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Detailed Operation Description
Variable Power Mode Operation
Variable power mode is the default standard operating mode when using the Apollo GEM for water
heating using surplus micro generation energy.
The load must be a restive heating load typically rated at 3KW such as a standard water heater.
In this mode the power sensor accurately monitors input and export power to the properly and if export
power is detected the controller will start to divert power to the heater. The amount of power sent to the
heater is variable from around 50W to the full load power e.g. 3KW.
The actual power sent to the heater will match the excess power being generated keeping the exported
power to around zero whilst ensuring that no additional power is imported to run the heater. Priority is
always given to the household appliances and generated power is only sent to the heater when it is excess
to other requirements.
Threshold Power Mode Operation
Sometimes it is desirable to use the excess generated power to run other household appliances which are
not pure heating devices. Any appliance which contains electronics, fans, motors etc. would not be
suitable for connection to the Apollo GEM variable power output because such devices always expect to
be powered by the full mains voltage. Connection of most appliances to the variable power output would
cause them to malfunction.
Threshold mode allows the use of any appliance with the Apollo GEM.
In this mode the system will monitor the level of export power available and wait until sufficient power is
available to power the appliance. When sufficient power is available the Apollo GEM output is turned on
fully to power the appliance.
It is also possible to run two different appliances in this mode at the same time providing the total
appliance load is less than 3KW, or less than 16KW per output if using optional external contactors. The
first appliance is powered on when its threshold is reached and if exported power increases further to the
second appliance threshold this will be powered also.
As with variable output mode, priority is always given to other household appliances.
Mixed Mode Operation
The Apollo GEM has two outputs and it is possible to run one in variable power mode and the other in
threshold mode. This can be used to heat a hot water cylinder, which when up to temperature, the
system can then power an appliance in threshold mode if generated power is still available.
Apollo GEM User Manual
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