemes, adjusting them to the user, providing convenient control;
Security - you can set up not only an alert about illegal entry, but also use the “presence in the house” system, as well as monitor gas, water, and smoke leaks;
Management - PCs, tablets and smartphones make it much easier to manage your home, which can be carried out from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection.

The main stages of creating a smart home

Well, it's time to figure out how to make a smart home with your own hands at no significant cost. All work is conditionally divided into the following stages:

Prices

The price range has significant fluctuations, depending on a large number of factors, the most significant of which is the size of the room where the equipment is planned to be installed, as well as the required equipment.

Below are the prices for the most common ready-made kits:

Set "Simple" - from 145,000 rubles;
Set "Standard" - from 170,000 rubles;
Set "Profi" - from 290,000 rubles;
Set "Lux" - from 425,000 rubles.

Conclusion

It should be said that installing a smart home on your own is a doable task, since there is a choice of ready-made “boxed” solutions on the market. The main thing is to choose the equipment and be patient during installation.

With the development of technology and various electronic devices, it becomes possible to completely transfer the control of systems located in apartments and houses to automatic offline mode. Smart home what is it? So, for starters, let's define what a smart home system is. This is an innovative advanced system of full or partial automation of various engineering systems of a living space aimed at home comfort without mechanical human intervention. The integrated smart home control system can control and turn on and off the equipment included in it at the right time, as well as inform the owner about it.

Smart home features

This automatic complex can control the following equipment and perform the following operations, in other words, we list the capabilities of the system:

Constant monitoring and control of the safety of the residential premises and the local area. This possibility can include video surveillance systems, as well as a number of measures related to unauthorized entry. The security circuit, including the siren, can send a signal in parallel to the security service;
Fire safety;
Control and maintenance of the set temperature inside a separate room or the entire room. This is achieved by proper operation in the established modes of heating equipment, air conditioners, ventilation;
Power supply control and switching on of a backup source in the event of a power outage. This includes uninterruptible power supplies, stabilizers.
Organization of correct and cost-effective water supply. This applies to both cold and hot water. This function may also have sensors that respond to the rupture of water pipes or their flow;
Management, during the arrival, departure or at the time of the absence of the owners of lighting. This equipment is divided into emergency and working lighting. During the absence of the owners, it can turn on the lighting in order to reproduce the process of the presence of people in the house, and thereby scare off intruders and thieves from the home;
Continuous round-the-clock monitoring of the functioning of all included systems;
Transfer to automatic mode of household appliances, telecommunications, and various multimedia equipment;
Watering lawns and gardens in hot weather, feeding pets and fish.

The smart home system is aimed not only at controlling and switching all the equipment in the house, but also at their economic use, that is, at reducing energy costs. The operation of this system is very relevant in the case of a person living in a room or people with disabilities. For intelligent control and management, computer technology and specially developed programs are used for this.

Smart home equipment

The market of modern devices and systems aimed at automation is filled with both high-quality products and fakes, so if a person decides to bring the system to life, then saving on quality is not recommended. In principle, it is not a problem to create a brief description, indicate the necessary nodes on the floor plan.

The list of equipment that can be used in organizing and setting up a smart home:

Switches for lighting and power sockets;
All kinds of dimmers to adjust the brightness of lighting;
Blinds and shutters control equipment;
Sensors for motion, light, temperature, fire, atmospheric pressure, water leakage, presence, etc. Sensors for a smart home should be chosen only reliable, as this is the main tool for the system;
Telephone line converter;
Intercom line converter;
Microphone with AGC and ADC (serves as voice control for a smart home);
GSM module;
IR receiver and transmitter;
IR RF repeater;
Voltage meter;
Stabilizer and uninterruptible power supply;
Current meter;
Device for control and interface touch or push-button. A password is often set on the control equipment;
Frequency meter;
Ball valves with electric drive.

How smart home works

For the automatic operation of all systems included in the smart home complex, modern electronic sensors, a controller, as well as related equipment are used. All of them are connected into one single control chain, with the help of which the above processes occur. That is, depending on the selected equipment, certain sensors are used. Smart home technologies may differ slightly from each other, but their main function is still automation. For example, in order to turn on certain lamps, which the owner himself chooses, they must be connected through solar activity sensors, that is, they react to the illumination inside or outside the room. In addition, lighting equipment can respond to the presence of a person and turn on or off when he comes and goes without affecting the light switch.

