Table of Contents

Optimization via Relay and EV Charging Stations

Configuration is done through the online portal app.climkit.io

1. Optimization Relay

Create the sensors and relays

Operating Parameters

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

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

  • Minimum activation duration (minutes): Minimum duration during which the device remains activated even if solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents a device from activating for just one minute and deactivating in case of a sudden drop in production.
  • Operating modes to select
    • Auto - Solar only: The device activates ONLY when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power.
    • Auto - with timer: The device activates when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power AND within defined periods. For example, one can force the activation of the water heater during the night.
    • Timer only: The device activates ONLY during defined periods.
    • Always on: The device is always activated.
    • Always off: The device is always deactivated.
    • Manual: The device can be activated or deactivated 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 that, 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 a relay from the optimization system to this contact, one can thus force the activation of the HP when the photovoltaic installation produces surplus energy.

Refer to the HP manufacturer.

Connecting a Three-Phase Water Heater

Many water heater heating elements are connected in 3 wires without 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 activate.

One can then use two relays and control: phase 1 and 2 with the first relay, and 1 and 3 with the second.

See Connecting Optimization for more information on how the algorithm works

2. EV Charging Zone

Operating Parameters

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

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

The optimization parameters for 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): Maximum power of the charging station connection. For example 11000 W for 16 A.
  • Minimum zone power (W): Minimum power required for a vehicle to start charging. Generally 6A, or 1380 W in single-phase 230V or 4140 W in three-phase. See special notes below.
  • Number of phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases for 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 known in advance, it is preferable to define it to avoid this check at the time of connection.

Through the mobile application, users can individually choose not to account for the parameters set for the EV Zone. Thus, their vehicle begins charging immediately upon connection.

Special Notes

Minimum power and number of phases of a station

Generally, an electric vehicle requires at least 6A to start charging. Some vehicles may require 8A or 10A. Setting a minimum below this can cause an error in 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.

Consequence on optimization: a vehicle plugged into a three-phase station requires 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 necessary to activate 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 the diagram above.

When one wants to change the number of phases of the station, the main circuit breaker of the station must be turned off, the phases of the connection must be set or unset, and the station must be reset.

The optimization system does not allow for phase control and automatic switching from single-phase 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 activate, the vehicle goes into standby until the station provides electricity to it.

In some cases, the vehicle may go into full standby after a while, and when the station provides electricity again, charging does not start until the vehicle is "awakened" 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 variations during charging and are therefore not controllable 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?

Installation of Shelly Meter-Relays

Verification of Meter Connections

Contact