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battery_compatibility:freedomwon [2019-05-05 13:16] – [Venus Device Configuration] freedomwonbattery_compatibility:freedomwon [2020-08-02 15:54] – Updated formatting and comments on VE Configure warwickchapman
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 // //
  
-These Freedom Lite batteries are fully compatible with the Victron Multiplus, MultiPlus II, Multiplus GX, and Quattro inverter/chargers, Solar charge controllers (Ve Direct and Ve CAN), and system controllers (Color Control GX, Venus GX, and Octo GX).  +These Freedom Lite batteries are fully compatible with the Victron MultiPlus, MultiPlus II, MultiPlus II GX, and Quattro inverter/chargers, Solar charge controllers (VE.Direct and VE.CAN), and [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start|system controllers]] ([[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start|Color Control GX]], Venus GX, Octo GX, [[https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/2556-GX_Device_Manual_Cerbo_GX/index.html?lang=en|Cerbo GX]], CANvu GX, Maxi GX).
  
-The Freedom Lite batteries contain an advanced battery management system (BMS) that communicates, using a CAN Bus protocol, with the Victron Venus device, which in turn communicates as required to the other Victron devices on the system.  +The Freedom Lite batteries contain an advanced battery management system (BMS) that communicates via a CAN Bus protocol with the Victron GX device.  The GX device in turn connects and manages the other compatible devices in the system.  
  
-All Freedom Lite models can be connected in parallel with other models of the same capacity, where one Lite (Master) communicates with the Venus device as well as all the other Lite’s in the system (Slaves). +All Freedom Lite models can be connected in parallel with other models of the same capacity, where one Lite (Master) communicates with the GX device as well as all the other Lite’s in the system (Slaves). 
 The Victron and Freedom Won integration has been extensively developed and tested and is certified and supported by both companies.  The Victron and Freedom Won integration has been extensively developed and tested and is certified and supported by both companies. 
  
 The system is suitable for all applications, namely: The system is suitable for all applications, namely:
-  * Grid Connected with solar and storage including continued operation in grid outage (ESS or self-consumption mode)+  * Grid Connected with solar and storage including continued operation in grid outage ([[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/vrm_portal:start|ESS]] or self-consumption mode)
   * Backup storage or UPS mode   * Backup storage or UPS mode
   * Off Grid plant with storage and solar    * Off Grid plant with storage and solar 
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 ===== This Manual ===== ===== This Manual =====
  
-This manual is intended to offer Victron specific guidance when designing, installing, and commissioning a Victron – Freedom Lite system. For further details pertaining to the setup of the Victron equipment not pertaining directly to the Freedom Lite interface please refer to the various manuals available on the Victron Energy website eg. Color Control GX manual. Likewise, for further information pertaining to the Freedom Lite batteries, please refer to the Freedom Lite installation manual available from Freedom Won ([[support@freedomwon.co.za]]). +This manual is intended to offer Victron specific guidance when designing, installing, and commissioning a Victron – Freedom Lite system. For further details pertaining to the setup of the Victron equipment not pertaining directly to the Freedom Lite interface please refer to the various manuals available on the Victron Energy website eg. [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start|Color Control GX manual]]. Likewise, for further information pertaining to the Freedom Lite batteries, please refer to the Freedom Lite installation manual available from Freedom Won ([[support@freedomwon.co.za]]). 
  
 ===== Product Compatibility ===== ===== Product Compatibility =====
  
 All new Victron equipment as follows is compatible with Freedom Lite: All new Victron equipment as follows is compatible with Freedom Lite:
-• MultiPlus +  * MultiPlus 
-• MultiPlus II +  * MultiPlus II 
-• MultiPlus GX +  * MultiPlus GX 
-• Quattro +  * Quattro 
-• Blue Solar and Smart Solar Ve Direct MPPT’s +  * Blue Solar and Smart Solar VE.Direct MPPTs 
-• Ve Can MPPT’s +  * VE.Can MPPT’s 
-• Color Control GX +  * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start|GX-Devices]] (Colour Control, Venus, Octo, Cerbo, CANvu, Maxi)
-• Venus GX +
-• Octo GX+
  
-//**Note**: Certain older Multiplus and Quattro models containing the smaller microprocessor chip (numbered 19 and 20) are not able to accept the version XXXX4XX firmware and hence are not compatible with the CAN Bus communication from the Freedom Lite battery.+//**NOTE**: Certain older MultiPlus and Quattro models containing the smaller microprocessor chip (numbered 19 and 20) are not able to accept the version XXXX4XX firmware and hence are not compatible with the CAN Bus communication from the Freedom Lite battery.
 // //
  
