Table of Contents

Optimization via EV relays and charging stations

Configuration is performed via the online portal app.climkit.io

1. Optimization Relays

Create sensors and relays

Operating parameters

Configure from the portal app.climkit.io > Optimization > Relays.

Appliance power (W): Nominal power in watts required for the appliance to switch on.

  • Minimum ON duration (minutes): Minimum duration for which the appliance remains switched on even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents an appliance from switching on for only one minute and then switching off due to a sudden drop in production.
  • Operating modes to select
    • Auto - Solar only: The appliance switches on ONLY when the surplus is sufficient relative to its nominal power.
    • Auto - with timer: The appliance switches on when the surplus is sufficient relative to its nominal power AND during defined periods. For example, the water heater can be forced to switch on during the night.
    • Timer only: The appliance switches on ONLY during defined periods.
    • Always on: The appliance is always switched on.
    • Always off: The appliance is always switched off.
    • Manual: The appliance can be switched on or off manually via a switch on the portal.

Important remarks

Heat pumps (SG-Ready)

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

Generally, the HP can be configured to raise its heating setpoint or produce more hot water when this contact is closed.

By connecting an optimization system relay to this contact, the HP can be forced to switch on when the photovoltaic system produces surplus energy.

Refer to the HP manufacturer.

Connection of a three-phase water heater

Many water heater resistances are wired with 3 wires without neutral. It is therefore necessary to connect a neutral to control each phase individually.

Otherwise, a minimum of two phases is always required for it to switch on.

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

See Connection of the optimization system for more information on how the algorithm works

2. Charging Station Area

Operating parameters

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

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

The optimization settings for the EV Area apply to all 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 area power (W): Maximum connection power for the stations. For example, 11000 W for 16 A.
  • Minimum area power (W): Minimum power required for a vehicle to start charging. Usually 6A, or 1380 W single-phase 230V or 4140 W three-phase. See specific remarks below.
  • Number of phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases for the station connection or number of phases accepted by the vehicle.

With "automatic detection" of the number of phases, the system initiates a short charge cycle 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 when plugging in.

Via the mobile application, users can individually choose to ignore the parameters set for the EV Area. Thus, their vehicle will start charging immediately when they plug it in.

Specific remarks

Minimum power and number of phases for a charging station

Generally, an electric vehicle requires a minimum of 6A to begin charging. Some vehicles require 8A or 10A. A minimum set below this can cause an error on the vehicle.

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

Consequence for optimization: a vehicle connected to a three-phase station requires a minimum solar surplus of 4140 W for the system to start charging.

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

In these cases, it is recommended 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 the diagram above.

When changing the number of phases of the station, the main circuit breaker of the station must be turned off, the connection phases engaged or disengaged, and the station restarted.

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

Vehicle standby mode

When a vehicle is plugged into the station but the solar surplus is insufficient for charging to start, the vehicle goes into standby until the station supplies it with electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle may go into full standby after some time, and when the station supplies it with electricity again, charging will not start until the vehicle is "woken up" by the user.

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

Some vehicles can be updated to prevent these unexpected standby states. Contact the vehicle manufacturer.

Some older vehicles (pre-2012-2014) do not support varying power 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 specifics, Climkit cannot guarantee the functioning of its optimization system with all types of vehicles.

How Did We Do?

Installation of Shelly relay meters

Checking meter connection status

Contact