"Smart Home" system for a country house: progressive devices for automatic control

GSM heating control scheme smart home

Usually the system can be installed independently. This requires checking the status and analyzing the capabilities of existing equipment.

It is also important to correctly select the missing components. Usually, a set of control devices is built from a single block, which is the link between all components of heat supply.

It must be installed under the following conditions:

1. The control unit must be located at a distance of no more than 300 meters from the user. To increase the distance, radio-controlled modifications are purchased, coordination is connected via the Internet or a cell phone.
2. The use of a controller based on heat management boards allows the installation of additional functions.
3. A careful selection of the location in the house for the installation of the control unit is carried out.

The principle of operation of a smart home

The key element of the system is the controller. It collects and analyzes signals from all sensors located in the apartment. His work never stops.

The controller allows you to control all connected gadgets in real time, as well as schedule a delayed launch. It is enough to set the necessary parameters to the system once, and it will constantly support them.

But with all the advantages, such equipment also has a number of disadvantages. Like any technique, it can fail and freeze. Therefore, you may need to reboot it and reconfigure it. Sometimes this requires the involvement of professionals.

According to the type of signal transmission from sensors, the systems are divided into wired and wireless. In the first case, all components are connected to each other by cables. Wired systems are characterized by reliability, high response speed and long service life. In wireless complexes, the signal is transmitted over a dedicated radio channel. This allows you to simplify and speed up the installation of the structure.

Based on the control method, smart homes are divided into:

1. Centralized. All information is collected in one logical module. Its role is often performed by the controller, which has a large number of inputs. A program is written on it, with the help of which the devices are controlled.This design allows you to create complex scenarios for the operation of equipment.

2. Decentralized. Each device is equipped with a separate microprocessor. If one element fails, the rest continue to operate normally. Decentralized systems are reliable and durable.

3. Combined. They consist of one central unit and several decentralized control modules. This design is easily customizable, and therefore today it is preferred by most manufacturers.

Smart homes can also be classified according to the type of protocol: open and closed. A protocol is a language by which all devices communicate with each other. Most manufacturers work with an open protocol. Those companies that want to reduce the cost of their products and implement any non-standard solutions use a closed protocol.

Capabilities and components of the "smart home" system

This term is understood as a set of household devices and appliances integrated into a common control network. Such a kit is able to increase the degree of security of housing and take on some of the routine work around the house.

He can turn on and off household appliances, control lighting and heating, monitor the condition of electrical wiring, ventilation and alarm systems, and perform a number of other useful functions.

Among the most obvious advantages of UD is the ability to control the system from a tablet or smartphone. To do this, just install the appropriate application on the gadget.

Staying outside the home, the owner of the dwelling will be informed via a mobile device about a leak, smoke or a broken window. If you are not sure that you have turned off the iron, you can remotely turn off the outlet.

A good smart home system is usually designed in such a way that it can be supplemented with new devices as needed.

UD is, in fact, a system of modules endowed with different functions and interacting with each other. The coordinated operation of the blocks is ensured by the central controller, for communication with which a laptop, smartphone or tablet is required. Through the Internet, the owner of the premises can control and manage the equipment installed in it from anywhere in the world.

The main working elements of UD are sensors located throughout the house. Communication with these devices is provided by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Ethernet, GPRS, etc. By adding new sensors, you can expand the network coverage.

It is possible to use wired equipment, which is considered more reliable and safe. This version of the UD is more expensive, and its installation is carried out at the stage of construction or overhaul.

The UD system is most often endowed with the following functions:

• control of climate equipment in the room;
• energy consumption control;
• security;
• home theater control ("multi-room").

Thus, with the help of temperature and humidity sensors, air conditioning and heating are switched on and off. The lighting level can be adjusted by voice, and the lights are turned on by motion sensors when someone enters the room.

The security subsystem may include access control, video surveillance, response to flooding and smoke, etc. The owner’s smartphone instantly receives a message about an attempt to break the lock or about the stay of unauthorized persons in the house.

In addition to the controller and sensors of various types, the UD system includes:

• smart sockets;
• relay for remote shutdown of electrical appliances;
• dimmers (power controllers) of lighting;
• portable buttons and remotes.

Usually they have to be purchased separately.

The best smart home systems for security and safety

The main purpose of this type of kits is to provide the required level of security for a residential or office space. Such devices are distinguished by a high degree of manufacturability and the ability to perform a number of additional functions.

Ajax Starter Kit Plus

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

91%
buyers recommend this product

Made in Ukraine, the Ajax Starter Kit Plus security system starter kit is equally well suited for protecting residential and office premises from hacking and unauthorized entry.

It includes a central hub, motion and opening sensors, a key fob with an alarm button. You can buy a set for an average of 21 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• quick installation and easy setup;
• control via key fob or mobile application;
• the ability to connect up to 150 sensors and 50 cameras;
• zoom option;
• management access for 99 users.

