At the SicherheitsExpo, one of GEZE’s latest innovations, the IQ box KNX interface module, was recognised with the silver PROTECTOR Award. The IQ box KNX makes windows “smart” because it makes it possible to integrate automated windows into a KNX building system for natural ventilation.
The winners were decided by readers of the safety technology journal PROTECTOR & WIK and the internet platform Sicherheit.info as part of an online vote. Sixteen product solutions were “in the running” for the Smart Home safety category. The IQ box KNX delighted the jury of readers so much that this GEZE solution received the second highest number of votes.
“This award is a confirmation of our efforts in offering customers future-oriented products. Our network solutions make living and working in modern buildings safer and more convenient and building operation more efficient,” explains Andrea Alexandra Alber, Strategy & Marking Director.
The KNX module opens up new opportunities for building automation and offers many advantages: greater safety and operating convenience, a more pleasant, healthier indoor climate and energy savings. Window drives from GEZE’s IQ windowdrives series can be integrated into the KNX building system as a direct bus participant for controlled natural ventilation. Window statuses (e.g. open/closed) can be displayed on a central visualisation panel, and controlled and checked from there.
Increased building security
Thanks to the controlled activation of the window drives, the IQ box KNX offers additional security. In contrast to simple switch contacts, it uses the intelligence of the window drives and after performing a “command” reports the status of a window to the KNX building system or the building management system. Additional window information is also provided by the module, e.g. the precise opening width, any faults or, as “predictive maintenance”, the number of opening and closing cycles.
Profitable advantages for everyone working on the building
For facility managers or building operators building monitoring becomes more comfortable and efficient with automatic windows that are integrated into a KNX building system. The bus technology facilitates flexible building planning since the IQ box KNX is easily scalable from a small room ventilation with a few windows to a complete networking and integration of all automatic windows into the building management system.
The KNX standard creates planning reliability for technical planners and electricians because the IQ windowdrives integrated into KNX building systems can communicate with other elements, e.g. light controls, heating controls, air-conditioning technology, alarm systems or sun protection via the shared KNX standard. Thus, the communication between heating control and the automated windows provides energy-saving potential. Windows close when the heating or air-conditioning is activated. Natural ventilation then occurs in a controlled and automatic way. Structural and building management system changes can be made quickly with little effort. When the use changes, extensive new cabling is superfluous thanks to the KNX bus technology.
For a whole office complex: comfort and energy efficiency
The IQ box KNX interface modules have landed GEZE a major contract. As part of the modernisation and certification of a Frankfurt-based office complex, with the aim of achieving international building standard LEED/DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) Gold, GEZE has developed a specific automation solution for windows. Thanks to the project expertise and innovative strength of GEZE’s Customer Solutions department, the investments required by the building owner are being kept as low as possible compared to other modernisation solutions, as the existing window fittings can largely be reused.
The requirements for modernised window systems are natural automated night-time back cooling on the one hand and daily room ventilation “at the press of a button” on the other hand. As part of this, heating and climate-controlled ceilings are controlled according to the window position (open/closed) in an energy-efficient way. Initially, 400 bottom-hung windows will be automated with smart, “F 1200 Electric” drives developed especially for this contract. The automated windows are integrated into the existing KNX office building system via IQ box KNX modules so that building monitoring becomes more convenient and cost-effective. By combining heating control with window drives, windows are closed when the heating or air-conditioning is activated, but also if rain or wind starts. Natural ventilation then also occurs automatically. The centralised control system also enables complete windows frontages or defined groups of windows to be controlled for night-time back cooling. If needs change, they can be adapted easily by specifying new ventilation scenarios on a KNX visualisation panel.
