introduction for dealers and installers
TRANSCRIPT
V2.3
Introduction for Dealers and Installers
For Gateway One Installations
Combined Energy - How it works
Combined Energy Gateway
Track Solar Production
Solahart PowerStore®Optimisation
Air-conditioningControl
Pool PumpControl
The purpose of the Combined Energy system is to minimise the total cost of energy for the customer.
The key strategies used to achieve this are:
● Ensure that solar is used by home appliances as much as possible, rather than being exported to the grid
● When grid power must be used, use the cheapest power available (Time-of-Use tariff)
● Perform site-wide export limiting across multiple manufacturers and inverter models
The system monitors appliances in the home in real-time and makes regular adjustments to the setpoint of each load to match the solar production as closely as possible during the day, and to shift loads into low-price tariff periods.
Battery Optimisation
Export Limiting
2
Combined Energy - How it works
The Combined Energy system groups similar energy storage devices together and distributes the available solar energy among them.
A wide range of solar and battery inverters are supported, and new devices can easily be added over time.
Coordination of energy storage devices, instantaneous household loads, and solar production helps minimise the average cost of imported grid power and allows the customer to make the most of their installed solar resource.
Solar Generators
Energy Storage Devices
PowerStore #1
Battery #2 Brand B
Battery #1Brand A
PowerStore #2
GOODWE
your solar engine
Inverter Brand #1
Inverter Brand #2
+
More...
+
More...
Battery Group Hot Water Group
Solar Group
3
Combined Energy - System Overview Video
Video: Welcome to Combined Energy
● Introduction to concepts of energy management and solar self-consumption○ System controls load to match available solar○ System uses weather information to predict solar availability○ System learns use patterns in home to predict energy consumption
● Briefly discusses high-level install concepts:○ Gateway required, installed near switchboard○ System uses in-home wiring to communicate
● Shows overview of customer portal / web interface:○ Energy supply and cost statistics○ Charts of energy usage, with separate contribution from solar shown
● Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTSQyGh-Vkw
4
Combined Energy - Intelligent Tank Control
Video: Combined Energy Intelligent Tank Control
● Describes the role of the Combined Energy system in maximising the value of installing a PowerStore water heater through intelligent control
● Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzgPgty_crA
5
Combined Energy - System Components
The Gateway One coordinates the home Energy Management system, and has the following features:
● Integrated 6-channel three-phase Power Meter
● Powerline modem for communication with other devices in the home over the existing building wiring
● Ethernet port for direct communications with Solar and Battery inverters that are installed near the switchboard
● Wi-Fi to connect to the home Wi-Fi network as a backup option
● RS485 port for communication with Inverters requiring RS485
● Two 240V switch outputs for controlling contactors for direct load control (e.g. pumps, floor heating)
● Integrated Bluetooth to connect the mobile onSite app when performing installations
Gateway One
6
Combined Energy - System Components
Gateway IP Kit
Gateway OneConnection points for power supply
The Gateway IP Kit is a pre-packaged IP65-rated enclosure consisting of:
● A Gateway One
● A 12V DC power supply for the Gateway
● Connection points for the Gateway power supply from the site switchboard
Power supply
In a typical Installation a Gateway IP Kit will be mounted to the wall adjacent to the site switchboard and close to the solar Inverter.
7
Combined Energy - System Components
The Gateway’s 6-channel power meter is used to monitor:
● Net import/export at the grid connection
● Major appliances (e.g. A/C, pool pumps, floor heating)
● Any unusual solar or battery Inverters that do not support a direct data connection for monitoring
Circuits are monitored using current transformers (CTs).
For two-phase and three-phase sites, all grid supply lines must be monitored with a CT.
Current Transformers
8
Combined Energy - System Components
Current transformers are supplied as CT Bundles, each consisting of three CTs.
There are a range of CT Bundle options available, however the types most commonly bundled with the Gateway are:
● 120A CT Bundle (3 x 120A CT)● 60A CT Bundle (3 x 60A CT)
200A CT Bundles are also available for order if required.
The maximum wire diameter for each CT type is:
● 60A CTs: 10mm
● 120A CTs: 16mm
● 200A CTs: 23.8mm
CT Bundle
9
Combined Energy - System Components
A CT Harness is used to connect up to two CT Bundles to the Gateway.
The CT harness accepts two CT Bundles and converts the CT signals to a single purple USB-C cable which can be easily pulled through conduit and plugged into the Gateway.
The CT Harness is available in 3m and 0.5m variants.
The CT Harness has a RED position and a BLUE position for CT Bundles. The CT Bundle colour must match the colour marked on the CT Harness socket when plugged in.
CT Harness
10
Combined Energy - System Components
The Combined Energy system requires an Internet connection.
The PLT Adapter is used to connect the powerline network in the home to the customer’s Internet Router.
At least one PLT Adapter is required per site for this purpose.
Additional PLT Adapters can be added to a site if necessary to connect to the Ethernet-connected devices that are installed a long way from the site switchboard (e.g. Solar Inverter on Shed).
Gateway PLT Adapter
Powerline communication over building wiring
Customer Internet Router
Combined Energy Servers
The PLT Adapter should be plugged into wall outlets and not into powerboards. Powerboards include filtering components that can disrupt the powerline signal.
