"Connectivity is an important theme in 2024"

Z&R looks back in its magazine on the Polyclose (January 2024) and R+T (February 2024) our participation in these fairs: At the beginning of 2024, BREL launched its new brand BREL SMART BUILDING, focusing on solar for project shading, with motors equipped with an integrated SIM card. But it doesn't stop there. During the R+T, BREL presented the first BREL Matter motors and BREL Matter hub to the professional world.

“There is a lot of talk about Matter,” begins Reinoud Arts, director of BREL HOME. “But what is it actually? Many people think that Matter is some kind of home automation system, a home control. It is not. It is a way to connect a product with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. Matter is a language that ensures all devices can communicate with each other, no matter where you are in the world.”

The introduction of Matter at BREL HOME starts with the launch of several Matter motors for indoor shading and a Matter Home Box. “Remote control of these motors becomes very extensive. Additionally, control with our trusted and proven BREL HOME app in combination with our Home Box is standard possible.”

Endless possibilities

“With Matter, the sky's the limit,” continues Arts. “Literally! With the integration of Matter, the tech giants will soon be able to create opportunities to include indoor shading in a home control system with artificial intelligence. The tech giants want to make a home as smart, comfortable, and efficient as possible. Of course, the end user decides to what extent they want to use this, but just imagine what possibilities that will offer! Artificial intelligence can manage everything in the house based on the residents' behavior.”

The PENTA motor from BREL SMART BUILDING

The PENTA motors from BREL SMART BUILDING are an extension of the successful concept of BREL SOLAR, explains Arts. “The motor works via the internet through the integrated SIM card, so it is always accessible. With the intelligent control system, which complies with the latest ISO standard for making buildings energy-efficient, a building is even better prepared for heat and cold stress.”

PENTA motors communicate PENTA-directionally. This means that the motors communicate in five ways: Sending and receiving via Bluetooth; RF receiving and sending and receiving via SIM card.

The motors are controlled by the specially developed software in the BREL SMART BUILDING control system.

Functions of the PENTA motors:

• Window cleaner protection
• Installer protection
• Wind protection
• Frost protection
• Temperature protection

The PENTA motors are available in 13 Nm and 20 Nm.

A building NTA8800 and BENG-proof with BREL SMART BUILDING

In working towards an energy-neutral Netherlands and Belgium, BREL SMART BUILDING can play an important role, according to Arts. “The BENG requirements have a significant impact on the design of a building, where energy needs must be considered. BREL SMART BUILDING offers the solution for this: SOLAR for project shading. By making SOLAR suitable for project shading, the system contributes to the BENG 1 standard regarding solar access in the building.”

The new system was developed through an exclusive collaboration with Vodafone Smart Building. “The intelligence is already built into the software and hardware of the motor, anticipating the latest regulations regarding energy-efficient buildings. Because Vodafone connects all systems, even more energy can be saved for office buildings, while enhancing user enjoyment.”