Optimization via Relays and EV Terminals

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

1. Optimization relay

Create sensors and relays

Operating parameters

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

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

• Minimum switch-on duration (minutes) : Minimum duration during which the device remains switched on even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents a device from switching on for only one minute and being triggered in the event of a sudden drop in production.
• Operating modes to select
  • Solar only : The device ONLY turns on when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power.
  • Solar with timer : The device turns on when the surplus is sufficient compared to its nominal power AND at defined periods. For example, you can force the water heater to turn on during the night.
  • Timer only : The device ONLY turns on at set times.
  • 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 gate.

Important notes

Heat pumps (SG-Ready)

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

In general, it is possible to configure the heat pump so that it increases its heating setpoint or produces more hot water when this contact is closed.

By connecting a relay from the optimization system to this contact, we can force the heat pump to turn on when the photovoltaic installation produces excess energy.

Refer to the heat pump manufacturer.

Connecting a three-phase water heater

Many water heater resistors are connected in 3 wires without neutral. It is therefore necessary to connect a neutral to control each phase individually.

Otherwise, it always takes at least two phases for it to activate.

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

2. Charging station area

Operating parameters

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

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

The EVs Zone optimization parameters apply to all terminals on a site or car park.

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

• Maximum power of the zones (W) : Maximum power of the terminal connection. For example 11000 W for 16 A.
• Minimum zone power (W) : Minimum power for a vehicle to charge. Generally 6A, i.e. 1380 W in single-phase 230V or 4140 W in three-phase. See special remarks below.
• Number of phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases of the terminal connection or number of phases accepted by the vehicle.

In "automatic detection" of the number of phases, the system launches 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 application, users can individually set to ignore the parameters defined for the EVs Zone. So their vehicle starts charging directly when they plug it in.

Special remarks

Minimum power and number of phases of a terminal

In general, an electric vehicle needs at least 6A for it to start charging. Some vehicles need 8A or 10A. A minimum set below may 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 connected to a three-phase terminal needs a minimum of 4140 W of solar surplus for the system to start charging.

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

It is therefore recommended in these cases to connect the 3 phases of the terminal 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 you want to change the number of phases of the terminal, you must cut off the main circuit breaker of the terminal, switch on or off the phases of the connection and re-engage the terminal.

The optimization system does not allow you to control the phases and automatically switch from single-phase charging to two- or three-phase charging.

Putting the vehicle on standby

When a vehicle is connected to the terminal but the solar surplus is not sufficient for charging to begin, the vehicle is put on hold until the terminal gives it electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle can go into complete standby after a while and when the terminal gives it electricity again, charging does not start until the vehicle is "wake up" by the user.

This case is common when the vehicle is plugged in in the evening and the solar surplus is not available until the next morning.

Some vehicles can be updated to avoid these unexpected sleeps. Contact 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.