EMS Manual

Created by Regardt Schalkwyk, Modified on Tue, 19 Nov, 2024 at 10:37 PM by Regardt Schalkwyk

EnergiTrack EMS User Manual

 

 

Introduction

Welcome to the EnergiTrack EMS User Manual. The EnergiTrack EMS is an advanced energy management system designed to optimize solar PV, battery storage, and grid interaction. It intelligently controls energy flow based on configurable operational modes and settings, helping you minimize costs, maximize energy efficiency, and ensure stable performance.

This manual guides you through configuring and operating the EnergiTrack EMS, covering the available modes, export controls, generator management, input settings, and more.


 

 

System Overview

The EnergiTrack EMS manages energy across three key modes: Peak, Valley, and Flat. Additionally, the system allows for up to ten time slots, each configurable with a start time, end time, and a selected mode. These time slots allow for automated switching between modes based on predefined schedules, optimizing energy consumption and cost savings throughout the day.


 

 

Operational Modes

1. Peak Mode

  • Objective: Reduce grid consumption during peak price periods by prioritizing battery discharge and optimizing PV usage.
  • Battery Discharge:
    • Discharges the battery to cover loads until the Peak SOC is reached.
    • After reaching Peak SOC, the battery discharges only for peak shaving until it reaches the Discharge Stop SOC.
    • At the Discharge Stop SOC, the battery ceases all discharging.
  • Peak Shaving: When grid consumption exceeds the Peak Shaving Limit, the battery discharges to reduce grid usage and minimize demand charges.
  • Battery Charging:
    • Grid Charging: The grid will not charge the battery during peak mode.
    • PV Charging: The PV system will charge the battery if there is excess PV after covering loads, until the PV Charge SOC is reached.
  • Export Logic:
    • PV Export: Once the PV Charge SOC is reached, PV export will begin if PV export is enabled.
    • PV Export Disabled: If PV export is not enabled, the system will limit PV production to match the load once the PV Charge Stop SOC is reached, ensuring no excess power is produced.
    • Minimum Grid Import: The battery and PV systems will ensure that the system always imports at least the Minimum Grid Import value, even when PV export is disabled.
  • PV Ramp Rate: PV output will ramp up or down according to the PV Ramp Rate, which is set as a percentage of the Max PV Capacity. This ensures smooth adjustments to PV power.

2. Valley Mode

  • Objective: Maximize the use of cheaper grid power to cover loads and charge the battery.
  • Battery Charging:
    • Charges the battery using both grid power and excess PV until the Grid Charge Stop SOC and PV Charge Stop SOC are reached.
  • No Battery Export: Battery export is disabled in valley mode, focusing on charging the battery.
  • Peak Shaving: The battery will discharge to prevent grid consumption from exceeding the Peak Shaving Limit.
  • PV Export: If enabled, surplus PV after battery charging can be exported to the grid, up to the Max PV Export Power.
  • Minimum Grid Import: The system will ensure that the Minimum Grid Import value is maintained to prevent feedback to the grid.
  • PV Ramp Rate: PV output will ramp up or down according to the PV Ramp Rate, ensuring that PV adjustments are gradual and stable.

3. Flat Mode

  • Objective: Charge the battery using only excess PV power and discharge only for peak shaving.
  • Battery Charging: Charges the battery using excess PV until the PV Charge Stop SOC is reached. Grid power is not used for charging.
  • No Battery Discharge for Loads: The battery discharges only for peak shaving. Discharging stops entirely at the Discharge Stop SOC.
  • PV Export: If enabled, surplus PV power after charging can be exported to the grid, up to the Max PV Export Power.
  • Minimum Grid Import: The system will ensure that the Minimum Grid Import value is adhered to, ensuring that at least the minimum grid power is always maintained to prevent feedback.
  • PV Ramp Rate: PV output will ramp up or down according to the PV Ramp Rate, set as a percentage of the Max PV Capacity.


 

 

Time Slot Configuration

Overview

The EnergiTrack EMS allows for up to ten time slots, which you can configure to automate the switching between operational modes. Each time slot is defined by a start time, end time, and a selected mode (Peak, Valley, or Flat). This configuration ensures that the system can dynamically adjust its operation throughout the day based on your schedule.

