Creation of a smart home system. Business plan for installing the Smart Home system Options for the future home, interior and landscape

The House 3
One story home for a small family. The uniqueness of the house in the materials used for construction. The walls are made of living trees. The floor and ceiling are two slabs of heavy-duty plastics, consisting of modules connected to each other, according to the principle of a puzzle. Such a principle is needed so that an imperceptible difference in the growth rate between the tree-walls does not affect the comfortable operation of the house. The essence of the construction is as follows: The plastic base is strengthened on a prepared site. Notches were made along the edges of the base with a diameter of 30% of the cut diameter of an adult tree. In a strictly defined place under the base, trees are planted at the same time, after which, for several years, they control the direction of their growth. At first glance, such a house is too long to build, but Siberian and American scientists have already carry out experimental work on the creation of fast-growing trees. As a result, in a few years the trees grow and grow into the base, supporting it. In the same way, the turn comes to the roof. Taking into account the peculiarity of the design and the need for a snug fit to the trees of other materials that make up the building, it is planned to use the Ruflex coating for the roof.
Despite the seeming gloom of the house, it is bright and warm. In the gaps left during the "planting of the walls", between the base plate and the ceiling plate, there are molded frames made of the same plastic, with 6-chamber windows occupying the entire vertical space.
The area under the house is a thermo-niche, going 8 meters deep. Under the house, a mini bioelectric power station is supposed to be installed, the task of which is to generate energy to heat the soil under the house. The remaining energy goes into the internal heating system of the house, which is carried out with the help of infrared radiation. To meet the rest of the energy needs, three mobile wind turbines are used, located above the house.
Heated soil in a thermos-limited area will allow the trees not to slow down life processes during the cold season. It is known that many plants can self-regulate their internal temperature. By keeping the trees from "sleeping", we get thick, breathable walls with an internal temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius all year round.
When creating complexes of such houses, the benefits of construction increase, even despite their duration.
Depending on the properties of wood, it is possible to build 2 or even 3-storey buildings.
The building is distinguished by high seismic resistance, economy and environmental friendliness. Useful substances with which the tree saturates the air will make such a house a real resort.
+ When using the invention of my compatriot Alexei Strelyaev, you can completely abandon centralized energy networks. This is a device that generates electricity from the energy of plant growth.

P.S. I forgot to draw the steps to the entrance)

Smart home projects involve residential buildings that are equipped with high-tech devices and automation.

general description

The above expression should be understood as a system that provides resource saving and security, as well as comfort for each user. In the simplest case, she has the ability to recognize certain situations that occur in the house, as well as respond appropriately to them. Thus, one of the systems is able to control the behavior of others according to the developed algorithms. This is easier to understand if you can imagine that the heating system does not function against the air conditioning system. Heating of the house is carried out according to the weather and taking into account many other factors. Among the latter, one can single out the strength of the wind and the time of day. For example, at night the most comfortable temperature is lower than during the day. This concept can be called the most progressive in the interaction of a person with a living space. Smart home projects eliminate the need to use several remotes, switches and separate control units at once. This applies to watching television, lighting control, as well as burglar alarm and video surveillance systems.

Technology

Smart home designs can be based on multiple or single protocol/platform. With their help, the subsystems of the house are connected to a single network. LanDrive, for example, is the most affordable platform for bus-based distributed control systems today, including outdoor and indoor lighting, electrical appliances, power loads, air conditioning, access control, and water leaks. Among other things, it is possible to control video and audio equipment, roller shutters, pumps, home theaters, blinds, curtains and motors. Most often, such a system is used as part of a smart home, but recently it can increasingly be found as part of a system for saving and accounting for energy resources, access control for fire and security systems.

TELETASK is a protocol/bus designed for home automation of rooms and buildings where the owner stays for quite a long time. This includes hotels, cottages, offices and apartments. The X10 control protocol is designed to automate the control of electrical appliances. The signal is given by wires or in the radio range. Among the shortcomings, one can single out a low information transfer rate, the possibility of a false alarm problem, as well as the lack of feedback. 1-Wire is a technology that allows you to connect devices and sensors into a single network, which is controlled using a personal computer. A single wire is used to transmit information in this network. This technology is distinguished by ease of installation and low cost.

