ECopti

Add-ons · Software Module

ECopti

AI-driven optimization for PV self-consumption and arbitrage

Intelligent forecasting and real-time energy management for PV systems

Overview

ECopti

Description

ECopti is an advanced optimization algorithm designed for Self-Consumption and Arbitrage Optimization. It dynamically manages energy costs using:

  • A fixed daily tariff profile
  • Daily TSO spot prices for European markets
  • A combination of the above

Powered by sophisticated ML algorithms, ECopti makes load consumption predictions based on site-specific historical data, while PV energy forecasts incorporate past production data, local weather patterns, and site conditions.

Seamless Integration with ENcombi EMS

Integrated within the ENcombi EMS, ECpvX, ECopti runs real-time optimizations directly on-site, leveraging live predictions and energy cost data. The ECcloud portal provides a digital twin, offering an interactive view of forecasts and expected outcomes.

Advanced Grid Integration with ECgrid

For even greater flexibility, adding ECgrid alongside ECpvX enables participation in frequency ancillary services, including:

  • aFRR, mFRR, FRR, FCR-N and FCR-D in the Nordic synchronous area
  • FCR in the Central Europe synchronous area

While ENcombi does not handle market bidding directly, ECgrid integrates seamlessly with third-party aggregators via the ENcombi API, allowing users to interact with multiple aggregators without being locked into a single provider.

AI and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing the way we predict and optimize photovoltaic (PV) energy production and load consumption. By analyzing historical data and environmental factors, AI models provide highly accurate PV output forecasts, considering weather patterns, seasonal changes, and site-specific conditions. Similarly, ML algorithms predict load consumption based on past usage, external influences, and user behavior.

With precise forecasting, energy self-consumption strategies can be optimized—maximizing on-site PV usage and reducing grid dependency. These insights also power arbitrage algorithms, identifying the best times to store energy or sell excess power based on market prices, leading to both financial savings and a more sustainable energy grid.

Key features

  • AI-driven PV and load forecasting
  • Self-consumption and arbitrage optimization
  • Integration with ENcombi EMS and ECpvX
  • Digital twin visualization via ECcloud
  • Supports grid services with ECgrid integration
  • Works with third-party aggregators via API

Product FAQ

ECopti

ECopti questions

Do I need an ECopti license?

Only for Self-consumption. Arbitrage, where the ECpvX charges and discharges on day-ahead spot prices, needs no ECopti license.

Self-consumption, which also predicts load and PV production, requires one.

What's the difference between the two modes?

Arbitrage only looks at spot prices and tariffs, and uses the battery capacity to buy and sell energy at a profit.

Self-consumption also uses predicted PV production and load to minimize the site's operating cost. The predictions come through ECcloud.

Can it work with 15-minute prices?

Yes. ECopti runs in 1-hour or 15-minute steps, set by the spot price interval on the Online Tariffs page.

Does it respect the battery's limits?

Yes. It only optimizes within the SOC window set in the battery charge menu.

You also set the battery's round-trip efficiency, and a charge cost that works as a sensitivity factor for the optimizer.

Can I see what it plans to do?

Yes. With ECopti enabled, an icon on the ECweb monitoring page opens forecasts of the day’s performance and profit. With 15-minute prices the graph shows 6 hours at a time.

Where do the prices come from?

The ECpvX reads day-ahead spot prices from the relevant European market. Prices are in euros, and the exchange rate to your local currency is entered separately.

Separate hourly import and export tariffs can be added in ECcloud.

Can I use my own optimizer instead?

Yes. An online optimizer service can control the PV and BESS through ECapi, with no extra hardware on site. The API setting must be enabled.

These answers are general information based on our product documentation at the time of writing. They are not binding and may change at any time. For your project, the current datasheet, manual and our written order confirmation apply.

Alvis is AI and can make mistakes. For quotes and exact specs, contact sales.

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