Light Switches offer wireless, battery-free operation.
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Press Release Summary:
EnOcean-enabled Switches scavenge minute amounts of energy when they are pressed on, then use that energy to transmit RF signals up to 10 mW to wirelessly control lighting. Systems are comprised of battery-less switches, dimmers, and receivers that are integrated into lights or controllers and signal repeaters, eliminating need to run cable from switch to light or controller. One switch can control one or multiple lights, and multiple switches can control one light.
Original Press Release:
EnOcean Unveils Battery Free Wireless Light Switches
Saves time, reduces costs and enhances flexibility over traditional wired switches up to 80%.
Munich, Germany and Boston, MA, USA, April 11, 2005 - EnOcean, a global leader in energy-harvesting wireless sensor solutions, will announce the North American introduction of battery free, wireless switches at Lightfair International 2005, April 12~14 in the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, NY.
EnOcean's switches are unique in combining two advanced technologies. First, they scavenge minute amounts of energy when a light switch is pressed, then, that energy is used to rapidly transmit high power RF signals (up to 10mW power output) to wirelessly control lighting. 'EnOcean-enabled' switches are an excellent alternative to the traditional wired switch as they are designed to last equally long but require no maintenance and no wiring, not even a box in the wall behind the switch. "EnOcean is poised to build value not only in our initial building automation markets but also to address additional industry opportunities," says Markus Brehler, CEO of EnOcean. "The addressable market for building automation alone is well above $2 Billion."
Detlef Kurras, Head of Electronics/IT for Obermeyer P&B, stated "As planning engineers, we aim to take account of the entire life cycle of a building. A radio system like that offered by EnOcean gives us maximum flexibility when accommodating individual tenants' requirements. This installation structure is extremely useful, particularly when there is a change of tenant."
An EnOcean-enabled lighting system is comprised of battery-less wireless switches & dimmers (PTM200) and receivers (RCM 120) that are integrated into lights or controllers and signal repeaters (TCM120) to span larger facilities. The EnOcean system eliminates the need to run cable from the switch to the light or controller. This enhances flexibility, reduces electrical contractor installation time and costs, and facilitates convenient switch location regardless of building construction e.g. log homes, marble entryways, etc. One can locate switches on virtually any surface including glass, stone or wood with convenient double sided tape. When coupled with EnOcean wireless temperature sensors, architects and developers can flexibly relocate interior walls without costly, intrusive rewiring. EnOcean switches support dimming applications as well as control of window shades and blinds.
In addition, EnOcean systems are simple to configure, and reconfigure, by pressing a Learn button on the receiver. One switch can control one or multiple lights, and multiple switches can control one light. The wireless signals avoid the crowded 2.4 GHz frequency resulting in less interference and reliable performance. Each button press initiates multiple telegrams to further enhance reliability. Combining unique IDs, rapid transmissions and multiple broadcasts, EnOcean switches can be deployed in high density applications. Currently, facilities with over 500 co-located switches are operating successfully.
About EnOcean
Headquartered in Oberhaching, near Munich, EnOcean GmbH was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Siemens AG. Investors include 3i, BayTech Venture Capital, SAM Private Equity, Siemens Venture Capital, and Wellington Partners. The company's groundbreaking technology enables wireless sensors and switches that operate without batteries or external power sources. These self powered modules convert process energy from light, pressure, vibration, or temperature differential into useable electrical energy. Our advanced power management architecture enables the operation of sensors and radios off miniscule amounts of available energy.
EnOcean products are low energy but not low power. They have transmission ranges of up to 300 meters outdoors, and approximately 30 meters indoors through walls. End products "enabled by EnOcean - no batteries, no wires" are employed in a diverse range of market segments, e.g. building automation, industrial manufacturing, security and automotive technology. Over 50,000 EnOcean sensors and switches are deployed. Visit www.enocean.com for more.
