Connectivity and energy neutrality

Key themes for BREL in 2024

In early 2024, BREL launched its new BREL SMART BUILDING brand that focuses on solar for project blinds, where the motors are equipped with an integrated SIM card. But it doesn't stop there. At Polyclose and the R+T, BREL showed the first BREL Matter motors and Matter hub to the professional world. 

"Matter is talked about a lot," begins Reinoud Arts, director of BREL HOME. "But what is it really? Many people think Matter is some kind of home automation system, a home control system. It isn't. It is, however, a way to connect a product to Alexa Google home and Apple Homekit. Matter is a language that allows all devices to talk to each other no matter where you are in the world." 

The introduction of Matter at BREL HOME starts with the launch of a number of Matter motors for indoor blinds and a Matter Home Box. "Remote operation of these motors is thus greatly expanded. In addition, operation with our familiar and proven BREL HOME app in combination with our Home Box is possible as standard." 

Infinite possibilities

"With Matter, the sky is the limit," continues Arts. "Literally! By integrating Matter, the tech giants will soon be able to create opportunities to incorporate indoor shading into a home control system with artificial intelligence. The tech giants want to smartly make a home as comfortable and economical as possible. Of course, the end user decides to what extent he wants to make use of this, but just imagine the possibilities it will open up! Artificial intelligence can start controlling everything in the house based on the behavior of the occupants." 

BREL SMART BUILDING's PENTA engine

BREL SMART BUILDING's PENTA motors are an extension of BREL SOLAR's successful concept, Arts explains. "The motor operates over the Internet through the integrated SIM card, so it is always accessible. The intelligence control system, which complies with the latest ISO standard for making buildings energy efficient, makes a building even better prepared for heat and cold stress." 

PENTA motors communicate PENTA-directionally. This means that the motors communicate in different ways:

• Send and receive via bluetooth
• RF received
• Send and receive via SIM card

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

Functions of the PENTA motors:

• Light and temperature control and peak power protection
• Glasswasher Protection
• Engineer Security
• Wind Protection
• Frost protection
• Temperature Protection

PENTA motors are available in 13 Nm and 20 Nm.

A building NTA8800- and BENG-proof with BREL SMART BUILDING

In working toward energy neutrality, Arts says BREL SMART BUILDING can play an important role. "The BENG requirements have a lot of influence on the design of a building, where energy requirements have to be taken into account. BREL SMART BUILDING offers the solution for this: SOLAR for project solar. By making SOLAR suitable for project solar shading, the system contributes to the BENG 1 standard with regard to solar gain in the building." 

The new system was created through an exclusive partnership with Vodafone Smart Building. "The engine's software and hardware already incorporate the intelligence that anticipates the latest regulations regarding energy-efficient buildings. Because Vodafone connects all systems together, office buildings can save a huge amount of energy, making the system pay for itself very quickly, while increasing user enjoyment."