This is just a thought thread for ideas from the collective. I'm off-grid but I know this could apply to those with hybrid setups. I've been thinking about how I am going to automate. Everything I'm doing right now is manual so its time to come up with a system that I can repair/maintain. Right now, I'm living off extension cords. Even the well runs of a cord to fill a holding tank. I currently live in a small house (750sq ft) and I want to design my systems now so it can incorporate into the home when I build next spring.
Here is my base idea. Use PLCs to run EVERYTHING! The well could be relayed via PLC with float switches since its a soft start grundfoss but I'm going to run a second well from the creek for irrigation. It would be a 3 phase pump run off a VFD from the PLC. Pressure pump? Also VFD driven.
I'm doing hydraunic floor heat with a large 1500 gal holding tank. I will build a custom heat pump (ground source/water to water) and a PLC would be perfect for this! It could vary out put depending on batt state of charge or voltage. No problem at all.
I have worked in factories and PLCs are very robust and flexible. I really love the interface too! You can monitor/adjust multiple PLCs from any computer and make custom buttons/graphs etc....
Thoughts / ideas anyone? I was originally going the raspberry pi route but PLCs are so much more robust and functional.
A PLC could be used for running mini-splits. They could be setup to ramp up or down depending on the sun output.
Here is my base idea. Use PLCs to run EVERYTHING! The well could be relayed via PLC with float switches since its a soft start grundfoss but I'm going to run a second well from the creek for irrigation. It would be a 3 phase pump run off a VFD from the PLC. Pressure pump? Also VFD driven.
I'm doing hydraunic floor heat with a large 1500 gal holding tank. I will build a custom heat pump (ground source/water to water) and a PLC would be perfect for this! It could vary out put depending on batt state of charge or voltage. No problem at all.
I have worked in factories and PLCs are very robust and flexible. I really love the interface too! You can monitor/adjust multiple PLCs from any computer and make custom buttons/graphs etc....
Thoughts / ideas anyone? I was originally going the raspberry pi route but PLCs are so much more robust and functional.
A PLC could be used for running mini-splits. They could be setup to ramp up or down depending on the sun output.