Using a 3-Phase Energy Meter for Solar PV and Grid Consumption in a Split-Phase System
Using a 3-Phase Energy Meter for Solar PV and Grid Consumption in a Split-Phase System
Video :https://youtu.be/C1znLvi3nrc
Introduction to Split-Phase System
A split-phase or single-phase three-wire system is a prevalent type of single-phase electric power distribution in North America, commonly used in residential and light commercial applications. It involves supplying two 120 V AC lines to premises that are 180 degrees out of phase with each other concerning the neutral, along with a common neutral.
Wiring Scheme
Phases A and B are utilized to monitor the two-phase grid, while phase C is dedicated to monitoring the split-phase inverter output. Ordinarily, two phase channels are needed to measure the inverter's two-phase output. However, due to the balanced nature of the two-phase output, a single phase suffices for measuring the inverter output. This is achieved by internally configuring the meter to double the reading obtained from that single phase.
Configuring the Ratio of Phase C
To configure the factor of phase C, the following APIs can be used:
| No. | API | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | /api/ctcratio | Inquire the reading of ctcratio |
| 2 | /api/ctcratio?x=2 | Set the CTCratio to 2 |
| 3 | /api/ctcratio?x=1 | Set the CTCratio to 1 |
The factor of phase C can be set to 1 or 2. When set to 1, phase C readings are in normal mode. When set to 2, only current, active power, and kWh readings are doubled; voltage readings remain unaffected. For detailed instructions, refer to set the factor of phase C.
Platform Selections
After completing the previous steps, all data has been monitored (phases A and B for the grid, and phase C for the inverter output). The next step is to connect the energy meter to WLAN and choose a platform to process its data.
IAMMETER-cloud
IAMMETER-cloud provides an option to monitor solar PV systems.
Monitor the solar PV in IAMMETER-cloud
To start monitoring, follow these steps:
- Sign up an account in IAMMETER
- configure "use types" for each phase (Inverter: Phase C, Grid: Phases A and B)
Home Assistant
For users interested in an open-source platform, we provide a solution for Home Assistant:
NodeRed
we provide a solution for Home NodeRed:
Other Platforms
IAMMETER's 3-phase meter can also integrate into various platforms such as OpenHAB, IoBroker, Zabbix, ThingsBoard, etc. Additionally, data can be uploaded directly to a personal server using MQTT, HTTP, HTTPS, TLS, TCP.
For more details on utilizing IAMMETER's products, excluding IAMMETER-cloud, please refer to How to utilize IAMMETER's products.
