iCASA smarthome - komplett Open-Source

Commercial project in Nuolen, Switzerland

Project category Commercial
Project type New project
Year of completion 2023
Size of project(m2) 101 – 500
Number of KNX devices used 101 – 300
KNX brands Show/hide
KNX Transmission media
Twisted pair
Man hours 101 – 250
Man power 1 – 5
Products that carry the KNX logo are a confirmation of high product quality, these products will communicate perfectly together and I didn't have to worry about working with inferior material.

Project characteristics

This diagram shows the level of energy efficiency, innovation and ease of use in the project. The main characteristic is displayed in the centre.

Applications used

The icons marked in blue are the applications used in this project via KNX.

Lighting
Heating, Ventilation & Air conditioning (HVAC)
Blind and Shutter Control
Security and Safety
Operation and Visualisation
Automation and Remote Access
Energy Management/Smart Metering
Other

Detailed description

Energy Efficiency

The usage of automated functions already save energy in every installation. Especially the usage of KNX has a lot of potential for further energy savings, which can contribute to a better environmental footprint. Be extending KNX to more functions and applications, energy savings of up to 60% can be realised. Thanks to the flexibility of KNX, these functions can easily be implemented in this installation

Innovation

Smart homes and buildings are always an upgrade in comparison to a conventional installation. Not only automated functions and a higher level of comfort contribute to a higher living standard, but also the possibility to be ready for coming innovations. Thanks to the usage of KNX, the door has been opened to integrate new innovative solutions, using the worldwide STANDARD for home and building control.

Ease of Use

By integrating KNX, we automatically experience a higher energy efficiency and comfort. Furthermore, by the possibility to use further devices, in order to make the usage of the project easier, we can look at further opportunity to even make the whole installation easier in usage.

Applications used

  • Lighting: Switching , Dimming , Light Scenes , Timed Control , Automatic Occupancy Detection , Constant Light Control , Lighting Colour Control
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air conditioning (HVAC): Central & Automatic Control , Timed Operation Modes , Individual Room Control / Zone Control , CO2 / Humidity Measuring , Floor Heating Control
  • Blind and Shutter Control: Individual Control , Group & Central Control , Preset Positioning , Automatic Programs , Wind and Rain Protection , Sun Tracing (interaction with HVAC / lighting)
  • Security and Safety: Smoke/Fire Detection , Faults (e.g. Leak Detection, Glass Break Detection, Window Contacts) , Access Control , Intrusion Detection / Alarm Systems , Presence Simulation , Supervision (e.g. Cameras) , Interaction with HVAC/Lighting
  • Operation and Visualisation: Switches / Push Buttons , IR Remote Control , PC Visualisation , Web Servers , Touch Panels & Display Panels , Tablets and smart phones
  • Automation and Remote Access: Timed Functions , Logical Functions , System Supervision , Internet Access , Messaging (e.g. SMS)
  • Energy Management/Smart Metering: Metering , Data Logging , Visualisation , Current Detection , Fuel or Water tank level control , Use of Renewable Energies , Battery Storage
  • Other: Intercom , Audio Control , Irrigation Control , Distributed Facilities

Customer's description

Durch die geschickte Verknüpfung der weltweit renommierten Open-Source-Gebäudeautomationssoftware "Home Assistant" mit dem KNX-System haben wir ein Projekt realisiert, das sich vollständig auf offene Standards stützt. Die Vielzahl von Integrationen mit anderen Systemen macht "Home Assistant" zu einer herausragenden Wahl, und mit Matter ist seine Zukunftsfähigkeit gewährleistet. Den Großteil der Programmierung übernimmt unsere eigens entwickelte Webapplikation "iCASA Assistant" (https://icasa-assistant.ch/). Diese Anwendung erstellt die KNX-Gruppenadressen gemäß den "KNX Swiss Richtlinien" und generiert zudem die entsprechenden Entities, Automationen und Dashboards für den "Home Assistant". So entsteht mit minimalem Aufwand eine vollständige Lösung. Durch den "Home Assistant" werden auf einfache Weise auch diverse andere Geräte wie Fronius, WLED, Tablets, Mobiles, smartwatches und etliche mehr eingebunden.

Contact information

Company name Bruhin Engineering GmbH
Company email heinz@bruhin.biz
Company website https://icasa.biz
Contact name Heinz Bruhin
Contact function System Integrator