The intelligent networking of electronic devices is playing an increasingly important role in the home. It is no longer just smartphones, computers and televisions that are integrated into modern systems. Washing machines, alarm systems, lighting systems, heaters and many other devices are also gradually finding their way into the digital infrastructure. And there's a good reason for that. Not only does it make living more comfortable, it also helps save energy and ensures greater security. This is why it is also referred to as Smart Living.
Definition: What is Smart Home?
The English term “smart home” refers to systems that consist of networked technologies that optimize the use of a building and make it more comfortable. Which technologies these are can be very different. This includes sensors for monitoring room temperature, as well as multimedia systems, automated lighting and alarm systems connected to smartphone apps.
Their development is primarily due to the requirement that modern new buildings and renovated old buildings should be economical, environmentally friendly, energy efficient, comfortable and usable in the long term. In this context, an expanding market for technology-supported living is gradually developing. Products in the area of building automation and networking solutions for building technology and household appliances are offered for both the private and commercial sectors. A main requirement is that the technological solutions interact with each other intelligently and securely, but can also be operated intuitively.
Structure and functionality of an eHome
A typical smart home or eHome is made up of the following components:
End devices (actuators)
This includes devices such as radiator controls, lamps, roller shutters, blinds, ventilation systems, televisions, stereo systems, speakers, washing machines and stoves. They provide the output of the system.
Input devices
These include touch displays, room temperature controllers, tablets, smartphones, but also conventional wall switches. Control using voice commands is also becoming increasingly popular. The interfaces allow users to easily check whether, for example, lights are turned off or room temperatures are within the desired range. If necessary, direct switching commands can also be issued via the devices.
Sensors
These are necessary to collect information, for example to measure the room temperature, record the condition of doors and windows, determine the brightness in rooms or detect the presence of people. They serve as the data basis with which the rest of the system works.
Central control unit (gateway)
The central unit receives all sensor data and sends commands to the actuators. The gateway acts as the “brain” of the smart home and enables communication between the networked devices. Users can control it via input devices, while direct control of individual devices is still possible depending on the system. The gateway can also connect to the Internet.
Networking
Wired, wireless or power grid-based connections enable communication between end devices, input devices and the gateway. Wired systems require the laying of cables, which makes well-thought-out building technology planning necessary. Wireless systems are easier to implement, especially in old buildings, as no intervention in the building structure is required. They are also suitable for rental apartments as they can be easily dismantled and taken with you when moving.
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Areas of application of smart home systems
The areas of application for smart home systems are becoming ever larger. The following areas in particular play a central role.
Energy efficiency optimization
A smart home enables automated control of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting. By adapting to the actual use and presence of people in a room, energy consumption can be optimized. For example, sensors measure the room temperature and regulate the heating accordingly.
Security and surveillance systems
Another area of application includes cameras, motion sensors and door/window contacts. Users can monitor their home in real time and be immediately notified of any unusual activity. Access controls such as smart door locks provide additional security.
Convenient lighting control
Smart lighting systems enable the individual and remote-controlled adjustment of lighting moods in different rooms. This may include creating a pleasant ambience, supporting work activities, or simulating presence while away.
Health and well-being management
Smart health applications support the monitoring of sleep habits, fitness activities and indoor climate. This data can be used to track personal health goals or improve well-being.
Entertainment systems and home theater
Smart home technology also integrates consumer electronics such as televisions, audio systems and streaming devices. Users can seamlessly control these devices and create personalized entertainment experiences. Intelligent speakers and voice control also enable convenient operation.
What is Smart Metering?
Smart metering is often mentioned in connection with smart homes. The term refers to the intelligent measurement and monitoring of energy consumption in buildings. At their core, they are advanced metering systems that use electronic meters to record energy consumption more precisely and efficiently. These intelligent meters, also known as smart meters, enable the automatic collection and transmission of consumption data to utilities in real time or at regular intervals.
Goals of smart metering
The main goals of smart metering are to promote energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, optimize network operations and provide accurate consumption data to end users and energy suppliers. Real-time monitoring allows consumers to better understand and adjust their energy consumption, leading to more conscious energy behavior and potential cost savings.
Smart metering functions
Smart metering systems usually also offer functions such as remote data collection, remote shutdown and the ability to apply different tariffs depending on the time of day or network load. This promotes more flexible and efficient energy management for both consumers and utilities. In the long term this can be to a considerable extent Energy costs can be reduced.
The advantages of a smart home
The benefits of a smart home depend not only on the products and system chosen, but also on your own expectations. Added value can arise when energy is saved, comfort is increased and/or safety is improved. A popular and effective application is the automatic reduction of room temperatures when you are away combined with reheating in time before returning home. Depending on previous behavior, this saves between two and eight percent on heating costs and increases comfort.
Another typical example is equipping the house with energy-saving lighting and motion detectors. This increases comfort and safety at typical tripping points in the house such as staircases or narrow hallways. In addition, less energy is used. Motion detectors in the outside area of the house and house entrance also improve burglary protection. For these reasons, it can also be worthwhile to retrofit smart home systems in many existing buildings. This also offers potential Increase in the value of real estate.
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How much does a smart home system cost?
The cost of implementing a smart home can vary greatly. This depends, among other things, on the selected networking technology and the number of end devices to be integrated. Entry-level packages for wireless technologies start at a few hundred euros. It may make sense to initially choose basic equipment that can be expanded if necessary. It is advisable to choose a smart home system that offers suitable interfaces for a variety of applications. In general, a wired system is more expensive than a wireless one.
Smart home systems that improve the energy efficiency of a building have the opportunity to receive funding from the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG). Efficiency smart home applications such as intelligent thermostats, monitoring solutions for analyzing energy consumption or energy management systems are supported with up to 20 percent of the costs. It is advisable to check in advance whether funding is possible and what conditions must be met.
Conclusion
The topic of smart home is becoming increasingly important for more and more homeowners. It enables significantly greater living comfort, but at the same time can also help save energy and increase security. One of the biggest challenges currently lies in harmoniously integrating devices from different manufacturers into a digital infrastructure and optimizing their operation across platforms and according to individual requirements. Cost savings are possible, for example, in the form of government subsidies.
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