April 4, 20197 yr Morning guys. Did a bit of reading, and now know one of the first things one needs to do, is to measure baseline power usage so that you can plan accordingly for your proposed setup. I see the Efergy range mentioned here, but also saw that some guys mention that it is not ultimately that precise in its measurements. So, with that in mind, I would like to start with my own measurements. Is there something better to use than that, or even better, something that one could then tie into your kit later (looking at victron stuff ultimately) that would still serve a proper purpose? Here if the item is a bit more expensive, I would not mind spending the money. Cheers!
April 4, 20197 yr The Efergy range would give you a good idea, but could be out by 20% to 30%. Basically you pre-program it with your voltage, which you measure before hand, and it measure the current and multiply the two. The problem is that most places' voltages is not very stable and can differ by upto 20V at various times of the day. If you're planning on going the Victron route, you could look at using the Victron T112 energy meter + Victron Color Control
April 4, 20197 yr 23 minutes ago, SilverNodashi said: If you're planning on going the Victron route, you could look at using the Victron T112 energy meter + Victron Color Control Now THAT is a damn clever titbit to consider Silver!!! Wow. 👍 Get that in place for both are key to going grid tied, the biggest saver, seeing the live data adding the rest based on facts.
April 4, 20197 yr 5 hours ago, Minerva10210 said: Morning guys. Did a bit of reading, and now know one of the first things one needs to do, is to measure baseline power usage so that you can plan accordingly for your proposed setup. I see the Efergy range mentioned here, but also saw that some guys mention that it is not ultimately that precise in its measurements. So, with that in mind, I would like to start with my own measurements. Is there something better to use than that, or even better, something that one could then tie into your kit later (looking at victron stuff ultimately) that would still serve a proper purpose? Here if the item is a bit more expensive, I would not mind spending the money. Cheers! Minerva the Efergy will be 100% for what you want to use it for. If you can measure your voltage and program the meter appropriately then it will be fine for determining what you need going forward. The Victron equipment suggested will probably cost R6.5k vs the R1.3k for an Efergy that will get pretty close to what you need. You will also be able to sell the Efergy when later when you are done. If you are planning to go Victron in the future then there can be an argument for spending the money now, but you are basically locked in the Victron cult for life.....
April 4, 20197 yr 21 minutes ago, Jaws said: ... locked in the Victron cult for life..... I have bought and sold Victron equipment 2nd hand as and when I wanted ... never once was I "locked in for life". 🤣 Sometimes to find 2nd hand Victron equipment (with the warranty following the part) is a excersize in patience ... as it is a scarce commodity at times to find 2nd hand. And if you want to move Victron stuff fast? Drop the price. It moves! Edited April 4, 20197 yr by Guest
April 4, 20197 yr Author Thanks guys. RE: the efergy, that small fact that the voltage is set and not measured is what got on my nerves. I did consider that I have a very good way of measuring the voltage, and its fluctuations, as I have an old Ubiquti mPower which has very good graphing and the like if you have the software loaded as well. However, as I stated, I won't mind buying something more expensive now that would serve a benefit for a grid-tied or off-grid solution later as well.
