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Heat pump monitoring - what are you using?

 
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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Last Post by cathodeRay 1 year ago
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 Lucia
(@lucia)
Honorable Member Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 354
Topic starter 24/08/2024 2:39 pm  

I'm wondering how someone like me, who runs away screaming when pointed at Github, manages to monitor their heat pump system for all the key factors like flow and return temps, power use, outside/inside temperatures, SCOP etc. 

What are using? From Home Assistant to ModBus, ESPAltherma or whatever - please be specific - which version of HA? What clamps or connections? 

How did you get all the components installed was it DIY or did you pay someone?

If the latter, how much did it cost?

What interface are you using?

How easy is it to read and understand? 

Does it give you sufficient information (is it accurate even) to manage your heat pump for best efficiency? 

******

I'm asking for self-interested reasons - it seems to be an arcane science - but also because I think it is an under-discussed topic.

There's obviously a gap in the market here waiting for someone to jump in and produce a plug & play something or another but until then..... 🤯


This topic was modified 2 years ago by Lucia

   
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Mars
 Mars
(@editor)
Illustrious Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 4372
24/08/2024 3:02 pm  

@lucia Your timing with this question is uncanny. I’ve actually (not even 20 minutes ago) just reached out to several homeowners because I’m planning to put together a video on this exact topic. Some folks on these forums have kept it simple, while others have gone all-in with hardcore DIY solutions.


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bontwoody
 bontwoody
(@bontwoody)
Noble Member Contributor
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 1003
24/08/2024 3:16 pm  

I use Open Energy Monitor, it’s very good and flexible. 

I started with just an emonpi to monitor my solar and usage, then added a heat meter when I had my heat pump and included that in the monitoring too. 


House-2 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
5kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60


   
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Mars
 Mars
(@editor)
Illustrious Member Admin
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 4372
24/08/2024 3:42 pm  

@bontwoody and on a scale of 1-10, how would you grade the installation and ease of use?


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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
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Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2639
24/08/2024 3:42 pm  

@lucia I have taken the easy route, not that I am not interested in the technicalities as such but I do prefer an easy life! The Daikin system was installed in February 2023 before my choice of smart controller was available. I ‘made do’ with a NeoAir stat until Homely smart controller was integrated for my system. NeoAir stat is merely on/off and this was set some degrees higher than comfort and I spent many an enjoyable hour with the Daikin MMI settings panel.

I have used computers in various forms since the 1980’s but have never delved into programming at all preferring to let others do that work. I have a visual handicap and poring over lines of code is not my idea of ‘fun’.

As soon as the Homely was available for my kit, I had the system installed and am quite happy to let the unit monitor and control my system on my behalf. I had my ASHP installer install Homely and because of my keenness and having the good fortune to contact someone from EverGreen/Homely, he was equally keen to have an installation of my type carried out so that they could monitor and provide the mutual benefit of user feedback and designer input to answer any queries I came up with. Homely very willingly granted me access to the installer app which I use to monitor all the data points you mention.

Generally speaking, the Homely just takes over, runs a configuration programme and then over a couple of weeks, monitors, tweaks and sets up the whole system for comfort and best efficiency. Some users might find it disappointing that they have a very basic app to set the schedule and temperatures etc. but I am happy to leave Homely to take care of things for me - after all, that’s why I bought into the idea in the first place! 

I feel that there should be a provision for the curious users to access the installer’s app as part of the user’s app so that they may too see how the system performs. I feel I should also mention that EverGreen/Homely technical staff are extremely friendly and helpful and very willing to take feedback and suggestions to improve the unit or the user app.

My installation took place at a time when other work was being carried out but I think the supply and installation amounted to something like £450. The Homely and the D-Comm unit come with 13 amp plug ‘wall wart’ PSU’s and the Homely and D-Comm are inside a small box on the wall next to the Daikin MMI controller in my airing cupboard.

If I have missed any questions that you asked, please remind me. Regards, Toodles.


This post was modified 2 years ago by Toodles

Toodles, heats his home with cold draughts and cooks food with magnets.


   
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 Lucia
(@lucia)
Honorable Member Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 354
Topic starter 24/08/2024 3:50 pm  

@editor Yay! That's great! I searched everywhere for myself and what little there is very er, 'niche'. 

Please keep in mind those of us who break out in a sweat if anyone mentions the Gith** word. 😁



   
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 Lucia
(@lucia)
Honorable Member Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 354
Topic starter 24/08/2024 3:52 pm  

@bontwoody Yes, OEM is great for reading graphs but it's all MODBUS and ESPAltherma....

ie. mostly beyond me. 



   
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bontwoody
 bontwoody
(@bontwoody)
Noble Member Contributor
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 1003
24/08/2024 3:55 pm  

@editor the initial emonpi installation was very easy just clipping a few CT clamps so I’d give it a 9. Because I chose to do a cheaper install with the heat meter rather than buy the whole kit, that required more involvement so maybe a 4. However Glyn at OEM did offer to log on remotely and do if for me if I couldn’t manage.


House-2 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
5kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60


   
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 Lucia
(@lucia)
Honorable Member Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 354
Topic starter 24/08/2024 3:58 pm  

@toodles Thank you for this. That's really helpful

I think I watched a video on the guy who designed Homely - I'd forgotten about it. When I get a minute I'll try find it and post a link. 

 



   
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bontwoody
 bontwoody
(@bontwoody)
Noble Member Contributor
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 1003
24/08/2024 4:05 pm  

@lucia Hi Lucia. I’m trying to remember what I did but there is no modbus connection on my Samsung HP as I didn’t buy the necessary card. I think all my data comes from CT clamps and two temperature probes from the heat meter. (That might be a modbus connection but it was all automated). The heat meter is the expensive bit but at least you know it’s accurate unlike the onboard sensors in the heat pumps.


House-2 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
5kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60


   
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Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Famed Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 2639
24/08/2024 4:14 pm  

@lucia Adam from Heat Geek did an interview with the designer and there is also an interview on the Fully Charged website. Regards, Toodles.


Toodles, heats his home with cold draughts and cooks food with magnets.


   
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 Anonymous 5011
(@Anonymous 5011)
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 562
24/08/2024 6:22 pm  

Posted by: @editor
↑

@bontwoody and on a scale of 1-10, how would you grade the installation and ease of use?

Posted by: @bontwoody
↑

Open Energy Monitor

Already had the heat meter, but ordered a level 3 kit (less meter) earlier in the week, got delivery this afternoon. Will most likely install tomorrow, except the third party M-bus for the meter (still awaiting delivery). So will update - everything so far looks good everything pre configured.

 

 



   
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