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--- auto-generator-start-stop:start [2019-01-22 10:16] – external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ auto-generator-start-stop:start [2020-12-21 01:41] – [1. Which relay and control to use?] guystewart
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Automatic Generator start/stop ======
+==== 1. Which relay and control to use? ====
 Various Victron products have functions to automatically signal when to start and stop a generator. Here is advice on when to use which product and method.
-When there is a [[venus-os:start|Venus-device]] (CCGX, Venus GX, or other) in the system, the best option is to use its [[ccgx:generator_start_stop|Generator Start Stop mechanism]]. Its the most feature-rich generator start/stop system that we have to offer. It provides for basic functions as starting and stopping on Battery State of Charge, Battery voltage as well as High load situations. And also has many advanced features, including automatic test runs and silent times.
-The next most used option is a BMV-700 Battery Monitor or similar model. It can start the generator on low battery voltage and/or low battery state of charge. See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/bmv-700#manual|BMV-700 manual]] for configuration.
+=== Option 1: GX device like CCGX or Venus GX ===
+When there is a [[venus-os:start|GX device]] (CCGX, Venus GX, or other) in the system, the best option is to use its [[ccgx:generator_start_stop|Generator Start Stop mechanism]]. Its the most feature-rich generator start/stop system that we have to offer. It provides for basic functions as starting and stopping on Battery State of Charge, Battery voltage as well as High load situations. And also has many advanced features, including automatic test runs and silent times.
-Also the VE.Bus Inverters, Multis and Quattros offer a Generator start/stop mechanism. They have the relatively easy to configure and quite flexible Generator Start/stop function of the Virtual Switch, or the more advanced [[assistants:overview_of_available_assistants#generator_start_and_stop|Generator start/stop Assistant]]
+=== Option 2: BMV Battery Monitor ===
+The next most used option is a BMV-700 Battery Monitor or similar model. It can start the generator on low battery voltage and/or low battery state of charge. The BMV uses a dry contact, voltage free relay. See the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors/bmv-700#manual|BMV-700 manual]] for configuration, and the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/battery-monitors|product data sheets]] for voltage and current throughput limitations.
+=== Option 3: Using the relay in the Multis or Quattros ===
+The Multis, MultiPlus-IIs, Quattros, EasySolars and the rest of the VE.Bus family also have Generator start/stop feature with a relay. There are two different ways to configure them:
+  - [[ve.bus:virtual-switch-generator-start-stop|Generator Start/stop function of the Virtual Switch]] (recommended)
+  - [[assistants:overview_of_available_assistants#generator_start_and_stop|Generator start/stop Assistant]] (more advanced / complex)
+=== Combining the options ===
 Lastly, its of course also possible to combine above mentioned methods, by wiring the open contacts in parallel to each other, or in series, to the Generator.
-===== Starting a genset with three-wire interface =====
+==== 2. How to wire generators with a three-wire interface ====
-For example Cummins/Onan gensets, that need a start pulse and a stop pulse.
+All above Victron products and devices have a single relay; which will close when the generator needs to starts; and then expect the generator to then keep running until the relay is opened again. Or the other way around.
+When having a generator that requires a start pulse and a stop pulse, such as for example Cummins/Onan generators; additional wiring is required.
 To start such a genset, the open/close contact needs to be converted into a start and stop pulse. Below solution, using standard available timing relays, does exactly that: when the open/close contact closes it generates the start pulse, and when the open/close contact opens again it generates the stop pulse.
@@ Line 23: / Line 35: @@
 {{ :auto-genset-start-stop:onan_relay2.jpg?nolink |}}
-==== Alternative using Assistants ===
+=== Alternative using Assistants ===
-(provided by Thierry Cortasa)
-hy
+(provided by Thierry Cortasa)
-just for information, one solution using multiplus relay for start stop a three-wire generator.
-i use k1 and k2 relais and relai programmable assistant
-first to close k1 if voltage under 24v (for exemple)
-segond to open k1 if ac1 avalable
-third to close k2 if voltage uper 27v (for exemple)
-last to open k2 if ac1 not avalable
-in this case you have a three-wire system with out any think more needed !
+One solution using MultiPlus relay for start stop a three-wire generator.
+Use k1 and k2 relays and programmable relay assistant.
-i have some systeme using this solution and all looks ok
+  * First to close k1 if voltage under 24v (for example)
+  * Second to open k1 if AC1 is available
+  * Third to close k2 if voltage over 27v (for example)
+  * Last to open k2 if AC1 not available