ift Rosenheim – 50 years of service to the industry

Windows and doors are able to react to changed boundary conditions by means of sensors and drive technology due to the integration of electronics. In addition to the energy saving, they also offer benefits for living and operating comfort, security, barrier-free building.

In 2005, windows and doors, which were able to perform this, were still individual constructions and were mostly used in special constructions. The motorization in gates and solar shadings is further advanced. However, the connection to the central building technology is also mostly missing.

Few standards and regulations are existing for the integration of electronics in windows, doors and facades. A transfer of the “electrical” regulations is only possible to a limited extent. During planning, there is often a deficit regarding the possible use of electronics and the thereto necessary coordination between the trades. Furthermore, also window and facade manufacturer do not posses the know-how needed.

Many interfaces as well as technical and building-physical interactions occur due to the collaboration of different trades (window construction, electrical engineering, technical building services,...) when integrating electronics in window, facade and door construction. The aim was to develop basics and to compile the results. An analysis of the weaknesses resulted in the priorities:

1. Integration of electromechanical construction elements in building structures with questions regarding

safety in use/reliability as well as durability, specifications for power-operated construction elements, interactions of different components.

the involvement, installation as well as linkage in the building and/or the central building control system, coordination of the trades involved in planning and execution, concrete definition of the electrical interfaces.

Integration of electromechanical building components in construction elements with questions regarding

At the beginning of the project [1], the electrotechnical standards as well as the electrical and electronic components were analysed. The analysis of the cable routing in the construction element revealed that the cable should be wired on the warm “unloaded” interior side. The principle of a separate installation zone is economical.

On the basis of the single steps of the HOAI, the implementation of the planning and execution process of a facade and/or window concept was analysed. A practicable “designation code” was evolved, by which the hand-over position between the trade construction element and the trade service engineering can be defined.

However, the determination of the functional line seizure (e.g. cables for the control system) is also essential. A defined “color key” allows a simple and practical labelling of the functions of single cabels. The ift-Guideline EL-01/1 [2] combines suggestions and details considered when planning.

Unlike windows, electromechanical systems are successfully used for power-operated gates, doors and shadings (venetian blinds, roller shutter) for many years. The safety devices and controls originated initially from other ranges of application, however, were matched with the needs of the door and gate industry.

Digitization and use of electric and electronic construction elements are also unstoppable at windows and doors. Who would not want to have a central closure, automatic ventilation, an integrated burglar alarm system or a self-opening entrance door when having full shopping bags in his house?

Recently, global companies like Google and Apple as well as capable suppliers of the automotive industry have recognized the building sector and/or smart home as attractive growth segment. In addition to direct sales, user data are also interesting. Therefore, a dynamic market development for mechatronic construction elements is to be expected in the near future.

Standardization and standards are still missing for the use of new technologies. Generally valid rules do not only create fair competitive conditions, but also care for the necessary functional and electrical safety. Besides, these standards must also enable the use by different manufacturer, such as the “plug and play” solutions for computers. The hardware (e.g. window, drive units, sensors, cables, plugs) as well as the software (bus protocol, “transfer parameter” for the communication, etc.) have to be coordinated and compatible. Examples are uniformly arranged ducts or tracks, the definition of a window universal plug as well as the durable and secure integration of electronic components.

The future has begun; electromechanical components are meanwhile self-evident (gate drive, automatic doors, door drives). Specifications for accessibility, energy saving, superior, convenience, comfort and safety can be further improved by automatic systems. Even if the application in facades and windows is still low, a high demand for safe products emerges also for the future. Who gets the business, is still unclear. However, it is clear that ift Rosenheim will support the manufacturer, planner and user practically and componently in usual way with the new laboratory area “Safety electronic components”.