Dimplex Free-E User Manual

Free-E User Manual

Heat water for free with solar PV.

8/60510/0 Version A

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0844 879 3587

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Millbrook House, Grange Drive, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 2DF

0844 879 3587

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Manual Contents

1 Manual Information 1

2 Safety Information 2

3 Free-E Overview - How It Works 3

4 Using The Free-E Interface 5

5 Appendices 11

6 Consumer Information 16

2.1 Legionella Warning 2

3.1 Key Features 4

5.1 Appendix 1 - Technical Specifications for Energy Meter 12

5.2 Appendix 2 - Technical Specifications for Free-E 13

5.3 Appendix 3 - WiFi Connection Information 14

2.2 General Safety Guidelines 2

2.3 General Maintenance Guidelines 2

2.4 Electrical Safety Guidelines 2

2.5 Legal

2.6 Intended Use

2

2

4.2 Settings Menu 6

4.2.1 Boost Options 6

4.2.2 Disable Free-E 8

4.2.3 Set Date / Time 8

4.2.4 Light OFF Interval 8

4.3 Advanced Settings 9

4.3.1 Factory Reset 9

4.3.2 Load Diversion 9

4.3.3 WiFi Connection 9

4.3.5 RF Channel Selection 10

4.3.4 General Info 9

4.3.6 Update Firmware 10

4.1 Main User Interface Screen and Colours 6

4.1.1 Backlight Colour Indicators 6

4.1.2 Main Menu 6

THIS MANUAL REFERS TO THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS;

Free-E Meter (certified as part number: 054722)

Free-E (certified as part number: 054739)

Please retain this manual for future reference.

1 Manual Information

Electrical Warnings

Indicates any hazard of an electrical nature.

General Warnings

Indicates a general warning against actions which could result in damage to the system or
personal injury to the installer and/or user.

Warnings and Icons Used

Information

Indicates tips and advice for the smooth operation of the system

!

!

!

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2 Safety Information

2.1 Legionella Warning

Legionella bacteria can be found in natural water sources in low concentrations. At this level it will not pose a
risk to human health, however the nature of domestic hot water storage tanks or boilers may allow the bacteria
to reproduce if the water is left stagnant for a long time.

Under normal circumstances, the frequent use of the hot water tank will protect against the growth of bacteria,
however if the tank will be left unused for a prolonged period, for example, if you are going on holiday, it is highly
recommended to ensure that any boiler controls are set to heat the water to 60°C+ at least once per week to
protect against Legionella.

2.2 General Safety Guidelines

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction regarding
the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they
do not play with the appliance.

The Free-E has a software generated alarm which prevents it from running when an error has occurred.

2.3 General Maintenance Guidelines

Regular maintenance of the Free-E ensures a long operating life and optimal efficiency.
The Free-E fan and ventilation grids should be cleaned periodically using a vacuum cleaner.

The following procedure should be followed;

- Disconnect the Free-e on the AC side

- Wait 5 minutes until the residual voltage has been drained and the fan is no longer turning

- Gently clean the top and bottom ventilation grids with a vacuum cleaner

Never use cleaning agents containing sand, soda, acid or chloride, as these can damage the casing of the Free-e.
The display screen should be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth.

2.4 Electrical Safety Guidelines

When using electrical devices, there is always a risk of fire or explosion. To prevent this from occurring please
ensure that;

- The Free-E system is not placed close to any flammable materials

- The Free-E system is not placed in any areas with potential for explosion.

2.5 Legal

The construction and design of the Free-E complies with all relevant EU directives.

2.6 Intended Use

This product is designed to redistribute energy generated by a PV system to an immersion heater, that would
otherwise have been exported to the grid, and is intended for domestic and light commercial use only. Any other
use beyond that intended by the manufacturer is prohibited. This requires the user to abide by the manufacturer's
product information. Please refrain from tampering with or altering the device.

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3 Free-E Overview - How it Works

When PV panels generate electricity, the production is initially consumed by electrical appliances or devices
in the household that are creating a demand for energy. If the household does not consume all of the energy
produced by the PV panels, the surplus energy will be sent to the grid.

