Mar 11 2013
Telkonet, Inc., developer of the EcoSmart energy management platform featuring Recovery Time™ technology, announced today the ability to seamlessly integrate wirelessly with Somfy Systems' product line of motors for automatically operating a hospitality property's in-room draperies, blinds and shades. Based in Dayton, New Jersey, Somfy Systems is the world's largest manufacturer of motors for interior and exterior window coverings.
When Somfy's motor technology is combined with Telkonet's EcoInsight intelligent thermostats and EcoView sensors, a hotel owner can use room occupancy information and light-level data from the in-room sensors to close curtains in sunny, unoccupied rooms, thereby reducing the solar load and the need for unnecessary cooling functions. In addition, managing shade position can also extend the useful life of in-room fabrics and furniture which fade as a result of exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun.
"Curtains do more than just hang on the wall; they protect room furnishings from sun damage and contribute considerably to maximizing energy efficiency efforts," said Ana Maria Huertas Iragorri , Hospitality Business Development Manager for Somfy North America. "Heating, cooling and internal lighting represent the three largest expenses for many hotels. Somfy's bioclimatic facades control sunlight to minimize the costs associated with HVAC runtime and artificial lighting. Having the EcoSmart technology intelligently supervise unoccupied rooms certainly enhances our ability to meet energy management objectives," added Huertas Iragorri .
Jeff Sobieski , Telkonet's Chief Technology Officer, believes Somfy can assist Telkonet in continuing to provide a positive guest experience. "Telkonet can promise several benefits to the building owners utilizing the EcoSmart energy management system, an increase in energy efficiency, a reduction in energy expenses and consistent, comfortable room temperatures for their occupants. In tandem with our EcoSmart tools, Somfy products will help prevent the heat gain in an unoccupied room associated with solar load, thereby reducing the runtimes and extending the life of a hotel's heating and cooling system."
Both the Somfy technology and Telkonet's EcoSmart solution communicate across a ZigBee® mesh network to provide real-time motor position status updates and precise control over curtain functions. ZigBee® is a wireless technology developed as an open global standard to address the unique needs of low-cost, low-power wireless networks.
As upscale hotel brands continue to unveil rigorous energy reduction goals, Telkonet's ability to communicate across a ZigBee® mesh network with technologies such as Somfy's, as well as being able to manage its in-room lighting, cooling, heating, plug load components and select appliances and amenities will result in significant savings for hospitality properties.