How to Use CATCH Control with Heat Pumps

How to Use CATCH Control with Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both hot water and pool heating, thanks to their impressive energy efficiency. However, managing these systems effectively is key to maximising solar energy usage, reducing grid reliance, and saving on electricity costs. We often get asked about how CATCH Power can work with heat pumps, so we have put this guide together to go through the main points to consider. Please note: We do not recommend Green CATCH to be used with any heat pumps and these points refer to CATCH Control only.

Controlling Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Why Control Hot Water Heat Pumps? Highly efficient heat pumps often perform well without intervention. However, lower-efficiency models may benefit significantly from load control, especially when solar energy is available during the day.

Solution:

• Instead of using a contactor for control at the circuit, CATCH Control connects to the system via a signal input wire.

• The signal wire tells the heat pump’s smart components that the cutoff temperature has been reached, allowing the system to gradually reduce operation instead of a hard off.

• CATCH Control's minimum run time and duty cycle scheduling features help prevent frequent cycling and ensure smooth operation. Key Factors to Consider:

  • Some heat pumps have maximum on/off cycle limits under their warranty procedures.

  • The Heat Pump must have a Remote On/Off input for this solution to work with CATCH Control.
    

  
  

  

  
  

Controlling Pool Heat Pumps

Why Control Pool Heat Pumps? Pool heat pumps are a much larger load than typical hot water heater, making them ideal for load control. Since they often run for extended periods each day, optimising their operation can lead to significant savings and better integration with solar energy production.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Some pool heat pumps have a DRM (Demand Response Mode) controller this enables a different level of control from just "On/Off" that can be achieved with a 6 Channel CATCH Power Control.

  
  

Control Options for Pool Heat Pumps

1. Signal Wire Control

   • For heat pumps without DRM functionality, CATCH Control uses a signal input wire to provide on/off control. This allows safe and gradual shutdowns, reducing wear on the system as described above.
     

2. DRM Control with the 6 Channel Device

   • If the heat pump supports Demand Response Mode, the 6 Channel device can step the heat pump’s output based on solar availability.

   • You can program the system to operate at 100% or a chosen output for example 50% , allowing it to ramp up in stages as needed. This keeps the system aligned with solar production, minimising unnecessary grid consumption.
     

Managing Systems on Sub-Boards

In some cases, pool heat pumps may be connected to a sub-boards, separate from the main switchboard. This setup can present challenges for load control, but CATCH Control offers a smart solution through cloud tethering.

With cloud tethering:

• Multiple control devices can communicate wirelessly, synchronising load management across different boards without the need for physical cables.

• This solution ensures efficient and scalable control for larger, distributed systems.
  

Is Load Control Right for Your Heat Pump?

To determine if load control is right for your system, consider the following:

• How much can you save? Evaluate potential reductions in grid consumption and electricity costs.

• What is the size of the load? Large, consistent loads like pool heat pumps benefit the most from control.

• Is the system already efficient enough? High-efficiency systems may not require additional control, but lower-efficiency models can see significant improvements.

• System Design Are there any site related specifications that effect the solution. e.g Cloud Tethering addition devices.
  

Conclusion

With CATCH Control, you can effectively manage hot water and pool heat pump loads, ensuring they operate efficiently and in sync with solar energy production. Whether through signal wire control or DRM-based load management systems, CATCH Control provides flexible solutions tailored to your needs.

Optimise your energy usage, reduce grid reliance, and save on bills with smart control solutions from CATCH Power.

Learn more at catchpower.com.au