• SG-Hub version 3.1.5 cannot receive energy prices.
Because of a problem (in software version 3.1.5 only) devices can’t connect to the server (error 22). In that case it is not possible to receive energy prices. This can be solved by performing an “upgrade by file upload” to version 3.1.6. Go the the Update screen of the device. Click on Download at alternative upgrade file. At Upgrade by file upload, choose the file you just downloaded.
• What does the SG-Hub actually do?
A. Operating heatpumps
The SG-Hub can operate heatpumps to keep heating costs as low as possible, by benefitting from fluctuations in energy prices. This works via SG-Ready or EVU contacts.
Every day, the SG-Hub creates a planning with “moments to switch” and takes the following into account:
• Your location (where outside temperature and prices depend on)
• The efficiency of your heat pump at certain outside temperatures
• The electricity prices during 24 hours of a day
• The efficiency of your gas boiler (if present)
• The current gas price
• Your preferences specify.
B. Switching relays
The SG-Hub has two relays, a.o. to operate heatpumps. Via the web interface, it is possible to set up a relay as a switch, for which a separate energy saving plan will be created. Then an electrical device can be connected to this relay.
C. Controlling inverters
For supported inverters, the SG-Hub can connect via the network using the ModBus protocol, to regulate back or set to zero the solar inverter’s output power if the price falls below a certain value. If the Ecosoft SG-Hub is informed by P1-data (not in the UK) from the smart meter when a PV system is feeding back electricity to the grid, it can switch on the heat pump to utilise the solar energy. Note: For the UK and all other countries, alternatives to P1-data are Shelly EM or data received directly from the inverter about the production of solar energy. Batteries connected to supported solar inverters can be controlled as well.
D. PWM Control
Switching using relays (SG-Ready is an application of this) is usually the preferred way of controlling a device, but the SG-Hub offers PWM control as well for devices suitable to be controlled this way.
To save energy costs, the SG-Hub may use data from a variety of sources: energy prices (via the Ecosoft server with a valid license), weather, COP (efficiency), temperature, power consumption and feeding back data.
• What are the differences between the SG-Hub and Smart Grid Controller 2 (SGC 2)?
• The relays of the SG-Hub are suitable for 230 V, for instance to switch 230 V SG-Ready contacts. The SGC 2 can only switch 230 V indirectly, when a contactor is installed between the SGC 2 and the 230 Volt contacts of the heat pump.
• The SG-Hub has P1-meter functionality. Connect it to the P1-meter and it will receive P1-data like any other P1-meter. The SGC 2 does not have a P1-meter, but it can use P1-data when received from and Ecosoft P1-meter or HomeWizard P1-meter.
• The SG-Hub can connect to the SG-Expander to expand the number of usable relays. The SG-Hub itself has two relays. When two SG-Expanders are connected, this increase to the maximum of 14 relays in total.
• What do you need to use the SG-Hub?
• You need a Time of Use contract to save costs using the SG-Hub.
• The SG-Hub can operate heatpump which support SG-ready or EVU. See the manual of your heatpump or contact your supplier.
• The SG-Hub controls inverters, and batteries connected to them, via Modbus TCP or Modbus RTU. See the list of supported inverters.
• Does the SG-Hub take gas prices into account?
• This plays a role for hybrid heatpumps. Then it is possible to switch between electrical heating and gas heating to save costs, using the SG-Hub.
• How many volts can the SG-Hub switch?
A maximum of 230 Volts. Use an external magnetic switch for large currents. The maximum current then depends on the magnetic switch used.
• Can the SG-Hub integrate with Home Assistant?
Yes. See Setting up integration with Home Assistant. You can then have a device (that is not physically connected to the SG-Hub but is integrated with Home Assistant) switch when a specific relay of the SG-Hub switches. However, SG-ready settings (for switching heat pumps) cannot be made via Home Assistant.
• Can you measure power consumption with the SG-Hub?
Yes, with the included P1-meter function. Connect the SG-Hub with a cable to the smart meter to receive this data.
Useful to know: The SG-Hub can receive measurement data from the P1 meter and use it in its “switching plan”. For example, to switch a heat pump to a higher setting when the P1 meter measures the return of electricity, in order to make better use of the electricity generated by solar panels. Reading out Shelly EM is also possible, for the same purpose.
In addition, the SG-Hub can receive measurement data from inverters that support the SunSpec ModBus TCP protocol. See inverters for the possibilities.
• What is the Ecosoft Energy app?
With the Ecosoft Energy app you can:
• quickly check the current electricity prices,
• choose the best time to use electricity,
• set up and operate your Ecosoft devices.
Download voor Android.
Download voor iPhone and iPad.
• Is it possible to use the SG-Hub without the Ecosoft Energy app?
Yes. Even without the app, all functions of the SG-Hub can be used. The SG-Hub can be reached from any telephone or PC with a web browser. Visit the SG-Hub at its IP address, or if your telephone supports mDNS at a .local address. For example, if the WiFi hostname is “SGHUB”, it would be http://sghub.local/.
• How do you install an SG-Hub?
We recommend that you have this done by an installer with expertise in electricity and heat pumps. See the SG-Hub manual for more information.
• How do you reset the WiFi settings and the SG-Hub password?
Press the SET button on the SG-Hub for 40 seconds to reset the WiFi settings and password of the SG-Hub.
• Where do the energy prices that the SG-Hub uses come from?
The Ecosoft SG-Hub uses EPEX market prices for energy, including taxes or other surcharges. This corresponds to the prices that you see in our Energy Planner. We pay for the commercial use of this price data.
• What happens if the SG-Hub cannot retrieve prices?
If the server cannot be reached, or if for some other reason the price data is not available, average values ??are used based on historical price data.
• Where can I buy the SG-Hub?
In our webshop on the product page of the Smart Grid Controller 2.