Although we are constantly working to support the communication protocols of the heat pump manufacturer - Supported Devices, sometimes the device cannot be directly integrated via the native communication protocols, or the integration process is time-consuming, and we need a fast and efficient solution.
In this case, we can use the Shelly electricity meter supported by Reduxi.
With the Reduxi controller, we would like to connect a heat pump using a Shelly electricity meter; how?
Install a Shelly 3EM meter (Shelly 3EM) or a Shelly PRO 3EM meter (Shelly 3EM) with digital output inside or near the heat pump, or in the electrical cabinet at the heat pump outlet. The digital output is connected to the so-called EVU contact or EVU-Sperre (German: "Energieversorgungsunternehmen") or the so-called SmartGrid Ready contact, which will temporarily stop the heat pump operation.
On some heat pumps, EVU contact is temporarily open or closed; when EVU is active, this contact will be closed or open (depending on the type of heat pump).
At the same time, we also get information about electricity consumption, as most heat pumps do not report it even after implementing the manufacturer's communication protocol.
What is "EVU-Sperre Energieversorgungsunternehmen"?
EVU stands for Energieversorgungsunternehmen. With a favourable heat pump tariff, EVU ensures that your heat pump does not consume electricity at peak loads, thus saving electricity costs. The EVU contact prevents heat pumps from consuming electricity at peak loads and allows you to limit the heat pump's operation during times of high tariff. During this restriction period, the heat pump is in standby mode until the main power is below the available limit.
This can happen when the peak power is too high, and we are at the level of a house, building, or industry, or at the level of the whole grid when electricity consumers take more electricity from the grid than the power plants can supply, which can cause a drop in the grid frequency. However, consumers and power plants depend on the frequency remaining as constant as possible. In the worst case, the power plants may break down, causing a blackout.
Thus, The EVU constraint limits the heat pump's operation at such peak loads or even high electricity prices. These times are usually in the morning, midday and evening, i.e. when energy consumption is exceptionally high. The Reduxi is connected to the heat pump, which recognizes the peak limits and sends a signal to the EVU contact through which one limit operation of the heat pump. After the end of the restriction time, the heat pump is switched back on.
Which heat pump support EVU contact or SmartGrid Ready contact?
Check https://www.waermepumpe.de/normen-technik/sg-ready/sg-ready-datenbank/.