residential demand controller program Instructional Manual energy sentry models | 9312
Table of Contents: Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1 System Description Control/Display Unit How to Operate Your Demand Controller.......................................................................... 2 Features for Alpha, ES, and 9212 Controllers.................................................................. 3 Setting the Demand Limit.....................................................................
Introduction and Overview of Demand Control Welcome to BHP’s Residential Demand Controller Program. As the owner of a home metered under the Residential Demand Service Rate (Rate 14 and 16), you are now one of a growing number of customers who can lower their monthly electric bills by reducing energy demand peaks. The Energy Sentry demand controller enables you to reduce these peaks while maintaining efficient use of energy.
Maximum Value Feature All of the model 9312 units are automatically installed with the Maximum Value feature included. The Maximum Value feature gives you three times the on-peak limit for greater flexibility of electrical usage during “off-peak” hours. Use as much electricity as you want in off-peak. You still pay the lower total usage rate, with no penalty for a higher demands. Your savings can be substantial.
Features For 9312 Controller: Each indicator and key serves a specific purpose in providing you with the necessary information and control to minimize peak energy usage. Each of these indicators and keys have been numbered and are described on the following pages.
Peak kW Demand (pd): In this mode the kW Demand/Time display will indicate the highest actual average Peak Demand-since-reset. This indicator is intended to allow you to monitor your daily or weekly peaks in order to gain an understanding of how and when these peaks occur. In this way, energy use patterns may be modified, if desired, to minimize these peaks.
9 Display Brightness Key: This key is used to adjust the display brightness and is used in conjunction with the Decrease key (8) or Increase key (9) to set the display brightness for the best visibility under existing lighting conditions. 10 Buzzer Volume Key: This key is used to control the alarm buzzer volume in conjunction with the Decrease key (8) or Increase key (9) and allows you to adjust buzzer volume to meet various sound conditions.
Because of the way you are billed by your utility company under the demand rate, you can change the kW Demand limit on your Control/Display Unit to the changing season or when conditions warrant. For best results, you should set the lowest practical demand limit within the suggested range for your home, lifestyle, or process. Typical demand limit ranges, by month, for an average all electric home are listed on page 12 - Table 1.
Step 7, If the Alarm Buzzer Sounds: The alarm buzzer in your Control/Display Unit sounds and the Reduce Load indication (4) will come on when the 9312 has done all it can do to reduce your electrical demand and actual demand is still greater than the demand limit. That is, all circuits that your 9312 has control over have been turned off, but due to high base load, this is not enough. In this situation, your demand limit may be unrealistically low for the level of comfort or appliance use you desire.
Hints for Maximum Savings When the setting is to be decreased (for example from 10 in February - for heating - to 8 in March for less heating), the setting should be changed 5 days before your utility meter is read. When the setting is to be increased (for example, from 6 in May to 7 in June for air conditioning), the setting should be changed after your utility meter is read. Meter readings are taken on various days of the month and depend on the billing interval you happen to be on with BHP.
NOTE: If the dryer cannot be restarted (or stops) each time the demand controller sheds, contact BHP. The dryer may require a specific rewiring change to operate correctly. BHP will assist you in ensuring that the rewiring is done properly. CAUTION: If you purchase a new dryer or if you move into a home with a demand controller already installed, your dryer may not work properly. Since dryers are not all wired the same, the dryer wires in the circuit breaker panel, may have to be reversed (see note above).
Service of Heating/Air Conditioning, Water Heater and Clothes Dryer When technicians service any electrical equipment that is controlled by the controller, they should be advised that you have a demand controller. They should also be warned not to disconnect the controller wiring or leave its power supply (circuit breaker) off. Otherwise, they may unknowingly disable your controller which could result in a very high electric bill.
BHP’s Residential Demand Controller Customer Service Program Although the demand controller equipment is owned and operated by you, the customer, Black Hills Power offers a variety of Residential Demand Controller Service Programs that assist with instruction and maintenance of the unit: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANCE: If you need additional information about your demand control equipment or instructional information, BHP will send you information, at no cost. BHP also offers free personal instructions.
Charts & Tables What is a Kilowatt (kW)? The demand limit and usage displayed on the demand controller is measured by kilowatts (kW). One kW is equal to 1,000 watts. For example, if you have ten 100 watt light bulbs on at one time, the demand is 1,000 watts or 1 kW. If they remain on for one hour, the energy used is one kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Chart A: Baseboard Heated Home Load Control Strategy: Combination Fixed/Rotate Priority Shed Sequence Load Demand 1 (highest) Last Dryer (heating elements only) 5.5 kW 2 Second Water Heater 4.5 kW 3 (lowest) First* Living Room Heat 3.5 kW 3 (lowest) First* Basement Heat 4.0 kW 3 (lowest) First* Entry Heat 1.5 kW 3 (lowest) First* Bedroom Heat 2.0 kW 3 (lowest) First* Bedroom Heat 2.0 kW 3 (lowest) First* Family Room Heat 3.
For more information contact your local Black Hills Power office or call 721-3200. Belle Fourche............................................... 723-2460 Custer........................................................... 673-4455 Deadwood/Lead.......................................... 722-2420 Hill City......................................................... 574-2541 Hot Springs/Edgemont................................ 745-3120 Newcastle/Upton..................................307-746-2726 Newell.............