Approximately the same principle works and the heating system and air conditioners. Sensors are located throughout the house that respond to temperature changes, the owner only has to set the optimal temperature for him in the entire room or in each of the rooms, and the smart home will decide and make the right choice whether to turn on cooling, heating or just ventilation . The same situation is with the humidity parameters.

All information from sensors, actuators, energy and water supply, as well as from security equipment is sent to the central controller (processor), which is the brain of the entire system.

All systems can be divided into:

Informative sensors and cameras;
CPU;
Actuators (all kinds of electric valves and gate valves);
Systems of control and management over all these processes.

Smart home design

Of course, the installation and design of a smart home is a simple matter and it is better to lay it on the shoulders of professionals, since it will require the installation and installation of a large number of sensors around the entire perimeter of the room and the local area. The smart home system for an apartment is less expensive, but of course, it all depends on the wishes of the client and his financial capabilities.

Installation can be divided into three stages:

Connection and interfacing into a single system of all devices and equipment existing in the room. This is done through the use of connecting cords or radio waves, as well as special software;
Sensors are being installed and adjusted that will indicate the state of this or that equipment, for example, whether curtains, blinds or entrance gates are closed;
Pairing all these systems with a microcontroller, that is, with the brain of a smart home, it will send a signal to the owner about the execution, receive a remote signal to control this equipment, and also carry out measures aimed at saving costs. In some cases, designers also recommend installing shut-off emergency dampers or valves on the inlet pipes of water supply and gas supply, as well as on their communication outlets. In the event of an emergency and if the owner does not confirm the permission signal to close, the controller itself will be able to block or turn off the desired supply of a particular source. The problem situation can be false, we must not forget about it. In any case, there is a choice whether to control it via the Internet or by radio signal, using a smartphone or a special remote control.

There are several ways to implement the idea of a smart home:

Purchase of a ready-made project, as well as turnkey installation, which is offered by many companies;
Acquisition of a ready-made modular kit and integration into the existing system at home;
Create the entire system yourself, that is, develop, design, complete, and install the system from scratch on your own. Either way, it's creative work.

Before making a decision, it is recommended to evaluate both your capabilities and strengths for installation by yourself, and consult on the cost of a turnkey installation in a particular region or country. Installation of a smart home system, design, and installation can be carried out both in a complex and one by one. Prices for these services and products can vary greatly, so a long choice is inevitable. Comparison of smart home systems is aimed at guaranteeing its operation, as well as the likelihood of an erroneous or false alarm. These are the main criteria to consider when choosing.

Video installation and configuration of a smart home

What is a smart home, and how this system works, readers often ask. It will be difficult to answer this question unambiguously. But still, we can say that here we are talking about the introduction of the latest technologies that have found application in everyday life. Today, many have heard or read about the smart home system, but not everyone can even imagine what level of comfort and security can be achieved with its help.

Review: "Smart home" - what does it mean?

It must be understood that the smart home system helps to achieve two main goals:

1. Lighting, television, as well as all other electrical equipment in the house will be fully automated. It can work both according to programmed parameters, and in manual remote control mode via mobile communications or the Internet.

2. The "smart home" complex perfectly copes with the security function, and protects not only from external intrusions, but also from internal fires, gas or water leaks.

Wouldn't it be nice for the owner of the house, driving up to the garage, to see how the smart home system itself opens the gate? And for this you do not need to get out of the car or use the remote control.

Who wouldn't want to live in such a smart home where you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the lights in a room or the TV while leaving for work? The system itself will take care of this problem. Dozens of great and other types of smart home equipment are now available, which until recently were quite expensive. Therefore, only very rich people could afford such a luxury. But now even middle-income people can boast of a smart home.

History of creation

Americans first heard about such a system as a smart home. This happened back in the 70s of the last century. Then, at the Washington Intellectual University, they were able to develop a system on how to make living in a residential building easier, what modern technologies can be adapted for this. True, today no one will call such an innovation a smart home. But at the time it was a major breakthrough.

