ᐅ Energy management systems and control of washing machines, dryers, and the property

An automatic control system for variable and unattended-operable consumers (domestic hot water, battery, electric vehicle) makes sense and is available out-of-the-box from major photovoltaic manufacturers. Of course, I use this.

For the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer asked about here, none of this applies: they are not variable, only on/off. They do not operate unattended but must be loaded and unloaded manually. And out-of-the-box, nothing runs automatically—understandably. Whether a control system is needed for the single "Start" button press is up to each individual to decide.

To solve the mixed faucet puzzle: we had that in place anyway to prevent stagnant water in the domestic hot water pipe there.

Hangman schrieb:

We connected the washing machine to a mixer tap for the hot water supply.

So, just a simple "mechanical" mixer tap like in a shower or bathtub, or something electronic? That delivers a maximum of 30°C (86°F) to the hot water supply of your washing machine, which is designed for hot water, right? You wouldn’t want to run the “rinse” cycle with warm water to avoid wasting energy...

Exactly, an inexpensive, mechanical mixing valve that consistently delivers 30°C (86°F). You then use the DHW buffer tank of the heat pump as storage. The DHW buffer tank can be efficiently operated using excess photovoltaic power.

Hangman schrieb:

To solve the mixer tap puzzle:

It wasn’t really much of a puzzle.

Still, useful information, since that’s exactly what this thread is about:

Energy management systems and control of washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.

A hot water connection is just as suitable as demand-based control.

Terms and studies on smart grids, clean thinking, THINQ, demand side flexibility, EEBUS, and so on offer plenty of reading material for anyone interested in these topics.

Mycraft schrieb:

However, this does not change the fact that the technology and possibilities are already here, and we are moving towards a world where demand-driven consumption will sooner or later be considered a given or a basic requirement.

Can you give me a specific example of how this could work with the household appliances mentioned in this thread? I am having trouble imagining it. I can see it working in a single-person household or with a couple, but not with a family. No one voluntarily adapts to the sun or other factors when laundry or dishes are piling up.

FloHB123 schrieb:

No one voluntarily adjusts to the sun or other factors when the laundry or dishes are piling up.

Nobody does that anyway. Here, everything is optional, nothing is mandatory. At the moment, this is not yet part of the energy-saving regulations or other rules, although we are clearly heading in that direction.

What specific example do you need? Just load the dishwasher and, for instance, add the last coffee cup in the morning. Then go to work. In the afternoon or evening, when you return, the dishes will have been washed if the solar power from the roof was surplus. This works equally well for singles, couples, and families. The same applies to other household appliances. Usually, you don’t need to supervise the washing machine during a cycle, so it can run while you’re away. Additionally, you can set time windows so that laundry doesn’t sit inside the washing machine for hours waiting for the residents to return. The advantage compared to a simple timer, which users are already familiar with, is that you don’t need to program it every time; you simply close the door. The technology takes care of the rest.