Smart infrastructure to impel window automation market growth, inclination toward sustainable technologies to favor the industry trends

With rising green building initiatives, improved building codes and standards, novel technological breakthroughs, and the rising need for modern infrastructure, it should come as no surprise, that the window automation industry will chart out a profitable growth graph over the ensuing years.

By Saipriya Iyer, Global Market Insights, Inc. July 11, 2017

With automation becoming the latest buzzword in the business circles, window automation industry share is all set to register a massive growth rate over the years. Smart cities and connected automobiles are no longer a figment of one’s imagination, for automation has extensively penetrated across myriad professional domains. Automated doors and windows, in particular, are being designed with an aim to minimize smoke and allow natural ventilation, thereby propelling window automation industry trends. The need to develop sophisticated, high grade infrastructure to encourage the growth of the travel and tourism sector and increase the number of international trade activities will act as a major driver to fulfill the product demand. Of late, manufacturers operating in window automation market have come up with a range of products that can be installed across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The projected growth of door and window automation industry and the rising need for luxury and comfort coupled with easy accessibility will also positively impact the market outlook.

While developed countries such as the United States, UK, and Germany have already made their presence felt across the regional landscape of the window automation market, the emerging economies such as India and China have also been experiencing a massive demand for automated windows. Consumers across the Asia Pacific belt are becoming increasingly aware regarding the benefits of energy efficiency and conservation. The region is home to a potentially untapped consumer base, across the education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality sectors. Subject to the increasing product demand and the rapidly growing construction sector, APAC window automation industry is slated to carve out a lucrative growth path over the coming years.

As per research, regulatory bodies in China have come up with a set of building codes and standards for ventilation, smoke evacuation, and natural lighting in arenas such as elevators, staircases, bedrooms, washrooms, kitchens, and other areas of residential and commercial buildings. A report compiled by a leading research firm on window automation industry analysis entails the China market to generate a significant valuation by 2024, subject to the rising construction sector, compliance with building design codes, increasing land costs, and availability of compact spaces owing to limited land. Global Market Insights, Inc., reports window automation market size to surpass USD 7.5 billion by 2024, with a CAGR estimation of 5.5% over 2016-2024, having held a valuation of USD 4 billion in 2015.

Functionality: How do automated windows work?

Window automation is used predominately for the purpose of natural ventilation and smoke ventilation. Window automation market is characterized by automated window and ventilation systems, that are designed using high grade hardware components and connected technology. Automated windows can be controlled by means of a fully automated system or with the help of a simple remote control. The latter provides the option of controlling every window from the comfort of the bed or recliner by means of a simple open & close switch. This option is specifically used in domestic scenarios, thereby fueling window automation industry growth from residential complexes.

Automated mechanisms are incorporated within the building management system in a way that the windows can be operated via sensors that are efficiently programmed to detect carbon dioxide levels, heavy rain, gas, wind, and smoke, in addition to opening and closing based on timers. Apart from sensors and detectors, control panels, accessories, motors and actuators, and switches also form the component landscape of the window automation industry. An actuator is a rather common device used to automate a window.

Two types of actuators, the linear actuator and the chain actuator, are commonly used for window automation.

The linear actuator encompasses a simple push and pull methodology. For instance, if the window needs to be opened by 700 mm, the linear actuator will project 700 mm into the internal space. These devices are used for applications at a great height, where the aesthetic value is not very important. Their extensive usage in numerous high-level workspaces subject to their ability to achieve higher push forces will fuel the window automation industry.

Chain actuators comprise a chain with a uni-directional bending mechanism, owing to which the actuator will not collapse or bend when the window opens. The actuator in this case is fixed on the frame & the chain is connected to the opening window. Subject to the fact that this mechanism is unobtrusive and compact and will allow the window to open a long way, it is used in major building projects, thereby creating a lucrative path for the window automation industry.

Window automation market across the residential sector

Global building standards such as the BS 9999 codes of practice and the EN12101 are being followed by building owners to ensure comfort, safety, and precaution in residential spaces. Compliance with these standards will require the installation of actuated windows, which will eventually stimulate the window automation industry. Statistics state that the demand for automated ventilation systems in residential complexes has been increasing exponentially since the last half a decade. As per a window automation industry forecast, residential applications are predicted to experience maximum gains over 2016-2024, primarily due to shifting consumer preference for automated systems, rising awareness regarding energy saving, and occupancy comfort. A rise in the standard of living has been observed among the population, subject to increasing disposable incomes. Growing affordability, increased consumer spending power, and the deployment of high grade technologies will lead to a massive growth of window automation industry from the residential sectors.

