PowerlouvreTM Window System

Automated Louvres
The award winning Altair® Powerlouvre™ Window displays pure elegance with no visual indication of any external rods or automated device making this product a stylish option for contemporary residential or commercial building designs.
VIEW PROJECT – Weststyle Design & Development, Architect

Aesthetics

Superior aesthetics with low voltage motors concealed within the frame and no unsightly control rods.

Design

When designing your building consider the way you operate your louvre windows within reach or up high.

Convenience

Easily operate with a touch of a button, or automatically in anticipation of needs, not in response to them.

Accessibility

Operate Powerlouvres up high more frequently by removing the need for awkward map rods to operate manual handles.

Designed for easy installation

Powerlouvre Windows remove the complexity of sourcing special trades to install the system and are ideal for a range of design applications such as high out-of-reach locations or as floor-to-ceiling feature windows. By operating the Powerlouvre Window with the Apptivate Control Unit, you can benefit from the following features listed adjacent or below.

Touch Control

A standard sized, touch sensitive wall switch for easy use. Single touch to fully open, fully close or open to an intermediate position.

Multiple Choice

Single and dual channel models available for individual requirements. Can operate multiple Powerlouvre Windows for maximum ventilation.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth® Smart module to permit control by and communication with compatible smartphones and tablets.

Temperature Sensor

Automatic operation in response to an in-built temperature sensor that allows rooms to be cooled or windows closed to retain warmth when required.

Timer Control

Automatic operation in response to pre-set timers which allows windows to be set to operate in anticipation of the building occupant’s daily routine.

Night Mode

Adjust the brightness of the LED light to minimise potential sleep disruptions overnight.

Powerlouvre brochure

Breezway Powerlouvre Window Brochure.
View PDF.

Browse our Powerlouvre Projects below

Projects are sent to us from specifiers around the world and offer a wealth of ideas to inspire.
Kiama Residence Utilises Breezway Powerlouvre Windows for Natural Ventilation

Kiama Residence Utilises Breezway Powerlouvre Windows for Natural Ventilation

March 17, 2020
Naturally Ventilated Hydrotherapy Pool Facility

Naturally Ventilated Hydrotherapy Pool Facility

July 11, 2019
Learning Areas that flow seamlessly between outside and inside

Learning Areas that flow seamlessly between outside and inside

June 4, 2019
Excellent use of Ventilation and Acoustic Insulation in the Thuringowa RSL

