Voltage Optimisation for the home
Background to Voltage Reduction/Regulation
• As a result of European Harmonisation the electricity
supply in the UK is now 230V (+10% / -6%)
• Electrical equipment manufactured for Europe and the
UK is rated at 220V
• Reducing voltage towards this level leads to:
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Lower energy consumption
Reduced carbon emissions
Extended lifespan of household appliances
Lower operating temperatures
• Use more of the generated energy from your Solar PV
system
Voltage Optimisation for the home
Technology Overview
• We are seeing voltage pockets in the UK that are in some
cases higher than the 253 volts permitted by CENELEC*
• Appliances in the home will still work but with a drastically
reduced lifespan.
• Meters charge us for ‘Real Power’. An appliance at 2400 watts
and at 240 volts will use 10 amps of current.
Watts=Volts x Current, so by using Ohms law V/I x R, the
resistance would be 24 ohms.
Current is proportional to Voltage, so at 220 volts, resistance is
fixed at 24 ohms so current is 220/24 = 9.2amps. Power
consumed is now:
220 x 9.2 = 2024 watts, a saving of 376 watts
*European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Voltage Optimisation for the home
Which Technology?
• First phase of Domestic Voltage Reduction units had
insufficient current carrying capacity.
• This current carrying capacity was increased but still
required load isolation and the issuing of a new Completion
certificate for DB.
• Some solutions practically handle the whole of the load
(the correct approach) but are simply too heavy and too
large to fit in modern homes.
• Some units use switching methods that effect RCD’s and
appliances (neutral switching).
Voltage Optimisation for the home
Why matt:e?
• matt:e PV Connect system allows an inverter to be connected
straight into the unit via a dedicated un-optimised circuit via the
dedicated MCB, allowing export pass through or additional
Optimised savings in 1 device.
• This in return makes the PV systems R.O.I. Faster and the system
more efficient utilising maximum available power through
reduced Voltage.
• matt:e uses our own Toroidal type Transformer that is more
efficient and runs cooler than in-efficient Laminated type
transformers.
• Voltage Mapping software enables Intelligent Voltage Reduction.
• Lightweight and compact the matt:e unit provides ease of
installation.
Voltage Optimisation for the home
Food For Thought!
A quote from the Electricians Guide to the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671): 2008 and Part P of the Building Regulations by John
Whitfield.
Quote: “ Since the present supply voltages in the UK lie within the
acceptable spread of values, Supply Companies in the UK have not reduced
their voltages from 240 V. This is hardly surprising, because such action
would immediately reduce the energy use by customers (and the income of
the Companies) by more than 8% ”
Voltage Optimisation for the home
Matt:e Installation
Voltage Optimisation for the home