Back in 1987, a description appeared in the Soviet magazine "Technical Aesthetics" created by domestic engineers. In the countries of the former USSR, the invention, which was called "smart home", appeared only in the late 90s. But then it did not find much demand among the population. The problem was not only that the equipment for the smart home system was very expensive. It turned out that it was very difficult to install and operate. One could even say that this system was primitive, but very expensive. And since energy resources cost a penny, few people were interested in such an innovation.

And only since the beginning of the new millennium, they started talking about a smart home in the post-Soviet space again. There were several reasons for this:

Energy resources began to become more expensive, so there was a need to save them.
Computers are being used more and more.
The Internet appeared, thanks to which a smart home could be controlled from a distance.
Due to the emerging competition, the implementation of a circuit for smart home equipment has become less expensive.

It is important to remember that both the audio market and the TV market have begun to develop actively.

Smart home equipment: pros and cons

And now it’s worth figuring out what the smart home has both advantages and disadvantages. First, let's talk about the disadvantages. They are still available in this system. For example, equipment for a smart home system is still expensive. But this is the case if it is offered from well-known European manufacturers. So why not think about Xiaomi smart home or other companies that produce relatively inexpensive, but very high-quality gadgets?

But it must be borne in mind that everything is not so simple here. For example, there is one small difficulty with the Xiaomi smart home. The fact is that Europeans are poorly versed in it, since the user needs to know Chinese. Therefore, to install and configure the Xiaomi smart home, you may need the help of a specialist. After all, here even the fork has a special design. A good master will be able to set up functional modules for a customer’s smartphone or tablet.

As for the advantages of such a system, they are much more. Who used to do all the work in noble houses? These were butlers, housekeepers, servants, etc. They aired the rooms, opened the curtains on the windows, looked after the comfort in the rooms. Today, such work can be performed by a smart home system, and for it this is not a problem.

Among its advantages, several very important points can be indicated:

Energy costs can turn into "robbers". And if you introduce this innovation, you don’t have to worry about energy saving. If you choose the right system, you can use it for years. And how much energy can be saved during this time?
The smart home system can turn into a reliable security guard who will never fall asleep. The owner immediately learns about the penetration into the housing, and about the occurrence of a fire. Immediately the message will go to the security console. So with such a system, you can achieve complete home security.
In this way, it will be possible to achieve the ideal level of comfort in the premises. Smart home technology makes sure that the house is always cool in summer. But in winter it will be warm and cozy. It will take care of heating, air conditioning, and optimal humidity in the rooms.
Ideal ease of maintenance. After all, the program of the smart home system includes up to 50 different engineering actions.

If you equip your house or apartment with such technology, then the owners will enjoy life. It will independently turn on the heating of the premises before you return from work, irrigate the lawn on the site, open the curtains in the morning, ventilate the rooms, etc.

An integrated smart home system is a complete automation of device control in all areas of a house, apartment or office. It allows you to manage both individual blocks and the whole. This can be pressing a button on the touch panel locally, and remote transmission of commands using a smartphone or tablet is also possible.

Various audio, light and video scenarios are pre-written in the program, thanks to which the controller works, that is, the brain of the Smart Home. This saves a lot of time for homeowners. It also excludes the possibility of emergency situations.

The smart home system allows you to set up various modes when the owners are at home, on vacation, receiving guests. The plot of the script is to create comfortable conditions for a person. This can be playing your favorite music, changing the temperature in the room, turning on the movie at a given time.

A smart home automatically turns off electrical appliances, puts them into sleep mode when there are no people. If necessary, the system allows you to switch the automatic control of the equipment to manual mode at any time.

Content

The very first system announced itself in 1961. It was very primitive when compared to modern technology. People in all eras of their existence tried to make their lives easier by improving various devices. This is how the idea of remote control equipment was born.

Man has always strived for comfort. One of the first "intellectual" houses was the housing of the rich in America. They were equipped with various home appliances and electronics. Over time, they began to implement ideas for the combined management of all devices from one place. “Intellectual” buildings began to appear, reflecting complex solutions to the tasks set. The Smart Home system was built using structured cabling.

