SIS drives with SMI interface operate blinds in a modern French library building

Inviting and open in design, with an all-glass exterior façade and large open spaces inside. The Le Médiathèque building complex in Rillieux-La-Pape near Lyon is striking and modern. The approximately 5,000 m2 complex houses a public library, as well as a conference and cultural center, an archive and a café. 

In addition to its multi-functionality, the Médiathèque also stands out for its highly functional interior blinds, says Jean-Philippe Bletterer, area manager France for SELVE. "The blinds are manufactured by Soliso Europe, one of the largest manufacturers of blinds in France. They manufactured and installed the anodized aluminum blinds in various sizes. The proper drive is provided by 450 SIS motors from SELVE, which can be controlled very precisely thanks to the integrated SMI technology." 

Where people read, borrow books or do archival research, where events and exhibitions take place and so on, sufficient privacy is required, as well as shading for the building's glass facade that extends from the ground to the roof. "While the Médiathèque de Rillieux-La-Pape has now been open to the public for a year and a half, the 450 powerful SIS blinds from SELVE, 'Made in Lüdenscheid,' have now proven their worth," Bletterer observes. "They ensure every day that the blinds in the building where a lot of daylight penetrates can be lowered and also raised again." 

Soliso Europe, a Nantes-based company, has long relied on SELVE for the motorization of its customized blinds. The company primarily uses SIS drives with Standard Motor Interface (SMI), a manufacturer-independent, uniform motor interface for building technology. "The reason is that especially in large utility buildings, the SIS motors are an important and reliable solution," Bletterer said. "Because it is possible to network the motors intelligently together, they make the step to digital shading possible and can be integrated into complex building management systems." 

Precise operation

The SIS drives are controlled automatically depending on the time of day and light, but can also be operated manually with a SELVE handheld transmitter. The SMI technology integrated into the motor enables bidirectional data exchange and precise movement of the blinds. "In addition, the SELVE drive offers several other advantages," Bletterer emphasizes. "Thanks to its plug-in system, the SIS motor can be easily installed, it can be used with blinds with a 25-mm upper body and has a small overall length of only 127 mm." In addition to up- and downward overload protection, it also features, for example, adjustable motor speed, slow start and slow stop, and automatic reversal. "However, the biggest product advantage of the SIS motor is undoubtedly the absolutely synchronous operation of the blinds when operated in series, combined with the uniform positioning of the slats." 

Technical support by SELVE

"The example of the Médiathèque de Rillieux-La-Pape shows that the SIS motor has everything that makes it a successful drive for indoor applications," Jean-Philippe Bletterer emphasizes in conclusion. "Regardless of whether it is used digitally via SMI technology or conventionally via standard roller shutter switches or buttons, the SIS is the first choice for motorizing indoor blinds for a growing number of specialized customers because it combines precise and parallel movement of blinds and digital communication. In practice, this motor has been proving itself for some time now in numerous projects both larger and smaller."