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Constant Load

Constant loads represent fixed power consumption that doesn't vary over time. Use this for baseline consumption from always-on devices.

Configuration Fields

Field Type Required Default Description
Name String Yes - Unique identifier
Type "Constant Load" Yes - Element type
Power Number (kW) Yes - Fixed consumption power

Name

Use descriptive names that indicate the load's purpose:

  • ✅ "Base Load", "Always On", "Background Consumption"
  • ❌ "Load1", "Thing", "Device"

Power

Fixed consumption in kilowatts (kW). This power is assumed to be consumed constantly throughout the optimization horizon.

Determining Your Baseline

To find your baseline consumption:

  1. Measure overnight minimum: Check your consumption during hours when everything is "off" (e.g., 2-4 AM)
  2. Add always-on devices: Include refrigerators, networking equipment, standby devices
  3. Add safety margin: Increase by 10-20% to account for variations

Typical Values

  • Small apartment: 0.2-0.4 kW
  • Average home: 0.5-1.2 kW
  • Large home: 1.0-2.0 kW
  • Commercial: 2.0+ kW

Start Conservative

It's better to overestimate baseline consumption slightly. The optimizer will ensure sufficient power is available.

Configuration Example

Name: Base Load
Type: Constant Load
Power: 1.0  # kW

This configuration represents 1 kW of continuous consumption (24 kWh per day).

Combined with Forecast Load

For most accurate optimization, use both constant and forecast loads:

# Constant baseline
Name: Base Load
Type: Constant Load
Power: 1.0

# Variable consumption on top
Name: Variable Load
Type: Forecast Load
Forecast: sensor.variable_consumption

Total consumption = 1.0 kW (constant) + variable forecast.

This approach:

  • Simplifies forecast creation (only forecast variable portion)
  • Ensures baseline is always covered
  • Improves optimization reliability

Sensors Created

Power Sensor

Entity ID: sensor.{name}_power

Unit: kW

Description: Current optimal power consumption (always equals configured power value)

The power sensor for a constant load shows the fixed configured value at all timesteps.

Troubleshooting

Optimization Infeasible

If optimization fails with constant loads:

  1. Check total load vs supply: Ensure grid + solar + battery can supply the constant load
  2. Verify power value: Confirm the power value is in kW (not W or kWh)
  3. Review grid limits: Grid import limit must be sufficient
  4. Check connections: Load must be connected to the network

Load Too High

If your constant load causes issues:

  1. Re-measure baseline: Verify your baseline measurement is accurate
  2. Split into components: Consider using forecast load for variable portions
  3. Review device list: Ensure you haven't over-counted consumption

When to Use Constant Load

Use constant loads for:

  • ✅ Baseline consumption (always-on devices)
  • ✅ Continuous industrial processes
  • ✅ Known fixed loads (server rooms, refrigeration)
  • ✅ Simplifying initial configuration

Avoid for:

  • ❌ Variable household consumption (use forecast load)
  • ❌ Scheduled devices (use forecast load)
  • ❌ Time-of-day varying loads (use forecast load)

Continue to Forecast Load Configuration