The official year of the emergence of the Smart Home is 1978. At the same time, the term Smart Home was born. American systems operated at a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 110 V, so they did not take root in Russia.

Photo: Smart home system adjusts lighting

One of the first features of smart automation was smooth lighting control. Initially, the idea was embodied with the help of dimmers (or dimmers). They allowed to dim the light in the room, reducing the illumination in it. This mode is convenient when watching movies and as a way to save power consumption.

With the development of new technologies, dimmers have been replaced by programmable controllers, which have assumed the role of automatic control not only of lighting, but also of other systems necessary for a comfortable stay of a person in a building.

Installing a smart home system is very popular. It controls the operation of all devices in the premises of the cottage or office. The control complex is built on the basis of sensors that monitor current parameters. Information from the sensors is fed to the control elements, which, according to a given program, give a command to the actuators and devices. Using the Internet, it is possible to remotely monitor all equipment in the building, as well as remotely control it.

The smart home can control the following:

indoor and outdoor lighting, architectural lighting, advertising;
ventilation, air conditioning;
space heating (heat-insulated floor system, radiators);
all types of alarm systems (security, fire, emergency);
permission to enter the building;
video surveillance (local and remote);
distribution of video and audio signals (multi-room);
heating of steps, stairs, paths and storm drains;
alternative sources of electricity (diesel generators, batteries);
energy consumption (distribution of loads by phases, limiting the excess of maximum loads);
various pumps (drainage, sewerage, irrigation of the territory);
entrance gates;
roller shutters, curtains, blinds.

What are smart home systems

To implement the system, all equipment used must be compatible with each other. To this end, the Electronic Industries Alliance was formed to develop a single electronics standard. This solution allowed various companies to produce universal equipment used in the Smart Home.

Classification of systems according to the main criteria:

centralized / decentralized;
wired/wireless;
with open/closed protocol.

Ready-made Smart Home systems help save time when managing various entertainment and engineering systems in the premises.

Centralized and decentralized home control - the number of modules and their work

Centralized Management represents one logical module. Its role is played by a programmable controller with a large number of outputs. An individual program is written for a specific object for such a computer. Based on this software, all engineering networks and actuating devices are managed.

The advantage of a centralized system is the ability to manage the entire building from one place and in a single interface. Using the central controller, you can create scenarios of various complexity, linking them to certain actions, seasons or days. This option allows you to connect a large number of different equipment. Companies such as AMX, Crestron, Z-Wave, Ectostroy, Bechoff specialize in this.

When a centralized system is set up, the performance of all equipment will depend on the controller and the program embedded in it. If the computer fails, then all the modules tied to it will cease to function. It is optimal to connect this complex through an uninterruptible power supply.

If you need to reprogram the Smart Home, and the programmer is not around, then the algorithm will have to be written again. Therefore, an important selection criterion is the selection of a reliable and high-quality controller.

decentralized system can also be called distributed. In this case, each element of the system (actuating device) is an independent microcontroller with a type of memory in which information is stored even in the event of a power failure. This factor increases the reliability of the complex as a whole. If any element fails, the entire system of the apartment or house continues to function further, with the exception of the “dropped out” link.

The decentralized system is reliable, with the ability to connect additional "smart" blocks to create special scenarios. On sale there is a wide range of panels for controlling devices, differing in functionality and design. The leading manufacturers in this area are: ABB, Scheider Electric, HDL, Berker, Gira, Vimar.

The disadvantages of the complex include a large number of equipment that complete the shield. It can periodically break down, which will entail material costs for replacement.

Use of conductors and wireless technologies

Wired Smart Home System It is built on the principle of transmitting all signals from control devices to execution units via an information bus. Such a bus can be special conductors or twisted pair.

The advantage of a wired system is its reliability due to the use of shielded conductors. This eliminates interference and interference in the network. Also, this data transmission system has a high response speed. When a particular command is given, there are no delays due to interference or other factors.

So, when organizing a wireless system, the command response may be delayed. A person by pressing the button again tries to achieve the operation of the device. There is a clogging of the information bus with duplicate signals, which can lead to the freezing of the entire complex.

