> 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-operation/technical-details/surplus-mode.md). # Surplus mode Use surplus mode to increase consumption when excess solar production is available. This page explains how the Unwaste Robot decides when to request **Surplus** operating mode on managed devices. Configuration (thresholds, required readings, States Map) is described in [Connection](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/connection.md#surplus-mode) and [Device control](/en/unwaste-robot-configuration/device/device-control.md). *** ## Purpose Surplus mode increases local use of photovoltaic production when the installation is **exporting energy to the grid**. The goal is to absorb excess solar energy with controllable loads instead of feeding it back to the grid. Surplus is a separate control signal from price-based modes. You map what Surplus means for each device in the States Map, just like Eco or Comfort. *** ## Where Surplus sits among operating modes For devices, operating modes form a scale from lower to higher energy use: ``` Off < Eco < Comfort < Surplus < Boost ``` Surplus sits between Comfort and Boost. It encourages more consumption than Comfort, but it is not the same as Boost — Boost is driven by favourable **electricity prices**, while Surplus is driven by **export to the grid**. *** ## Independent from electricity prices The decision to enter or leave Surplus mode is based on **import and export measurements** on the main circuit and the thresholds you configure on the connection. Price-based control runs **in parallel**. The Unwaste Robot evaluates both: * the mode suggested by **tariffs** (Off, Eco, Comfort, or Boost), and * whether **surplus conditions** are currently met. If surplus conditions are met and the price-based mode is Off, Eco, or Comfort, the device may receive **Surplus** instead. If surplus conditions are met but the price-based mode is **Boost**, **Boost wins**. Boost can increase consumption beyond Surplus and may draw energy from the grid; the system treats that as the economically preferred choice when prices justify it. *** ## When the system enters Surplus mode Surplus entry is evaluated at the end of each **15-minute** control interval. The system looks at **average export power** over the **previous** completed 15-minute period. If that average is at or above your **Surplus on threshold**, surplus conditions become active for managed devices (subject to the Boost rule above). This means entry is not instantaneous — the robot waits for a full 15-minute window of sustained export before reacting. *** ## When the system leaves Surplus mode While Surplus is active, exit is checked much more often — on each **5-second** reading cycle. The system tracks **import energy** in the **current** 15-minute period. If import reaches the level implied by your **Surplus off threshold**, Surplus ends immediately and the device returns to the current **price-based mode** (Off, Eco, Comfort, or Boost). So entry is evaluated every 15 minutes, but exit can happen within seconds when import rises. *** ## Anti-oscillation If Surplus ends because import crossed the off threshold, the system **does not re-enter Surplus in the same 15-minute period** based on that export window. This reduces rapid switching when export and import alternate quickly — for example when a load turns on and off near the threshold. Re-entry is only considered after the next full 15-minute evaluation cycle, and only if export conditions are met again. *** ## Energy storage and export Surplus reacts to **export at the grid connection**. In practice, export usually means energy that was not used locally and was not stored in the battery. Typical order of use for PV production: 1. Cover immediate consumption in the installation 2. Charge storage (if available and not full) 3. Export any remaining surplus to the grid Surplus mode targets loads when step 3 would otherwise occur — that is, when there is a measurable export despite local consumption and storage. *** ## What Surplus does not do * Surplus is **not** available in schedules or overrides — only through the default control mechanism when Surplus mode is enabled on the connection. * Surplus does **not** replace manufacturer safety logic or guarantee that a device will absorb a specific amount of energy. * Surplus does **not** control battery charging directly; storage follows its own rules (see [Storage control](/en/unwaste-robot-operation/technical-details/storage-control.md)). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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