'Smart innovations for a sunny future'

In the first edition of Sunshade Magazine, we described the origin and history of BREL HOME up to now. A history of two pioneers with knowledge and experience, from battery motors for window decoration, the application of 3D techniques, to a company that gained the trust of suppliers and consumers with solid motorization of indoor and outdoor sunshades. A duo that, now with a team of 10 men and women around them, continuously introduces new developments to the market. Take a look at the latest and future innovations.

New Technologies

“The future looks bright,” says Erik Budding. “We have created a solid foundation over the past 12.5 years. Over the years, we have anchored our value of bringing convenience for the operation of various types of sunshades. Many consumers are now using our motors and control via the BREL HOME app. Together with our team, we support manufacturers and dealers with delivery and service. Because they are our partners, they speak to the consumer and provide us with important information that we use to optimize our products. Time and developments do not stand still.”

Reinoud Arts is also enthusiastic. He keeps a close eye on new technologies to apply them in BREL HOME products. Technology is his passion, and he can talk about it for hours. The market only notices his discoveries once they have been approved by him and his colleagues: “We only bring novelties to the market when we are sure that it is realistic and workable. This has been the case for the past 12.5 years, and we will continue to do so. Users must be able to rely on our products.”
 

‘We are working on integrating the Matter chip into the BREL HOME motors’
 

Regular Premieres in Drives and Controls

Arts shares his enthusiasm about the latest premiere that BREL HOME experienced in May 2023 with the introduction of the first solar-powered motor drive for retractable arm awnings and large screens. A new, sustainable operation suitable for all existing systems. “We are proud of this innovative and sustainable development within our range of outdoor sunshade motorization. It is a unique motor that runs on solar energy and is equipped with a wireless sun and wind meter, causing the awning to extend when the sun shines and retract when it disappears or the wind picks up. This provides safety and energy cost savings.”

He shares some practical facts: “The motor boasts no less than 50Nm. Because the motor is equipped with an internal battery, you can install it in the same way as other BREL HOME products. It also has a ‘crown motor head’ allowing it to fit into all existing systems. The motor is standardly equipped with a system that corrects fabric tension. This means you only need to program the lower position, and the screen always closes properly. You can also disable this function and use the system for heavy shutters. For safe operation, the motor has special software that ensures that if the battery is almost empty, the awning can only be retracted. This prevents a retractable arm awning from not retracting due to an empty battery.”

Budding adds: “Notable is the integration of the motor with a wireless sun and wind meter, type DD-118, and remote control type THW-2415. This ensures that the awning lowers when the sun shines and raises when the sun disappears. The wind protection ensures that the sunshade is neatly stored when it gets windy. Optimal deployment!”

Bluetooth and Matter Technology Are Coming

Work is also being done on future innovations. BREL HOME is currently developing a Bluetooth module for all motors for indoor sunshades. Arts: “With this, you can operate and set all motors with our BREL HOME app. Outdoors, operation is possible via our hub.” Additionally, Brel is coming with Matter. “To connect our products with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home kit. We are working on integrating the Matter chip into the BREL HOME motors.” There is much talk about Matter. Many people think Matter is a kind of home automation system. It is not, according to Arts: “However, it is a way to connect a product to your phone. Whether you are home or not. Matter is a language that ensures all devices can communicate with each other via Amazon's Alexa, Apple Homekit, and Google Home.”

What does Matter mean for BREL HOME products? “It is an ideal connection for indoor sunshades because the wireless connection works well indoors. We are currently working on the development for the integration of Matter in our motors for indoor sunshades. We see great opportunities with Matter but remain critical. Unfortunately, with Matter, you cannot yet tell the motor where it should stop at the top and bottom. For this, you need the remote control or our BREL HOME app. Also, Matter is not yet ready to operate the sunshade outdoors. This is due to, among other things, all the insulation layers that are now applied in new houses. Think of triple glazing. For outdoor sunshades, connection with the remote control is still the best option because the radio signal is much stronger than a Matter signal. You want to be sure that a large retractable arm awning closes when it gets windy.”

Artificial Intelligence is Also Being Considered

The men of BREL HOME continue to pioneer, that is their drive. They conclude with: “Who knows what Artificial Intelligence will bring. We are currently investigating this.”

Who Celebrates, Treats!

BREL HOME is celebrating its 12.5-year anniversary with a special promotion: When purchasing two products with a BREL motor, the buyer receives the BREL HOME Hub-03 for free. This allows the new user to immediately enjoy the functionality of the BREL HOME app. This promotion runs until October 31, 2023. Through newsletters, social media, and specific emails, the BREL HOME team keeps its dealers and other interested parties informed of more news and developments. 

Source: Sunshade Magazine