ECU-R (2162) Zero Export via Home Assistant

[Cevendir]

I see conflicting reports about Zero Export working in Home assitant with the ECU-R 2162 model. I see in @HAEdwin his documentation under Feature Comparison it stated as NOT working. But in Article on Doe Duurzaam https://doe-duurzaam.nl/artikel/je-apsystems-micro-omvormers-slim-uitzetten-via-web-of-home-assistant/ I see a Reply from @HAEdwin, that it is working. What is true in this case :-)

[HAEdwin]

Hi @Cevendir
For zero export, the ECU needs to know how much power is being drawn from the grid. The ECU-C is the only device with CT clamps to measure this. However, you can still achieve the same result with a P1 meter sensor and the max power entity (when you own a 2162). However, never expect a flat line at zero Watts. The inverters need time to adjust, which is a gradual process. Ultimately, you'll save on feed-in costs if you've implemented this automation via HA. The "Doe Duurzaam" page = "De Groene Nerds" don't always have the information in order, not even on the podcasts and that's a shame but unsurmountable with all the different hardware.

Edit: It should now be possible to connect a Chint DDSU666-5(80)-230V via an RS485 to RJ45 connector to the ECU-R (2160 and/or 2162) for zero export capabilities, but I don’t know if this is already available everywhere. Here in the Netherlands I think it is not available yet.

USA: APsystems FileCloud
EU: APsystems FileCloud

[Cevendir]

Hi @HAEdwin,

Thanks for the reply!

I have a setup in HA with dsmr so am i correct that i don't need any other hardware then the ecu-r?

I don't expect a flatline! If i can prevent around 75% of my export that would be perfect!

No bad words for the doe duurzaam guys. Have been listening to their potcast for a while now. Really enjoy them and the doe duurzaam guides are extremely helpfull in pointing in the right direction!

[HAEdwin]

Yes yes but I don't watch them too much 😄

[HAEdwin]

I have added an automation script which you should be able to modify (entities), copy and simply paste on the automation page. You can find it in the Wiki.

[Cevendir]

Hi @HAEdwin amazing!

Quick question. Do i need the installer account on the ECU-R for this setup? Or can i let my installer configure it and give me a regular user account?

[HAEdwin]

@Cevendir Thanks! No you don't need the installer account, you only have to configure Home Assistant for this.

I am aware of developments to connect a Chint DDSU666-5(80)-230V via an RS485 to RJ45 connector to the ECU-R (2160 and/or 2162) for zero export capabilities, but I don’t know if this is already available everywhere. Here in the Netherlands I think it is not available yet.

USA: APsystems FileCloud
EU: APsystems FileCloud

Flash Endurance
There has been a discussion about the inverter’s lifetime being shortened when using the output_limit setting excessively. APsystems officially confirmed this to me while also acknowledging that newer hardware versions don’t have this issue, while older ones should be updated at most every 300 seconds. Newer inverters have a serial number starting with Ex701 and thus aren’t at risk of flash wear when setting the output_limit more frequently than every 300 seconds.