Complex Monitoring and Control System - Reality Check

I have long been planning to use a combination of Arduinos and a central server to monitor and control my energy domestic energy usage. I have bought a number of Arduinos and have computers that could act as a controlling server, although I am gradually coming over to using something like a Pi.

Presently, I have 3 phase electricity coming into my house (via my garage which is about 10 metres away from the nearest part of the house.  I have a 10Kw solar PV system.  The 3 phase inverter is adjacent to the garage supply.  Presently I have an oil boiler heating water for a ten zone (in effect, every room is a separate zone) underfloor heating system, served by three manifolds and a pump on each manifold.  Each zone has a wax valve to turn it on or off.  I am intending to install a solar thermal heat source at some point, and two heat pumps - one will be standard electricity, and the other is a prototype which is a little more 'interesting' in concept and which we are designing and installing as a proof of concept.  We'll be installing a large water buffer tank or tanks (between 500 litres and 1000 litres probably). Grid tie in is standard UK. I also want to put up a small wind turbine to charge a battery bank (probably), which will discharge at night to provide power at night. I'd like to ensure that all that is generated is used in-house and does not leak back to the grid.

This is what I want to do with this system:

Phase one.  Monitor power generated by solar pv and divert power to different recipient systems - immersion heater/s, battery chargers, and/or heat pump.  I realise that I might have to power the heat pump from electricity stored in a battery/inverter system, as there may be issues otherwise using a triac to power the heat pump sporadically.  I have a number of places I can use excess power generated.  From reading the forums etc., my understanding is that I'll probably need a separate Arduino-based monitoring and diversion system on each of the three phases. I'd like each of these to transmit data to a central server, but they might be able to transmit the data directly to a triac located near, for example, an immersion heater.  One system for each phase.  In other words, energy monitoring and control on each phase, but with the option of switching the energy diversion to a different dump, if required.

Phase two. Monitor temperatures in all rooms and externally and fully control the heating system.  Learn the thermo-dynamics of each room and be able to predict temperatures accordingly, so a particular room will be heated when required and not heated at other times.  Have manual intervention via an app or browser interface from devices such as a phone and/or tablet linked over a wifi network and over the internet.  This might be extended to include security monitoring.  Phase two is significant because onward development potential is enormous.  Essentially, the system is a large number of temperature sensors probably on a one wire bus attached to a number of Arduinos reporting to a central server, which tracks everything and switches heat sources on/off, pumps on/off, zones on/off etc.etc. And then the rest...

I’m reasonably competent but am learning about electricity (phases/sine waves etc. etc.).  I used to program but have not done so for 30 years. I am not that knowledgeable about electronics.

I’m posting to check if I am being realistic in hoping to do this myself, and to seek information sources regarding elements not already covered in the forums here.

Thank you.

Schism's picture

Re: Complex Monitoring and Control System - Reality Check

Essentially, the system is a large number of temperature sensors probably on a one wire bus attached to a number of Arduinos reporting to a central server, which tracks everything and switches heat sources on/off, pumps on/off, zones on/off etc.etc.

You can achieve this right now with an emonTH and a fistful of D18B20 sensors, calling in to a locally hosted emonCMS installation on a Pi, and using the packet generator to issue control instructions. I have a single emonTH measuring the temperature of five rooms on my first floor, plus humidity in the bathroom, at a total cost of < £40 (plus the emonBase, aka Raspberry Pi!)

Like you, my electronics knowledge is low, I can barely solder two wires together...

The latter part isn't something I've done myself but is an active area of work; I'm sure someone will be able to comment.

There's an active group around PV diversion - again, someone will no doubt comment shortly.

 

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