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 needed for the device to start.

  • Minimum Start Duration (minutes): Minimum duration during which the device remains on even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents a device from starting for only one minute and triggering when there is a sudden drop in production.
  • Operating Modes to Select
    • Auto - Solar only: The device starts ONLY when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power.
    • Auto - with Timer: The device starts when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power AND within defined periods. For example, the water heater can be forced to start during the night.
    • Timer Only: The device starts ONLY during defined periods.
    • Always On: The device is always on.
    • Always Off: The device is always off.
    • Manual: The device can be manually turned on or off 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.

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

By connecting a relay from the optimization system to this contact, one can thus force the HP to start when the photovoltaic installation produces surplus energy.

Refer to the HP manufacturer.

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 start.

Two relays can then be used to control: phase 1 and 2 with the first relay and 1 and 3 with the second.

See Connection of Optimization for more information on how the algorithm works

2. Charging Station Zone

Operating Parameters

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

Charging stations can also be configured on the same principle as the relays.

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

The parameters and operating modes are the same as for the relays above, with the exception of:

  • Maximum Zone Power (W): Max power of the charging station connection. For example 11000 W for 16 A.
  • Minimum Zone Power (W): Min power for a vehicle to start charging. Generally 6A, which is 1380 W in single-phase 230V or 4140 W in three-phase. See specific notes below.
  • Number of Phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases of the charging 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 already known, it is better to define it to avoid this check at the time of connection.

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

Special Notes

Minimum Power and Number of Phases of a Station

Generally, an electric vehicle needs at least 6A to start charging. Some vehicles require 8A or 10A. A lower minimum may cause an error on the vehicle.

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

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

In the case of small photovoltaic installations (5-8 kWp), the surplus required to activate the station will only be available in summer and during the day.

It is therefore recommended in these cases to connect all 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 the diagram above.

When changing the number of phases of the station, the main circuit breaker of the station must be turned off, phases of the connection must be turned on or off, and the station must be turned back on.

The optimization system does not allow for phase control and automatic switching from single-phase charging to bi- or three-phase charging.

Vehicle Standby

When a vehicle is plugged into the station but the solar surplus is insufficient for charging to start, the vehicle enters standby until the station provides electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle may go into complete standby after a while, and when the station provides electricity again, the charging does not start until the vehicle is "awakened" by the user.

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

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

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

The system has been tested on a limited number of electric vehicles, and since each manufacturer has its specificities, Climkit cannot guarantee the operation 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