Influenced by the development of computer local networks and wireless technology, home appliances are no longer single products. They are increasingly becoming an integral part of home network systems and interact with each other to process information. VELUX io-homecontrol® is an example of such an informational interaction product for the private domain, a wireless communication protocol developed by a group of specialised companies in home comfort technology.
Atika demonstrates different VELUX products operated by its integrated building management system io-homecontrol.
The windows and their accessories blinds, shades and shutters - are electronically controlled for automatic opening and closing according to pre-set temperatures, ventilation rate, humidity and other parameters. The automatic operation through io-homecontrol products ensures a pleasant indoor climate as well as high energy efficiency.
The main element of the system is a standard VELUX product: the electrically operated roof window INTEGRA®. A motor unit and the remote control operate different opening positions of the windows, as well as both the inside and outside sun screening devices. Thanks to the outdoor rain sensor, the window closes automatically if it starts raining. Installed in each room to make daily use comfortable, the remote control units are user-friendly and display clearly – in a similar way to mobile phones – the feedback between user and the io-homecontrol products. The system operates according to the following preset conditions:
Limitation of sunlight heat
Sunlight heat is controlled and prevented by closing screens and shutters from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in summer. Indoor temperatures are not to fall below 18°C or exceed 26°C.
Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation is enhanced and is to be preferred whenever possible. The system is informed by indoor thermostats in each zone of the house and an outdoor central thermostat. The windows in each zone open when the temperature exceeds 26°C (provided the temperature outside is lower).
Night cooling
Night cooling takes place by partially opening all windows between 11:00 p. m. and 6:00 a.m. They close automatically if the temperature in any room drops below 18°C.
Central cooling with air conditioning thermostat
The sensors of the central cooling system are not yet interactive with the io-homecontrol, so each sensor is connected to a VELUX interface that provides contact with the homecontrol system.
Atika displays an innovative air conditioning system based on solar thermal energy, the compact single-effect absorption chiller from ROTARTICA, powered by hot water. This chiller unit uses the heat of sun to cool and boast highly efficient operating cycles. The system functions in much the same way as an electric air-conditioning appliance but uses a thermal source to power a cycle situated in two additional chambers – the generator and the absorber – instead of a compressor, which consumes a lot of electricity. This cycle is based on the ability of certain salts – in Atika it is LiBr – to absorb refrigerant fluid, in this case water.
Cooling is achieved by maintaining the solution at two of the salt’s equilibrium points, at different concentrations and pressures, the equilibrium temperatures of which – temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and the condenser – create sources of heat and cold. ROTARTICA makes use of rotation techniques to increase the efficiency of this cycle, thereby reducing the size of the appliance and allowing it to be installed without the need for a cooling tower.
Due to the temporary nature of the construction and the need to assemble and disassemble Atika quickly, the joints of the electrical and the water ducts between the different modules are designed to be easily switched on and off, without aggravating welds.