Altair® PowerlouvreTM Automated Windows

Electronically Control your Altair® Louvre Windows

A sleek and elegant solution

Low voltage Altair Powerlouvre Windows are a sleek, elegant solution to your window automation needs. Designed for easy installation, the Powerlouvre Window removes the complexity of sourcing special trades to install the system and is ideal for a range of design applications such as high out-of-reach locations or as floor-to-ceiling feature windows.

The Powerlouvre is available in Breezway’s Easyscreen Window System or can be made available in a variety of aluminium or timber window frames from approved Window Fabricators. For more information visit Frame Types.

Breezway Powerlouvres can be controlled by Apptivate Control Units or a third party Building management systems (BMS). For more information on Building Management Systems please contact your builder or designer.

Powerlouvre AWA Logo

Breezway Powerlouvre Window

PowerlouvreTM ApptivateTM Control Unit

Operate your Powerlouvres with a simple touch of a button.

  • Touch sensitive, standard sized wall plate.
  • Single touch to fully open, fully close or can be precisely opened to any intermediate position to control airflow into the home.
  • Automatic operation in response to an in-built temperature sensor or timers to maintain indoor comfort.
  • Bluetooth Smart module to permit remote control by compatible smartphones and tablets.
  • Single and dual channel models available to suit individual needs.

Breezway Powerlouvre Wall Unit

PowerlouvreTM App

Download to your compatible iOS or Android Bluetooth smart phone or tablet.

  • Remote opening and closing of each Apptivate Control Unit. The range of the Bluetooth signal is approximately 10m – 20m. (The range will be maximised by having a clear line of sight to the Apptivate Control Unit.)
  • Set automatic operation in response to the Apptivate in-built temperature sensor and timers to naturally cool or retain warmth when required.
  • ‘Night mode’ adjusts the brightness of the Apptivate Unit LED lights overnight.
  • A single command can open or close all Powerlouvre Windows in range.
  • For easy identification personalise the names of Apptivate Control Units and channels controlled by the Powerlouvre App.
  • Provides feedback of the open/close position of connected Powerlouvre Windows.

Breezway Powerlouvre App

ApptivateTM Control Unit and PowerlouvreTM App Demo

 

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of the Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit and the Powerlouvre App.

PowerLouvre Brochure

 

View PDF.

Electricians Guide

 

View PDF.

Powerlouvre App Operation

The Apptivate Control Unit includes a Bluetooth Smart module which allows wireless communication between the Apptivate Control Unit and a compatible device running the Powerlouvre App.

Compatible devices

Compatible devices will have Bluetooth Smart modules installed and have an iOS or Android operating system. Devices include:

Apple products running iOS 7 or newer:

  • iPhone 4s and newer
  • iPad 3 and newer
  • iPad Mini and newer
  • iPod Touch 5

Devices running Android 4.3 and newer, including:

  • Samsung Galaxy Range
  • HTC One, MAX
  • Sony Experia Range
  • Droid RAZR, Ultra, Maxx, Mini
  • Google Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10

Security

Establishing associations between the Powerlouvre App and Apptivate Control Units requires:

  • Close physical proximity between the Powerlouvre App and the Apptivate Control Unit, and
  • An access code (defined by the first Powerlouvre App to be associated to the Apptivate Control Unit).

If the Access Code is forgotten, a factory reset button can be activated by snapping off the front cover plate of the Apptivate Control Unit and pushing a paperclip through a small hole to hold a button down for a brief period. Security will be maximised by positioning the Apptivate Control Unit in a location that restricts unauthorised access.

If restricting access to the Apptivate Control Unit is not practical then users can seal the hole to block access to the factory reset button from the front panel necessitating the unscrewing of the Apptivate Control Unit from the wall in order to carry out a factory reset.

Automatic operation in response to temperature

Temperatures can be set at which the Apptivate Control Unit will:

  • Automatically open the windows to naturally cool the room, or
  • Automatically close the windows to retain warmth within the room.

Automatic response to temperature can be enabled or disabled:

  • Remotely from the Powerlouvre App, or
  • Directly on the Apptivate Control Unit.

Notes:

  • As the temperature sensor will be located within the wall cavity it may be susceptible to environmental conditions so the temperature readings will be indicative of the air temperature within the room, but will not exactly reflect the air temperature within the room.
  • When responding to temperatures both channels of Dual Channel Apptivate Control Units will respond simultaneously to the temperature sensor.

iPhone detail temp on

iPhone set temp

Automatic operation in response to timers

Timer events (time of day and day of week) can be set to:

  • Open the windows
  • Move the window to an intermediate position
  • Close the windows
  • Begin responding automatically to temperatures.

