PV immersion heater proportional control

[brian wright22]

Looks like I may be getting one of the Wooldridge devices to install and test. When I receive it I will report on the installation and performance results that I gather.

Here's the link containing the information I posted earlier.http://www.electriciansforums.net/a...olar-pv-heating-switch-s-g-wooldridge-ltd.doc

Brian.

 

[infinity]

Looks like I may be getting one of the Wooldridge devices to install and test. When I receive it I will report on the installation and performance results that I gather.

Here's the link containing the information I posted earlier.http://www.electriciansforums.net/a...olar-pv-heating-switch-s-g-wooldridge-ltd.doc

Brian.

have you spoke to the company?

How is it wired? where do you site the box?

 

[Worcester]

@Infinity, I answered the same question here: http://www.electriciansforums.net/p...-immersion-heater-regulator-2.html#post562436 :bucktooth:

 

[brian wright22]

Infinity.
Idealy mounted close to the consumer fuse box. Remove the fuse box pole wiring that goes to the immersion heater,its unlikey to be long enough to connect directly to the Wooldridge Device,so use a junction connector to extend the wire to the device.Wire the fused feed that went to the immersion heater to the input connection to the device.The wooldridge sensor clamps around the live feed before the consumer meter. Simple.
I hope this helps

 

[gr7]

We will be installing the Immersun unit for a customer in the next few weeks, have a look at their website for more info: immerSUN :: Use 100% generated free electricity :: A 4eco Product

 

[Scobo]

I've been reading this and the other immersion threads with great interest but I'm not prepared to pay what they're currently asking for a proportional controller.
I've already fitted a power reducer to our I'm immersion.
It cost me £54 and has cut the power back to around 1kw.
Im considering fitting one of these IMMERSION WATER HEATER CONTROLLER TO USE SURPLUS SOLAR PV POWER | eBay
until a proportional system comes down to a reasonable price.
It's a very basic light activated relay but the sensor has an adjustable threshold so you can set it to activate at roughly the amount of light needed to power the immersion plus base load.
We also have a timer which will come on later in the day to top up the hot water if there hasn't been enough sun.
I realise it won't be as efficient as a proportional unit but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

 

[Scobo]

I've been reading this and the other immersion threads with great interest but I'm not prepared to pay what they're currently asking for a proportional controller.
I've already fitted a power reducer to our I'm immersion.
It cost me £54 and has cut the power back to around 1kw.
Im considering fitting one of these IMMERSION WATER HEATER CONTROLLER TO USE SURPLUS SOLAR PV POWER | eBay
until a proportional system comes down to a reasonable price.
It's a very basic light activated relay but the sensor has an adjustable threshold so you can set it to activate at roughly the amount of light needed to power the immersion plus base load.
We also have a timer which will come on later in the day to top up the hot water if there hasn't been enough sun.
I realise it won't be as efficient as a proportional unit but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

Just ordered one for £25 and will post an update here once it's fitted.

 

[legoman]

I am currently using a switching system to heat my cylinder or anything I choose with excess power from my system. It has been in use for over 2 months with no problems. Since this time my gas boiler (for hot water) has almost been redundant. I copied the idea from another Forum. The parts cost about £15.00 + odds and sods I had lying around at home. The use of a soldering iron is needed(not too hard) There are no mains tie-ins so can be done by the average DIYer.The only thing I would say most people would need to do, is change their immersion for a 1kW one(£35.00). I guess a proportionally controlled system would be better but cannot justify spending £400.00+ Just how long would it take to make a profit on your install. My current supplier Eon, is targeting 1000000 installations to have Smart Meters fitted by March 2014. This may or may not happen but if it does a lot of people will be out of pocket.

 

[Scobo]

I am currently using a switching system to heat my cylinder or anything I choose with excess power from my system. It has been in use for over 2 months with no problems. Since this time my gas boiler (for hot water) has almost been redundant. I copied the idea from another Forum. The parts cost about £15.00 + odds and sods I had lying around at home. The use of a soldering iron is needed(not too hard) There are no mains tie-ins so can be done by the average DIYer.The only thing I would say most people would need to do, is change their immersion for a 1kW one(£35.00). I guess a proportionally controlled system would be better but cannot justify spending £400.00+ Just how long would it take to make a profit on your install. My current supplier Eon, is targeting 1000000 installations to have Smart Meters fitted by March 2014. This may or may not happen but if it does a lot of people will be out of pocket.

Can you give us some more info on the system you're using.

 

[legoman]

I think my system is similar to the one on eBay. Not saying mine is better, but I liked the challenge of putting it together. I have set the house base load at 200w and the immersion to come on at 1200w. The switch set-up detects when the house base load increases(say kettle on) the cuts the supply to the immersion. Your electric meter needs to have a flashing red LED and that is about it.
These are the bits.
Components are:-
Maplins. Light Sensitive Switch Kit with delay @ £6.99
Maplins. Light Sensitive Switch Kit without delay @ £5.99
Maplins. Housing box £1.00. when you spend £10.00. Bargain buy Tub!

eBay SSR N SSR 25A Solid State Relay 3-32V DC 24-380V AC Control | eBay @99p + £1.97 post.

2 x 12v 400mA adapters (had mine but can be bought for £4.50 ish)

Bell wire to run to the sensors

Got pics if required