Table of Contents

Optimization via relay and EV charging stations

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

1. Optimization Relay

Create sensors and relays

Operating parameters

Set parameters from the portal app.climkit.io > Optimization > Relay.

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

  • Minimum on-time (minutes): Minimum duration for which the appliance remains on even if the solar surplus is no longer sufficient. This prevents an appliance from switching on for only one minute and switching off in the event of 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 the defined time periods. For example, a water heater can be forced to switch on during the night.
    • Timer only: The appliance switches on ONLY during the defined periods.
    • Always on: The appliance is always switched on.
    • Always off: The appliance is always switched off.
    • Manual: The appliance can be manually switched 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, sends an instruction to the HP's internal management system.

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 an optimization system relay to this contact, it is possible to force the HP 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 elements are connected using 3 wires without a 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 Connecting the optimization system for more information on the algorithm's operation

2. Charging station zone

Operating parameters

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

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

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

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

  • Maximum zone power (W): Max power of the connection of the charging stations. For example, 11000 W for 16 A.
  • Minimum zone power (W): Minimum 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 remarks below.
  • Number of phases (single-phase / three-phase / automatic detection): Number of phases of the station's connection or number of phases accepted by the vehicle.

In "automatic detection" mode for 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 set it to avoid this check upon connection.

Via the mobile application, users can individually choose to disregard the parameters set for the EV Zone. Thus, their vehicle starts charging immediately when they plug it in.

Specific remarks

Minimum power and number of phases of a charging station

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

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

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

In the case of small photovoltaic systems (5-8 kWp), the surplus required to switch on the station will only be available in summer and in the middle of 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 changing the number of phases of the station, the main circuit breaker of the station must be shut off, the connection phases switched on or off, and the station re-energized.

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

Vehicle standby mode

When a vehicle is connected to the station but the solar surplus is not sufficient for charging to start, the vehicle remains on standby until the station supplies it with electricity.

In some cases, the vehicle may enter a complete standby mode 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 case 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 standbys. Contact the vehicle manufacturer.

Some older vehicles (before 2012-2014) do not support variable 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 operation of its optimization system with all types of vehicles.

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