Excellent use of Ventilation and Acoustic Insulation in the Thuringowa RSL

April 12, 2019
Learning From The Past, Looking To The Future

Learning From The Past, Looking To The Future

October 16, 2018
Community Centre & Library, Innovative Site using Powerlouvres

Community Centre & Library, Innovative Site using Powerlouvres

August 24, 2016
Large Family Beachside Home, Naturally Climate Controlled

Large Family Beachside Home, Naturally Climate Controlled

August 17, 2016
1970’s Victorian House, Renovated to Maximise Natural Light

1970’s Victorian House, Renovated to Maximise Natural Light

May 31, 2016
The Autonomous House, Using Louvres at Heights

The Autonomous House, Using Louvres at Heights

April 4, 2016
Modern Beachside Dwelling, Uninterrupted Sea Views

Modern Beachside Dwelling, Uninterrupted Sea Views

February 15, 2016
Mother Teresa Catholic College, Light & Spacious Classrooms

Mother Teresa Catholic College, Light & Spacious Classrooms

September 25, 2015
Bushland Beach Home Captures The Ocean Breeze

Bushland Beach Home Captures The Ocean Breeze

September 2, 2014
Queens Park, Contemporary Sydney Home Renovation

Queens Park, Contemporary Sydney Home Renovation

August 26, 2014
School Creative Arts Centre with Powerlouvre

School Creative Arts Centre with Powerlouvre

August 26, 2014
New Home with a Combination Of Light and Airy Living Spaces

New Home with a Combination Of Light and Airy Living Spaces

August 26, 2014
Stunning Home Comfortably Connects with Rural Landscape

Stunning Home Comfortably Connects with Rural Landscape

August 26, 2014
InsulLiving® Project House, 8 Star Home

InsulLiving® Project House, 8 Star Home

August 26, 2014
Louvres Provide Ventilation To Hotel Smoking Zones

Louvres Provide Ventilation To Hotel Smoking Zones

August 13, 2014
Surf Life Saving, Fresh Energy Efficient Office Refurbishment

Surf Life Saving, Fresh Energy Efficient Office Refurbishment

August 13, 2014
St Paul’s Grammar Powerlouvres Keep School Cool

St Paul’s Grammar Powerlouvres Keep School Cool

August 12, 2014
Tomago Learning Facility, Powerlouvres Control Ventilation

Tomago Learning Facility, Powerlouvres Control Ventilation

August 12, 2014
Melbourne Bungalow, Practical & Sustainable

Melbourne Bungalow, Practical & Sustainable

August 12, 2014
Breezway Head Office, Powerlouvre Windows

Breezway Head Office, Powerlouvre Windows

August 1, 2014

PowerlouvreTM App

  • 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.
NOTE: The PowerlouvreTM App is available for download on the iTunes App Store for ios users and the Google Play Store for Android users.
Breezway Powerlouvre Apptivate control demonstration
Powerlouvre App video demonstration.

Powerlouvre App Operation

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

The Powerlouvre app enables:

  • 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 maintaining a clear line of sight between the device running the Powerlouvre App and the Apptivate Control Unit.)
  • Naming of Apptivate Control Units, and channels of Apptivate Control Units for easy identification.
  • An indication of the open/close position of the Powerlouvre

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.

Powerlouver Apptivate phone1Notes:

  • 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.

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.

iPhone timers

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.

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.

iPhone home two PCUs

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 independently.

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

Please consider the following prior to installation of the Powerlouvre Window.

Powerlouvre Window Operating Conditions

Tests passed 
Cyclical open / closed30,000 cycles
Salt mist1,000 hours
Extreme humidity90% humidity at 35 ºC
Extreme heat60 ºC
Extreme cold0 ºC
Electromagnetic
Compatibility		Complies with the requirements of
EN61000-6-3 and AS/NZS 4251.1

Powerlouvre Window Maintenance

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

Powerlouvre Window 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.

Breezway Altair Powerlouvre Window Opening Configurations
No. of BladesMotors per bayBanks of Blades Controlled from Head Downwards
212
313
41 4
515
616
717
818
919
1015 5
1125 6
1226 6
1326 7
1427 7
1527 8
1628 8
1728 9
1829 9

Powerlouvre Window Electrical Requirements & Wiring

  • Operating voltage: 24V DC
  • Maximum allowed voltage 29V DC
  • Maximum constant current: 0.25A per motor
  • Maximum startup current: 0.4A per motor
  • Opening time: Approx 14 seconds
  • Working temperature: -20°C to +60°C
    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.

    Powerlouvre Window TypeMotors per bayMaximum Constant Current RequiredMaximum Instantaneous Start Up Current Required
    2-9 Blades High10.25 amps per bay0.4 amps per bay
    10-18 Blades High20.5 amps per bay0.8 amps per bay
    For mobile devices: Use your finger to scroll table horizontally.
    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.

    Battery Backup

    The Powerlouver 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 following pdf document.

    Powerlouvre Cabling Requirements

    Multiple Windows in parallel

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

    Wire Length
    For mobile devices: Use your finger to scroll table horizontally.
    Wire SizeMotorsMax Distance from Power Supply to Motor
    12345681012
    0.5mm²20AWG60m30m20m15m12m10m---
    0.8mm²18AWG90m45m30m23m18m15m---
    1.3mm²16AWG150m75m50m38m30m25m20m15m12m
    2mm²14AWG230m120m80m60m50m40m30m24m20m
    3.5mm²12AWG370m185m125m90m75m60m45m35m30m
    4mm²10AWG550m294m200m150m120m100m75m55m45m
    10mm²8AWG1000m500m330m250m200m150m120m100m80m
    17mm²6AWG1500m750m500m375m300m250m175m150m125m
    26mm²4AWG8000m4000m2500m2000m1500m1250m1000m800m650m
    Tables calculated using a window current of 0.25A and a voltage drop of 5% or 1 V @ 24V

    Breezway Transformers

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

    • 240V AC input current.
    • 24v DC output.
    • Sufficient amps to power up to 6 Powerlouvre Motors.
    • Built-in overload protection to prevent accidental short circuits from damaging the transformer.