Air conditioning and heating system

Projects of "smart" houses assume the presence of air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems. With this technology, it is possible to ensure a constant temperature, the intensity of fresh air intake and a given level of humidity. Among other things, the technology is able to save energy through the economical use of the temperature of the internal environment. There may be mechanisms for automatically closing and opening windows to allow warm and cold air to enter at certain times of the day. The control takes place through the air conditioning network.

Lighting system

Considering the tasks of the Smart Home project, one can single out the highest degree of human comfort. Other technologies include a lighting system that controls the level of light. This technology is also used to save energy. It is possible to achieve this effect through the use of among the subsystems, one can single out automation for turning off and on the light at certain intervals of the day, motion sensors, automation for closing the opening of shutters, as well as adjusting the transparency of special glasses.

Power supply system

The goal of the Smart Home project, in addition to the above tasks, is also to provide an uninterrupted power supply to the electricity system. This is achieved by switching to alternative sources. Among the subsystems, industrial UPSs, as well as diesel generators, can be distinguished.

Safety system

This includes access control inside the building, video surveillance, monitoring systems by remote control, fire and burglar alarms. The system provides protection against leaks, the occurrence of which blocks the water supply when the room is flooded. Installation work involves the presence of special sensors and cranes that are able to detect problem situations. The owner can use the system of remote information about the situation in the house, at the facility or in the apartment. Management can be done using the phone.

Entrance to the house

The finished project of a "smart" home must necessarily involve meeting the owner by using appropriate technologies. Thus, lighting should be activated above the gate or front door. Management can be carried out using motion sensors, as well as radio key fobs. The last option allows you to turn on the lighting even before the entrance of the car.

Courtyard

When a project is drawn up using the Smart Home technology, a plan of the courtyard area is created. Control can be carried out in three ways at once, namely: using sensors, according to a schedule or using switches. There is a need to add the ability to control from the alarm. The smart home has the ability to indicate lighting groups and when they are used. For example, before 23:00, in case of motion detection, the system can activate the main lighting at full brightness. Whereas after the specified time, the intensity can be reduced by 50%. If the owner arrived after 24:00, then only the paths in the yard can light up.

entrance to the house

When compiling a "Smart Home" project (7th class of complexity), you can take into account the presence of a controller, which can be in one or more copies. It is necessary to process information coming from the intercom screen. It will be possible to talk with a person on any phone, since each device is connected to a micro-MTS. If there is no one at home, then the image of the guest will be immediately sent to the email, after which the host can decide whether to let the visitor inside or leave him without attention. The alarm will be turned off by dialing a secret code by phone.

Hallway

If you are considering a project on the topic "Smart Home", then you can not help but pay attention to the system of this part of the house turns on automatically at night. The technology relieves the owner of the need to use various kinds of buttons. On sale you can find all kinds of automation devices, they will allow you to analyze from which room and at what time a person went into the hallway. In this case, the light turns on at the required brightness level. Smooth switching does not lead to frequent burnout of the lamps, prolonging their service life. Such systems are most often installed in walk-through areas or rooms that are rarely used. The functional and creative project "Smart Home" provides for the presence of a useful device in the hallway, which is responsible for turning off all the lighting of the building by pressing just one button. After it is activated, you will not have to go around the entire territory to check the light. Among other things, pressing this button can turn off some sockets, which are most often connected to fire-hazardous devices such as irons.

Living room

The creative project "Smart Home" guarantees a comfortable stay in the most important room of the building. We are talking about the living room, which should have a lot of light. A home theater is often installed here. Here, up to 10 lighting groups are most often installed. Next to the light switches, it is advisable to arrange which are responsible for a specific light scene. For example, consider a pre-recorded sequence of actions, which is called a macro. If the family decides to watch a movie, then for this it will be necessary to sit on the sofa and press just one button. At the same time, the curtains are closed, certain groups of light are dimmed, and the rest are completely taken out of action. For the first two minutes, the backlight works at 50%, while after this time it goes out completely. When a creative project "Smart Home" (Grade 7) is drawn up, the technology of which may involve the presence of all the systems described above, then programming is provided using a remote control. Through this tool it is possible to control all the equipment.