Time Slot Example

Time Slot

Start Time

End Time

Selected Mode

Time Slot 1

06:00

09:00

Peak

Time Slot 2

09:00

12:00

Valley

Time Slot 3

12:00

16:00

Flat

Time Slot 4

16:00

20:00

Peak

Time Slot 5

20:00

23:00

Valley

Time Slot 6

23:00

06:00

Flat

...

...

...

...

Time Slot 10

Custom

Custom

Custom

Time Slot Configuration Notes

  • Flexible Scheduling: The time slots allow for full customization, ensuring that the EMS adapts to various energy pricing and consumption patterns throughout the day.
  • Mode Automation: Each time slot defines which mode the system will operate in (Peak, Valley, Flat), allowing for automatic changes based on the configured time intervals.

 

Export and Generator Management

PV Export

  • Enable PV Export: Allows the system to export excess PV power to the grid when enabled, up to the Max PV Export Power. If disabled, no PV power will be exported.

Battery Export

  • Enable Battery Export: Allows the system to export battery power to the grid when enabled, up to the Max Battery Export Power. If disabled, no battery power will be exported.

Generator Management

  • Enable PV on Generator: Allows the PV system to operate alongside the generator, contributing to loads and charging the battery. If disabled, PV production is curtailed when the generator is active.
  • Min Generator Power: Ensures that the generator maintains a minimum output power. If loads are too low, the battery charges to absorb the excess and keep the generator running efficiently.
  • Max Generator Power: Prevents the generator from exceeding its maximum allowable output by discharging the battery to reduce the generator's load.


 

 

Input Settings

Input Numbers

1. Max PV Export Power

  • Defines the maximum power that can be exported to the grid from the PV system.

2. Max Battery Export Power

  • Defines the maximum power that can be exported to the grid from the battery.

3. Min Generator Power

  • Sets the minimum output power for the generator. The battery will charge to ensure this minimum is maintained.

4. Max Generator Power

  • Sets the maximum allowable generator output. The battery will discharge to prevent the generator from exceeding this limit.

5. Grid Charge Stop SOC

  • Defines the SOC at which grid charging stops.

6. PV Charge Stop SOC

  • Defines the SOC at which PV charging stops.

7. Peak SOC

  • Sets the SOC at which peak mode stops discharging for loads and switches to peak shaving only.

8. Discharge Stop SOC

  • Defines the SOC at which all battery discharging stops.

9. Minimum Grid Import

  • Ensures a small amount of power is always imported from the grid to prevent feedback.

10. Peak Shaving Limit

  • Defines the maximum allowable grid consumption before peak shaving is triggered.

11. Battery Max Power

  • Sets the maximum power the battery can charge or discharge at any given time.

12. Max PV Capacity

  • Defines the total installed PV capacity.

13. PV Ramp Rate Slider

  • Controls the percentage of max PV capacity used for ramping up or down the PV power output.

Input Booleans

1. Enable PV Export

  • When enabled, allows PV export to the grid.

2. Enable Battery Export

  • When enabled, allows battery export to the grid.

3. Enable PV on Generator

  • When enabled, allows the PV system to operate alongside the generator.


 

 

System Operation

The EnergiTrack EMS automatically adjusts energy flow according to the selected mode, user-defined input settings, and configured time slots. The system dynamically balances grid consumption, PV production, battery usage, and generator management to optimize performance, reduce costs, and prevent equipment overload.

 

Conclusion

Thank you for using the EnergiTrack EMS! This manual has outlined the key features, operational modes, input settings, and export controls. By properly configuring the system’s settings, you can ensure that your energy resources are managed efficiently and effectively, helping you achieve energy independence and cost savings.

 


 

 

 


 

Quick Comparison:

 

Feature

Peak Mode

Valley Mode

Flat Mode

Off-Grid Mode

Generator Mode

Objective

Minimize grid consumption during peak periods by prioritizing battery discharge and peak shaving.

Maximize the use of cheaper grid power for both charging the battery and covering loads.

Use only excess PV power to charge the battery and discharge only for peak shaving.

Manage PV production to charge the battery and meet the load without grid support.

