More power + Less costs

The central point here is the cabling: For a 24 V system, I need larger cable cross-sections the longer the building's dimensions become. This doesn't make a difference if the length is 2 m, but when we start talking about more than 20 or 30 m, the cable cross-sections increase dramatically. A cable that is 100 m long, for example, can have a cross-section of over 16 mm². In larger buildings, we start having problems with structural aspects due to the heavy weight of the cables. The enormous advantage of a 230 V system here is that the system makes it possible to reduce the cross-section drastically. The normal installation cable can be used – in almost any length.

The cost savings are enormous: In a 230 V solution, we can provide power to distant flaps and drives with significantly less expensive cables and lower weights. This makes the entire system more cost-effective. For smaller structures, such as a stairwell, a 24 V system is ideal. However, once we start talking about multiple storeys or an industry hall, for example, where there are larger cable routes, the 230 V solution is clearly more cost-effective.

Of course, we can provide some sample calculations. If we assume a cable route of 100 m in a complete SHEV system of a building, the total savings for control panels and cables would be several thousand euros. The differential becomes greater the longer the cable routes are. But the cost factor is not the only consideration. The visual advantages can also be a deciding factor. Large cable trays for a 24 V emergency power supply are sometimes difficult to reconcile with architects' ideas. In the 230 V solution, cable trays become much smaller and less obtrusive. Planners very often have problems with overloaded cable trays. One solution would be to have cabling with significantly smaller cross-sections.

The SHEV control panel can be used to control and supply both 230 V and 24 V components. Whereas our drives are all designed for 24 V or 230 V, the weather sensors, for example, are supplied with 24 V. Using the 24 V plug-in unit in the SHEV control panel, we are able to supply the power for the weather control panel and, at the same time, supply the sun shading drive using the 230 V plug-in unit, for example. This interaction is very important for large buildings.

The level of awareness isn't where it should be yet. We would like the communication among various specialist planners to function better through comprehensive coordination. That would make the advantages visible for planners in different areas as well. In a way that the electrical planners have the advantage of lower cable costs, structural engineers benefit from lower cable cross-sections and architects can put their design ideas into practice. In our experience with the previously mentioned example structures, you can see very clearly that everyone benefits from increased collaboration between those involved.