Hi everyone, I wanted to share an exciting project I’ve been working on to modernize my garage. It’s been a great learning experience and I’m thrilled with the results so far. Here’s a quick overview of what I’ve done:
The Vision
I wanted to create a smart, sustainable garage that integrates seamlessly with my home automation system. My goals were to:
- Install a Wallbox for electric vehicle charging
- Add a solar PV system on the garage roof
- Upgrade the lighting and door systems
- Include a smart energy management system
The Execution
-
Electrical Setup
I started by installing a new distribution board in my garage. This was crucial for managing the power from the solar panels, the Wallbox, and the existing garage circuits. I used a Siemens Mini circuit breaker for the main distribution and ran a NYM-J 5x10mm² cable to connect everything. -
KNX Smart Home Integration
All the lighting and door controls are managed through a KNX system. I installed an MDT IP gateway to connect everything to my Home Assistant setup. It’s been incredibly reliable and allows me to control everything from my phone or through voice commands. -
Solar PV System
I’ve started with an 800W solar setup using microinverters from Hoymiles. This was just to test the system and ensure I can gather all the necessary data for energy management. The plan is to scale this up to 15kW once I finalize the battery storage solution. -
EV Charging Station
I installed a Heidelberg Energy Control Wallbox, which has been a solid choice. It integrates well with my energy management system and provides the necessary charging power for my electric vehicle. -
Horse Barn Addition
As a bonus, I’m also in the process of building a small horse barn adjacent to the garage. The planning permission is pending, but I’m excited about the possibility of creating a smart, climate-controlled space for my horse.
Challenges and Solutions
- Electrical Planning: Ensuring all circuits were properly sized and protected was a bit challenging, but the Siemens Mini circuit breaker made it manageable.
- KNX Configuration: Setting up the KNX system required some trial and error, but the MDT gateway has been a lifesaver for seamless integration.
Next Steps
I’m currently waiting for the delivery of the solar panels and the battery storage system. Once everything is up and running, I plan to share detailed metrics on energy production, consumption, and savings. I’m also looking forward to testing the smart energy management system to ensure everything works in harmony.
If anyone has questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear about others’ experiences with similar projects!
Cheers,
[Your Name]