The Free-E uses this surplus photovoltaic energy instead to heat the water in a household water tank, and
therefore prevent this energy from going to waste. The Free-E can divert up to 95% of unused (otherwise
exported) solar PV electricity to an electrical water heating device. This maximises the consumption of self­generated solar power and minimises the cost of buying energy for domestic hot water. It can be retrospectively
fitted to homes already with solar PV and a hot water cylinder.

A

B

C

D

E F

G H I

Grid

PV Panels

Description

B

Domestic Hot Water Cylinder

Distribution Box

PV Solar Electricity Meter

Import / Export Electricity Meter

A

Inverter

H

E

Free-E Meter and CT Clamp(s)

I

Free-E

F

Position

C

G

D

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3.1 Key Features

- Uses excess energy produced by your PV system to heat water

- Monitors and adjusts the power imported and exported to the grid, ensuring that the exported power remains at
virtually zero when the PV system is producing enough energy to cover the demand for domestic electricity and hot
water

- Timed boost function available, which can be set for multiple days of the week

- Back-lit LCD display with different Light OFF times available, which displays information about the operating mode,
settings, Wi-Fi connection and more

- The current imported, exported and diverted power level can be viewed.

- Compatible with most existing immersion heaters and underfloor heating systems

-Internal software alarm system, thermal protection, overload protection and soft start option - all of which prevent
damage to the system and give you peace of mind

- Approved CE product

- 3 Year Warranty

- The load diversion adjusted from 0-100%

4 Using The Free-E Interface

The Free-E interface is controlled using the three buttons located below the screen, as shown below;

ENTER

Export
Store

0.05kW

0.05kW

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Power being exported

Power being stored

Cloud upload status,
RF communications
and WiFi connection
icons

Back / Esc Button

Navigation Button

Enter / Confirm Button

Wi-Fi Connection

This symbol indicates that theWi-Fi is connected and operating correctly. If this symbol is not
displayed, please check your Wi-Fi connection.

Uploading to Cloud Storage

This symbol is not displayed permanently, but will flash every few minutes as data is uploaded to
the Dimplex cloud.

RF Communication

Displays when the Free-E meter is communicating with the master module.

Downloading Updates

This symbol is not displayed permanently, but will flash while a software update is being downloaded.

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The enter button is used to access the advanced settings menu from the main menu. It is also the confirmation
button for selections made on the user interface. The left / back button is used to escape from menus or
selections.

All navigation up / down through the menus on the user interface will be carried out by using the right button.
This button allows scrolling down through the displayed options, and when the end of the menu is reached,
continuing to press the down / next button will return the user to the top of the menu.

The screen shown above in is the default screen saver on the Free-E user interface. It displays the current store
power being diverted in watts, the current power being imported or exported, the current date and time, and icons
for the connectivity status, which are;

Date and Time

4.1 Main User Interface Screen and Colours

4.2 Settings Menu

4.1.1 Backlight Colour Indications

If the Free-E is exporting energy and storing power, the backlight will be green. If no energy is being exported or
energy is being imported from the grid, the backlight will be blue. If there is a fault or error with the operation of the
Free-E, the backlight will be red.

4.1.2 Main Menu

To access the main user menu, simply press the enter button when on the default screen saver as shown below.
From the main menu, you will have access to the settings and advanced settings menus.

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Export

Import

0.00kW

0.00kW

ENTER

Press Enter Button

MAIN MENU

ADVANCED SETTINGS

SETTINGS

The settings menu allows access to boost set-up options, disabling the Free-E device, date and and time settings
and light off interval settings.

SETTINGS

Boost Options
Disable Free-E
Set Date / Time
Light Off Interval

4.2.1 Boost Options

The Free-E provides options for both a manual (ON/OFF) one-hour default boost, or for a timed boost, which can be
set for three different timer periods, up to 7 days a week.

Manual Boost

To activate the manual boost, simply select Boost Options, then Manual Boost. You will see the confirmation screen
as shown below when the manual boost is activated, and the default display screen on the screen will display the
Manual Boost message shown below.

