Controlling Air Conditioner as Dump Load?

[zephyranthes]

Thanks. I'm currently focused on trying to pull together a PLC-based Modbus controller but after that, I'm mulling the idea of plunging into the world of RasberryPi and an energy management package such as HomeAssistant. Sounds as though ESPHome on ESP32 may be an alternative to that and I'll need to do some research before purchasing a mini-split...

From what I seen in programming mine, it’s a RS485 protocol similar to modbus. The ESP8266 are a little larger than a big postage stamp and fit inside the mini split housing, and has wifi built in for over the air updates. The power requirements and size are minimal, so compared to a PLC/scadapak, Pi solely dedicated to it, it’s something to consider. I do have a Pi running an instance of Home Assistant for the last 2-3 years solidly.

On a modbus related note, my pool pump straight up uses modbus and will be tied into ESPHome using an esp8266 as well.