Energy management coordinates loads with available power, generation and reserve. Automate controllable functions within defined comfort limits.
Priorities
Separate critical, deferrable and comfort loads. The owner should agree what can shift in time and what must operate regardless of price or battery state.
Measurement
Use reliable power, charge-state and source-mode data. Check timestamps and sensor-loss behaviour; a bad signal must not create an unsafe state.
Controllable functions
EV charging, some water heating or appliance starts may allow time shifting. Agree limits for heating, ventilation and pumps rather than assuming unrestricted shutdown.
Backup scenario
Priorities may change during grid loss: battery reserve protects critical functions. Consider controller self-consumption, local operation without internet and manual recovery.
Common mistakes
Automation creates no energy and cannot fix inadequate connection capacity. Do not promise savings without tariffs, profiles and outcome measurement; check conflicts between controllers.
| Item | Parameter | Check / result |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Continuity | Priority |
| Deferrable | Time window | Schedule |
| Comfort | Agreed limits | Control |
What this means for your project
Start with priorities and permitted interruptions. Test rules against real profiles and provide understandable manual control.
Sources and scope of review
Related reading
- Critical Loads: Where to Start with Backup Power
- PV plus Battery: How a Hybrid System Works
- Automatic Backup Switching: ATS and Control Scenarios