Manual Boost

Timed Boost

Boost Options

ENTER

Press Enter Button

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Boost function ON

Manual Boost

OK

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MANUAL BOOST

The manual boost is automatically set to run for a duration of one hour, however you can also deactivate it
manually by returning to the Boost Options and selecting Manual Boost while the boost is still active. You will

see a confirmation screen as shown below and the manual boost message will no longer appear on the default

main screen.

Timed Boost

The Timed Boost can be set for a specified time for multiple weekdays. The timer should be set first using the
Timer Settings menu, then the Set Weekdays menu allows you to select which of the three programmable boost

timers will be activated for each weekday. You can set any combination of the three timers, for any or all weekdays.

Each timer must be assigned an ON time when set up, but you can also select the duration of the boost. The options

for boost duration ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The Set Weekdays menu will let you scroll across between the days Sunday - Saturday (SU - SA), and on selecting
each day, you will be brought to the menu for that day which will show a list of tick boxes for each timer that you can

enable.

Timer 1 - Duration

0.5h

1.0h

1.5h

2.0h

Set weekdays

SU MO TU WE TH FR SA

ENTER

Press Enter Button

ENTER

Press Enter Button

ON Time
Duration

Timer 1

ON Time
Duration

Timer 1

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Manual Boost

Timed Boost

Boost Options

Timer Settings

Set Weekdays

Timed Boost

ENTER

Press Enter Button

Timer 1

Timer 2
Timer 3

Timer Settings

ENTER

Press Enter Button

Manual Boost
Timed Boost

Boost Options

ENTER

Press Enter Button

Boost function OFF

Manual Boost

OK

CANCEL

Timer 1 - ON Time

SAVE

00:00

Set weekdays - SU

for timer(s):

Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3

ABORT

SAVE

Quick Steps for Using Manual Boost

Turning ON or OFF the manual boost can be carried out simply by pressing the Enter button 4 times.

!

4.2.2 Disable Free-E

4.2.3 Set Date / Time

4.2.4 Light OFF Interval

This option allows you to set the current date and time for the Free-E user interface. This function is important
for the smooth operation of the boost timers and other data. Please ensure that the current date and time are set
correctly.

This option allows you to set the OFF time for the backlight of the Free-E user interface when not in use. The light
OFF interval can be set to 1 minute, 30 minutes or never, which will prevent the backlight from turning off. The
default setting is 30 seconds.

This option allows you to temporarily disable the Free-E. If, for any reason, the Free-E needs to be turned off, do
not disconnect the system from the mains supply.

The Disable Free-E function is provided for this purpose, and is useful, for example, if you are going on holiday
and would like to turn off the system while you are away.

Selecting Disable Free-E ON will disable the system, and a message will appear on the main screen saver to
indicate that the Free-E is on standby (see image above). During this time, the Free-E will not perform functions,
however you will still have full access to all menus.

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ON
OFF

Disable Free-E

ENTER

Press Enter Button

CANCEL

Set Date / Time

SAVE

00:00

01/01/2015

Free-E Disabled

System on Standby

Disable Free-E

OK

ON
OFF

Disable Free-E

ENTER

Press Enter Button

Free-E Enabled

Normal Operation

Disable Free-E

OK

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ON STANDBY

1 minute

30 seconds

Light off

30 minutes
Never

Light OFF Interval

4.3 Advanced Settings

4.3.3 WiFi Connection

4.3.4 General Info

The factory reset function shoul only be used if strictly necessary. and should NEVER be carried out by anyone
without knowledge of how to re-commission the system correctly. It is not possible to use the system without
commissioning, and all commissioning settings will be cleared by a factory reset.

For information on connecting the Free-E to a WiFi network, see appendix 3.

The General Info option allows you to access and view information such as the software version (Version), the
device’s serial number (Serial n*), the input voltage (Input V), the grid current (Grid I), the supply frequency
(Frequency), the device current being measured (Current) and the output in watts (Output).

