Table of Contents

Optimization via Relay and EV Charging Stations

The configuration is done via the online portal app.climkit.io

1. Optimization Relay

Create sensors and relays

Operating Parameters

Set up from the portal app.climkit.io > Optimization > Relay.

Device Power (W): Nominal power in watts required for the device to turn on.

  • Minimum Activation Duration (minutes): Minimum duration for which the device remains activated even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents a device from turning on for just one minute and turning off in case of sudden production drop.
  • Select Operation Modes
    • Auto - Solar only: The device turns on ONLY when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power.
    • Auto - with timer: The device turns on when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power AND during defined periods. For example, the water heater can be forced to turn on during the night.
    • Timer only: The device turns on ONLY during defined periods.
    • Always on: The device is always on.
    • Always off: The device is always off.
    • Manual: The device can be turned on or off manually via a switch on the portal.

Important Notes

Heat Pumps (SG-Ready)

Most modern heat pumps (HP) are equipped with a potential-free contact which, when closed, gives an instruction to the internal management system of the HP.

In general, it is possible to configure the HP to increase its heating setpoint or produce more hot water when this contact is closed.

By connecting an optimization system relay to this contact, it is possible to force the activation of the HP when the photovoltaic installation produces surplus energy.

Refer to the manufacturer of the HP.

Connecting a Three-Phase Water Heater

Many water heater resistances are connected in 3-wires without a neutral. Therefore, it is necessary to connect a neutral to control each phase individually.

Otherwise, at least two phases are always required for it to turn on.

Then, two relays can be used to control: phase 1 and 2 with the first relay, and 1 and 3 with the second.

See Connection of the optimization for more information on the algorithm's operation

2. EV Charging Zone

Operating Parameters

In the portal, go to the tab Optimization > EVs Zone

The charging stations are also configurable on the same principle as the relays.

The optimization parameters for the EVs Zone apply to all charging stations of a site or parking lot.

The parameters and operating modes are the same as for the relays above, except for:

  • Maximum Zone Power (W): Max power of the connection of the stations. For example, 11000 W for 16 A.
  • Minimum Zone Power (W): Minimum power required for a vehicle to charge. Generally 6A, or 1380 W in single phase 230V or 4140 W in three-phase. See particular notes below.
  • Number of Phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases of the station connection or number of phases accepted by the vehicle.

In "automatic detection" of the number of phases, the system initiates a short charge to determine the number of phases. If the number of phases is known in advance, it is preferable to define it to avoid this check at the time of connection.

Via the mobile app, users can individually set not to consider the parameters defined for the EVs Zone. Thus, their vehicle starts charging directly when they plug it in.

Particular Notes

Minimum Power and Number of Phases of a Station

In general, an electric vehicle needs a minimum of 6A to start charging. Some vehicles may require 8A or 10A. A minimum set below this can cause an error on the vehicle.

This minimum of 6A is the same in single-phase and three-phase. That is to say, 1380 W in single-phase 230V or 4140 W in three-phase.

Consequence on optimization: a vehicle plugged into a three-phase station needs a minimum of 4140 W of solar surplus for the system to initiate the charge.

In the case of small photovoltaic installations (5-8 kWp), the surplus necessary for the activation of the station will thus only be available in summer and during the day.

It is therefore recommended in these cases to connect the 3 phases of the station to 3 relays or at least to 3 independent switches so that the user can easily switch from one to three phases. See diagram above.

When wanting to change the number of phases of the station, it is necessary to turn off the main circuit breaker of the station, activate or deactivate the phases of the connection and reactivate the station.

The optimization system does not allow for controlling the phases and automatically switching from a single-phase charge to bi- or three-phase charge.

Vehicle Standby

When a vehicle is connected to the station but the solar surplus is not sufficient for charging to start, the vehicle enters standby until the station provides electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle may enter complete standby after some time, and when the station provides electricity again, the charge does not start until the vehicle is "woken up" by the user.

This situation is common when the vehicle is plugged in at night and the solar surplus is only available the next morning.

Some vehicles can be updated to avoid these unexpected standbys. Consult the vehicle manufacturer.

Some older vehicles (before 2012-2014) do not support power variation during charging and are therefore not controllable via the optimization system.

The system has been tested on a limited number of electric vehicles, and as each manufacturer has its specifications, Climkit cannot guarantee the functioning of its optimization system with all types of vehicles.

How Did We Do?

Configuration of heating and water meters (MBus)

Verification of Meter Connections

Contact