11
Combined Energy - System Components
The standard SKU for new Installations is the Solahart Kit, consisting of:
● Gateway IP Kit
● 3m CT Harness
● 120A CT Bundle
● 60A CT Bundle
● 2m Double-insulated Ethernet cable
● Quick Install guide and drilling template documentation
● PLT Adapter
CET-CT1-B060606-160A CT Bundle
CET-CT1-B121212-1120A CT Bundle
CET-AS-CT1-30-1CT Harness
CET-PL1-TE-1PLT-Ethernet Adapter
CET-AS-EN1-1Gateway IP Kit
12
There are some important prerequisites for Sites that should be considered before installation:
1. The home must have an internet service with a dedicated routerThe system won’t work with 3g/4g USB dongles that are plugged in to the homeowner's PC, or via WiFi hotspots. Check with the customer that they have a dedicated Internet router with at least 1 spare RJ45 Ethernet port to connect the PLT Adapter.
2. The whole home (including PowerStore tank) must be on the same tariff (at sites with solar)If the PowerStore is on a different tariff to the rest of the house it’s not possible to charge the tank using solar power, and the customer will not get any benefits from the system. If there is an existing device at the site on a controlled load tariff, this can be monitored by the system.
3. All solar PV at the site must be monitored (either directly via Ethernet or using CT clamps)Without a complete picture of the solar production at the site it is not possible for the Combined Energy system to optimise appliances.
4. Batteries, Hybrid Inverters, and export-limiting Solar Inverters must have a data connection if possible. Certain AC-coupled batteries (e.g. Tesla) do not allow integration and can be monitored with a CT, however the accuracy of monitoring will be reduced in this configuration.
5. Third-party energy control systems at the site (SolarEdge meter, Reposit, Solar Analytics meters with relays, etc) must be reportedExisting energy monitoring and control systems will usually coexist well with the Combined Energy Gateway, however it’s important to know what is present at the site to make sure the system is configured correctly so that multiple control systems don’t ‘fight’ each other.
Combined Energy - Site Requirements
13
Combined Energy - Installation Procedure
A printed step-by-step Installation Quick Guide is included with the Gateway Kit. The standard guide covers common installation processes, including:
● Defining the major appliances at the site using the onSite app
● Locating and mounting the Gateway IP Kit
● Connecting CTs and configuring them in the onSite app
● Installing and connecting the PLT Adapter
● Verifying that circuits with CTs are correctly monitored
● Verifying that the Gateway can connect to the Internet
● Determining if an aluminium sun shield is required for the
Gateway IP Kit
● Labelling the switchboard and documenting the Installation
with photos using the onSite app
● Contacting CET Support to verify a new Installation while at
the site
The latest version of the Quick Guide is available for download
through the onSite app or at this link.
14
Combined Energy - Inverter Integration
Inverter Integration Guides for various brands are available via the onSite app and Portal.
If a solar inverter can not be integrated directly with a data connection (Ethernet or RS485), it can be monitored using a CT.
Export LimitingIf required, the Combined Energy system will enforce a site-wide export limit, ensuring export restrictions are met while simultaneously making full use of all solar generation capacity to power home appliances.
Export limits can be configured through the Portal by the company administrator.
Inverter Internet ConnectionsOnce inverters are connected to the Gateway, there is no need for another another separate Internet connection to Inverter.
No need for 3rd party power meter The Combined Energy Gateway replaces most vendor-specific Inverter power meters, and can also monitor other circuits of interest within the home.
Battery and Solar InvertersPower
Measurement Only
Export Control + Power Readings + Battery Control
No Internet Access to Inverter Internet Access is provided to Inverter via Gateway
CT RS485 Ethernet Wi-Fi
Fronius ✓ ✓
SMA ✓ Optional ✓
Goodwe ✓ ✓
SolarEdge ✓ Optional ✓
ABB ✓ Optional ✓
Sonnen ✓ ✓
Q CELLS ✓ ✓
Growatt ✓ ✓
Solax ✓
Sungrow ✓
Other ✓
15
Combined Energy - Apps and Services
Solahart CET Portal
onSite App atHome Web App
Used by Installers to:
● Configure and test new Installations
● Access the latest Installation resources and documentation
● Contact CET Support
Used by Customers to:
● View energy use history and costs
● See a breakdown of where energy is being used in the home
● Check charge state of storage loads and solar performance
● Compare Tariffs / Retailer options
● Set load schedules and select preferred behaviour for energy storage devices
Used by Organisations to:
● Monitor the state of all sites and customer systems
● Add and configure new Installations
● Add and manage Installers and support Staff
● Schedule Installation and Maintenance Jobs
16
Combined Energy - onSite App for Installers
The Combined Energy onSite app for Android and iOS connects directly to Gateway via Bluetooth.
Installers use the onSite app to:
● Configure Gateways during Installation○ Set up site devices○ Configure CTs and voltage phases○ Check Internet connectivity
● Find the latest Installation Guides, Inverter Integration Guides, and introductory videos
● Contact Combined Energy Support
Access to the onSite app is granted through the CET Portal. You will receive a welcome SMS with instructions for downloading the app.
17
Combined Energy - Future CapabilitiesAggregation Services
Customers with the Combined Energy system will be able to opt-in to Aggregation Services, in which large groups of customer loads are controlled by the power utility to help manage the grid.
These programs are entirely optional and are often accompanied by a payment or credit to the customer in exchange for participation.
When activated, the Combined Energy system manages the amenity of storage loads in the home to ensure no disruption to the customer when participating in grid services.
Aggregation Services
18