Films often show a living space that seems to live its own life. Light bulbs light up at the wave of a hand, curtains open, and music plays after a certain word. All this equipment is intelligent home system, and we suggest considering how to do smart home with your own hands, what is needed for this, and also what is the diagram of such a system.
Smart home - what is it?
A smart home is home automation, which is a residential extension of building automation. Home automation can include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), home appliances, gate openers, door openers, GSM and other systems to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. It should be noted that for some categories of the population (elderly, disabled people) this event may become necessary.
Photo – Smart home distribution ideas
Photo – Simple smart home With the latest introduction of SMART technologies into our lives, many can no longer imagine their lives without automatic installations, software equipment, we need wireless Internet, household appliances.
Home automation refers to the use of computer and information technology to control household appliances and their functions. It can vary from simple remote control lighting to complex computer/microcontroller based networks with varying degrees of intelligence and automation. Home automation should mainly be as simple as possible.
Photo – Smart door lock Advantages of using " smart home» in an apartment based on PIC or WAVE:
- Economical expenditure of time on daily setup of various mechanisms, receiving calls, sending mail;
- The use of gaseous or liquid fuels, and later the use of electricity, allowed increased automation in heating systems, reducing labor necessary for manual refueling of the heater and stove.
- The development of thermostats allowed for more automated control of heating, and later cooling;
- This is how security is often carried out industrial facilities, residential premises;
- As the number of controlled devices in a home increases, their interconnection increases. For example, a furnace can send notifications when it needs cleaning, or a refrigerator when it needs servicing.
- In simple installations, the smart can turn on the lights when a person enters the room. Also, depending on the time of day, the TV can tune to the desired channels, set the air temperature, and lighting.
A smart home can provide an interface to access household appliances or automation to provide control and monitoring on your smartphone, through a server, mini Smart for iPhone, iPod touch, as well as using a laptop computer (special soft is required: AVR Studio).
Photo – Home control via tablet Video: Schneider Electric smart home system
Smart home elements
Elements home automation include sensors (for example, temperature, daylight or motion detection), controllers and actuators such as motorized valves, switches, motors and others.
Photo – House control diagram This heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC can control temperature and humidity, for example, an internet control thermostat allows the homeowner to remotely control the building's heating and air conditioning systems, the system can automatically open and close windows, turn on radiators and boilers, and heated floors.
Lighting
These lighting control mechanisms can be used to control household light, technology. This also includes a natural lighting system, the operation of blinds or curtains.
Photo – Smart home diagram Audio-visual
- Presence effect of remote control (This is the most modern technology that is used to increase safety). It involves turning on the lights and playing music.
- Presence simulation
- Temperature regulation
- Brightness adjustment (electric lamps, street lighting)
- Security (alarm, blinds).
How to make a smart home
You can make an intelligent system with your own hands, the most budget option– this is setting up control of lighting in the house or turning on the computer.
Photo – Smart home control option To make a lamp that will light up on its own, you will need to connect special equipment to it. There are several options for solving this problem:
- Install an acoustic relay (1 or x10-wire);
- Attach the dimmer;
- Connect a motion sensor.
The easiest way to work is with a sensor. It is sold in any online store, you can buy a duct device, or you can develop your own according to your parameters. The only note is that you cannot install an incandescent lamp with such a device, it may not withstand the load and explode; it is better to work with an LED one.
Photo – Smart home concept Another “smart” silent option is a dimmer. Here you will need to touch the lamp, depending on the number of touches, the speaking device will change brightness. This is very convenient to use on a lamp in a bedroom or children's room.
To set up temperature control and regulation, we need a multi-channel system. The central temperature and humidity control circuit consists of:
- Sensors (ds1820) that measure the physical state of liquid and air.
- Controllers (rfm12), which can be simple physical components or complex devices special purpose or embedded computers.
- Lunex drives that respond to controller signals.
