Demand Automation Device (SP3000)

How Does It Work?

  • Monitoring:The system connects to your electrical panel (often via CT sensors or direct meter integration like Zigbee Smart Energy) and tracks whole-house consumption in real time, plus individual large loads where possible.
    It also monitors solar generation, battery storage, and grid conditions if present.
  • Demand Limit Setting:A target peak demand threshold is configured (based on your utility plan and home's needs). The system uses adaptive algorithms and hourly profiles to stay under this during on-peak periods (e.g., afternoons/evenings in hot climates).
  • Load Orchestration and Control:Controlled devices typically include: HVAC (via relays or Wi-Fi/Z-Wave thermostats), water heaters, pool pumps, EV chargers, dryers, and sometimes others via relays, smart plugs, or APIs.
    As total demand approaches the limit, the system defers or cycles non-essential loads (e.g., delays a water heater or pool pump, or cycles the AC compressor briefly).
    It prioritizes comfort: minimum on/off times for appliances, temperature thresholds for HVAC, and real-time solar/battery awareness to use clean energy when available.
    Advanced versions (like the Smart Panel 3000) offer multiple relays, precise sub-interval management, and cloud-based adjustments.
  • Automation Features:TOU (Time-of-Use) alignment: Shifts loads to off-peak or high-solar periods.
    Pre-conditioning/Demand Limit Optimization: Pre-cools the home or adapts dynamically.
    Cloud platform (Home Connect/Management Connect): Real-time dashboards, reports, notifications, and remote tweaks. Data is captured frequently (e.g., every 60 seconds).
    Integrations with smart devices, inverters, and EV chargers via APIs.
  • Installation and Operation:Professional install (typically ~3 hours) by certified partners—wall-mounted controller near the panel or attic.
    Runs autonomously after setup; homeowners see minimal disruption

Smart Energy Management Systems (SEMS)

Inergy Systems' Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) is a compact, wall-mounted hub designed for residential demand management and load orchestration. It primarily helps homeowners (especially in high-demand areas like Arizona with utilities such as SRP and APS) reduce peak demand charges, shift loads to lower-cost periods, and integrate with solar/battery systems.

Core Components and Hardware

  • SEMS Hub (also called The Energy Conductor or TEC): A small indoor device (about 5″ × 4.5″ × 1.25″) that acts as the central controller. It plugs into a standard outlet and supports:Z-Wave mesh networking for reliable, low-power communication with smart devices throughout the home.
    Zigbee Smart Energy for direct connection to utility smart meters, providing accurate interval data.
    Optional cellular (LTE), Ethernet, and external energy meters (e.g., WattsOn-Mark II).
  • Controlled Loads: Focuses heavily on HVAC (via Z-Wave or Wi-Fi thermostats), but also manages water heaters, pool pumps, EV chargers, and other large appliances through relays, smart switches, or APIs.
  • Related Products: Pairs with the more robust Smart Panel 3000 (with built-in relays and higher-capacity controls) or a software-only Virtual Demand Controller for homes with existing smart devices.

Contact Ryan Sargent at (480) 529-1940 for more information or to find out if these devices are a suitable fit for your home. 

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