Home Automation System

What is Home Automation System ???

Home automation system makes the operations of various home appliances more convenient and saves energy. With the energy saving concept, home automation or building automation makes life very simple nowadays. 

It involves automatic controlling of all electrical or electronic devices in homes or even remotely through wireless communication. Centralized control of lighting equipments, air conditioning and heating, audio/video systems, security systems, kitchen appliances and all other equipments used in home systems is possible with this system. 

Home Automation System

This system is mainly implemented by sensors, controlling devices and actuators as shown in the figure. The sensors detects light, motion, temperature and other sensing elements, and then send that data to the main controlling devices. 

These sensors can be thermocouples or thermistors, photo detectors, level sensors, pressure sensors, current transformers, IR sensors, etc., which need an additional signal conditioning equipment to communicate with the main controller.

Controllers may be personal computers/laptops, touch pads, smart phones, etc., attached to the controlling devices like programmable-logic controllers that receive the information from the sensors, and based on the program, control the actuators. 

This program can be modified based on the load operations. The programmable controller allows to connect various sensors and actuators through various input and output modules whether they are analog or digital.

Actuators are the final controlling devices like limit switches, relays, motors and other controlling mechanisms which finally control the home equipments. 

Communication plays an important role in this home automation system for the remote access of these operations. This smart home system also provides continuous monitoring through video surveillance with cameras, scheduling, and energy saving operations. This is the best solution even for the elderly and the disabled persons to operate equipments.

Types of Home Automation Systems : 

Implementation of the home automation depends on the type of controls like wired or wireless. There are mainly three types of home automation systems: 

  1.     Power line Based Home Automation

  2.     Wired or BUS Cable Home Automation

  3.     Wireless Home Automation

1. Power Line Home Automation System

This automation is inexpensive and doesn’t require additional cables to transfer the information, but uses existing power lines to transfer the data. However, this system involves a large complexity and necessitates additional converter circuits and devices.

2. Wired Home Automation System

In this type of automation, all the home equipments are connected to a main controller (programmable logic controller) through a communication cable. The equipment is attached with actuators to communicate with the main controller. The entire operations are centralized by the computer that continuously communicates with the main controller.

3. Wireless Home Automation

This is the expansion and advancement of wired automation which uses wireless technologies like IR, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, GSM, Bluetooth, etc., for achieving remote operation. As an example, the GSM based home automation provides the controlling of home equipments by an SMS to the GSM modem.

How Does Home Automation System Works ???

Home automation systems offer options to help you create the life you want. Below are seven ways these systems work to make your life easier:

1. Automate your lighting

Smart lighting systems enable you to quickly set the mood whether you're having guests over or are just spending the night alone. Aside from being able to adjust the color of the lights, you can also control them from your smartphone. You'll never have to worry about accidentally leaving your lights on overnight again.

2. Give guests remote entry into your home

Whether you're throwing a neighborhood party or having a small get-together, always dropping everything to answer the door is never fun. Fortunately, you can end this pain by using a smart lock and doorbell camera. These technologies enable you to see who's at your door when they arrive. From there, you can communicate with them and unlock the doors for them if you choose. You can also provide guests with single-use virtual keys so they can let themselves in when they arrive.

3. Automate climate controls for comfort and savings

Modern smart thermostats are much more robust than traditional ones. Smart home automation systems are designed to fit your lifestyle with smartphone controls, timed settings and even artificial intelligence that tracks your daily routines then auto-adjusts to save energy while optimizing comfort. 

4. Protect your home and family from crime

One of the biggest benefits of home automation technology is the supported security integration. When you combine an alarm system with smart locks, window sensors, and security cameras, you'll have peace of mind that the home is secure. These systems can be set to automatically arm themselves when you leave, and send alerts if you forget to lock up. Additionally, when combined with smart locks, you'll be able to lock your doors with your smartphone.

5. Keep an eye on the kids while you're out

Many parents hesitate to give their children smart phones until they reach a certain age. Wireless indoor cameras with built-in two-way communication systems so you can keep an eye on the kids and communicate with them without giving them a  smartphone. 

6. Share photos and videos between family members

With video recording services like Playback and hardware like Smart Drive, it's easy for your entire family to automatically backup their photos, videos, and files into a secure, central hub fully controlled within the home. 

7. Gain a personal assistant

Voice-activated smart home devices, like Amazon Echo, enable you to control your entire home with your voice. You're in charge of the garage doors, locks, arm your system and adjust thermostats and lights. In addition to managing your home,

Share: