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Control Functions

This chapter provides an overview of the available control strategies for EcoPhi systems. Each strategy is designed for a specific operational goal, ranging from basic energy management to market-based battery operation and generator support.

1. Basic EMS Control

The Basic EMS Control strategy provides a simple and reliable way to manage photovoltaic systems and battery storage. The main objective is to maximize on-site energy usage, respect grid connection limits, and reduce peak power demand.

The system continuously monitors the power flows between PV generation, battery storage, and the grid connection. It ensures that defined grid limits are respected while using the battery to reduce peak loads and improve the overall energy balance of the system.

Functions

  • Control of PV generation and battery storage
  • Limitation of grid export, for example zero export
  • Limitation of grid import to reduce peak demand (peak shaving)
  • Optimized battery utilization between PV self-consumption and peak shaving

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], for example zero feed-in
  • Maximum grid import [kW] (peak shaving limit)
  • SoC reserve [%] to balance PV optimization and peak shaving

2. Static Price-Based Control

The Static Price-Based Control strategy extends the Basic EMS with simple energy trading capabilities. Fixed electricity prices for buying and selling can be defined by the user, allowing the system to automatically charge or discharge the battery based on market opportunities.

The control strategy uses day-ahead electricity prices and operates within predefined limits to store electricity when prices are low and supply it when prices are higher.

Functions

  • All functions of the Basic EMS Control
  • Integration of day-ahead electricity prices
  • Automatic battery charging at low prices
  • Automatic battery discharging at high prices
  • Use of a defined battery capacity range for energy trading

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], for example zero feed-in
  • Maximum grid import [kW] (peak shaving limit)
  • SoC reserve [%] for PV optimization and peak shaving
  • SoC range for arbitrage [%], the portion of battery capacity used for trading
  • Buying price [€/MWh]
  • Selling price [€/MWh]

3. Dynamic Price-Based Control

The Dynamic Price-Based Control strategy enables a fully automated and market-oriented operation of the battery storage system. Instead of fixed price thresholds, the system dynamically determines charging and discharging opportunities based on the expected price development over the next 24 hours.

This allows the battery to react flexibly to market price fluctuations and maximize economic value.

Functions

  • All functions of the Basic EMS Control
  • Use of day-ahead electricity prices
  • Dynamic identification of optimal charging and discharging periods
  • Optimized battery operation for energy trading
  • Adjustable trading intensity

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], for example zero feed-in
  • Maximum grid import [kW] (peak shaving limit)
  • SoC reserve [%] for PV optimization and peak shaving
  • SoC range for arbitrage [%]
  • Minimum price difference between buying and selling [€/MWh]
  • Trading intensity [%]

4. Fuel Saver - Simple

The Fuel Saver Simple strategy is designed for hybrid energy systems that include diesel or gas generators. Its main objective is to reduce fuel consumption by ensuring that generators operate within an efficient load range.

The system automatically detects whether the site is operating on grid power or generator power. When running on generator supply, the PV inverters are controlled so that the generator maintains a stable minimum load level.

Functions

  • Automatic detection of grid operation or generator operation
  • Optional generator start via digital output
  • Dynamic control of PV inverter output
  • Ensuring a minimum generator load level
  • Automatic adjustment depending on which generator is operating

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], only when connected to the grid
  • Minimum generator load [kW], configurable for each generator

5. Fuel Saver - Battery Assisted

The Fuel Saver Battery Assisted strategy combines photovoltaic generation and battery storage to further optimize generator operation. While the system performs typical EMS functions during grid operation, the battery supports the generator during off-grid operation to maintain stable and efficient operating conditions.

This approach improves generator efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and minimizes unnecessary generator starts.

Functions

  • Automatic switching between grid operation and generator operation
  • Battery and PV supporting optimized generator operation
  • Stabilized generator loading conditions
  • Peak shaving and energy trading during grid-connected operation
  • Maximized PV utilization

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], only when connected to the grid
  • Maximum grid import [kW] (peak shaving limit)
  • SoC reserve [%] for PV optimization and peak shaving
  • SoC range for arbitrage [%]
  • Maximum SoC chargeable by generator [%]

6. Battery Grid-Forming with Generator Assistance

This control strategy enables a system to operate both in grid-connected mode and in off-grid mode. In case of a grid outage, the battery switches to grid-forming operation and provides the voltage and frequency reference for the local electrical system.

The system automatically disconnects from the grid and allows the PV system to continue operating within the off-grid microgrid. Once the utility grid becomes available again, the system reconnects and returns to normal grid-connected operation.

Functions

  • Automatic grid failure detection
  • Automatic grid disconnection in case of outage
  • Battery operates in grid-forming mode
  • PV output adapts to battery state and site load in off-grid operation
  • Automatic reconnection when grid power returns
  • Controlled switching delay of approximately 5 to 10 seconds

User adjustable parameters

  • Maximum grid export [kW], only when connected to the grid
  • Maximum grid import [kW] (peak shaving limit)
  • SoC reserve [%] for PV optimization and peak shaving
  • SoC range for arbitrage [%]
  • Minimum SoC for generator start [%], only in off-grid operation