Configuring a monitoring system for optimum energy usage?

pjordan

So I had a 4.6kw PV solar generation system installed a year and a half ago. Whilst I can monitor the production and usage through the associated app, I'm looking for a better system for monitoring and controlling my overall energy usage and minimise the feedback to grid (for which I'm still not getting any payment).

Prior to the PV installation a few years back I used to have an Owl monitor and display system on my kitchen worktop, which was useful for real time energy consumption indication.

I have a 3 zone oil fired central heating configuration with one circuit for heating water. I also have the PV system configured using an Eddi to divert any excess PV production to the immersion to heat water.

I'm looking for some sort of centralised, possibly app based system by which I can monitor and control the entire set up both in house and possibly remotely. One recommendation for the heating system was an Ember PS08 pack from EPH. However I'm reluctant to splash out on such a set up without being confident that it will meet all my requirements and/or if there is a better solution out there?

I also notice that the Eddi seems to switch off fairly regularly saying max temp has been reached without leaving a full cylinder of hot water. The thermostat on the immersion is up to the max (Maybe I need a better immersion?)

Finally, with the increasing advent of Orange national grid warnings, I'm looking to get a master switch on my PV system whereby I can utilise my PV and battery back up on a limited range of selected circuits in the event of a power cut?

So any suggestion or advice, and would a good electrician be able to recommend and install a good system for me along the above guidelines/requirements?

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058258234/configuring-a-monitoring-system-for-optimum-energy-usage

Have a read of this thread. https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058224611/solar-pv-monitoring-automation-thread/p1

bullit_dodger

I also notice that the Eddi seems to switch off fairly regularly saying max temp has been reached without leaving a full cylinder of hot water. The thermostat on the immersion is up to the max (Maybe I need a better immersion?)

Better immersion? Possibly.

Although a more likely scenario is that most immersions have 2 heating elements in the tank (Sink & Bath usually called). There is a priority on your Eddi which one to heat first, that normally is sink and then when that's full or at temperature, it flicks over to the other coil.....usually deeper down towards the bottom of your tank.

You could try reversing the priority on the Eddi's menu. The lads wired my one backwards, so the "Sink" that the eddi thinks it's heating is actually the bottom one. Also, it could be that one of your heating elements has gone. They do go after awhile, so it might only be heating the "sink" one as that's the only one that's working. Hence why you are only getting the "Sink" part of the tank hot.

Jonathan

You've raised a few issues in your post there. Breaking them down as follows:

I have a 3 zone oil fired central heating configuration with one circuit for heating water. I also have the PV system configured using an Eddi to divert any excess PV production to the immersion to heat water.

I'm looking for some sort of centralised, possibly app based system by which I can monitor and control the entire set up both in house and possibly remotely. One recommendation for the heating system was an Ember PS08 pack from EPH. However I'm reluctant to splash out on such a set up without being confident that it will meet all my requirements and/or if there is a better solution out there?

I very much doubt you will find a single integrated solution for Solar PV and heating, unless you create your own using something like Home Assistant. However, this is very doable and many of us on the forum have already done so.

What is it that you are looking to do with your heating system? Is it just turn on/off a particular zone? If so, this is easily achieved with a smart relay. I've done the same here with a Shelly 2.5. If you want more granular control, you will need smart TRVs; there is lots of information in this thread.

Prior to the PV installation a few years back I used to have an Owl monitor and display system on my kitchen worktop, which was useful for real time energy consumption indication.

Depending on what brand/model of Solar inverter you have, you may be able to integrate this with Home Assistant and pull in realtime stats from your inverter. If you have a Hybrid inverter this will allow you to see realtime house electrical usage also, similar to your Owl. Even if you have a string inverter, you can get other energy monitors like Shelly EM or Frient to integrate with Home Assistant. There is a fairly comprehensive thread on Solar PV Monitoring/Automation here.

I also notice that the Eddi seems to switch off fairly regularly saying max temp has been reached without leaving a full cylinder of hot water. The thermostat on the immersion is up to the max (Maybe I need a better immersion?)

It is likely that your immersion element is not long enough, and is only heating the top of your cylinder. Your options are either:

1. Get a longer immersion element (might not be an option)
2. Get a de-stratification pump to 'mix' the water in the cylinder allowing you to heat the whole cylinder (pump can be controlled from Eddi via relay board)
3. Get a Willis heater (external immersion) to heat the whole cylinder (can be connected to output 2 on the Eddi)

Finally, with the increasing advent of Orange national grid warnings, I'm looking to get a master switch on my PV system whereby I can utilise my PV and battery back up on a limited range of selected circuits in the event of a power cut?

Do you have a battery/hybrid inverter? If you do, you can use the EPS (emergency power supply) output as input to a changeover switch powering your house during a grid outage.

Gerry

I've got solar pv and 3 zone heating controls into home assistant. Works great.. there is a bit of work in it but enjoyable.

I'll look to wall mount an old phone where the heating controller was eventually.

Last few pieces of the puzzle - smart switch for immersion. hookup to hot water temp sensors. add air temperature sensors for heating for winter.