Most modern way– this is to buy all the components of a smart home, wires, thermostats. Then install devices in each room, one thermostat for the radiator and one for the boiler. You will also need a controlled unit, or the “brain” of the entire system. It is recommended to install it on the heating inlet pipe.
Photo – Smart home system The easiest way to install a video surveillance and alarm system. Fundamental provisions for installing security systems:
- You need to connect sensors on windows and doorways, where the electrics will be the most productive;
- The most difficult thing is to select a board; the smart home controller, the operation of mediocre parts, and the signal level depend on it;
- Many experts believe that indicators should be mounted at floor level. About 20 cm from the baseboard, this increases efficiency;
- It is advisable to establish constant monitoring and establish a digital system of contact with the security service. Often responsible owners install a special program on their personal computer, which allows you to control the operation of the system from anywhere where there is Internet (Elena Tesla and her book: “Smart Home: How to Do It Yourself” advises doing this; there are also other solutions there). You can enable SMS notifications.
A smart home is very convenient way to make your life easier, often the entire system is purchased completely (Arduino, KNX, Linux).
The cost of each system is individual. The most popular brands are the following: beckhoff, gira, lpt, redeye, Smart Switch IOT screen, teleco. We recommend that before building such housing, you consult with specialists; they will help you calculate the load level and calculate the power consumption.
Photo – Light control via phone To get ideas, you can scroll through V.N. Gololobov’s “Smart Home” with your own hands, DJVU or PDF, look at our photos and video instructions for free, read the advice of famous masters.
Good day, dear forum users!
On at the moment suspended my construction of a house with two floors and a basement. While it was cold, I came up with the idea of using my own smart home system and thinking in advance about where to put everything.
I ask for your help in understanding how much the system with my wishes will cost me.And so the idea of the following is spinning in my head:
- automation of light (not everywhere. only general night lighting, external lighting, and maybe a couple of rooms and a corridor)
- security automation (movement, opening, etc.)
-automation of video surveillance
-gas, leakage, smoke sensors
- intercom. gates.
- valve for water, gas.
- heating (either valves on the pipes, or directly to the boiler, so far the boiler will definitely be a DEO of 40-50 kilowatts). the boiler is more interesting - but I don’t know what protocols there are with the control panel.
-some sockets and complete blackout of some rooms.
-ventilation control (speed, closing)
-temperature sensors inside/outside
-everything is on wires. no wifi.
-a multimedia server is not really needed in this system. will be standard.1. good server on x86, or two - one for video surveillance, the other for managing the entire smart home. This is available, although not particularly powerful.
2. Control interface from consoles on floors\switches\Android-Windows smartphone. at the same time we exclude the cloud! only local web, possibly open to the Internet (or using VPN, if managed from afar). consoles are not required, but mobile phones are desirable. but no cloud services.
3. more or less convenient control interface.
4. Use twisted pair cable to stretch it all across the floors and work only over the wire. I want absolutely no wireless sensors or controls.
5. I plan to use only LED lighting, although some lamps may be halogen.
6. I would like dimming in some places.
7. I would like an application for Android/Windowsphone that could connect to the local server not through the cloud but directly.
8. automatic cat feeder/drinker)As a result, I want to get the following:
1. From the phone, complete management of all matters in the house, plus a bookmark in which I would see the image from the cameras.
2. control from a TV (with miniPS), tablet (console), switches.I have programming skills, but limited. Windows family - admin, Linux - at the user level.
This question arose for me because:
1. I can’t decide on the protocol for interaction between smart home devices and, as a result, I don’t know what to implement.
2. I don’t really want to get attached to rack and pinion devices due to the high price and limited capabilities.
3. I don't want to use wireless solutions.I am completely sure that there must be systems installed on PCs, with applications for Android, with the functionality that I need. and there should be automation equipment (sensors, relays, dimmers), which should not cost the huge money that our distributors want.
I am very pleased with the availability of cheap Chinese iron, but I am disappointed by its quality.
Thank you in advance for pointing your thoughts in the right direction.