Bedroom

This room must be one of the most comfortable. However, this is also where automation comes into play. Sometimes the owner goes to bed to read a book, but after a while he realizes that there is a need to turn off the light, as well as dim it in other rooms. Such raids before going to bed are not pleasant, but they still have to be done. With the Smart Home system, you can forget about it, since the bedroom is most often a button that disables all other lighting in the house. To do this, you can use a radio switch, which is mounted on the wall and has a thickness of 7 millimeters. Fixation of this element can be carried out on any surface, including the headboard. With this switch, you can control the curtains and lighting of the room itself.

In the bedroom, it is advisable to install another automation system that will be responsible for the temperature. During sleep, experts recommend maintaining its level in the range from 14 to 18 degrees. In the morning, getting out from under the covers in a cool indoor climate is not at all desirable. The Smart Home system can solve this problem. After lights out, the thermometer gradually reaches the required level, and closer to awakening it rises to a comfortable level during daytime wakefulness. In the summer, the air conditioner will be responsible for this, while in the winter, the solenoid valve. It adjusts the flow of coolant in the heating system. When a creative project "Smart Home" (grade 7) is being drawn up, the technology of which may include the presence of all the systems described in the article, the bedroom is most often equipped with a special touch panel responsible for lighting. It can also be used as an alarm clock. On the panel, the rise time can be set to, for example, 8:30. At 8:15 a.m., the main lighting in the bedroom may turn on at 30% of the normal brightness level. At 8:30, the lighting reaches 100% brightness, at the same time, the curtains can automatically open.

Bathroom

If you are considering a project on the topic: “Smart Home” (7th class of complexity), then you need to take care of a technological bathroom. With this system it will be convenient to control underfloor heating. Quite often, consumers are wondering why control this system if it has its own temperature controller. You can answer this question by bringing a fact that indicates a high consumption of electricity by underfloor heating. Most of the time the system is not used, and if you turn it off at night, the savings will be significant. A "smart" home will turn the system off and on without assistance. It can be set to daily automatic adjustment. It will be possible to turn on such floors even by phone, sitting in the office, or on the way home from the car. It is especially convenient if the floors are controlled together with an alarm clock. For example, turning off can be done at 23:00, and turning on one hour before waking up.

Conclusion

If you decide to choose the Smart Home project for your housing, you will not be afraid of a problematic situation. If necessary, the technology system will turn off the water supply and gas supply, as well as electricity, which is very convenient for security. Little by little, these systems partially enter our lives. For example, in many private houses, modern lighting systems have already been installed that work due to motion sensors.

Here is how it was. Mikhail from Krasnodar approached me with an offer to help develop a Smart Home system for his cottage. Mikhail explained that he pursues several goals at once:

  • Learn to program Arduino controllers, improve your knowledge in the field of electronics, systems engineering, algorithmization, etc. Those. learn how to develop fairly complex systems. He has experience with electronics, microcontrollers. But he forgot something, there is no fundamental knowledge, rather, he is not a professional in this area, but an amateur. He also wants to inspire his 14-year-old son with this work.
  • To get a workable system adapted to his task with a small material cost.
  • Gain experience in the development of "Smart Home" systems, study the specifics of tasks of this kind.

Mikhail has a 3-storey house where he plans to work out and operate the system. He is ready to gradually install controllers at home, test them, and gradually integrate them into the system.

I thought this would be the perfect topic for another series of Arduino tutorials. The Smart Home system is a distributed computing system:

  • with a wide variety of sensors;
  • with various types of actuators;
  • with a variety of regulators;
  • with several levels of data processing;
  • with various transmission media, including wireless technologies;
  • and so on, not to list everything.

Many have especially noted my lessons in which I developed . In these lessons, I did not give out a finished project, but developed the device in stages, explaining each step. The ”Smart Home” project cannot be developed in any other way. It's a very big task.

Michael and I agreed that:

  • It defines the terms of reference for each controller, defines all design features.
  • Together we develop electronic circuits of nodes.
  • Mikhail assembles controllers, constructively brings them to finished devices.
  • We write residential programs somewhere together, somewhere I am alone. How will it go.
  • I develop top level test programs (on a computer).
  • Mikhail tests all this on real objects.
  • We correct the programs, if necessary, and the controller remains installed on the object. Thus, the system will gradually grow.
  • Mikhail gives me all the test results, information about the objects we manage and all other materials.
  • I gradually, with explanations, post information on the site.

