Hello, do any of you have any idea about the battery power consumption of this device according to the valve state (open/closed)?
I use rechargeable batteries from Ikea. With a single charge, the valves lasted the entire winter. Ikea LADDA Rechargeable Batteries AA HR6 1.2V 2450mAh Grey Pack of 4: Amazon.de: Electronics & Photo
Thank you for your feedback. My question was to understand whether it is possible to prolong the battery life by setting the valve in “open” state during hot season, or whether it is irrelevant.
My guess is it is to do with the “valve check” they do. I have heard my thermostats move don’t know how this check is programmed.
One battery saving measure I would expect is to use a local temperature sensor and not one on the Zigbee network.
I currently have my bedroom radiator permanently off. I expect it just does a full cycle to test the valve and so it makes no difference. You can set upper and lower limits. Setting them close together may save some energy.
1 Like
I received a response from SONOFF stating the following:
“The stepper motor used in the device consumes power only when switching the on/off status, and does not consume power when maintaining the state.”
“The device performs decalcification calibration every week”
For what concernig the the eerke statement “You can set upper and lower limits. Setting them close together may save some energy”, I think it is exactly the opposite, because a narrower temperature control range causes more valve strokes.
You have misunderstood what the upper and lower limits do. Have a look again.
It is irrelevant. Or at least it does not make a noticeably significant difference. A set of quality alkaline batteries will retain their service life for at least 12 months. The use of lithium AA cells is an unnecessary extravagance, given their higher price. Nothing is gained from it. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, usually discharge after a few months to an extent that prevents the valves from working. Probably due to a drop in voltage, which is lower with rechargeable batteries anyway (1.2V).
Lithium AA batteries can offer advantages, like consistent performance in extreme temperatures and longer shelf life, but as pointed out, the higher price can feel unjustified for certain uses.
Rechargeable batteries, especially older nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) ones, do have drawbacks like lower voltage (1.2V versus 1.5V for alkalines) and self-discharge over time. Modern lithium-ion rechargeable batteries might offer improvements, but they usually aren’t available in AA formats. For devices sensitive to voltage drops, like valves or certain sensors, rechargeable batteries might not be the best fit.
2 Likes
I probably misunderstood what you meant by upper and lower limits. In my considerations, the upper and lower limits refer to the temperature control range.