The term “smart home” today means the comprehensive introduction into everyday life of high-tech devices that make it possible to provide high level comfort of residents. Distinctive feature systems of this type is the maximum automation of a number of processes with minimal human participation. In addition, one of the criteria for a “smart home” is centralized management of all devices involved in the complex. The smart home system has a modular design and consists of functionally separated blocks with their full or partial integration into a single system. Each module is involved in performing strictly designated tasks, meanwhile, the blocks can interact with each other.
Possible modular content of a modern smart home system:
- Central control controller, which combines other components and ensures their interaction. Such a controller can be either an industrial solution in the form of a complete device or a regular computer with appropriate software.
- Climate system. It consists of heating and ventilation control units, ensuring the maintenance of a given microclimate in the room.
- Lighting and switching control energy consumers.
- KTSO(a set of technical security means). Includes a security and fire alarm system, a video surveillance system and modules for remote notification of the owner about alarm situations.
- System of accounting, collection and storage of data. The tasks of the module include collecting information from metering devices, recording various events and providing data for analysis in order to assess the effectiveness of the entire complex.
- Communication channels. Networks operating with the TCP/IP protocol in wired or wireless versions are used as data transmission channels. To integrate devices with specialized interfaces into the network, appropriate converters are used.
Each of the above modules can be implemented using various hardware and software. The most common and frequently used solutions are as follows:
Control
As a management controller of a smart home system, the most justified is the use of an industrial single-board computer. Such computers are characterized by their small size, low power consumption, and the absence of mechanical parts(fans, hard drives) and run on open source software. The number and type of available interfaces can in most cases be changed and supplemented.
It is logical that independent programming of such devices requires certain skills and knowledge. Access to the controller is carried out over the network, using the WEB interface or client applications. There are also ready-made solutions designed to manage the entire complex and provide the user with a simple, user-friendly interface for configuration.
To control a smart home, it is convenient to use universal remote controls that support the execution of macros - ordered sets of actions. Radio remote controls in in this case more effective than IR remote controls, as they allow control outside the direct line of sight of the IR receiver. A more modern control panel can be a smartphone with specialized software installed on it. 
Climate
Climate control is implemented by assessing the readings of temperature and humidity sensors. Based on the analysis of these data, it is made automatic adjustment heating, turning on or off air conditioning, ventilation and humidification systems.
Lighting
This is implemented by installing light, presence, or combined sensors. If necessary, the control controller allows you to control the lighting according to a schedule. When using dimmer devices, not only discrete, but also smooth adjustment of the brightness of light sources is possible.
Security and safety
A security system may consist of several subsystems:
1. Security and fire alarm system (FS). Presence sensors are used as detection devices, reacting to the appearance of infrared radiation inherent in the human body in the controlled area. Magnetic contact sensors are installed to detect door opening. Fire safety controlled by smoke, temperature and gas leak sensors. Many modern systems security and fire alarm systems have a radio communication module that allows you to notify the owner using GSM or 3G networks. Often the OPS allows the connection of any electrical appliances via dry relay, which allows you to block the lock, turn on the lighting, siren, etc., upon an alarm signal. Sometimes the alarm system includes a humidity sensor, which allows timely detection of water leakage.
2. Access control system. Consists of an identification device, identifiers themselves (electronic keys, radio tags, fingerprint), a blocking device (lock, barrier, automatic gates) and is intended to limit access to a room or territory.
3. Video surveillance system. It is a complex consisting of video cameras and video signal processing and storage devices. 
Accounting and data processing
In most cases, this functionality is implemented using a control controller using appropriate software.
Connection
The transport channel, as a rule, is a local network made using wired or wireless technology. To manage the network, a router is used to control all network devices and provide protection from unauthorized access to each of them. Modern technologies high-speed data transfers allow simultaneous use of the network for exchanging information between computers, transmitting IP television signals, telephony, and operating smart home components.