Manage the generator to keep it within specified power limits with battery support.

Battery Discharge

Discharges to cover loads until the Peak SOC is reached, then only for peak shaving.

Discharges for peak shaving if grid consumption exceeds the Peak Shaving Limit.

Discharges only for peak shaving if grid consumption exceeds the Peak Shaving Limit.

No battery discharge logic applies. Only PV is managed.

Discharges the battery to prevent the generator from exceeding its maximum power limit.


 

 


 
 

Feature

Peak Mode

Valley Mode

Flat Mode

Off-Grid Mode

Generator Mode

Battery Charging

PV charges the battery if excess PV is available until PV Charge SOC is reached. Grid does not charge the battery.

Charges from both grid and PV until Grid Charge Stop SOC and PV Charge Stop SOC are reached.

Charges only from excess PV until the PV Charge Stop SOC is reached. Grid does not charge the battery.

PV attempts to charge the battery until the PV Charge Stop SOC is reached, then PV follows the loads.

Charges the battery if the generator power is below the minimum power threshold.

PV Charging

Prioritizes charging the battery until the PV Charge SOC is reached.

PV charges the battery until PV Charge Stop SOC is reached.

PV charges the battery using only excess PV until PV Charge Stop SOC is reached.

PV attempts to charge the battery until the PV Charge Stop SOC is reached, then it follows the loads.

PV assists the generator by charging the battery if necessary.


 

 

Feature

Peak Mode

Valley Mode

Flat Mode

Off-Grid Mode

Generator Mode

PV Export

Exports excess PV to the grid after PV Charge SOC is reached (if export is enabled).

Exports excess PV to the grid after PV Charge SOC is reached (if export is enabled).

Exports excess PV after battery charging, if PV export is enabled.

No PV export. PV only charges the battery or follows loads.

No PV export. PV only assists the generator or charges the battery.

Minimum Grid Import

Ensures a minimum grid import is always maintained.

Ensures a minimum grid import is always maintained.

Ensures a minimum grid import is always maintained.

Not applicable. No grid power is used in this mode.

Not applicable. PV assists the generator without grid import.

Peak Shaving

Discharges battery to prevent grid consumption from exceeding the Peak Shaving Limit.

Discharges battery if grid consumption exceeds the Peak Shaving Limit.

Discharges battery only to prevent grid consumption from exceeding the Peak Shaving Limit.

Not applicable. Peak shaving is not performed in this mode.

Not applicable. Peak shaving is not performed in this mode.


 

 

Feature

Peak Mode

Valley Mode

Flat Mode

Off-Grid Mode

Generator Mode

Grid Power Usage

Grid power is used only for loads. Grid does not charge the battery.

Grid power is used for both loads and battery charging.

Grid power is used for loads but not for charging the battery.

No grid power usage. Only PV and battery are managed.

Grid power is not used. The generator and battery manage loads.

Generator Power Usage

Not applicable. Grid-based operation.

Not applicable. Grid-based operation.

Not applicable. Grid-based operation.

Not applicable. No generator usage in Off-Grid Mode.

The generator provides power and is supported by the battery to ensure the generator stays within power limits.

SOC Management

Discharges until Peak SOC is reached, then only peak shaving until Discharge Stop SOC.

Manages charging until Grid Charge Stop SOC and PV Charge Stop SOC are reached.

Manages charging until PV Charge Stop SOC is reached.

Stops charging when PV Charge Stop SOC is reached.

Charges or discharges the battery to maintain generator power within min and max limits.


 

 

Feature

Peak Mode

Valley Mode

Flat Mode

Off-Grid Mode

Generator Mode

PV Ramp Rate

Applied to control the smooth ramping of PV production.

Applied to control the smooth ramping of PV production.

Applied to control the smooth ramping of PV production.

Applied to control the smooth ramping of PV production.

Applied to control the smooth ramping of PV production.

Control Focus

Minimizing grid use and maximizing battery discharge during peak times.

Using cheaper grid power to charge the battery and cover loads.

Charging the battery only with excess PV and reducing peak demand.

Managing PV production to charge the battery and meet loads without the grid.

Managing generator power and assisting with battery charging or discharging.

 

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