-//**Note**: If a system includes one or more Ve CAN MPPT’s it is necessary to request that Freedom Won dispatches the Lite from the factory with a profile accommodating 250kbps BAUD rate for the CAN Bus (the standard is 500kbps). This change can also be made remotely by Freedom Won with a local PC connected to the battery. Please contact support@freedomwon.co.za for assistance.//+//**NOTE**: If a system includes one or more **VE.CAN MPPTs** it is necessary to request that Freedom Won dispatches the Lite from the factory with a profile accommodating 250kbps BAUD rate for the CAN Bus (the standard is 500kbps). This change can also be made remotely by Freedom Won with a local PC connected to the battery. Please contact support@freedomwon.co.za for assistance.//
  
-===== Venus Device Required eg Color Control GX (CCGX), Venus GX (VGX), or Octo GX (OGX) =====+===== GX-Device Required =====
  
-In all cases a Venus device is required to receive, process, and transmit the commands and information communicated by the battery to the Victron system. +In all cases a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start|GX-device]] running Victron's Venus OS is required to receive, process, and transmit the commands and information communicated by the battery to the Victron system. 
  
 ===== Firmware ===== ===== Firmware =====
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 Further to above, the Lite should be sized so as to provide adequate energy capacity in kWh to meet the load demands of the system and to receive most of the excess solar generation each day (for self-consumption installations).  Further to above, the Lite should be sized so as to provide adequate energy capacity in kWh to meet the load demands of the system and to receive most of the excess solar generation each day (for self-consumption installations). 
  
-//**Note**: It is not permissible to install an inverter larger than stated in the Lite specification sheet regardless of whether the “Limit DC Discharge Power” ESS feature in the Venus device is used. For instances where the grid is not available this power limiting feature will not operate and the battery could thus be overloaded, causing it to trip. The Lite will also not be able to limit discharge power in the absence of a grid connection. Lastly, the Lite contains a protection circuit breaker that is only rated to handle the power-up inrush current of the inverter for up to the capacity stated in the specification sheet.// +//**NOTE**: It is not permissible to install an inverter larger than stated in the Lite specification sheet regardless of whether the “Limit DC Discharge Power” ESS feature in the GX-device is used. For instances where the grid is not available this power limiting feature will not operate and the battery could thus be overloaded, causing it to trip. The Lite will also not be able to limit discharge power in the absence of a grid connection. Lastly, the Lite contains a protection circuit breaker that is only rated to handle the power-up inrush current of the inverter for up to the capacity stated in the specification sheet.// 
  
-===== Operating Philosophy =====+===== Victron-certified Integration =====
  
-The Freedom Lite transmits, amongst others, the following messages to the Venus device:+The Freedom Lite transmits, amongst others, the following messages to the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start|GX-device]]:
  
-  - Adaptive Maximum Charge Voltage Setpoint – the value transmitted varies from 54.1V to 55.8V depending on the state of balancing on the particulate Lite. Typically a well-balanced Lite battery will request a maximum charge voltage of between 55.0V and 55.8V. This advanced feature is only available from Freedom Won and allows superior system control and optimal battery management. The Venus device uses this setpoint to control the real time operating or target voltage of the inverter/charger devices and the MPPT’s.  +  - Adaptive Maximum Charge Voltage Set-point – the value transmitted varies from 54.1V to 55.8V depending on the state of balancing on the particulate Lite. Typically a well-balanced Lite battery will request a maximum charge voltage of between 55.0V and 55.8V. This advanced feature is only available from Freedom Won and allows superior system control and optimal battery management. The GX-device uses this set-point to control the real time operating or target voltage of the inverter/charger devices and the MPPTs.  
-  - Charge Current Limit (CCL) – this is the maximum current that the battery will accept at any given time stated in Amps. This is a secondary control feature behind the more effective maximum charge voltage control method. This value reduces as the battery approaches 100% State of Charge (SoC). The Venus controller uses this value to ensure that the combined Victron system of inverter/chargers and MPPT’s does not exceed the CCL of the Lite. If the CCL drops to zero, the Victron system within a few seconds will ensure that there is no net current flow into the Lite. +  - Charge Current Limit (CCL) – this is the maximum current that the battery will accept at any given time stated in Amps. This is a secondary control feature behind the more effective maximum charge voltage control method. This value reduces as the battery approaches 100% State of Charge (SoC). The GX-device uses this value to ensure that the combined Victron system of inverter/chargers and MPPT’s does not exceed the CCL of the Lite. If the CCL drops to zero, the Victron system within a few seconds will ensure that there is no net current flow into the Lite. 
   - Discharge Current Limit (DCL) – this is the maximum discharge current that the battery is prepared to accept at any given time. This value typically decreases as the battery drops below 10% SoC. The Victron inverter cannot enforce a variable DCL unless in ESS mode were an AC input source can be used to supplement the power to the loads. If there is no AC input source the inverter will stop supplying power to the loads as soon as the DCL drops to zero.    - Discharge Current Limit (DCL) – this is the maximum discharge current that the battery is prepared to accept at any given time. This value typically decreases as the battery drops below 10% SoC. The Victron inverter cannot enforce a variable DCL unless in ESS mode were an AC input source can be used to supplement the power to the loads. If there is no AC input source the inverter will stop supplying power to the loads as soon as the DCL drops to zero. 
   - Battery Temperature   - Battery Temperature
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   - Battery Name   - Battery Name
  