Michael wants to control everything that can be controlled. The system promises to be huge. In the future, it is planned to make options with completely wireless communication between controllers, different top-level implementation options are possible. I would like to believe that the new section of the site will be voluminous and popular.

In addition to tutorials, tutorials, I hope fully functional controllers will be developed. The Smart Home system, assembled on Arduino controllers, should be very cheap.

I have no experience in developing such systems, but when the project is tested on a real object, the experience comes by itself.

So, I will formulate the goals of the new section:

  • Educational articles, lessons on:
    • development of a complex distributed computing system;
    • connecting various sensors to Arduino boards;
    • management of executive mechanisms;
    • development of regulators;
    • use of wireless technologies.
  • Practical experience related to the specifics of the development of "Smart Home" systems.
  • Workable designs of controllers from which a Smart Home system can be created.
  • I hope that in the end we will get a “popular” Smart Home system with an extremely low price.
  • The project will be conducted "in real time". Errors and improvements are possible.

Smart home control system.

By "Smart Home" is meant a hardware and software complex for automation and control of various equipment in an apartment or house. The goal is to achieve optimal resource saving, safety, comfort. The system must recognize the situations occurring in the house and respond to them accordingly.

As a rule, "Smart Home" is the integration into a single system of several control subsystems:

  • heating, ventilation, air conditioning;
  • water supply;
  • lighting;
  • power supply;
  • ensuring safety and security;
  • control of complex household appliances.

The Internet is replete with proposals for the creation of "Smart Home" systems. Ready-made modules are offered, from which the user can synthesize the system himself. Many proposals for the installation of a turnkey system. According to my observations, the result is very simple systems that only allow you to manage something without getting up from the couch, or the price of the project can reach 2.5 - 3 million rubles.

Basic principles for the development of the "Smart Home" system.

So far, the following principles come to mind. Perhaps life will change them or add new ones.

  • Our goal is to develop a complex system from low cost components. As a result, we will use Arduino boards as controllers.
  • The system should be easy to expand. Controllers will be added as development progresses. System configuration, i.e. the number and types of controllers can be easily changed at any stage of development or operation.
  • The system consists of several decentralized subsystems connected into a single system in one node - the central controller. Those. the system is built on the principle of local regulators - controllers that independently perform tasks even in the absence of communication. For example, the water leakage control system independently shuts off the water in the event of an accident. But the water supply can also be controlled from a central controller.
  • The system can be expanded by segments with other networks, data transmission media, both at a lower level and at a higher one. For example, sensors or controllers can be connected to the local controller via its own network, including wireless. If I'm not mistaken, such networks are called heterogeneous. You can connect a computer to the central controller. This will be an extension of the system towards the top level.
  • We will use RS-485 as the main communication network. This is the cheapest and most reliable networking option.
  • In general, the local controllers will be powered from a separate 12 V network. This allows:
    • simplify the system - no need for separate power supplies;
    • simple ways to organize backup power from the battery;
    • increase the reliability of the system - in case of a hangup of any controller, the central controller can reboot the local controllers by turning off the general power supply.
  • Statement of technical specifications for the development of local controllers will take place "at the place" of their installation. Those. we will not now plan and describe in detail which controllers are needed, which sensors or actuators to connect to them. When it comes time to develop a specific controller, we will see in which room it is installed, what elements need to be connected to it, etc.
  • The development of the system will take place “from below”. First of all, local controllers are developed. During the development phase, a computer will be used as the central controller.
    • Those. we are developing a local controller.
    • We install it on the object. We connect to the network.
    • Using a computer and a special test program, we debug the local controller.
    • Only when several local controllers have been developed and installed does it make sense to develop a central one. But even in this case, new local controllers will be tested using a computer.
  • As a network protocol, we will use the standard protocol.
  • System configuration will be done using a computer or tablet.
  • And the last rule is not to have any dogmatic rules. If practice shows that we made a mistake in some principles, then we must boldly cross them out and take new ones as a basis.

