Table of Contents

Optimization through relays and EV charging stations

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

1. Optimization Relay

Create sensors and relays

Operating Parameters

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

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

  • Minimum On Duration (minutes): Minimum duration during which the device remains on even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents a device from turning on for only one minute and shutting down due to a sudden drop in production.
  • Operating Modes to Select
    • Solar Only: The device turns on ONLY when the surplus is sufficient relative to its nominal power.
    • Solar with Timer: The device turns on when the surplus is sufficient relative to its nominal power AND to defined time periods. For example, it can force the water heater 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 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 force the HP to turn on when the photovoltaic installation produces surplus energy.

Refer to the HP manufacturer.

Connection of a Three-Phase Water Heater

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

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

One can then use two relays and 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 operation of the algorithm

2. EV Charging Zone

Operating Parameters

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

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

The optimization parameters of the EV 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): Min power 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 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 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 define not to take into account the parameters set for the EV Zone. Thus, their vehicle charges directly when they plug it in.

Special Notes

Minimum Power and Number of Phases of a Station

In general, an electric vehicle needs at least 6A to start charging. Some vehicles need 8A or 10A. A minimum set below this can cause an error on the vehicle.

This minimum of 6A is the same for both 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 requires 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 to turn on the station will thus only be available in summer and in full daylight.

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 between one and 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 phases of the connection must be turned on or off, and the station must be turned on again.

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

Vehicle Sleep Mode

When a vehicle is plugged into the station but the solar surplus is not sufficient for the charge to start, the vehicle goes into standby until the station provides it with electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle may go into complete sleep after some time, and when the station provides it with electricity again, the charge does not start until the vehicle is "awakened" 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 avoid these unexpected sleep modes. Contact 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 specificities, Climkit cannot guarantee the operation of its optimization system with all types of vehicles.

How Did We Do?

Configuring heating and water meters (MBus)

Verification of Meter Connections

Contact