Flaws:

no camera included.

The Ajax Starter Kit Plus system provides signal transmission using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WCDMA and GSM standards.

Vcare Dual Network

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

90%
buyers recommend this product

The Vcare security system can be one of the best solutions for organizing the protection of your home, apartment or office from unwanted visitors.

If necessary, the kit can be supplemented with controls for electrical appliances, climate control equipment, and in the extended version it is able to provide assistance to sedentary users.The average cost of the basic configuration is 15 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• to expand, just scan the QR code of the new sensor;
• compatible with Android and IOS;
• work through cloud services and broadcast video online;
• the ability to connect more than 100 sensors, 20 remote controls, 16 panic buttons.

Flaws:

one sensor per set - the rest need to be purchased in addition.

If the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted (for example, during a power outage), Vcare sends a message to the user's smartphone via the GSM network or dials one of the three specified phone numbers.

Rubetek RK-3516

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

88%
buyers recommend this product

The “smart home” Rubetek RK-3516 developed in Russia confirms that even an inexpensive kit is quite capable of solving the security problem of any home.

Information about each movement in the protected area is instantly transmitted to the owner's mobile device. The average cost of the system is a little over 5 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• compatible with AppleHomeKit;
• voice control through the Siri assistant;
• ease of installation and operation;
• acceptable price.

Flaws:

the mobile application speeds up battery drain.

To control the Rubetek RK-3516 system from anywhere in the world, just download and install the mobile application.

Ezviz BS-113A

4.7

★★★★★
editorial score

86%
buyers recommend this product

The Ezviz BS-113A system is well suited for a small apartment or office. The complete set of the device includes a central hub, one motion sensor and one opening sensor, a key fob, a siren. You can buy a set on average for 8-9 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• range of sensors - 80 m;
• the motion sensor does not respond to animals weighing up to 25 kg;
• reliable operation of the siren in the temperature range from -10 to +55 °С;
• 2 year warranty.

Flaws:

• there is no backup communication channel;
• the controller and siren work only from the network.

The Ezviz BS-113A kit provides three operating modes: sleep (when individual sensors are turned on), away from home (all sensors work) and home.

Ezviz BS-113A

The Ezviz BS-113A system is a great option for a small apartment or office space. The package includes a central hub, one motion sensor and one opening sensor, a keychain, a siren. Such automation costs only 8-9 thousand rubles.

Pros:

• range of devices - 80 meters;
• the motion sensor does not respond to pets weighing up to 25 kg;
• thermostat, reliable operation of the siren;
• 2 year warranty.

Minuses:

• there is no spare communication channel;
• the controller and siren function only from the network and consist of fragile materials.

The Ezviz BS-113A project has three operating modes: sleep (when specific sensors are active), away from home (all devices are functioning) and home.

Conclusion

At the moment, the smart system is not very popular, because little is known about it.
But those who are interested in how to make a Smart House in an apartment are becoming more and more.
If you can’t figure out the UD, then you can always take training online.

Heating control devices

Programmers and thermostats

The key parts of a heating control system are thermostats and programmers. They are electronic devices, in some modifications equipped with a control panel, which helps to control the operation of the boiler. In addition, such a device allows you to synchronously change the indicators in two connected components.

In addition, an additional function of the programmers is adjustment using SMS from a cell phone or commands transmitted via the Internet.

A suitable modification of this device can be selected according to a set of basic characteristics, which may include:

• remote communication between components using radio transmitters;
• operation of radiators (depending on the settings) can be in a comfortable, normal or economical mode;
• the number of connected circuits can be increased by connecting additional modules;
• heating control by mobile phone;
• data transmission via SMS, etc.

These functional features make the presented elements quite convenient and in demand.

Zone Devices

Such heat supply control elements are installed directly on radiators and boilers. In this case, the adjustment by the system is carried out via the Internet connection. These devices are represented by electronic thermostats. They are able to change the water temperature in each individual battery or the system as a whole. The differences between these thermostats are ease of installation and affordable price. At the same time, the complexity of the system device is reduced, especially since they do not require a separate control cabinet. Zone devices allow the use of several thermostats that are connected to one control unit.

Heating remote control modules

The function of remote control of the heating network can be provided by special modules included in the package with shut-off and control valves and programmers.

Internet control

Control using the Internet block is convenient in the same way as managing SMS. It has the following features:

• installation in a smartphone, laptop or other gadget of specific software systems;
• simple interface that can be easily combined with Android or Windows OS;
• unlike SMS blocks, restrictions on the number of connected users have been lifted;
• parameters are adjusted where there is access to the Internet (you do not need to use roaming for this).