We will talk about all these principles when developing the elements of the system.

Control object.

I have already said that the system will be tested and operated at a specific facility. This is an already built townhouse (blocked development) with a plot of adjacent territory. The building consists of 3 floors and a technical adjoining room. The floor plan looks like this.

Previously, Mikhail set the following tasks and functions for the system.

Territory.

  1. Light control (zonal, with optional autonomous mode). 315MHz wireless light control modules are used to which the signal is transmitted over the air from the controller through wireless communication modules.
  2. Irrigation management (zonal). Mandatory control of soil moisture, on the basis of which watering can be blocked. A soil moisture sensor is used for monitoring.
  3. Management of the access system (gate, barrier).
  4. Measurement of weather conditions (temperature and humidity).

Residential premises.

  1. Light control (for rooms + zonal).
  2. Control of exhaust and supply ventilation (by premises). It works automatically, comparing the temperature and humidity of the air outside and inside the room, as well as with the possibility of a manual remote "override". Motor control from a relay module, humidity and temperature sensors DHT-22, as in paragraph 4
  3. Control of air conditioners (by premises). IR emitters are used.
  4. Management of watering systems for indoor plants (individual for watering points). Similar to item 2, but without weather control.
  5. Control of blinds, curtains, etc. (individual). Relay control modules with end position sensors.
  6. Temperature and humidity control (in rooms). Standard sensors DHT-22
  7. Control of gas pollution (gas leakage, CO2, smoke) (according to "risk" premises).
  8. Human presence control (by control rooms).
  9. Management of power sockets and consumers (depending on the project and needs). Standard relay modules.
  10. Management of multimedia devices.
  11. Internet of things (state monitoring and control of individual devices - a refrigerator, for example).

Technical premises

  1. Management of the centralized water supply system (including accounting).
  2. Management of the centralized heating system (including accounting).
  3. Centralized power supply management (including accounting).

Schematically, he depicted the tasks of the Smart Home system as follows.

All of these are just prerequisites. The functions of each local controller, and therefore the entire system, will be determined at the stage of its development “on site”. I gave this list rather to show the scale of the project. As far as I understand, Mikhail adheres to the principle that the system should do everything that can be done.

On the site's forum, I will create a section to discuss the project. If the questions are voluminous, require the presentation of diagrams or sketches, please communicate there, and not in the comments.

A smart home project is a complex of electronic devices installed throughout the premises, which performs centralized management of engineering systems. Engineering systems include sewerage, audio and video equipment, gas pipeline and other technical equipment of the apartment. In this article, we will consider common questions when creating a smart home, an overview of typical solutions and examples of projects that you can do yourself.

Typical structure of the Smart Home project

The smart home system should be based on the following principles:

  • balanced functioning of all equipment;
  • recording of all events with a detailed report and an indication of the working device;
  • continuous monitoring of the operation and condition of all equipment;
  • immediate notification of the owner about the onset of an emergency;
  • quick response to the event and analysis of the situation;
  • prevention, prevention and liquidation of accidents;
  • simplicity and ease of management.

The structure of a smart home includes climate control, lighting and electricity, security, multimedia system, weather and plant watering. Each item requires its own set of sensors and other components.

A smart home includes devices that need to be controlled (sensors, video cameras, smart sockets) and devices that perform control (remote controls, communication systems).

The smart home system has its advantages:

  • saving time on setting up and carrying out various operations;
  • saving electricity, water, gas;
  • adjusting the microclimate will have a positive effect on health - the system can be programmed to reduce the temperature at night, which contributes to falling asleep as soon as possible;
  • notification of the owner about the occurrence of an event;
  • ease of management - access can be carried out through applications on your phone or tablet;
  • quick response to an emergency and the ability to prevent it;
  • the ability to program unique scenarios.

The smart home is not without its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the high cost of all equipment, its installation, maintenance and service. Payback times can be long, especially when equipment breaks down.

You can assemble an intelligent system with your own hands. All equipment and control programs can be purchased in stores.

