Optimizing Energy Usage with Time-Based Automation Systems

Understanding how to optimize energy usage through automated systems can lead to significant cost savings. This article explores how to configure a time-based system that activates devices during the most cost-effective hours.

The system described works by downloading daily electricity price data and analyzing it to determine optimal operating times. The accumulator device is programmed to work during specific time periods based on whether it’s a regular day or what’s referred to as an “effective day.”

Basic Operation Principles

On regular days, the system is designed to operate for three hours during the cheapest time periods. For example, if the data shows electricity is cheapest between 3-4 PM (at 0.64 units), the system will activate during this period.

On “effective days” (likely weekends or holidays), the system operates differently – running for just one hour during the most cost-effective time of the 24-hour cycle.

Cycle Operation

The system cycles through hourly checks, with timestamps from 0 to 23 representing the 24 hours of the day. At each hour, the system evaluates whether to activate based on the pre-programmed rules and current electricity prices.

For example:

• At 14:00 (2 PM): The system activates if that hour falls within the designated cheap electricity window
• At 15:00 (3 PM): The system maintains activation if still within the window
• At 16:00 (4 PM): The system deactivates if outside the optimal window

Different Modes for Different Days

The system includes multiple operational modes that can be selected based on the day type:

• Regular weekday operation (three hours of operation)
• Weekend/holiday operation (one hour of operation)
• Custom schedules for special circumstances

When testing the system with different times, we can observe how it automatically switches between activated and deactivated states based on the hour and the corresponding electricity prices.

File-Based Configuration

The entire system relies on properly downloaded and formatted price data files. These files contain hourly electricity rates that the system references to make activation decisions. Once downloaded, the system parses this information to identify the cheapest hours across the 24-hour period.

By implementing this type of automated system, users can significantly reduce energy costs by ensuring energy-intensive operations occur only during the most economical time periods.