Choice of intelligent switches ?

Martyn1981

sly_dog_jonah wrote: »

Hi Mart,

1275kWh diverted to date since installation 20/9/12. Will post some detailed stats after the anniversary.

Cheers SDJ. I had the 5/9/12 in my head, but reading back you did mention having to replace your element. My mistake.

I was just curious, as initially, there were some questions/doubts about being able to divert 1,000kWh's pa, but these were based on autumn diversion, and I assumed that things would be far, far better in the 6 BST months.

Look forward to analysis, just being nosey as usual!

Mart.

danesol

A new kid on the block to consider.......

http://www.solamiser2.talktalk.net/Solamiser/Home.html

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=154nYvZy-1M

hth

danesol

OK UPDATE, the GAS boiler is now back on due to the recent weather... so that's a definite 6mths of using NO gas at all to heat the HWC, saving 1,346kwhs of GAS equal to ~ £ 46 saving

I have a way of measuring the divert now, so should know exactly what the SI diverts from the Solar panels over the Autumn and Winter mths, which will give me the full extent of what actually is been saved.

Martyn1981

danesol wrote: »

OK UPDATE, the GAS boiler is now back on due to the recent weather... so that's a definite 6mths of using NO gas at all to heat the HWC, saving 1,346kwhs of GAS equal to ~ £ 46 saving

I have a way of measuring the divert now, so should know exactly what the SI diverts from the Solar panels over the Autumn and Winter mths, which will give me the full extent of what actually is been saved.

Hiya. Just in case you mistakenly thought I was being negative about such devices (I wasn't, honest), I think those numbers are pretty positive.

Assuming (sorry, more assumptions) a summer boiler efficiency of 75% - as I think the 80% I said recently, might have been a little harsh - 1,346kWh's of gas would work out at about 1,000kWh's of leccy divert.

Given your system size is reasonable, and not at the upper end, I reckon those numbers are very acceptable, given the falling (or should that be fallen(?)) prices of these devices.

Mart.

[Deleted User]

solarimmersion still going strong. ASHP has [almost] done nout since April install.

Shortly I expect it to tail off but the tank will be preheated to an extent before the ASHP kicks in to bring DHW up to full temp.

One of the best things I have ever bought

My personal reason for buying has nothing to do with theoretical efficiency arguments... purely about taking wear off the ASHP and using as much leccy onsite as poss

mickyduck

[QUOTE=I_have_a_way_of_measuring_the_divert_now,_so_should_know_exactly_what_the_SI_diverts_from_the_Solar_panels_over_the_Autumn_and_Winter_mths,_which_will_give_me_the_full_extent_of_what_actually_is_been_saved.[/QUOTE]

Hi
if you dont mind telling.... what are you using to measure the diverted power?
Cheers
Mick

danesol

mickyduck wrote: »

Hi
if you dont mind telling.... what are you using to measure the diverted power?
Cheers
Mick

Hi, I am testing whether a BG monitor with wifi clamp and/or a secondary Envir Monitor with wifi CT clamp ( on the SI +feed itself ) can actually record the power used and therefore the divert taken.... initial measurements are/were positive however, it seems to do weird things at full power !

Watch this space..............

zeupater

danesol wrote: »

Hi, I am testing whether a BG monitor with wifi clamp and/or a secondary Envir Monitor with wifi CT clamp ( on the SI +feed itself ) can actually record the power used and therefore the divert taken.... initial measurements are/were positive however, it seems to do weird things at full power !

Watch this space..............

Hi

Considering that the output from the controller is proportional, attempting to measure the current with a fixed voltage clamp-sensor power monitor is pretty unlikely to be accurate. I would have thought that measuring power on the consumer side will probably also be inaccurate due to the controller moving the immersion load from being purely resistive, probably displaying a similar affect as a capacitive circuit appliance, but the extent to which this happens would depend on the proportional control method, ie. voltage or phase. If the unit works on phase control then it could be inducing all sorts of noise which could screw the clamp-sensor and therefore the monitor's accuracy ....

Using a power monitor as an energy meter isn't really what they're designed for .... if you want any degree of accuracy it would probably be much better to have a proper meter (similar to your TGM) fitted ....

HTH
Z

danesol

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

Considering that the output from the controller is proportional, attempting to measure the current with a fixed voltage clamp-sensor power monitor is pretty unlikely to be accurate. I would have thought that measuring power on the consumer side will probably also be inaccurate due to the controller moving the immersion load from being purely resistive, probably displaying a similar affect as a capacitive circuit appliance, but the extent to which this happens would depend on the proportional control method, ie. voltage or phase. If the unit works on phase control then it could be inducing all sorts of noise which could screw the clamp-sensor and therefore the monitor's accuracy ....

Using a power monitor as an energy meter isn't really what they're designed for .... if you want any degree of accuracy it would probably be much better to have a proper meter (similar to your TGM) fitted ....

HTH
Z

Sorry I didnt explain myself correctly, Yes I thought of that so i'm trying to measure the constant power feed to the unit itself, which seems to work "up to a point" ........ however I think the situation is too conditional for me to automate, so waiting patiently for a proper solution from SI themselves.

zeupater

danesol wrote: »

Sorry I didnt explain myself correctly, Yes I thought of that so i'm trying to measure the constant power feed to the unit itself, which seems to work "up to a point" ........ however I think the situation is too conditional for me to automate, so waiting patiently for a proper solution from SI themselves.

Hi

... that's the option which was covered in ...

... I would have thought that measuring power on the consumer side will probably also be inaccurate due to the controller moving the immersion load from being purely resistive, probably displaying a similar affect as a capacitive circuit appliance, but the extent to which this happens would depend on the proportional control method, ie. voltage or phase. If the unit works on phase control then it could be inducing all sorts of noise which could screw the clamp-sensor and therefore the monitor's accuracy ....

... although it could have read better if it had included 'unit' after 'consumer' ....

If you really want to meter your energy diversion you really should consider a separate meter as it will be accurate. If you know a friendly sparky it should cost no more than an energy monitor and a pint for a few minutes work (half hour max ?) .... the controller manufacturer will be able to advise ...

HTH
Z