When planning a project, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • User. We need to think about how ordinary people will handle the system. It should be simple so that the user does not have to think for a long time where to click and what to do to complete the operation.
  • Choice of technology. You can make a wireless, wired or combined system. If it is wired or combined, you should think in advance where the cables will be placed, where to place automation elements and sockets. In a wireless system, you need to decide where to fix the sensors and receivers, where to put the signal repeaters.
  • Executor. Who will organize and support the system - the person himself or the company.
  • Autonomy. The functionality and capabilities of an intelligent home are thought out in advance. It is also necessary to foresee the operation of the system in the absence of an Internet connection.
  • The kernel that controls the system. It is necessary to decide which device will issue commands, receive signals and analyze the received data.
  • Location of the core of the complex. It should be located in a ventilated area (for example, a pantry or closet).
  • Expenses. This includes both financial and energy costs.

Different systems require a device with pre-installed programs. This device can be a computer, tablet or phone.

The implementation of the project requires understanding and knowledge of the basics of work, configuration, and features of the complex. Before starting, a smart home scheme is developed with all installation points, methods of combining, control.

To assemble the system, you can purchase a ready-made kit, which will contain all the necessary equipment and assembly instructions. The disadvantages of out-of-the-box kits are greatly overpriced, closed types of protocols and systems, and the inability to make changes to the system. By assembling the system with your own hands, you can save on something, but for development you need to have serious knowledge and skills in the field of electrics, the principles of organizing automation, and programming. It also becomes difficult to synchronize and combine gadgets from different companies. You will either have to choose products from one manufacturer, or manage each device separately.

The composition of the complex directly depends on the type of premises in which it is used. For private houses and cottages, heating systems, water supply, and offline power supply are relevant. In an apartment, functions are simplified due to connection to centralized networks - here it is enough to turn the system on and off in a timely manner. With an increase in the area and autonomy of the dwelling, the number of mechanisms involved also increases. The less housing depends on a centralized system, the more resources need to be spent to create a management complex. Also, in a large room, wired lines will be required, while in a small apartment, work can be done via radio.

The process of installing a smart home system is as follows:

  • designing each site to be equipped with smart devices;
  • analysis of selected subsystems;
  • studying the possibility of installing smart systems;
  • purchase of the necessary equipment;
  • cable laying;
  • installation of control sensors;
  • connection and installation of executive components;
  • connecting all components to the processor board.

Perform installation work with a 220-volt electrical network should be a highly qualified craftsman with experience. Otherwise, there is a claim of fire or electric shock. Work must be carried out in compliance with safety regulations.

When the installation is completed, a test run of the system is performed. During the check, various situations are carried out - a sharp cooling or overheating of the room, the operation of fire, security sensors, an artificial increase or decrease in illumination. If it fails, the error is found and corrected.

Then the debugging of the system begins. The necessary scenarios are prescribed, the main parameters of work are set, the control method is selected.

The most difficult stage is the programming of the smart home. If the system is boxed, there will be no problems, since there is a program with prescribed scripts that can only be customized. In other cases, you will have to develop software yourself. There are working modules that can be downloaded on the Internet, but they will have to be redone and customized for your equipment.

When considering the possibility of installing a smart home, the question arises whether such a system is beneficial. Intelligent technologies make life not only simple and comfortable, but also safe. With a smart home, you don’t have to worry about an unplugged socket or a working stove. Through the control panel, you can prescribe scenarios for the operation of devices and their schedule. Security and fire protection systems will always notify the owner and the relevant services in the event of an emergency. Particular attention is paid to the climate system. Optimum temperatures will make life not only comfortable, but also healthy and economical. No heat will be wasted, which will lead to significant financial savings.

TOP 5 unusual projects

Implementation of projects is impossible without smart devices. They can perform not only their classic tasks, but also do additional work.

The smart intercom can record HD video 24 hours a day. He conducts night shooting, can fix visitors and inform the owners about the arrival of guests. Even if no one is at home, the intercom will transmit a message and show the broadcast of what is happening in the house.

An important distinguishing feature of the device is the ability of the visitor to make a call to the owners of the house. If they cannot answer, the built-in voice assistant will communicate with the visitor. The gadget can record a video message, it also remembers frequent guests.

Mirror Mirror

Mirror differs from ordinary mirrors with a fitness trainer built into it. It is worth turning on the device, and the room becomes a virtual sports hall. A picture of a virtual trainer appears on the mirror display, who, together with a person, performs a workout, shows the correctness of the exercises and gives advice. In the off state, the device is a normal mirror.