In addition to the above, smart home systems often use devices that do not interact with the entire complex. These can be devices for automatic cleaning (robot vacuum cleaners), automatic watering systems for plants, feeding pets and much more. Despite the fact that such devices are autonomous, their integration with the system is quite possible by simply turning on or off the power supply with the control controller.
Video on the topic
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 an automatic offline mode. Smart home what is it? So, first, let’s define what a smart home system is. This is an innovative advanced system of full or partial automation with various engineering systems living space aimed at home comfort without mechanical human intervention. An integrated smart home control system can control and at the right time turn on and off the equipment included in it, as well as inform the owner about this. 
Smart home functions
This automatic complex can control the following equipment and perform following operations, in other words, we list the capabilities of the system:
- Constant monitoring and control over the safety of living quarters and surrounding areas. This capability can include video surveillance systems, as well as a number of measures related to unauthorized entry. A security circuit that includes a 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 of heating equipment, air conditioners, and ventilation in the established modes;
- Monitoring the power supply and turning on a backup source in the event of a main power failure. This includes uninterruptible power supplies and stabilizers.
- Organization of proper and cost-effective water supply. This applies to both cold and hot water. This function may also have sensors that respond to burst or leakage of water supply pipes;
- Control of lighting during arrival, departure, or when the owners are absent. This equipment is divided into emergency and work 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 away intruders and thieves from the home;
- Constant round-the-clock monitoring of the functioning of all switched on systems;
- Switching household appliances, telecommunications, and various multimedia equipment into automatic mode;
- Watering in hot weather lawns and vegetable gardens, feeding pets and fish.
The smart home system is aimed not only at controlling and switching all equipment located in the house, but also at their economic use, that is, at reducing energy costs. The operation of this system is very relevant if a person or people with disabilities live in the premises. Used for intelligent monitoring and control computer equipment and specially developed programs for this.
Smart home equipment
The market for modern devices and systems aimed at automation is filled with both high-quality products and counterfeits, so if a person decides to implement the system himself, it is not recommended to skimp on quality. Create brief description, indicate on the floor plan necessary nodes basically not a problem.
The list of equipment that can be used in organizing and setting up a smart home:
- Lighting and power switches for sockets;
- All kinds of dimmers for adjusting the brightness of lighting;
- Equipment for controlling blinds and shutters;
- Sensors for motion, light, temperature, fire, atmospheric pressure, water leakage, presence, etc. Sensors for a smart home should be chosen only reliable ones, since this is the main tool for the system;
- Converter telephone line;
- Intercom line converter;
- Microphone with AGC and ADC (serves as voice control smart home);
- GSM module;
- IR receiver and transmitter;
- IR RF repeater;
- Voltage meter;
- Stabilizer and uninterruptible source nutrition;
- Current meter;
- The control device and interface are touch or push-button. A password is often set on the control equipment;
- Frequency meter;
- Ball valves with electric drive.
How does a smart home work?
For automatic operation All systems included in the smart home complex use modern electronic sensors, a controller, and related equipment. All of them are connected into one single control circuit, through 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 for certain lamps that the owner chooses to turn on, they must be connected through solar activity sensors, that is, responsive to illumination inside or outside the room. In addition, the 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. 
The heating system and air conditioners work approximately on the same principle. There are sensors throughout the house that respond to temperature changes, the owner only needs to set the optimal temperature for him in the entire room or in each room, and the smart home itself will decide and make the necessary choice whether to turn on cooling, heating or just ventilation . The same situation applies to humidity parameters.
All information from sensors, actuators, energy and water supply, as well as 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);
- Control and management systems for 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 entrust it to the shoulders of professionals, since installation and installation will be required large quantity sensors along the entire perimeter of the room and local area. A 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 premises. This is done through the use of connecting cords or radio waves, as well as special software;
- Sensors are 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 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 emergency shut-off valves or gate valves on inlet water supply and gas supply pipes, 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 shut off or turn off the required supply of one or another source. Problem situation may be false, we must not forget about it. In any case, you have a choice whether to control it via the Internet or via a 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;
- Purchase of a ready-made modular kit and integration into the existing home system;
- Create the entire system yourself, that is, carry out the development, design, packaging, and installation of the system “from scratch” on your own. In any case, this is creative work.