Experts advise not to use roaming functions to regulate heat supply via the GSM system when traveling abroad, as this can be fraught with large financial costs. In this case, the right decision would be to entrust the control of the heating system to acquaintances whom you trust.

Why you need to monitor the temperature in the house

In a smart home, the main task of heating is heating, temperature control. After all, you need to understand what will happen if it goes beyond the permissible limits (the optimum indoor temperature in the warm season is from 22 to 25 degrees, the temperature in the cold season is from 20 to 22 degrees).

Periodic hypothermia is dangerous for everyone. It leads to the development of acute respiratory diseases, disruption of the nervous system, the appearance of "cold allergies" (in most cases with local skin rashes). In children's rooms, you need to especially carefully monitor the temperature, since the child is sensitive even to changes of a few degrees.

Overheating also threatens with unpleasant consequences. Firstly, high temperatures are favorable for the growth of bacteria and fungi (for example, mold). Secondly, it contributes to the appearance of general fatigue, increased fatigue.Thirdly, in the case of a long stay at an elevated temperature, a violation of water-salt metabolism is possible. Fourth, non-compliance with the standards leads to overheating of equipment, the appearance of condensate and static charge at workstations.

What can a smart home system do?

The smart system includes a set of sensors that monitor the operation of all connected devices. Information flows to a single control panel. The full list of functions of such a complex depends on the specific modification. Among the most popular features are:

1. Remote control of household appliances. You can program the time of its inclusion, select operating modes and so on.

2. Monitoring the functioning of engineering systems: heating, water supply, ventilation and others. Thanks to this, it is possible to regulate the air temperature and humidity in the room, lighting and other parameters.

3. Permission to enter the building. The system is connected to the alarm and locking devices on the doors. In case of unauthorized entry, it will notify not only the owner, but also the security service.

4. CCTV. The owner of the dwelling can view the recordings from the cameras from anywhere in the world.

5. Management of multimedia complexes.

6. Opening and closing garage doors, blinds, roller shutters and other equipment.

Modern smart home models have Internet access. It is enough to give a voice command, and the program will start searching for the necessary information on the network. And the results are displayed on a TV or using a projector on a special screen.

Lighting system

Lighting devices both inside and outside the house can work as economically as possible.To do this, they are combined into a common automated system. Light intensity detectors are used to “tune” the lighting of rooms. They record the amount of daylight entering through the windows. The controller analyzes this data and equalizes the illumination in the room by increasing or decreasing the degree of illumination of lighting fixtures.

Street lights can work similarly. The system is capable of not only correcting the luminous flux. Motion sensors installed in non-residential premises can turn lights on and off after a predetermined time period during which no movement is observed. This feature may be useful and for street lighting.

Which smart home system to choose?

There is no simple answer to this question. Simple systems like Fibaro are cheap and easy to install, but they have limited options. However, for the conditions of an ordinary apartment, they may be enough. If you are looking for smart gadgets and not systems that can analyze all possible data, this might be a good choice. In addition, it is a good option for use in finished apartments, where it is not advisable to carry out repairs again, interfering with the structure of the walls and the building.

More opportunities are provided by large centralized systems. However, due to the high price, they are more suitable for large homes or commercial establishments and organizations.

For large households and commercial use, KNX systems are interesting, because their capabilities are really great. However, the high price does not encourage the purchase for use in an ordinary apartment.Vision BMS is a system that can connect almost anything and devices can be configured in many ways. Of course, this is not cheap, but its ability to compensate for the expense, especially since it is difficult to find a cheaper solution with comparable capabilities.

If we want simple gadgets that will tell us if the door is closed or what the temperature is currently in the room, it is worth choosing a simple, cheap, ready-made system such as Fibaro for example. Are you building (or owning) a house, an industrial building or a complex of buildings? Bet on Vision BMS and similar systems, whose possibilities are enormous and which can always be adapted to growing needs in any case.

A smart home is equipment with modern systems and technologies that increase the safety and comfort of an apartment and a house. It can be described as the centralized management of the combination of individual operating systems with each other with automatic control without the need for intervention by residents. Until recently, the smart home was synonymous with something exclusive and elitist. Today it is difficult to imagine a house without at least elementary elements of intelligent solutions. At present, smart home devices are becoming more affordable, and in the future, such solutions will be widely used.

Heating system in a smart home smart boiler and not only

The air temperature in the house depends on the efficient operation of heating devices, the heat transfer of which must compensate for the heat losses of the building, the level may vary depending on weather conditions: wind speed, humidity, time of day.

A simple relationship arises: the higher the heat loss (or the worse the weather), the greater the heat transfer should be provided by heating devices and the more heat the heating boiler should produce.

The operation of the boiler can be controlled manually by increasing or decreasing the fuel supply to the combustion chamber. But, you see, it is better if the heating boiler can determine for itself how much heat it needs to generate and how much fuel it needs to burn.

