Hello everyone, I’m excited to share my latest project and some insights I’ve gained while working on it. I recently undertook a smart automation project for a hotel with 27 rooms, two lounges, and several common areas. The main goal was to optimize energy consumption and enhance guest comfort by automating heating controls and monitoring room conditions.
Project Overview
I decided to use Zigbee technology for this project, primarily because of its reliability and ability to handle multiple devices. I chose the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro, which I updated to Tasmota and integrated with Zigbee2mqtt. This setup allowed me to manage a large number of devices efficiently.
Device Configuration
For each room, I planned to install:
- 1 x Temperature and Humidity Sensor
- 1 x Window Open Sensor
- 2 x Thermostatic Radiator Valves
This adds up to 108 devices per room, plus 10 USB plugs to extend the Zigbee network. Considering additional devices for lounges and common areas, the total number of devices could exceed 128. This raised some concerns about network stability and device limits.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring reliable communication between all devices. I initially thought of using multiple Zigbee bridges, but this might complicate the network. Instead, I focused on optimizing the existing network by strategically placing USB plugs as repeaters throughout the hotel. This helped maintain a strong signal even through walls.
Another issue was the accuracy of the window sensors. I found that slight misalignments could cause false readings. To address this, I implemented a more robust configuration and ensured proper installation to minimize errors.
Home Assistant Setup
I set up Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi 4 with an SSD for better performance. The server handles all automation rules, including adjusting heating based on occupancy and weather conditions. I also integrated a VPN tunnel for remote access, which works seamlessly with my iPhone.
Lessons Learned
- Network Planning: Proper placement of repeaters and careful planning of device distribution are crucial for maintaining a stable Zigbee network.
- Device Configuration: Paying attention to installation details, such as sensor alignment, can significantly improve reliability.
- Scalability: While Zigbee can handle a large number of devices, it’s important to monitor network performance and adjust configurations as needed.
I’m still exploring ways to further optimize the system, especially in terms of energy efficiency and guest interaction. If anyone has tips or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading, and happy automating! 