> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.unwaste.energy/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.unwaste.energy/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/configuration.md). # Configuration basics Learn how to model your electrical installation for monitoring and energy control. ## What configuration means in Unwaste **Configuration** is the process of describing your real electrical installation to the Unwaste system. It lets the [Unwaste Robot](/en/appendices/glossary.md#h-unwaste-robot) correctly: * understand how energy flows through your installation, * monitor energy production, consumption, and storage, * send meaningful control signals to selected devices. Configuration does **not** change how your electrical installation works physically. It creates a **logical model** that reflects what already exists in reality. The quality of configuration directly affects: * correctness of energy calculations, * accuracy of statistics and savings, * effectiveness and safety of device control. *** ## How configuration is structured Configuration in Unwaste is built in **layers**, from the most general to the most specific: 1. **Connection** – your connection to the power grid 2. **Circuits** – how energy flows inside your installation 3. **Energy sources and storage** – where energy is produced or stored 4. **Devices** – what consumes energy and what can be controlled Each layer depends on the previous one and should be configured in order. Shared mechanisms used across several layers: * [Optional monitoring](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/optional-monitoring.md) – extra electrical readings and graphs * [Additional readings](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/optional-monitoring/additional-readings.md) – custom named sensors * [Monitoring alerts](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/optional-monitoring/monitoring-alerts.md) – threshold alerts on readings *** ## Step 1: Configure the connection The [**connection**](/en/appendices/glossary.md#h-connection) represents your physical connection to the power grid. Here you define: * number of phases (single-phase or three-phase), * location (used for forecasts and solar calculations), * tariff-related information, * consumption forecast method (required if energy storage is used), * optional **Surplus mode** (for installations with PV and controllable loads). This step establishes the **global context** for all further configuration. > Note: Most installations have exactly one connection. *** ## Step 2: Define circuits (electrical structure) [**Circuits**](/en/appendices/glossary.md#h-circuit) describe how energy flows through your installation. They form a tree structure: * the **main circuit** represents the entire installation, * **sub-circuits** represent branches (for example: heating, sockets, EV charger), * devices and meters are attached to circuits. Circuits are essential for: * correct energy flow calculations, * separating different types of consumption, * assigning meters, devices, and production sources correctly. > Important: The main circuit is mandatory. Other circuits are optional but strongly recommended. *** ## Step 3: Add energy production and storage At this stage you describe where energy comes from and where it can be stored. This may include: * solar inverters (energy production), * batteries or other [energy storage systems](/en/appendices/glossary.md#h-storage). Configuration defines: * how much energy is produced or stored, * how the Unwaste Robot can read data from these devices, * whether the Unwaste Robot can send control signals to them. > Important: Control signals are advisory. Devices and inverters may accept, limit, or ignore them based on their own logic and safety rules. *** ## Step 4: Configure devices A [**device**](/en/appendices/glossary.md#h-device) is any appliance that consumes energy. For each device you decide independently: * whether it is **monitored** (energy usage is measured), * whether it is **controlled** (receives Eco / Comfort / Boost / Off / Surplus signals). Monitoring and control are separate: * a device can be controlled without being monitored, * a device can be monitored without being controlled. Devices are attached to circuits to ensure their energy usage is counted correctly. *** ## Configuration vs control Configuration only describes **what exists** and **what is possible**. Actual behavior (when devices run, which mode is active) is determined later by: * price-based logic (default), * profiles, * schedules, * overrides. These mechanisms are described in separate sections of the documentation and build on top of a correct configuration. *** ## Typical configuration workflow A recommended workflow for a new installation: 1. Complete [Robot settings](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/robot-settings.md) and onboarding 2. Configure the **connection** 3. Create the **main circuit** 4. Add important **sub-circuits** 5. Attach **meters** to circuits 6. Configure **production sources** (for example PV) 7. Configure **energy storage** (if present) 8. Add and assign **devices** 9. Enable control where appropriate 10. Optionally configure [Surplus mode](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/connection.md#surplus-mode) and [monitoring alerts](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/optional-monitoring/monitoring-alerts.md) You can return to configuration at any time to refine or extend it. *** ## Important notes * Configuration should reflect the **real physical installation**, not desired behavior. * Incorrect circuit structure leads to incorrect energy statistics. * Device control depends on **device capability** and **installation capability**, not only on configuration. * Some advanced features require additional hardware (meters, buffers, mixing valves). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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