Automatic control system - the first step towards a smart boiler

Modern heating boilers in smart homes are equipped with automatic control systems that can adjust the intensity of fuel combustion depending on the actual need for thermal energy.

However, the response to changing weather conditions of a conventional boiler may be delayed by several hours, depending on the degree of inertia of the heating system. The fact is that the automatic control system for heating boilers (let's call them ordinary, in contrast to “smart” heating boilers) is overwhelmingly tuned to change the temperature of the water in the return pipe: the water in the return pipe has cooled down more, the fuel supply to the combustion chamber increases, the temperature the return flow is higher, the fuel supply to the combustion chamber is reduced.

In turn, the coolant cools down the faster, the lower the air temperature in the heated room.

Another important detail: the quick response of the boiler to changes in air temperature is possible only when using heating devices with a small internal volume, for example, aluminum or bimetallic radiators.

Video - Bitherm boiler with a movable grate and a smart control unit

Smart heating boiler

The operation of the smart boiler is controlled by a thermostat with a temperature sensor installed in one of the rooms. The principle of operation is extremely simple: using a thermostat, the desired temperature is set, upon reaching which the boiler turns off. When the temperature drops, the boiler is switched on and the process is repeated again.

By placing the temperature sensor on the street, you can set the operation of the boiler "in advance": the outside temperature has dropped, the boiler is working in a more intensive mode.

The timer in the operation of a smart boiler is designed to select modes of intensive and moderate operation. So, for example, at night, a slightly lower temperature is more comfortable, by about 2-3 degrees compared to the daytime temperature. At the same time, you can turn off the water heating in the boiler at night. The mode of moderate operation of the boiler can be programmed during the daytime, when all the inhabitants of the house are at work. The operating modes of the boiler can be set during the day, during the week, month and even year.

To do this, the smart boiler is equipped with a self-diagnosis system.

Boiler self-diagnosis system

The boiler self-diagnosis system allows you to determine from 10 to 40 (depending on the boiler model) malfunctions, some of which can be eliminated automatically. Information about detected faults is displayed on the display and stored in the device's memory.

All this makes the operation of smart boilers not only convenient, but also safe, excluding the possibility of emergency situations, such as a decrease in the temperature of the coolant below a critical level, a decrease in thrust, a drop in pressure in the gas pipeline network and a number of other equally dangerous situations that are not excluded during the operation of the boiler. .

"Smart home" - smart heating

No matter how efficiently the boiler works, to ensure truly comfortable conditions in the house, controlled heating devices are needed that can respond to changes in the temperature in the room. To do this, radiators are installed in the heating system, equipped with thermostats and servo drives that change the flow rate of the coolant depending on the ambient temperature.

Summing up

The heating system of a smart home can be based on a heating boiler equipped with a self-diagnosis system and weather-dependent automation, the operation of which is effective only with radiators equipped with thermostats and servo drives.

What is included in the system

The control system is built from "smart" things. These are not ordinary electrical appliances, but devices that can communicate with each other and the control center wirelessly:

1. Gauges (sensors), thermostats. They control the parameters of temperature, pressure, humidity, movement (whether or not), smoke, etc. When the specified value of the controlled parameter is exceeded or lowered, signals are sent to the programmable controller. The controller sends a message to the owner's smartphone. Tom remains to receive and read incoming SMS.
2. Executive equipment - all smart devices that execute commands from remote access: from light bulbs, switches and sockets, to coffee makers, air conditioners, electric drives for hot and cold water valves, etc.

In the entrances of many houses, a combination of a motion sensor with an electric lamp works. It may seem that this is an example of a smart home. There is, of course, something similar. But complex home automation can provide something more:

• wireless communication between elements;
• turning equipment on and off from a smartphone;
• voice commands;
• the ability to create your own control scenarios;
• video surveillance of the dwelling and the yard area of ​​a country house.

To do this, you need to provide a connection between smart things (or IoT devices), the control center and the owner of the house.

Conclusion

Intelligent home automation is a relatively young and rapidly developing industry. There are many manufacturers, standards and protocols on the market, which are often poorly compatible with each other, or lack compatibility at all. The appropriate one should be chosen taking into account the requirements for the future system and its desired capabilities.

A centralized wireless solution will be the easiest to install and operate, but wired options are more reliable and faster. Decentralized complexes do not depend on the main hub and will continue to work even if one or more elements fail, but they are more difficult to configure. Although each device is configured only once, and for this there are specialized software shells.

At the same time, the gadgets that make up a “smart home” are applicable not only in residential apartments, but also in private houses, for summer cottages and business needs. And given the constant development of technology, we can expect that the demand and prevalence of such solutions will grow steadily.