Hi OpenEnergyMonitor
I have a Plug&Play solar panel 2X250W directly connected to my wall outlet (single phase) on my balcony and I am living in a 2 person rented flat.
1) Now I would like to measure my electricity consumption (three phase), and may be at some time I produce more power than I consume, especially on that phase. Can emonTX distinguish the power flow and able to handle a three phase system as it is usual in Switzerland?
2) Nice would be also to measure only the solar production. But therefore I would need a smart plug (e.g smart-me) on my balcony.
Can somebody recommend me the necessary hardware so that I can realise this system? Thanks, feel great to be a part of the community.
Re: Plug&Play Solar & Three phase household
The emonTx can, with a voltage input from an ac adapter, detect the direction of power flow.
You would need an emonTx, ac adapter & 3 CTs. You would also need a programmer as the pre-loaded sketch is for single phase only (as is usual in domestic installations in the UK), and you will need to load the 3-phase sketch.
(I understand that a 3-phase emonTx is under consideration, but if it happens, it won't happen for a while.)
If it is possible to run a cable ('microphone'-type two-core overall screened) from your balcony to the emonTx, a 4th CT will give you solar production.
Then you need a way to see the results. An emonGLCD (when available from the shop) will give you the present values, or you can add a Raspberry Pi with radio to send the data to emoncms.org and/or function as a local web server to give you web pages on your LAN.
(An emonPi won't help you as it has only 2 inputs for current.)
I don't know whether your smart plug would be capable of integrating with emoncms, or whether it would necessarily remain separate.
You could also look at the 3-phase Mk2 PV Router.