Load management
Smart energy management involves not only activating appliances when affordable PV energy is available, but also distributing the load evenly to avoid costly peak demand.
This reduces installation costs by allowing the use of smaller cable cross-sections and resulting in a lower rating from the grid operator/utility company (simultaneity factor, peak load).
With its built-in load management features, SMARTFOX optimizes both the electricity it generates itself and the electricity purchased from the grid, thereby preventing load spikes that can be detected by modern smart meters and billed at higher rates (grid access fee).
Dynamic Load Management
Using our example, in which an existing multi-unit residential building is retrofitted with five wall boxes, we’ll show you the benefits of our SMARTFOX system.
Without energy management
- Service lines, fuses, and distribution panels usually need to be replaced (often structurally impossible, very high investment costs)
- Additional consumers (charging stations) must be reported to the utility company. (Classified with a significantly higher peak power rating, resulting in higher costs per kWh)
- Risk of overloading the building's main circuit breaker if too many vehicles are charging at the same time (circuit breaker trips, entire building loses power, emergency services, etc.)
With SMARTFOX Energy Management
- Dynamic load management can be customized to fit your existing setup
- Optimal use of available resources
- Prevents overloading of the service entrance circuit breaker and the sub-distribution panel (underground garage) (fail-safe)
- Phase-accurate control (single-phase monitoring) and unbalanced load detection
- Charging stations, heating elements, etc., are gradually shut down when the set limits are reached
- Priorities can be selected flexibly (hot water at least 40°C, electric car ready to go in the morning…)
- Additional integration of battery storage systems
- Saves on installation costs and benefits network operators and energy providers
Additional benefits of load management using our SMARTFOX energy manager
In addition, load management offers a wide range of options for integrating battery storage, combined heat and power (CHP) units, and even dynamic electricity rates. If the battery has sufficient capacity or if the electricity price falls below a set threshold, SMARTFOX activates consumers, thereby avoiding peak loads.
The energy manager’s available inputs and outputs allow it to process remote control signals from the utility provider. If the utility provider mandates blackout periods for heat pumps (hot water production) or remotely triggered emergency shutdowns during grid congestion affecting charging infrastructure, the SMARTFOX can process these signals.
Save with SMARTFOX and Section 14a
Grid Relief Through Automatic Control
SMARTFOX Energy Management detects when the grid needs to be relieved and intelligently controls the loads—without any manual intervention.
Maximum Grid Fee Reduction
Secure reduced grid fees by participating in the § 14a program—lower electricity costs for the long term!
Full charge despite § 14a curtailment
The SMARTFOX Energy Manager first uses electricity from its own generation to charge an electric car or fill the battery storage system at full capacity.
Quick response to grid demands
When necessary, SMARTFOX automatically reduces the power consumption of the controllable devices—exactly as required by the EnWG.
Future-proof
You meet legal requirements and are well-prepared for additional flexibility programs and new smart grid services.
Convenience and Transparency
All processes remain visible and controllable via the app.
Break free from your energy provider!
Thanks to the smart SMARTFOX system, you can power your appliances using your surplus PV energy or energy from your home battery without drawing on the public grid. Hot water and mobility guaranteed, even during grid shortages!
