EasyGrid was launched in 2015 by Energy Solutions after 18 months of research and development – and now for 2016 it includes a Color Control GX as standard besides the other Victron Energy products which were chosen at the outset ‘to offer customers reliability and compatibility’.
What is EasyGrid?
EasyGrid is a range of integrated solutions to bring off grid power to homes and businesses without a mains grid connection at a reasonable cost.
Explains Energy Solutions MD Paul Holland: “Rather than having to source separate components and have a bespoke system designed, the EasyGrid series offers customers a pre-configured, self-contained unit; built from durable, high quality components; fully tested and ready to install. We knew from our on-going work with off grid customers that the market is moving towards a more plug and play approach. People want functionality and continuity but do not want to have to become experts in electrical power just to run their homes.”
Example system schematic
Victron inside & out
Here is what Energy Solutions had to say about the 2016 Color Control GX upgrade:
“With the addition of this control the EasyGrid has made a significant step forward in functionality. The system now enables full online monitoring via the Victron VRM website (internet connection required). Owners can see all relevant parameters and historic data including battery capacity, power usage and solar input along with many other selectable options. The owner can also set alarms to ensure that the whole system operates at its optimum performance at all times.
With most off grid situations using a generator as well as solar, the benefit of the Color Control is the new sophisticated generator control and monitoring, with owners able to see:
- Generator state: Condition that is currently keeping the generator running.
- Runtime: Generator runtime since last start.
- Total run time: Accumulated running time since the first start.
- Time to next test run: When the test run condition is enabled this item shows the time remaining to the next test run.
- Daily runtime: Page with the running times of last 30 days.
The generator can also be set to run based on the conditions below to ensure that those living and working off grid are never without power:
- Manual
- State of charge (SOC) of batteries
- AC load
- Battery current
- Battery voltage
For those living without a mains connection there are additional features the control system offers which can enhance their living conditions – quiet periods can be set which will reduce the chance of the generator starting – particularly at night. Most importantly periodic test runs can be set which ensures that when you need the generator it will start!”
Conclusion and credits
Energy Solutions have supplied over 135 off grid power solutions in the UK and many more overseas and believe this upgraded version of EasyGrid with the Color Control functionality will make power for those with no grid connection even more accessible, affordable and functional.
As Energy Solutions MD Paul Holland says “Customers have been happy to wait a little bit longer to get these units with the Color Control – we are delighted with the response so far and know that this will enhance their off grid power solutions.”
Please also note that even if you already have an EasyGrid unit, a Color Control can be retro fitted to bring your system up to date.
Many thanks to Melanie Lay of Energy Solutions (UK) Ltd for the information and images used in this blog.
Links
http://energy-solutions.co.uk/products/easygrid
https://www.facebook.com/EnergySolutionsUK
