I would like to have software that could control the programmed temperature of mini-split heat pump based on available solar. A heat pump uses very little power when at a zero degree differential and more power as the differential increases. I would like to use the solar modbus data from Schneider Electrics Inverters.

The MODBUS data could then control a smart thermostat like you have here.
http://www.modbus.org/viewdevice.php?id=685

The software would get modbus data from the inverter on battery voltage, available solar, and other available data. If the data was good the cooling/heating would go to programmed temperature of the room.

If clouds or poor solar conditions reduced the available power the software would reduce the programmed temperature to the actual slowly. It would check if there was enough solar to run the new programmed temperature. If there was not enough solar, the software would reduce the temperature differential to zero degrees or shut down the heatpump.

I am a solar engineer and can help if anyone is interested. I am open to just about anything that can get this completed. I know I could help sell this. In solar applications the modbus data is usually right there at the desktop near a computer/network.

I have 70 Offgrid homes that I designed that would really like to automate this. I also have solar clients with a Grid connection that want to heat/cool their homes and use something like this to avoid using the utility.

There are plenty of smart grid controllers out there that can turn on/off and program a temperature. There are none that are smart enough to change the temperature based on some other parameter.
Thanks for reading this.

Dave Angelini / Offgrid Solar
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/

 

Update! I can now control the thermostat from android or i-phone.
I still need to get the battery voltage out of the Schneider electric combox data. Anyone who can write a simple program that can help? I am willing to pay for their time.

Thx! --Dave
209 813 0060 cell or text
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/

 

Hi,

I found this post actually looking for any Inverter Heat-pump that would allow me to adjust it load factor/electric power over Modbus or KNX (and not indirectly trough temperature set-point). Maybe we have some interest in common. Regarding your application if you still are looking for a solution drop me a line. If you know of any heat pump like what I'm looking for, please also reply.

> Update! I can now control the thermostat from android or i-phone.
> I still need to get the battery voltage out of the Schneider
> electric combox data. Anyone who can write a simple program
> that can help? I am willing to pay for their time.

Thanks!