Automatic contactor control based on current

[kuon]

I found your powertag current sensor line and I found them to be cost effective and easy to install. Now, I am a bit lost in the different "gateways" you have.

I found the PowerTag link which seems to be now obsolete so I don't know what the replacement should be.

Basically, here is what I need:

- Ability to read current sensors via the network (Modbus IP or SNMP)

- Ability to control contactors when current threshold is reached

I think the first item is not a problem, but I didn't find any device that could do the second one.

The idea is to have current sensors on solar and different power users, and based on different condition like this:

- if solar power > used power + 3kw, turn on contactor A.

- if solar power > used power (now including the current sensor from contactor A) + 7kw, turn on contactor B.

...

[Romain_Polette · Accepted solution]

Hello @kuon , 

When developing new project with PowerTag sensors, you need to use the Panel Server. PowerTag Link is no more commercialized 

Regarding your needs:

1. Ability to read current sensors via the network (Modbus IP or SNMP)
   • Panel Server can read all measurements from a PowerTag Sensor
   • SNMP is not available in the Panel Server, but you can read the Modbus Registers of the PowerTag Sensors through Modbus TCP (Panel Server as a gateway)
2. Ability to control contactors when current threshold is reached:
   • Panel Server do not embed threshold management with control
   • You will need a system upstream your Panel Server to control some contactors depending on a threshold (PLC, Software).
   • For better integration, you can use Panel Server + Smartlink Modbus IO channels + Schneider contactor with 24DC relay
   • You can also use Panel Server only to read PowerTag Sensors values from a PLC, and integrate control in the same PLC.

Regards, 

[kuon]

Thank you for your quick answer.

I wanted to avoid having an additional component for trigger management to reduce cost.

I guess I'll have to add a controller.

Best regards