Energy harvesting technology for smart home window systems

The new window handle expands the product range at HOPPE as an entry-level model to detect whether a window is open or closed. With ZF’s energy harvesting generator, the new RF window handle from HOPPE needs no batteries and is therefore easy to retrofit.

By the rotational movement to open or close the window, the handle generates enough energy to send an RF signal. The position of the window handle will then be transmitted wirelessly to a central control unit which can be programmed, for example, to automatically regulate the heating to turn down if the windows are open.

For the new eHandle ConnectHome, HOPPE relies on a module consisting of monostable generator and RF board which are produced by ZF. The generator is based on an inductive principle meaning that the required RF energy is only generated by the mechanical actuation of the handle incorporating the switch.

The data transfer is made wirelessly using the EnOcean RF protocol. Energy harvesting switches from ZF are easy and effective to use and are therefore suitable for various control solutions within different environments and a range of applications.