    Transformers should be installed in an easily accessible location.
    It is recommended that transformers are located in a position that enables easy power cycling.

    Controlling Powerlouvre Windows

    Control options include:

    • Breezway Powerlouvre Apptivate® Control Units, which allow control via a touch sensitive wall plate, remote control via a smartphone application, or automatic operation in response to temperature or timer events.
    • Building management systems, which allow control along with other automated building products and automatic operation in response to various sensors and inputs.

    Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit

    The Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit is a plastic, touch-sensitive wall switch.

    Features include:

    • White, standard sized wall switch.
    • Single channel and dual channel models.
    • Control of up to 6 Powerlouvre Motors per channel.
    • Fully open, fully close or open to an intermediate (half-open)position at a single touch.
    • Precise control of opening angle by touching and then releasing when the window is in the desired position, or by touching another button to stop the window in the desired position.
    • Automatic operation in response to an in-built temperature sensor.
    • Bluetooth® module to allow control by and communication with compatible smartphones and tablets.

    Additional features accessible through the Powerlouvre App:

    • Remote control.
    • Automatic operation in response to an in-built temperature sensor.
    • Automatic operation in response to pre-set timers.
    • ‘Night mode’ which adjusts the brightness of LED lights overnight to minimise potential sleep disruptions.

    Apptivate Control Unit Standard Wiring

    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.
    • It is recommended that transformers are located in a position that enables easy power cycling.



    NOTE: The Apptivate Control Unit is incompatible with some switch mode transformers due to high levels of electrical noise (eg Meanwell GS40 series).

    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.

    Please Note: For more information on Connecting Altair Powerlouvre Windows to C-Bus Systems please read the following PDF document.

    Powerlouvre Standard Aluminium Window Heights

    For mobile devices: Use your finger to scroll table horizontally.
    No. of BladesAltair Louvres in Easyscreen Window System

    Standard Heights

    		Altair Louvres in Innoscreen Window System

    Standard Heights

    		Altair Powerlouvres for Other Frames with Breezway Weatherstrip

    Standard Heights*

    		Altair Dualair Secondary Glazed Louvre Component System

    Standard Heights
    152 mm Blade102 mm Blade152 mm Blade102 mm Blade152 mm Blade102 mm Blade152mm1 Blade
    2371mm-380mm-360mm-418mm
    3511mm361mm520mm370mm500mm350mm558mm
    4651mm451mm660mm460mm640mm440mm698mm
    5791mm541mm800mm550mm780mm530mm838mm
    6931mm631mm940mm640mm920mm620mm978mm
    71071mm721mm1080mm730mm1060mm710mm1118mm
    81211mm811mm1220mm820mm1200mm800mm1258mm
    91351mm901mm1360mm910mm1340mm890mm1398mm
    101491mm991mm1500mm1000mm1480mm980mm1538mm
    111631mm1081mm1640mm1090mm1620mm1070mm1678mm
    121771mm1171mm1780mm1180mm1760mm1160mm1818mm
    131911mm1261mm1920mm1270mm1900mm1250mm1958mm
    142051mm1351mm2060mm1360mm2040mm1340mm2098mm
    152191mm1441mm2200mm1450mm2180mm1430mm2238mm
    162331mm1531mm2340mm1540mm2320mm1520mm2378mm
    172471mm1621mm2480mm1630mm2460mm1610mm2518mm
    182611mm1711mm2620mm1720mm2600mm1700mm2658mm

    * To calculate the gallery height only, deduct 10mm.

    1. Dualair Head: Alspec McArthur EVO. Dualair Sill/Transom: Alspec McArthur EVO

    For information on off-standard heights, please refer to the Compare Frames page to locate the Breezway Window System or Componentry of interest.

    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.

    Installation Notes

    The Powerlouvre Apptivate Control Unit is incompatible with some switch mode transformers (eg Meanwell GS40 series) due to excessive electrical noise.

    Overtightening the installation screws of an Apptivate Control Units can cause the unit to bend which can cause the touch sensor to malfunction.

    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 1800 777 758.

    Powerlouvre Electrician’s Guide

    Details about the Powerlouvre wiring instructions, diagrams and accessories.
    Powerlouvre Electricians Guide