Before making a decision, it is recommended to evaluate both your capabilities and strength to install it yourself, and consult about the cost of turnkey installation in a specific region or country. Installation of a smart home system, design, and installation can be performed both as a complex and individually. Prices for these services and products may vary greatly, so long choice 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 that should be taken into account when choosing.
Video installation and setup of a smart home
Today there are many elements of an electrical control system - various temperature, motion and sound sensors. In conjunction with the internal electrical wiring of a house or apartment, they are able to automate the processes of turning on/off lights, heating, and control the operation of some household appliances, taking into account time modes. But it won't be centralized system control, that is, you will not be able to control the light and other consumers from a single device.
That’s what’s good about a smart home system, 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, graphical interface of the system). In this case, all sensors and relays are also present in the system and control the power supply automatically.
In addition to basic household consumers, an intelligent (smart) home can monitor and manage communication systems, fire extinguishing systems, security alarms, telephone lines and many others, including utilities.
However, for complete control of household appliances, for example, regulation of the modes of an air conditioner or refrigerator, the devices themselves must have a special connector, through which a connection is made to the electronic logical controller of the control system. Next, we will consider the basics that will give you an understanding of the smart home system, its operating principle and its components.
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) built into the controller, which can be used to control the system wirelessly through a mobile device within the apartment/house.
Types of smart home system architecture
There are modifications in which control occurs via the Ethernet interface (wired, via); they additionally need to be connected to switches and Wi-Fi routers for wireless control if they are not built into the controller. As for manual switches, they can also be connected to the central controller wirelessly or through 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);
- switching elements electrical circuit(relays, dimmers, power supplies);
- measuring instruments, gauges and sensors (motion, temperature, light, etc.);
- system controls (remotes, touch panels, PDAs, tablets);
- actuators(water, ventilation, gas valves, roller blinds, 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, and power electrical networks as data transmission. There is also the X10 protocol, which uses household network AC 230 V: devices exchange a signal given at the moment the AC current passes through zero. Such signals are radio frequency pulses at 120 kHz, with a duration of 1 ms.
What is a controller for a smart home system?
A smart home controller is a device that controls all consumers and devices, and also sends a report to the owner about the status of these consumers. It is guided by temperature, air, and light sensors to control lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems. Can be programmed to do 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 manually control the devices.
Devices controlled by a smart home system controller
It is necessary to select a controller depending on how you want to build the architecture of the control system. For example, there are two types of management systems: centralized and decentralized. The centralized control system is based on a single high-performance central controller that manages all consumers (appliances) and utility networks in the house.
In the case of decentralized control, an intelligent smart home system consists of several simpler controllers, each of which has the functions of controlling a specific zone - a room and all the devices in it, separate lighting groups throughout the house, specific purpose household appliances, etc. ( regional controllers).
Central controller for a modern smart home system, it is a computer enclosed in a small plastic case that has its own OS (operating system), RAM and many electronic components for switching (controlling) signals: electronic relays, territorial keys, etc.
One of the complete sets of the central home controller of the smart home system (wireless transmission module, USB, COM, Ethernet ports on board)
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 graphic touch or push-button interface (LCD screen). In addition, connectors for connecting to a computer and/or network equipment: Ethernet, USB.
Such a controller is capable of controlling intelligent equipment such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, utilities, etc. (if the equipment itself has such a function), reporting to the owner even data such as the temperature in the refrigerator, incoming and outgoing phone line calls, and much more.
Regional controller , a discrete input-output modulator is a low-power logical electronic control unit on which smart home technology is implemented (in comparison, the frequency of the microprocessor CC is about 500 MHz, the RC is about 50 MHz), which, as a rule, does not have operating system and system configurable. It can be configured for any elementary scenarios based on time or signals from certain sensors.
