Solar Surplus Powers Loads on Doorbell Press

S.C.O.R.E. → Resilience → Energy

Overview

This capability efficiently utilizes excess solar energy to power flexible home loads when the doorbell is pressed. It optimizes energy usage, reducing reliance on the grid while enhancing the home’s responsiveness to user interactions.

Benefits

• Reduces energy costs by using solar surplus for appliances.
• Enhances convenience by automatically powering devices when needed.
• Improves energy resilience by maximizing the use of renewable energy.

Intent

The purpose of this capability is to intelligently manage excess solar energy in the home. By activating flexible loads upon a doorbell press, it ensures that energy is used effectively, contributing to sustainability and convenience.

Preconditions

• A solar power generation system installed in the home.
• Integration with smart home technology to manage flexible loads.
• A functioning doorbell equipped with smart capabilities.
• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Integration available and authenticated: Frigate.
• Device installed and reachable: Energy Monitoring.

Actors

• Homeowner interacting with the doorbell
• Guests pressing the doorbell
• Family members benefiting from activated appliances

Trigger

The capability is triggered when the doorbell is pressed, signaling the system to check for solar surplus and activate the flexible loads.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Doorbell Pressed] -->|check solar surplus| B{{Is there surplus?}}
    B -->|Yes| C[Power Flexible Loads]
    C --> D[Devices Activate]
    B -->|No| E[Do Nothing]

Workflow Description

1. Doorbell Pressed

The user or guest presses the doorbell, initiating the process.

2. Check Solar Surplus

The system assesses the current solar energy surplus available for use.

3. Decision Making

If there is sufficient solar surplus, the system proceeds to activate flexible loads.

4. Activate Flexible Loads

The system powers on predefined devices such as lights or appliances using the solar energy.

5. Completion

The activated devices operate as needed, and the system logs the energy usage.

Postconditions

After the capability completes, the flexible loads are powered by solar energy, and the home remains responsive to user interactions without drawing from the grid.

Optional Enhancements

• Integrate with home security systems to provide alerts when the doorbell is pressed.
• Add a mobile notification feature to inform homeowners when solar surplus is being used.
• Enable scheduling for flexible loads to operate optimally based on energy forecasts.

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• Make It Work (youtube)