The governments of various nations have been encouraging the adoption of smart homes. In addition, existing building structures are being renovated with automated doors and windows, which will further propel window automation market from residential applications.

Window automation market across the commercial sector

The commercial landscape of window automation industry encompasses airports, healthcare, shopping complexes, corporate buildings, retail, education, public transit systems, and the hospitality sector. Installation of electric and hybrid windows in these buildings is anticipated to reduce the capital and operational costs of these structures, owing to reduced costs on air conditioning and lowered carbon dioxide emissions. Rising adoption of automated ventilation systems in hotels, office buildings, and schools will propel the window automation market from commercial applications.

In 2015, the education sector—schools, colleges, universities, and research labs— was the main revenue generator, and is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, propelling the window automation industry from commercial applications. This growth can be primarily attributed to the increasing installation of automated ventilation systems for educational buildings.

Pertaining to the rising safety, health, and hygiene standards, healthcare is expected to be the dominant segment over the coming years. With increasing compliance with building codes and the rise in the number of commercial buildings, the window automation industry from commercial applications will observe a notable growth rate over 2016-2024.

Window automation market across the industrial sector

The industrial sector of window automation market possibly comprises flex buildings, manufacturing buildings such as factories, warehouses, data hosting centers such as cyber centers, telecom centers, web hosting facilities, cold storage buildings, showrooms, and a host of other buildings.

Manufacturers have been exploiting every opportunity in window automation industry and have been striving to develop a range of products that are equipped with features such as natural ventilation, smoke control, and automated operation, by means of control panels, switches, and actuators. Subject to the rising need for such automated ventilation systems across industrial buildings and the increasing necessity for safety, efficiency, and comfort, window automation market from the industrial sector is liable to grow at a remarkable rate over 2016-2024. These windows are incorporated with control panels that make up the internal control unit (ICU), motors and actuators that are responsible for the actual automaton process, and sensors and detectors that provide user safety. The protection and efficiency provided by these windows against fire, smoke, and heat will primarily drive the window automation industry from industrial applications.

One of key reasons these windows must be installed in industrial property is the occurrence of fatal accidents and emergencies, for instance, in case of a fire breakout, the smoke ventilation of these windows clears the carbon dioxide and other gases out of the work sites. On these grounds, the installation of automated windows across the chemical, pharma, and mechanical sectors is expected to observe a tremendous rise, thereby stimulating the window automation market.

Contribution of window automation market toward smart homes and cities

Smart buildings offer the benefits of maximum energy and operational efficiency, enhanced automated control and building monitoring, optimized functionality and performance, reduced life cycle costs, and high level of occupancy comfort. Automated doors and windows play a key role in offering these benefits to consumers. With the increasing penetration of technology and rising disposable incomes leading to the development of smart buildings, the window automation industry is forecast to grow lucratively over the years ahead.

Automated windows contribute toward energy saving as they maximize natural lighting and heat transfer and minimize the usage of the traditional HVAC system and artificial lighting. The ventilation is supplied via large vents in the frame and installing films with optical transmittances. As per a window automation market report composed by a leading research firm, the expansion of this market will lead to the growth of the overall smart industry, as the deployment of automated windows in smart buildings is expected to save a considerable amount of energy and reduce emissions.

Reliable statistics predict that smart windows are deemed to save more than 20% of the energy that would have otherwise been spent on HVAC systems. This will be achieved by optimizing the levels of room fenestration so that the windows get a chance to contribute toward the customized room lighting and temperature levels. Referring to the National U.S. Department of Energy statistics and the California census report of 2000, it had been predicted that if more than 33% of the state’s households install smart windows, more than 1.3 million carbon emissions are likely to be reduced. This number would have, in all fairness, increased in the ensuing years, which will now create a plethora of opportunities for window automation industry players.

The difference in air pressure is a key factor that propels natural ventilation to move fresh air between buildings. A well-designed, efficient natural ventilation system helps reduce capital costs, improves safety, and enhances energy efficacy. Automated, programmable windows maximize the advantages of natural ventilation, which will augment window automation market share over the next few years. With rising green building initiatives, improved building codes and standards, novel technological breakthroughs, and the rising need for modern infrastructure, it should come as no surprise, that the window automation industry will chart out a profitable growth graph over the ensuing years.

Saipriya Iyer is research content developer at Global Market Insights, Inc. This article originally appeared on Global Market Insights’ market research blog. Global Market Insights, Inc. is a CFE Media content partner. 

Original content can be found at www.gminsights.com.