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Engine Parameters

Complete reference for all decision engine settings. These are configured in Settings > Engine Settings.


Evaluation

Parameter Default Range Description
Evaluation interval (eval_interval_sec) 10 5-60 s How often the engine reads sensors and evaluates priorities. Lower values increase responsiveness but also increase CPU usage.

Surplus Calculation

Parameter Default Range Description
Smoothing alpha (smoothing_alpha) 0.3 0.05-1.0 EMA (exponential moving average) coefficient. Lower values produce more smoothing, dampening cloud transients. Higher values make the smoothed surplus more responsive to changes. A value of 1.0 disables smoothing entirely.
Surplus buffer (surplus_buffer_w) 100 0-1000 W Safety margin subtracted from the smoothed surplus before allocation. Prevents the engine from allocating right to the edge of available production.

Grid Protection

Parameter Default Range Description
Grid import limit (grid_import_limit_w) 0 0-10000 W Maximum allowed grid import in watts. If grid import exceeds this value, the engine sheds loads immediately until import drops below the limit. A value of 0 disables this protection.

Anti-Cycling (Hysteresis)

Parameter Default Range Description
Minimum on time (min_on_time_sec) 120 0-3600 s After a load is activated, it must remain on for at least this duration before it can be shed. Protects compressor-based equipment from rapid cycling.
Minimum off time (min_off_time_sec) 180 0-3600 s After a load is turned off, it cannot be reactivated for at least this duration. Prevents rapid restart cycling.

Warning

These values apply globally to all managed loads. If you have both a pool pump (needs long on-time) and an EV charger (can tolerate short cycles), set the values based on the most sensitive equipment, or place that equipment at a higher priority so it is shed last.


Dynamic Load Control

Parameter Default Range Description
Setpoint interval (setpoint_interval_sec) 30 10-300 s Minimum time between setpoint adjustments for dynamic loads. Prevents the engine from changing charge amps or temperature setpoints too frequently.

Parameter Interactions

Understanding how these parameters work together:

  • Surplus available for allocation = smoothed_surplus - surplus_buffer_w
  • Load activates when surplus available >= priority entry's min_surplus_w
  • Load sheds when surplus available < 0, or grid import > grid_import_limit_w
  • Load cannot shed within min_on_time_sec of activation
  • Load cannot reactivate within min_off_time_sec of deactivation
  • Dynamic load setpoint adjusts at most once per setpoint_interval_sec

Scenario smoothing_alpha surplus_buffer_w min_on_time_sec min_off_time_sec
Stable production (clear climate) 0.4 100 120 180
Variable production (frequent clouds) 0.2 200 300 300
Compressor-heavy (heat pump + pool) 0.2 200 600 600
EV-only setup 0.3 100 60 120

These are starting points. Monitor the decision timeline for a few days and adjust based on observed behavior.