More than 50 kinds of various sports exercises are recorded in the mirror. There are boxing, yoga, stretching, fitness programs. Taking into account the individual characteristics of a person and his preferences, an optimal training program is selected.

Additionally, the mirror can monitor the state of health. To do this, the gadget is synchronized with a fitness bracelet or other device, reads the information and displays the received data on the screen.

Xiao AI Smart Alarm Clock


The alarm clock from Xiaomi is a complete gadget for sleep and household chores. It has a voice assistant installed, but it only recognizes Chinese. The assistant can notify about important events, report the weather forecast, and control other household appliances. The device works through the Mijia application.

A distinctive feature of an intelligent alarm clock is the ability to lull a person to sleep at night. The memory of the device contains various soothing sounds that help you fall asleep quickly. To wake up the host, the volume is set to ramp up by default so that the wake-up is smooth. Rise time and mode change are done in the app.

Zera Food Recycler


A household waste disposal device makes life not only more comfortable, but also safer for the environment. The device is a visually appealing white container smaller than a dishwasher.

The principle of operation is as follows - food waste is placed in the utilizer through an opening, which is then closed with a lid. The garbage enters the mixing chamber, where it is mixed and crushed. After that, the waste is sent to the recycling chamber, where it is treated with a special compound. This mixture contributes to the rapid decomposition of waste. The result is an environmentally friendly ready-made fertilizer that can be used in the garden. The complete working cycle of the unit takes place in a day.

It works through an application in which the user can launch the device, receive notification of the end of the cycle, and clarify the status of processing.

Such devices help to unload landfills, save on garbage transportation and significantly improve the environmental situation of a particular place.


This gadget has a whole range of different tasks. It can determine air quality, measure its composition, and provide real-time meteorological reports on the state of the environment in the house and beyond. The station has a built-in barometer, thermometer, hygrometer. The device is also able to determine the noise level.

Wireless connection. In the main mode, the weather station does not interact with a smartphone or computer, it directly connects to the Internet and transmits readings to the company's server. Applications receive information from this server and display them on the owner's screen. It is possible to see what other devices near the user are showing.

With the development of technology and various electronic devices, it becomes possible to completely transfer the control of systems located in apartments and houses to automatic offline mode. Smart home what is it? So, for starters, let's define what a smart home system is. This is an innovative advanced system of full or partial automation of various engineering systems of a living space aimed at home comfort without mechanical human intervention. The integrated smart home control system can control and turn on and off the equipment included in it at the right time, as well as inform the owner about it.

Smart home features

This automatic complex can control the following equipment and perform the following operations, in other words, we list the capabilities of the system:

  1. Constant monitoring and control of the safety of the residential premises and the local area. This possibility can include video surveillance systems, as well as a number of measures related to unauthorized entry. The security circuit, including the siren, can send a signal in parallel to the security service;
  2. Fire safety;
  3. Control and maintenance of the set temperature inside a separate room or the entire room. This is achieved by proper operation in the established modes of heating equipment, air conditioners, ventilation;
  4. Power supply control and switching on of a backup source in the event of a power outage. This includes uninterruptible power supplies, stabilizers.
  5. Organization of correct and cost-effective water supply. This applies to both cold and hot water. This function may also have sensors that respond to the rupture of water pipes or their flow;
  6. Management, during the arrival, departure or at the time of the absence of the owners of lighting. This equipment is divided into emergency and working lighting. During the absence of the owners, it can turn on the lighting in order to reproduce the process of the presence of people in the house, and thereby scare off intruders and thieves from the home;
  7. Continuous round-the-clock monitoring of the functioning of all included systems;
  8. Transfer to automatic mode of household appliances, telecommunications, and various multimedia equipment;
  9. Watering lawns and gardens in hot weather, feeding pets and fish.

The smart home system is aimed not only at controlling and switching all the equipment in the house, but also at their economic use, that is, at reducing energy costs. The operation of this system is very relevant in the case of a person living in a room or people with disabilities. For intelligent control and management, computer technology and specially developed programs are used for this.