4.3.1 Factory Reset

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WiFi Connection
General Info
RF Channel Selection
Update Firmware

Factory Reset
Load Diversion

ADVANCED SETTINGS

Input V: 0.0V

Serial n*: 1015220002

Version: 0.1

Grid I: 4.49A
Frequency: 0.5Hz
Current: 0.00A
Output: 0W 0%

General Info

ENTER

Press Enter Button

Are you sure you want to

reset the system?

WARNING:

This change is permanent

Factory Reset

ABORT

OK

Factory Reset in Progress

Do not disconnect the system

Please Wait

DO NOT FACTORY RESET THE FREE-E UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO RE-COMMISSION IT!

Factory resetting the Free-E will remove all configurations and will not allow any functions to be carried

out until the commissioning procedure is complete.

!

4.3.2 Load Diversion

The Load Diversion function is a test/diagnostic function which allows the Free-E unit to be driven to a particular
output state, independent of the Free-E Meter readings.

This option allows the unit to be driven ON between 0 and 100 % (if a 3kW load is connected at the output this will
be 0 to 3kW) in roughly 1% steps.

This is not a user function. It is useful for fault finding as the Free-E variable output, L1 ,can be driven ON even

though there is no nett export power being measured by the Free-E Meter.

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4.3.5 RF Channel Selection

The default RF channel is Channel 1 and will generally not need to be changed. If you experience interference,
however, you can change this channel between channels 1-4 until the reception is clearer.

4.3.6 Updating Firmware

You can check for firmware updates by selecting the Update Firmware option in the Advanced Settings menu.
Once this option is selected, the software will check for updates automatically. If a new firmware update is
available, the screen display will confirm this and the firmware update will begin automatically.

Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4

Channel 1

RF Channel Selection

Update Firmware

Ste p:9
Ver sion: 5
Che cksum : 136 65325
Fil e siz e: 17 6556
Dow nload ing F irmwa re:
634 88/17 6556

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5 Appendices

5.1 Free-E Meter Technical Specifications

5.2 Free-E Technical Specifications

5.3 WiFi Connection Information

List of Appendices

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5.1 Appendix 1 - Technical Specifications - Energy Meter

Ordering Codes

DOEE 054722

Voltage / Current

Input Voltage Range 100V to 255V AC, 50/60Hz
Voltage Accuracy +/- 1%

Voltage Resolution 0.1 Volt

Current Measurement Range 0.1 to 80A

Current Accuracy %1-/+ A08 ~A4 %5.1-/+ A4~A6.1

Current Resolution 0.01A

kWh, PF, kVAh kWh Accuracy +/- 1%

kWh Resolution 0.01 kWh
Power Factor Accuracy +/- 1%

Power Factor Resolution 0.01

kVAh Accuracy +/- 1%

kVAh Resolution 0.01 kVAh

Certification

Certification CE

Metering Standard Class 1 (Accuracy only)

Wireless Technology

Radio Technology Dimplex GFSK
Radio Frequency 868 MHz ISM Band

Channels 4 Channels (1 - 4)

Max Tx Power +13dBm

Rx Sensitivity -105dBm@25Kbps

Data Rate up to 25 kbits/sec

Wireless Range Indoor Range up to 50m

Outdoor Range up to 300m (direct line of sight)

Rated input power

Power Consumption 1 Watt

Physical

Dimensions (LxWxH) 231 x 125 x 48 mm
Weight 0.201 kg

Mounting Wall Mounting Flanges

Enclosure V0 Polycarbonate

Operating Temperature -20°C to +45°C

Operating Humidity up to 85% (non-condensing)

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5.2 Appendix 2 - Technical Specifications - Free-E

Ordering Codes

DOMM 054739

Voltage / Current

Input Voltage Range 215V to 255Vac, 50/60Hz
Maximum continuous AC output current at 210 V 14.2A +/-1%

Maximum continuous AC output current at 230 V 13.0A +/-1%

Maximum continuous AC output current at 254 V 11.8A +/-1%

16A +/-1%

Maximum output over current protection

Maximum input overvoltage protection 260 Vac

Cooling conceptElectrical Forced Air Convection

Relay output ratings

16A…... 250Vac

0.9x … 1.0

Range of output power factor

0.99

Nominal Power factor

24 - 230Vac

External Input voltage range

98.2%

Wireless Technology

Radio Technology Dimplex GFSK

Radio Frequency 868 MHz ISM Band
Channels 4 Channels (1-4)
Max Tx Power +13dBm

Rx Sensitivity -105dBm@25Kbps
WiFi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Wireless Range Indoor Range up to 50m

