Winkhaus: Controlling and Communicating with Smart Windows

Winkhaus technologies provide suitable answers for a wide variety of installation situations and tasks. All of them work with locking sensors that are not immediately visible from the outside: The systems monitor the windows electronically. Shutter contacts specially adapted to the application area can be used to control alarm monitoring, climate control and extractor hood control.

The program includes sensors that are located on the frame and are switched via contactors on the window sash. Some of these contactors can be integrated into the Winkhaus window hardware, and therefore distinguish a window that is only ajar from one that is actually locked. Pure opening monitoring, on the other hand, is achieved with a rigid contactor. This is independent of the hardware and can be used for any window.

Individually suitable solutions
Winkhaus offers a wireless technology based on the open EnOcean radio standard and, with Winkhaus Activ Pilot Control, a wired solution. While the wireless contacts are recommended primarily for retrofitting because no cables have to be laid for them, the wired system of Activ Pilot Control is preferred in new buildings. Both can be integrated into the building management system via suitable interfaces. The radio contacts are compatible, for example, with the Thermokon actuator and with various gateways for KNX.

Compatible with smart home solutions
The technology is based on reed contacts with a magnet. The Winkhaus radio contact performs data transmission using wireless open radio standard EnOcean. This means that the contacts can already communicate with a wide range of EnOcean-compatible electronic devices. In addition, they can be integrated into smart home systems - for example, the Wibutler or the Somfy Tahoma Box. The wireless contacts can then be easily networked with other intelligent components in the home. Among other things, they can thus be integrated into the lighting and heating control. Among other things, it is possible to set the radiator to turn off automatically when the window is open. It is also possible, for example, for light or sound effects to be switched on when the window is opened in the absence of the occupants.

Wireless technology in two variants
Winkhaus offers wireless technology in two variants: Concealed radio contacts, which are invisible when the window is closed, and a surface-mounted solution with a solar cell for energy-autonomous operation.

The FM.V.SW concealed radio contacts are certified by the VdS association of property insurers for home hazard management systems. The new generation of concealed radio contacts offers a number of innovations. An optimized power supply extends the functional life of the battery operation to five years. The antenna also has a longer radio range. The black housing is water-resistant and IP67.

A specialist can easily install the radio contact, which functions completely wirelessly, in the window. It is also suitable for retrofitting to all common windows made of wood and plastic from a rebate depth of 24 mm - regardless of which hardware system is installed. In addition, the radio contact is now equipped with an LED in the battery compartment.

Opening and closing windows via app
Windows equipped in this way can be opened and closed remotely via app. In addition to the radio contact, the window must also contain the Winkhaus Activ Pilot Comfort PADM hardware system. Its hardware drive controls the window by motor.

In addition to the turn opening, the innovative parallel position is then also possible: The window sash moves around 6 mm away from the frame to let fresh air into the room. Equipped accordingly, the window retains its burglar resistance, up to RC2, during this ventilation process. From this position, the sash can be closed again automatically on command. Since this operation can also be programmed for user-independent ventilation, the system can be used as an alternative for ventilation systems in accordance with DIN 1946-6.

Thanks to its innovative technology, the hardware drive sends an EnOcean radio protocol. This allows the system to be integrated directly into home server solutions such as Wibutler. That way, the technology can be easily networked with other intelligent systems - such as air quality sensors for temperature or CO2. These initiate ventilation when required. If desired, it also opens by itself into the parallel position and closes again automatically. In addition, the system can be controlled wirelessly with a hygrostat, for example from Gira: If the humidity is too high, the window opens automatically.

Thanks to suitable interfaces, the Activ Pilot Comfort PADM hardware system can also be integrated into the building control system, such as heating control or alarm monitoring.