I recently heard Stefan Witkamp from Homey mention in the Groene Nerds podcast that Homey is working on an EMS for the future.
I’m planning to buy a heat pump soon, so I’m wondering what kind of connection or control I should look for. Would thermostat access be enough, or is it better to choose a heat pump with Modbus, SG-Ready, or another open local API?
This could be an important selection point for me. I’d be interested to hear what others think—and perhaps someone from Homey can comment on what kind of heat-pump integration the future EMS is likely to support.
Will detailed data and control be needed, or will simpler thermostat or SG-Ready control be enough?
How Homey talks to the device isn’t that important. It’s more important that the unit has an app that support certain capabilities. Temperature control probably being the most important one, but it is also very handy if power usage is exposed. Thereafter that one can control how much energy is consumed at a given time (step control).
Just make sure you can control te HP locally, I also have no app for my HP but made my own Script to control it. It works great and I can do basically anything.
BUT, I cannot control locally so I am relying on the server of the HP manufacturer, and this causes problems sometimes.
I looked indeed into the available apps. Some control a lot, others can only read, but not controll. Not all HPs have an app, so that would limit the choice. I wonder if an HP app is really needed. If control of the thermostat would be enough, it is easier, because thermostats like Honeywell or TADO all have apps. Power usage is available by using a powerplug (like HomeWizzard). And then trust on the intelligence of the (hybrid) HP. Would that be enough? Is SG-ready important to have?
Perhaps Homey can reply as well, for what they have in mind for the EMS?
Hi, I do not have the intention to optimise the HP myself, I trust the software of the HP will do that. What I want to achieve is a flexible management of electric devices, like HP, electrical floorheating, solar pannels, battery, wateraccu, EV. Is control of the thermostat bij Homey enough for that? I would expect so, but perhaps I overlook something. SG contact?
Listened to the same podcast, and am currently in exploration fase for a heat pump. I was triggerd by Stefan saying the device needs to have some power capabilities in Homey. (KWh needs to be read out, and to be controlled). I translated it into Homey reads power consumption, and dims it down to what EMS wants it to be. (Like a light dimmer). And not; If EMS detects more KW then X, set devise to X/Y/Shutt off.. That would be a shame, ‘cause that’s a real live example for me.
I am kinda exited though, because I want homey to be a proper EMS. Currently doing some of this via flows .Reduce charging power if washer of dryer is turned on for example.