To organize a wired Smart Home system, a diverse selection of control elements is offered, which are smart switches. Such mechanisms are multifunctional and have a stylish design. In such systems, it is easier to introduce any new element of multimedia or climate control.

The wired system is fireproof and has a long service life without revision. The disadvantages include the lack of mobility of the location of the switches. Also, the cable exit points to the control panels must be provided in advance.

High-quality installation of information networks is important for the reliable operation of the system. The organization of a Smart Home is possible only in new housing or at the beginning of repairs. With classical wiring laid, it will be technically impossible to organize the system.

Wireless system It is built on the principle of radio signal transmission from the main device (control panel) to the executive body. This solution allows you to reduce the number of wires laid in the room and the time for installing devices. Wireless equipment is very suitable for installation in a wooden house, where it is necessary to minimize the integrity of natural materials. The main manufacturers of this type are: Z-Wave, Berker, HDL, Zamel, Vitrum, Gira.

The advantage of such a complex is the possibility of installation in buildings with ready repairs and conventional wiring. Each wireless control panel communicates with other panels and can send commands to them. This interconnection of equipment allows you to create different lighting scenarios in different rooms.

Mobile control panels can be located in convenient places for owners. They are made of two types: built-in and laid on. The radio system does not require a special preliminary design. Therefore, such a Smart Home system is easily implemented with your own hands.

The operation of all "intelligent" devices depends on the quality of the radio signal. The disadvantage of the wireless complex is that many household electrical consumers cause interference to transmitted signals. Batteries will also need to be replaced regularly.

Wireless Smart Home is limited in functionality due to the instability of the transmitted signals. Therefore, the security of such a complex is lower, since there is the possibility of signal jamming by hackers.

Open/Closed Automation System Protocol

The protocol is a code system for the interconnection of all devices with each other, on the basis of which the Smart Home operates. In Europe, the KNX protocol is considered the most popular. The advantage of this type is the interaction with the non-volatile memory of devices, as well as the independent operation of each device.

The KNX protocol is open. This data transfer standard is very popular. Therefore, there are no problems with the service of such a system if necessary. The products of many manufacturers work in this "language". It is tested for compatibility with each other.

The advantage of an open protocol is a large selection of devices with different designs or a suitable set of functions. The leading manufacturers are: KNX, Wago, Bechoff. Competition between manufacturers is increasingly causing the release of updated and improved models. The cost of such devices, with an open protocol, is higher than a closed one.

Due to the inflexibility of devices with open communication and their dependence on certain standards, new products began to appear on the market that operate on a closed proprietary protocol. This led to a reduction in the cost of manufacturing equipment and a simplification of the programming process. Many manufacturers began to have their own line of products that other firms do not manufacture. Equipment operating on a closed protocol is manufactured by: ABB, HDL, Vimar, Bticino.

Among the advantages of closed protocol technologies are non-standard interesting solutions at affordable prices, mobility in the market. The disadvantages include the factor of the buyer's dependence on one manufacturer.

What are the benefits of a smart home system? Is it worth buying?

Smart systems are becoming more and more popular and affordable. The market offers a large selection of multifunctional devices for home automation. Saving resources is manifested in their consumption only at the necessary moments when people are at home. In other cases, the system puts the house into an energy-saving mode. This is especially true for private housing and cottages with a large area.

A smart home can take care of pets too. According to a given program, it turns on the supply of food, water, adjusts the light in the aquarium or opens the doors for the animals to leave the house. You can watch your four-legged friends on your tablet. If there are animals in the house, it is advisable to organize a wired network by hiding all the wiring behind the walls. Control panels must be built in. This will protect the system from damage.

In the case of children, the Smart Home system will allow you to control their behavior in an apartment or house. You can restrict the inclusion of the TV and computer. Or provide access to the Internet if they meet certain conditions.

The most important advantage of the "intelligent" home is remote monitoring and control over housing. The system protects against intrusion by thieves. It is also a good way to prevent accidents. In a critical situation, you can turn off the water, turn off the power supply or transmit a fire signal. All notifications and warnings are sent as messages to the building owner.

The Smart Home system determines prices by its versatility. For the budget option, the main logical modules are purchased, and over time, additional ones are purchased, which will expand the capabilities of the complex.