This allows the windows to be set to operate in anticipation of the building occupant’s daily routine. For example, opening before employees arrive to pre-cool the building, or responding to temperatures from when a homeowner goes to bed so that the windows close when the temperature drops in the early hours of the morning.

Timer events can be enabled or disabled:

  • Remotely from the Powerlouvre App, or
  • Directly on the Apptivate Control Unit.

This allows timer events to easily be disabled as the homeowner leaves the house or enabled as they arrive home.


Note: When responding to timer events both channels of Dual Channel Apptivate Control Units will respond simultaneously.

iPhone timers

Control of multiple Apptivate Control Units

Up to 6 Apptivate Control Units can be associated to each Powerlouvre App allowing building occupants to control windows around their home from their Powerlouvre App.

For ease of identification:

  • Each of the Apptivate Control Units can be given a customised name.
  • Each of the channels of a Dual Channel Apptivate Control Unit can be given a customised name.
  • The Powerlouvre App will indicate any Apptivate Control Units which are out of range, or with which a Bluetooth Smart connection cannot be made.

For maximum control and ease of use, all the Apptivate Control Units associated to a Powerlouvre App can be operated simultaneously or independantly.


iPhone home two PCUs

Control by multiple Powerlouvre Apps

Associations can be established between multiple Powerlouvre Apps and each Apptivate Control Unit, to allow all family members to control the windows from their smartphones.

Note: Only one Powerlouvre App will be able to maintain an active Bluetooth Smart connection with an Apptivate Control Unit at any given time.


For example: Both John and Mary’s Powerlouvre Apps are associated to the Apptivate Control Unit operating the Powerlouvre Windows in their living room. If John opens the windows using his Powerlouvre App, Mary will not be able to close the windows using her Powerlouvre App until John minimises the Powerlouvre App on his smartphone or his smartphone enters ‘sleep’ mode.

Powerlouvre Installation Considerations

Electrical Requirements & Installation

  • Operating voltage: 24V DC
  • Maximum constant current: 0.25A per motor
  • Maximum startup current: 0.5A per motor
  • Opening time: Approx 14 seconds
  • Working temperature: -20 to +60 degrees Celsius

Note: In extreme cold conditions the windows will not operate if there is excessive ice build up or if the louvre blades are frozen together.


Maximum Constant Current Requirements

Powerlouvre Window TypeMotors per bayMaximum Constant Current RequiredMaximum Instantaneous Start Up Current Required
2-9 Blades High10.25 amps per bay0.5 amps per bay
10-18 Blades High20.5 amps per bay1.0 amps per bay

The direction in which the Powerlouvre Window moves is determined by the polarity of the low voltage current supplied. Once the Powerlouvre Window has fully opened or fully closed, an electronic circuit stops power being delivered to the motors to prevent the motor being damaged should power be supplied continuously.

Powerlouvre Wiring

Breezway Transformers

Breezway supplies transformers (as an optional extra) that have been specified to meet the requirements of Powerlouvre Windows.

  • 240V AC current transformed to 24V DC current.
  • 2.0 Amp, capable of providing sufficient instantaneous startup current for up to 6 Powerlouvre motors.
  • Built-in overload protection to prevent accidental short circuits from damaging the transformer.

    • Battery Backup

    The Powerlouvre Window has no integrated battery back up. If the power supply fails the window cannot be operated. If battery back up is required, systems are readily available and can be integrated by qualified suppliers.

    For more information, please read the Battery Backup Technical Bulletin here.

    Operating Conditions

     

    • Cyclical open/closed: 30,000 cycles
    • Salt mist: 1,000 hours
    • Extreme humidity: 90% humidity at 35 degrees celcius
    • Extreme heat: 60 degrees celcius
    • Extreme cold: 0 degrees celcius
    • Electromagnetic compatibility: Complies with the requirements of EN61000-6-3 and AS/NZS 4251.1

    Powerlouvre Opening Configurations

    Powerlouvre Windows that are 2-9 blades high contain one motor per bay and are wired such that the entire window opens and closes simultaneously.

    Powerlouvre Windows that are 10-18 blades high contain 2 motors per bay, one motor drives the blades in the top half of the bay and the other motor drives the blades in the bottom half of the bay.