Programmable smart home system controller with Ethernet interface (connector for connecting to a network)
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 every 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 intellectual part: a microprocessor with memory. It (depending on the manufacturer and configuration) may have a USB, 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 that connect to the controller and expand its functionality. In part, adapters, double-triples and measuring instruments are also expansion modules. Such devices can be built into the controller, connected separately through a specially designed connector or a common connector for Ethernet, USB and other interfaces. Due to the fact that companies producing smart home systems use various systems encryption of data transmission, when choosing an expansion module, it is important to pay attention to its compatibility if the controller was purchased from another manufacturer.
On the right are smart home system controllers with built-in wireless data transmission modules
Communication expansion modules For a smart home system, they are data transmission devices wirelessly or wired. The first include the well-known Wi-Fi routers, which 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). Less commonly used are separately connected GSM/GPRS modules (since 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 wireless communication Bluetooth (radio signal) and IR (transmission via infrared beam).
Wireless modules GSM communications and Wi-Fi; wired Ethernet switch
For a wired method of expanding communication, switches are used - devices that connect several clients (computers, controllers and other intelligent devices) to one local network. They are necessary for the device decentralized system smart home, when there are several regional controllers, as well as to create a common network with computers and other smart devices using appropriate interfaces. When the signal transmission distance is long, special digital amplifiers – repeaters – are used to amplify it.
Functionality extension modules Smart home systems have a wide variety of 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 through adapter modules, which can be used to achieve compatibility between different device standards. Special control modules are designed to control various specific devices (engines, door opening/closing mechanisms, ventilation valves; much more) and electrical circuit switching elements. Thus, a smart home controller does not have power over power circuit breakers (plugs, circuit breakers), and when connecting a circuit breaker control module and using controlled circuit breakers, the function of turning them on/off using the controller becomes available. To connect lighting controllers (dimmers - see below) to the smart home system, special expansion modules are also required.
What are switching elements of a smart home system circuit?
The concept of switching an electrical circuit means closing/opening it, as well as regulating voltage and other parameters electric current. Voltage (lighting) regulators, converters/transformers, power supplies, circuit breakers and relays are all switching elements, without which the installation of a smart home system (like any electrical wiring system) cannot be completed. They may have built-in protection against network overload and short circuit and operate to open 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 they control is designed. For a smart home system, there are both ordinary manual and controlled automatic switches.
The image shows simple single-pole circuit breakers
The former 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 elements for controlling power circuits using a signal supplied from the controller. The signal may appear as a low-power current, usually 24 V (again, there is no single standard, there are different systems and manufacturers) or other signal.
The image shows electromagnetic relays for monitoring one or several lines of a power circuit
Unlike automatic switches, relays do not have protection and the circuit closing/opening mechanism looks the opposite: when control voltage is applied to the electromagnetic part, the latter actuates the armature and mechanically closes the contacts of the power supply circuit (220 V). The most basic relay for controlling one power line phase has three inputs and one output: zero and electromagnet control phase (24 V), power phase input (220 V) from protective circuit breaker and its release 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 regulating 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 (left)
The 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 using a 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 data on the light level obtained 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 one or another section of the circuit or throughout the entire circuit.
Power supply from 220 V to 12 V
They are used due to the fact that some consumers are designed for current characteristics other than the 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 power supply of 220-10V, 220-12V, 220-24V 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 instruments, gauges and sensors in a smart home system?
These devices are like the organs of smell and touch for a person: they give an idea of what is happening in environment. Thanks to modern measuring instruments, sensors (of which the variety is very large today), the controller of the smart home system receives data on temperature, humidity, degree of illumination and atmospheric pressure outside and inside the premises.
The figure shows sensors with elementary functions
Instrumentation available to monitor condition engineering communications: pressure and metering of water consumption and gas leakage with an electronic interface that allows you to transfer this data to an intelligent smart home system, which will generate reports and send them to the owner.