Outdoor Range up to 300m (direct line of sight)

Standby Power

Power Consumption 10 Watt

Physical

Dimensions (LxWxH) 316 x 279 x 110 mm

Certifications

CE Fully EMC Compliant

Weight 3.7kg

Mounting Wall Mounting Flanges

Enclosure V0 Polycarbonate

Operating Temperature -20°C to +45°C

Operating Humidity up to 85% (non-condensing)

Peak Free-E efficiency

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5.3 Appendix 3 - WiFi Connection Information

WiFi Connection

General Info

RF Channel Selection
Update Firmware

Factory Reset
Load Diversion

ADVANCED SETTINGS WiFi Connection

Provision
Information

WiFi Provision

Please connect to:
SSID: Free-e_AP
Open browser & visit:

192.168.1.1/dimplex.html

Connecting the Free-E Device to WiFi

When you want to connect the Free-E to WiFi, you must access the WiFi provision option.
To do this, you must go to Advanced Settings on the main menu, then select WiFi Connection, then Provision.

For the next step, you will need a smartphone, tablet or laptop to access the web address
given on the Free-E screen as shown in the image above. You will need to open the WiFi
connection options/settings on your device (similar to the image shown on the left) and
connect to the Free-e network.

Next, you must open the browser on your device and visit the address given on the WiFi
Provision Free-E screen;

192.168.1.1/dimplex.html

Once you have opened the browser and entered the site address, a dialogue box will
appear which will prompt you to enter a user name and password;

User name: admin

Password: admin

After correctly inputting the login information, you should be able
to see the Client Settings page as shown on the left. Choose the
Select an Existing Network option.

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The Free-E will now scan for any existing networks available in
the area.

This may take up to 45 seconds.

When the scan is complete, a list of found networks will be displayed.

Select the network that you wish the Free-E to connect to.

When you have selected the network that you wish to connect to,
the Configure Wireless and Network Settings will be displayed.

MyHomeNetwork

MyHomeNetwork

You will be asked to input a passphrase, which by default will be your
WiFi network password.

When this is complete, click the Advanced Options box. This will display
options for obtaining or setting your IP address.

Select the Acquire IP Address Automatically (DCHP) option.

A Wireless Configuration Summary will now be displayed.

You must select the Save and Apply option to keep your network
settings.

The Free-e should now be connected to your WiFi network.
You will see a Wireless Settings confirmation screen.

To check that your Free-E has successfully connected to the WiFi
network, press the back/esc button on the device.

On returning to the main menu screen on the user interface, you should
see the WiFi icon.

Export
Store

0.05kW

0.05kW

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MyHomeNetwork

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6 Consumer Information

The Dimplex Free-E complies with the applicable EU directives;

EC Directives:

Low voltage directive 2006/95/EC
EMC directive 2004/108/EC

Applied Standards:

ISEN 55014-1: 2006 + A1:2009
ISEN 55014-2: 1997+ A1:2001 + A2:2008
ISEN 55022: 2010
ISEN 61000-3-2: 2006 + A1:2009 + A2:2009
ISEN 61000-3-3: 2008
ISEN 60335-1-2012

6.1 Compliance Information

6.2 After Sales Service

Your product is guaranteed for 3 years from the date of purchase. Within this period we undertake to repair or replace
this product free of charge (subject to availability) provided it has been installed and operated in accordance with these
instructions. Your rights under this guarantee are additional to your statutory rights , which in turn are not affected by this
guarantee.

Should you require 24hr sales service you should contact our customer services help desk on 0844 879 3588. It would
assist us if you can quote the model number, date of purchase and nature of fault at the time of your call. Please do not
return a faulty product to us in the first instance, as this may result in loss or damage and delay in providing you with a
satisfactory service.

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