    10-18 Blade high Powerlouvre Windows are wired such that the blades in the top halves of all the bays form a bank that opens and closes simultaneously and the blades in the bottom halves of all the bays form a second bank that opens and closes simultaneously.

    The top and bottom banks can be operated independantly of each other.

    Labelled wires emerge one metre from the top right hand side of the Easyscreen Frame.

    Powerlouvre Window Opening Configurations
    No. of BladesMotors per bayBanks of Blades Controlled from Head Downwards
    212
    313
    414
    515
    616
    717
    818
    919
    1025 5
    1125 6
    1226 6
    1326 7
    1427 7
    1527 8
    1628 8
    1728 9
    1829 9

    Powerlouvre Cabling Requirements

    Multiple Windows in parallel

    Total wire length does not include the internal wiring of each Powerlouvre Window.

    Tables calculated using a window current of 0.25A and a voltage drop of 5% or 1 V @ 24V.

    Wire SizeMotorsMax Distance from Power Supply to Motor
    12345681012
    0.5mm²20AWG60m30m20m15m12m10m---
    0.8mm²18AWG90m45m30m23m18m15m---
    1.3mm²16AWG150m75m50m38m30m25m20m15m12m
    2mm²14AWG230m120m80m60m50m40m30m24m20m
    3.5mm²12AWG370m185m125m90m75m60m45m35m30m
    4mm²10AWG550m294m200m150m120m100m75m55m45m
    10mm²8AWG1000m500m330m250m200m150m120m100m80m
    17mm²6AWG1500m750m500m375m300m250m175m150m125m
    26mm²4AWG8000m4000m2500m2000m1500m1250m1000m800m650m

    Apptivate Control Unit Standard Wiring

    Touch sensitive, standard sized wall plate.

    Powerlouvre pad

    Powerlouvre Motors and Apptivate Control Units require 24v DC power. For ease of wiring the Apptivate Control Unit senses the polarity of the current provided from the transformer and automatically adjusts accordingly.

    Up to 6 Powerlouvre Motors can be wired in parallel to each Apptivate Control Unit motor group.


    Examples of Configurations

    Two Powerlouvre Windows, each containing three Powerlouvre Motors are wired in parallel to each Motor Group of the Apptivate Control Unit. With 12 Powerlouvre Motors controlled by the Apptivate Control Unit, a total of 3.0 amps of 24v DC current is required. 3.0 amps of current is supplied by two Breezway 1.5 amp transformers wired together in parallel.

    Converting from a Breezway Remote Control to an Apptivate Control Unit

    Powerlouvre Windows which are remotely controlled can be updated to allow control by the Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit but do require some adjustments to the internal and external wiring of the window.

    See pdf link below for more information on converting a Breezway Remote Control to an Apptivate Control Unit Technical Bulletin.

    View/download RC Powerlouvre to Apptivate Technical Bulletinsmall-pdf4

    Building Management System Compatibility

    The Altair Powerlouvre Window System has been reviewed for compatibility by the leading suppliers of building management systems. When considering integration into a building management system, the following should be considered:

    • Breezway does not supply the various sensors which could be used to instigate opening or closing of the windows (eg temperature or rain sensors).
    • Transformer requirements may differ from the requirements of Powerlouvre Windows controlled by Apptivate Control Units.
    • The Powerlouvre Window System does not include an inbuilt electronic mechanism to inform the building management system of its current open or close position.
    • Powerlouvre Motors include limit switches which prevent the motors from continuing to attempt to open or close the window once the window is fully open or fully closed, thereby preventing damage to the motors and electronics.

    Apptivate Control Units are not compatible with building management systems.

    See pdf link below for more information on Connecting Altair Powerlouvre Windows to C-Bus Systems Technical Bulletin.

    View/download Powerlouvre Windows to C-Bus Systems Technical Bulletinsmall-pdf4

    Maintenance

    Breezway Powerlouvre Windows should be operated at monthly intervals. Frames should be cleaned periodically as per Breezway Care and Maintenance recommendations.

    Powerlouvre Troubleshooting Guide

    Something not working right? Breezway has a troubleshooting guide available to assist you with your Altair Powerlouvre Windows. If you are still experiencing some difficulty after reading the troubleshooting guide, please do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified louvre experts on +603 3291 4885.

    View/download Powerlouvre App Control & Troubleshootingsmall-pdf4