idontknowwhatimdoing
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2020
- Messages
- 105
Hi all,
I have a 4.5kw pv array and want to load dump more efficiently into my hot water system (its element is 3600w). Currently it is controlled by a boring old timer, based on when I'm usually not home and PV output is usually best.
My solar controller is min/max W threshold relay capable and I don't want to change the heating element in the hot water system for a few reasons.
Can anyone see any problems with using a SCR voltage regulator to control the power going to the regulator?
This way when the weather is good (I usually get consistent weather patterns), I can run it near full capacity, say 3kw and have the hot water system heat up quicker.
Then on days when weather is poor or I am running larger loads and am home I can turn it down to say 1.5kw, then I am not buying as much off the grid... Until I get more batteries (currently just run some fridges with ATS and a 2.3kwh lifepo4)
Cheers for reading!
These are the regulators. Which I have on hand (I use them for home brewing for spreading out heating over multiple elements on separate circuits, to prevent scorching of the beer, for those interested )
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CB8AAOSwXE5fl3gv/s-l1600.jpg
I have a 4.5kw pv array and want to load dump more efficiently into my hot water system (its element is 3600w). Currently it is controlled by a boring old timer, based on when I'm usually not home and PV output is usually best.
My solar controller is min/max W threshold relay capable and I don't want to change the heating element in the hot water system for a few reasons.
Can anyone see any problems with using a SCR voltage regulator to control the power going to the regulator?
This way when the weather is good (I usually get consistent weather patterns), I can run it near full capacity, say 3kw and have the hot water system heat up quicker.
Then on days when weather is poor or I am running larger loads and am home I can turn it down to say 1.5kw, then I am not buying as much off the grid... Until I get more batteries (currently just run some fridges with ATS and a 2.3kwh lifepo4)
Cheers for reading!
These are the regulators. Which I have on hand (I use them for home brewing for spreading out heating over multiple elements on separate circuits, to prevent scorching of the beer, for those interested )
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CB8AAOSwXE5fl3gv/s-l1600.jpg