device to use unused soler pv export power to run heater or hot water

kevinheb

any chance someone could send me details please, thanks

did someone mention plans for saving water as well........?? if there is please pm that as well

shosrnathan

energysavingexp wrote: »

if you have solar pv and want to use unused power that would be exported, to heat your hotwater or heater ect.
but dont want to use imported leccy when you are using more than you are producing ie.
say you are exporting 1.5kw- 4kw and want to use it say running a heater when you are out
light switch or current switch will turn on your heater but if you turn on say a kettle you will now be using imported leccy (not good)
this system turns off the heater if you are using more leccy than your production so if its a bright day your heater turns on untill a cloud comes over or you turn on a kettle or tumble dryer
then when kettle has boiled the heater turns back on again
you can build the device for around £15 if you are good at diy
if you want to know more about it message me and ill try and explain better

update:

if you have your leccy meter a long way from your heater and if you dont want to run a wire to the controller this can be done with a transmitter and reciever for an extra £12ish

Am I too late to the party? Just signed up after seeing this thread on google. can I have the details please email shosrnathan@hotmail.com

Hobbo2006

Just thought I'd post some progress on here. Have searched the forums and can't see any mention of these products so some members might not be aware of them.

Many people have been looking to divert the excess power from their solar PV arrays to the immersion heater in their homes to save on current costs. There are plenty of "home made" ideas out there but by the end of the month there will be two versions made by companies and sold commercially.

The first of these is called Immersun, you can see some general information here.

http://www.immersun.co.uk/

This is due to cost around £500-£600 fully installed and available through installers, who you can find on their website. Just put your postcode in and it will recommend the nearest.

The second option is available toward the end of the month and will be advertised on the website below.

http://solarimmersionheaterswitch.co.uk/

At present the mark II version is the latest model but they are working on a mark III version which will have intelligence and divert all excess generated electricity to the immersion. The price of this should come under the £300 mark but you'd need to find your own installer, by the sound of it.

Both have phase sensitive sensors, so you only need one clip on sensor to monitor.
Both are proportional so if you're only generating an excess of 200w then that's what goes to the immersion.
Both utilise the existing immersion element so no need to change.
Both will have a timer so if the water doesn't hit the right temparature you can can it a boost by importing electricity.

The more expensive one has a LCD screen which tells you how many kWh's you've saved and could be used on bigger set ups including a commercial setting.

Hope that helps!

sly_dog_jonah

If anyone has any comments about Hobbo2006's posting I'd suggest you reply in this thread.

wiimad

Hobbo2006 wrote: »

Just thought I'd post some progress on here. Have searched the forums and can't see any mention of these products so some members might not be aware of them.

Many people have been looking to divert the excess power from their solar PV arrays to the immersion heater in their homes to save on current costs. There are plenty of "home made" ideas out there but by the end of the month there will be two versions made by companies and sold commercially.

The first of these is called Immersun, you can see some general information here.

http://www.immersun.co.uk/

This is due to cost around £500-£600 fully installed and available through installers, who you can find on their website. Just put your postcode in and it will recommend the nearest.

The second option is available toward the end of the month and will be advertised on the website below.

http://solarimmersionheaterswitch.co.uk/

At present the mark II version is the latest model but they are working on a mark III version which will have intelligence and divert all excess generated electricity to the immersion. The price of this should come under the £300 mark but you'd need to find your own installer, by the sound of it.

Both have phase sensitive sensors, so you only need one clip on sensor to monitor.
Both are proportional so if you're only generating an excess of 200w then that's what goes to the immersion.
Both utilise the existing immersion element so no need to change.
Both will have a timer so if the water doesn't hit the right temparature you can can it a boost by importing electricity.

The more expensive one has a LCD screen which tells you how many kWh's you've saved and could be used on bigger set ups including a commercial setting.

Hope that helps!

I use the Mk1 version with my 4kwh pv system and is great with a 1 kw element ive turned my gas on to heat hot water twice since 2nd June. I find only having the element on for 3 hrs is enough most days to have a nice warm shower in the mornings for 2 adults and to fill a small bath for the baby every day.

oldandgrumpy

Energysavingexpert Am I too late to request details? Sounds just like what I have been seeking.

sly_dog_jonah

wiimad wrote: »

I use the Mk1 version with my 4kwh pv system and is great with a 1 kw element ive turned my gas on to heat hot water twice since 2nd June. I find only having the element on for 3 hrs is enough most days to have a nice warm shower in the mornings for 2 adults and to fill a small bath for the baby every day.

Do you know how many kWh you've used of Gas since you've had the Mk1 installed? I'm interested to see what you're effective daily consumption is to understand whether we should opt for a NSC tariff if we get a similar product installed, as our gas usage should be minimal during the months when the central heating is off if we can heat our hot water via the immersion.

oldandgrumpy

energysavingexp wrote: »

hi kernel

if you take a look at my past posts i dont mind discussed publicly
but there a few on here that like to think they are always right
and dont like other people having some thing they cannot have.
if i can help anyone for free i will,
this device is not for everyone only people who have solar pv and are good at diy its not easy to explain thats why i sayed message me so i can tell them where to buy the parts and how to build it
if it can save you money for £15 ish then if they are intrested then ask and ill do my best to help
ive only put it on here after recieving a pm from a member asking me about it and he called me today after buying the parts from a local shop and said i should tell everyone and share the info.
but like i say its not for everyone.
i'll share any money saving ideas i have ive even got a system in place to save £500 of my water bill that has been running now for last 4 years

I'll try to get it right this time. Could you send me details of your latest design please. It sounds just the thing I am seeking as I will be away most of the winter and want to leave a free heater on.

sly_dog_jonah

oldandgrumpy wrote: »

I'll try to get it right this time. Could you send me details of your latest design please. It sounds just the thing I am seeking as I will be away most of the winter and want to leave a free heater on.

I suggest you send energysavingexp a PM for quickest response.

Beware though that you shouldn't rely on Solar PV-powered heating even when a home is empty as you may find the PV to be least effective when your house most needs it. For example: during a cold period when risk of frozen pipes is greatest and risk of snow-covered PV is highest.

legoman62

oldandgrumpy wrote: »

Energysavingexpert Am I too late to request details? Sounds just like what I have been seeking.

I do not know if energysavingexp is active on this board at the moment but, if you require any info on his superb idea I may be able to help you. I have been using it for the several months now with no problems. He helped me put mine together and gave lots of good advice. I think, for the initial outlay it cannot be beaten. I have photos and wiring diagrams if required.