Smart home equipment

The market of modern devices and systems aimed at automation is filled with both high-quality products and fakes, so if a person decides to bring the system to life, then saving on quality is not recommended. In principle, it is not a problem to create a brief description, indicate the necessary nodes on the floor plan.

The list of equipment that can be used in organizing and setting up a smart home:

  • Switches for lighting and power sockets;
  • All kinds of dimmers to adjust the brightness of lighting;
  • Blinds and shutters control equipment;
  • Sensors for motion, light, temperature, fire, atmospheric pressure, water leakage, presence, etc. Sensors for a smart home should be chosen only reliable, as this is the main tool for the system;
  • Telephone line converter;
  • Intercom line converter;
  • Microphone with AGC and ADC (serves as voice control for a smart home);
  • GSM module;
  • IR receiver and transmitter;
  • IR RF repeater;
  • Voltage meter;
  • Stabilizer and uninterruptible power supply;
  • Current meter;
  • Device for control and interface touch or push-button. A password is often set on the control equipment;
  • Frequency meter;
  • Ball valves with electric drive.

How smart home works

For the automatic operation of all systems included in the smart home complex, modern electronic sensors, a controller, as well as related equipment are used. All of them are connected into one single control chain, with the help of which the above processes occur. That is, depending on the selected equipment, certain sensors are used. Smart home technologies may differ slightly from each other, but their main function is still automation. For example, in order to turn on certain lamps, which the owner himself chooses, they must be connected through solar activity sensors, that is, they react to the illumination inside or outside the room. In addition, lighting equipment can respond to the presence of a person and turn on or off when he comes and goes without affecting the light switch.

Approximately the same principle works and the heating system and air conditioners. Sensors are located throughout the house that respond to temperature changes, the owner only has to set the optimal temperature for him in the entire room or in each of the rooms, and the smart home will decide and make the right choice whether to turn on cooling, heating or just ventilation . The same situation is with the humidity parameters.

All information from sensors, actuators, energy and water supply, as well as from security equipment is sent to the central controller (processor), which is the brain of the entire system.

All systems can be divided into:

  1. Informative sensors and cameras;
  2. CPU;
  3. Actuators (all kinds of electric valves and gate valves);
  4. Systems of control and management over all these processes.

Smart home design

Of course, the installation and design of a smart home is a simple matter and it is better to lay it on the shoulders of professionals, since it will require the installation and installation of a large number of sensors around the entire perimeter of the room and the local area. The smart home system for an apartment is less expensive, but of course, it all depends on the wishes of the client and his financial capabilities.

Installation can be divided into three stages:

  1. Connection and interfacing into a single system of all devices and equipment existing in the room. This is done through the use of connecting cords or radio waves, as well as special software;
  2. Sensors are being installed and adjusted that will indicate the state of this or that equipment, for example, whether curtains, blinds or entrance gates are closed;
  3. Pairing all these systems with a microcontroller, that is, with the brain of a smart home, it will send a signal to the owner about the execution, receive a remote signal to control this equipment, and also carry out measures aimed at saving costs. In some cases, designers also recommend installing shut-off emergency dampers or valves on the inlet pipes of water supply and gas supply, as well as on their communication outlets. In the event of an emergency and if the owner does not confirm the permission signal to close, the controller itself will be able to block or turn off the desired supply of a particular source. The problem situation can be false, we must not forget about it. In any case, there is a choice whether to control it via the Internet or by radio signal, using a smartphone or a special remote control.

There are several ways to implement the idea of ​​a smart home:

  • Purchase of a ready-made project, as well as turnkey installation, which is offered by many companies;
  • Acquisition of a ready-made modular kit and integration into the existing system at home;
  • To create the entire system yourself, that is, to develop, design, complete, and also install the system "from scratch" on your own. Either way, it's creative work.

Before making a decision, it is recommended to evaluate both your capabilities and strengths for installation by yourself, and consult on the cost of a turnkey installation in a particular region or country. Installation of a smart home system, design, and installation can be carried out both in a complex and one by one. Prices for these services and products can vary greatly, so a long choice is inevitable. Comparison of smart home systems is aimed at guaranteeing its operation, as well as the likelihood of an erroneous or false alarm. These are the main criteria to consider when choosing.

Video installation and configuration of a smart home