Analog sensors and gauges The traditional type uses low-voltage current up to 24 V as data transmission, as a rule, and small cross-section electrical wiring as the transmission medium. For example, the most basic light sensor contains a photocell with an input and an output through which a phase of low-voltage current passes. This photocell changes its resistance when light hits it, thus producing various parameters current at different times of the day.
The figure shows elementary analog sensors that respond to household and carbon dioxide
The controller receives these values, processes them and, accordingly, sends a signal to turn on/off groups of lighting fixtures, as well as regulate the lighting level (if there is a dimmer). A roughly similar system, only with different operating elements, is available in temperature control sensors (based on their data, the intelligent smart 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.
Digital sensors and gauges new generation devices have expanded 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 picture shows a digital air humidity control sensor
They are capable of measuring the distance from the sensor to a moving target, detecting delays in the movement of an object, and much more. All this is processed by a microprocessor built into the sensor and supplied 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 physical quantities measured body, object (speed, weight, volume, etc.).
Instrumentation – these are more complex devices, in contrast to simple analog sensors, that incorporate new smart home technologies and control a wide range of parameters, providing their physical units of measurement. Digital barometers, water and gas meters, the same voltage - all these are control and measuring instruments.
Hot water temperature and flow control device
Unlike analog devices and sensors, modern digital ones, have their own calculation system based on a simple microprocessor; they process the signals and supply ready-made data to the smart home controller, thereby partially relieving its processor. Digital instrumentation and sensors use a special interface as a data transmission medium.
What are the elements and methods of managing a smart home system?
The intelligent (smart) home system can be controlled in three ways: local wireless, remote wireless, wired local, remote wired. Control devices are included with the system - these are graphic control panels with touch or push-button input, remote controls with receivers tuned to a specific frequency. Devices not included in the package, 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 carried out 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 from a nearby plot. However, in big houses You may need additional radio points and wireless signal amplifiers. Control is carried out by remote control, touch panels, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that have a built-in or externally connected transmitter of one or another 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 is 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 an output to the GSM/GPRS network allows the system to send SMS, MMS and audio messages to the phone number of the home owner. It is also theoretically possible to control via 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 the mobile Internet.
Wired local control method , depending on the data transfer protocols used, the smart home system may have data transfer 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 the exchange of information 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, included and separate control panels and switches (push-button and touch) are used, and you can also control it through 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 are a network larger than the local one, that is, the house is controlled externally via a laid cable connected to internal network management. As a rule, this control method is used in the management of automated processes in building buildings. In general, for home use You don’t need to know this (controlling systems through regional wire networks).
What are actuators of a smart home system?
Unlike relays, which can partly be called actuators (giving a command - the relay closes/opens the circuit), actuators controlled by intelligent equipment for a smart home system are complex electromechanical products, devices designed to test high mechanical loads.
In the image you can see objects that may have built-in actuators of the smart home system
The working body of more complex devices (drives for opening/closing gates, blinds, etc.) is a motor, while for less complex devices (valves, locks) it is 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 designed for 220 V.
Electromechanical opening/closing drives gates, gates, doors, windows, blinds and curtains; electromechanical parts built into the furniture, making it motorized. Included they may have a connection interface and a remote control.
A girl controls the window mechanism of a smart home system using a wireless remote control
Advanced drive models have elementary systems automated control: 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 a remote control of an infrared transmitter, and not having any connection with the smart home controller. However, such devices are also considered separate elements of a smart home.
Valves low, medium and high pressure - that's more simple 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 good for health, and it is worth noting the ventilation valve system, which is triggered by sensors carbon dioxide(CO2). The system removes gases harmful to humans and creates a favorable microclimate. Such elementary mechanisms include electromagnetic locks and other elements of access control to the premises included in the smart home security system. Such devices generally do not have microprocessors and have only two positions: open and closed.