April 4, 20197 yr An OpenEnergyMonitor setup includes a Voltage measure device. You can also use the OEM with some SCT-013-000 arounds your circuits at your DB to see what goes where. And it runs a MQTT and NodeRed so interfacing it with a VenusGX or CCGX can be done... and more... G
April 4, 20197 yr What you could do also (if your a tinker), is grab an ardiuno, RPI and a CT and follow the guides on Openenergymonitor.org I took a old 6VAC charger from a dead portable drill and calibrated my device to read the AC voltage and calibrate accordingly
April 4, 20197 yr 7 hours ago, Jaws said: The Victron equipment suggested will probably cost R6.5k Just struck me guys. If you are a tinkerer: 1) Carlo Gavazzi is more accurate than a Effergy meter, price at about wot, R1200 incl + cable. 2) Get a Raspbery Pi - maybe have one that is lying around. 3) Download the free Victron VenusGX / CCGX software, install that on the Pi. If you have a Rpi, then this is cheaper than a Efergy meter, and more accurate. 🙂
April 4, 20197 yr 6 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said: Just struck me guys. If you are a tinkerer: 1) Carlo Gavazzi is more accurate than a Effergy meter, price at about wot, R1200 incl + cable. 2) Get a Raspbery Pi - maybe have one that is lying around. 3) Download the free Victron VenusGX / CCGX software, install that on the Pi. If you have a Rpi, then this is cheaper than a Efergy meter, and more accurate. 🙂 100% But for an average user out there who can hardly hold the correct side of screwdriver but wants to DIY the Efergy wins hand down. You sacrifice accuracy for safety as you only clip a simple CT around a cable. No touching or physical connecting to any live conductor. Minerva is computer guy so he could probably wing you suggestion
April 4, 20197 yr 4 minutes ago, Jaws said: But for an average user out there who can hardly hold the correct side of screwdriver but wants to DIY the Efergy wins hand down. Absolutely!!! ... like me - too many screwdrivers damaged. 🙂 So now I just call me part of "plug and play" group of people. Edited April 4, 20197 yr by Guest
April 4, 20197 yr 3 hours ago, georgelza said: An OpenEnergyMonitor setup includes a Voltage measure device. You can also use the OEM with some SCT-013-000 arounds your circuits at your DB to see what goes where. And it runs a MQTT and NodeRed so interfacing it with a VenusGX or CCGX can be done... and more... G You don't get this locally, do you?
April 5, 20197 yr I use a board by: http://lechacal.com/ That goes on top of the RPi, it uses the same SCT-013-000 CT's and OEM image. G
April 5, 20197 yr 7 hours ago, SilverNodashi said: You don't get this locally, do you? ... forgot.. www.pishop.co.za does have some of these lechacal boards. G
April 5, 20197 yr Author 15 hours ago, The Terrible Triplett said: Just struck me guys. If you are a tinkerer: 1) Carlo Gavazzi is more accurate than a Effergy meter, price at about wot, R1200 incl + cable. 2) Get a Raspbery Pi - maybe have one that is lying around. 3) Download the free Victron VenusGX / CCGX software, install that on the Pi. If you have a Rpi, then this is cheaper than a Efergy meter, and more accurate. 🙂 I like this idea. Also, I recall you mentioning a recommendation on a few occasions to have a Carlo Gavazzi and use it with the blue kit. OK, so then, sweet... Sold. Eh, i think. Where cans I like to be buying a CG?
April 5, 20197 yr Author As a side note, and I forgot to add, measured baseline for my network cabinet, which houses my HTPC and all other bits, and the fridges in the kitchen last night with my mPower. 300-500w most of the time - sounds quite high from what I've seen you guys speak of before? Do already have some ideas on how to get more efficient there. Wont bore with too much details, but having 2 routers, 2 AP's, and a switch is probably not all that efficient for just internets
April 5, 20197 yr 1 minute ago, Minerva10210 said: Do already have some ideas on how to get more efficient there. I literally went circuit for circuit, from there plug to plug, and checked what was plugged in. 5 minutes ago, Minerva10210 said: Where can I like to be buying a CG? Google, look for a price of +-R1200 incl VAT.
April 5, 20197 yr 8 minutes ago, Minerva10210 said: Also, I recall you mentioning a recommendation on a few occasions to have a Carlo Gavazzi and use it with the blue kit. I want data. Yes the Victron kit can handle it all without a CG, the Multiplis_II, use a cheaper current sensor, but I want data. Data not necessarily pertaining to the Victron kits operation. I want data ... did I mention that before? 😁
April 5, 20197 yr Author 3 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said: I want data. Yes the Victron kit can handle it all without a CG, the Multiplis_II, use a cheaper current sensor, but I want data. Data not necessarily pertaining to the Victron kits operation. I want data ... did I mention that before? 😁 "Om te meet, is om te weet" as the Afrikaans saying goes - Yeah, I would also rather have more data then too little!
April 5, 20197 yr I use these, per circuit logging - it's open so you can DIY. http://www.iotawatt.com
April 8, 20197 yr Author So I've started monitoring, and seems like 2 deepfreezers and a fridge, that are not rated A and better is going to be hungry In other news, I am now waiting for stock to be confirmed on the ET112 and the USB -> VE.Direct cable and a small charge controller - the controller I will pass on to my old man in due time as well.
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