Load Shifting

Owned by Atharv Gokhale
Last updated: Oct 17, 2024 by Anne Wilson
2 min read

 

Function

The load shifting feature enables you to model savings and energy flows from changing the moving a load from a fixed time, to being controlled by either:

  • a programmable contactor that turns the load on when there is enough excess solar available to supply the load

    • Eg ‘Catch Control’ or Fronius Ohm Pilot

  • a timer

    • Eg a timer on a hot water heater or pool pump that normally runs at nig

Current load scenario

On the left, enter the details of the existing load scenario which you want to shift, including:

  • When the load runs

  • Load power rating

  • Maximum energy used per day

  • Price basis

    • Regular tariff rate - this will use the grid tariff that is applicable at that time, whether it be a flat rate, or Time of Use rate, as specified on the Energy page.

    • Controlled load rate - this will use the controlled load tariff as specified on the Energy page. This applies to loads such as controlled load hot water and underfloor heating.

  • In addition to load profile?

    • Click on the “In addition to load profile” checkbox if the load details mentioned are not a part of the consumption profile loaded on the Energy page.

If “In addition to load profile” is not checked, make sure there is enough power in the consumption profile, as the load will activate only when the power is equal to or greater than the kW power value set in this section.
If “In addition to load profile” is checked, you are adding additional loads and therefore adding more cost to the before scenario. Do not expect to compare the system without a Smart Energy profile with a system that has a Smart Energy profile.

Proposed load scenario

In this section, you can enter the details of the proposed load scenario.

  • when the load will run (if on a programmable contactor that uses excess solar, then make this time range 6am to 8pm)

  • Load power (this may be different than the load power of the current scenario). Eg if you swap the element in the hot water tank, specify the size of the new element)

  • Max energy per day (how much energy is required by the load)

  • Whether the load is controlled by a timer, turns on when there is sufficient solar, or turns on when there is sufficient solar, and the battery is full.

Time ranges

The time ranges can be entered at an hourly level on the 24-hour clock. To specify multiple ranges for the same weekday, click on “+Weekly Range”.

Click on the “Copy weekday to weekend” button to copy the same ranges from the weekday to the weekend.