The power diverted to the heater is less than expected

Symptoms

• The display on the eddi shows "Waiting for Surplus."
• Surplus power is not being used, but the export power is displayed correctly.

Possible Causes

1. Heater Has a Lower Rating Than Expected
   The heater connected to the eddi may have a lower power rating than the system expects, which can cause the unit to fail to use surplus power as intended. If the heater is not drawing enough power to use the surplus, the system will wait for surplus power without activating.
2. The Unit is Too Warm and is Thermal Limiting the Output
   If the eddi unit is too warm, it may activate thermal limiting to prevent overheating. This is indicated by three wavy lines above the eddi icon on the display. In this state, the unit will limit its output to prevent damage from excessive heat, which can result in the surplus power not being used.

Step-by-Step Solution

Check Heater Rating:

• Verify that the heater connected to the eddi is of the correct rating and can draw the necessary power to utilise surplus energy. If the heater is underpowered, it may not be able to consume the surplus power, causing the system to display "Waiting for Surplus."
• Ensure the heater’s rating aligns with the expected power usage for the system to function efficiently.

Ensure Adequate Ventilation:

• If the eddi is entering thermal limiting mode (indicated by the three wavy lines), it may be overheating due to poor ventilation.
• Ensure the unit has adequate ventilation around it, with sufficient airflow to allow the system to operate without reaching excessive temperatures.
• Avoid placing the eddi in a confined space or near heat sources, as this can cause the unit to overheat and trigger thermal limiting.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• Inspect Heater and Wiring:
  Ensure that the heater is properly connected and that the wiring is secure. A loose or improperly connected heater could lead to insufficient power being drawn, preventing the system from using surplus power.

• Monitor the eddi Temperature:
  If the eddi frequently enters thermal limiting mode, consider installing the unit in a cooler environment or improving ventilation. Excessive heat can cause the system to limit output and reduce efficiency.

• Check for Overheating Signs:
  If the unit continues to show the thermal limiting indicator (three wavy lines), try restarting the system after allowing it to cool down. If the issue persists, contact technical support for further advice.

Conclusion

If your eddi is not using surplus power, despite correctly displaying export power, the cause may be either a heater with a lower-than-expected rating or thermal limiting due to overheating. By checking the heater rating and ensuring proper ventilation for the unit, you can resolve the issue and restore proper surplus power usage. If the problem persists, contact myenergi Support for further assistance.