-All of the above information can be viewed in the Freedom Lite device sub menus on the Venus device.  +All of the above information can be viewed in the Freedom Lite device sub menus on the GX-device.  
-Specific setup of the Venus device and the Multi/Quattro is required to ensure the required control is implemented.+Specific setup of the GX-device and the MultiPlus/Quattro is required to ensure the required control is implemented.
    
 If the CAN bus cable is removed or damaged the Victron inverters will shut down within 5 minutes. This prevents continued operation in the absence of communication from the battery. Likewise, the MPPT’s will stop producing power to the DC bus.  If the CAN bus cable is removed or damaged the Victron inverters will shut down within 5 minutes. This prevents continued operation in the absence of communication from the battery. Likewise, the MPPT’s will stop producing power to the DC bus. 
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 ===== CAN Bus Wiring ===== ===== CAN Bus Wiring =====
  
-The connection of the Lite to the Venus device is extremely simple. A standard **straight through** CAT5e Ethernet cable is required of the desired length, with one end plugged into one of the RJ45 sockets on the Lite and the other end plugged into one of the CAN sockets on the Venus device. Note that the second RJ45 socket in each case must be fitted with an end of line 120Ω resistor. Two are supplied with each Venus device. If multiple batteries are installed in parallel the second RJ45 socket is used to link the next battery in the line onto the CAN Bus network. The termination resistor is installed in the last battery in the CAN Bus line. Refer to Lite installation manual for further information.  +The connection of the Lite to the GX-device is extremely simple. A standard **straight through** CAT5e Ethernet cable is required of the desired length, with one end plugged into one of the RJ45 sockets on the Lite and the other end plugged into one of the CAN sockets on the GX-device. Note that the second RJ45 socket in each case must be fitted with an end of line 120Ω resistor. Two are supplied with each GX-device. If multiple batteries are installed in parallel the second RJ45 socket is used to link the next battery in the line onto the CAN Bus network. The termination resistor is installed in the last battery in the CAN Bus line. Refer to Lite installation manual for further information.  
-Correct CAN Bus communication can be verified by observing whether the Freedom Lite battery is presented in the Venus device list under the name “Freedom Lite”.+Correct CAN Bus communication can be verified by observing whether the Freedom Lite battery is presented in the GX-device list under the name “Freedom Lite”.
  
-===== Ve Configure Settings =====+===== VEConfigure 3 Settings =====
  
-The Multi or Quattro devices must be set for operation with the Freedom Lite as follows (note that settings not directly related to the Lite are not mentioned here and must be referenced in the VE Config manual):+The MultiPlus or Quattro devices must be correctly configured for operation with the Freedom Lite as follows (note that settings not directly related to the Lite are not mentioned here and must be referenced in the [[https://docs.victronenergy.com/veconfigure.html|VEConfigure manual]]).
  
-☛Disable Battery Monitor (the Ve Bus battery monitor is not required with a CAN Bus Lithium battery)+The GX-device must be configured to use the battery monitor provided by the Freedom Won battery and disabling the MultiPlus or Quattro battery monitor ensures that the correct battery monitor is used: 
 + 
 +☛ Disable Battery Monitor (the VE.Bus battery monitor is not required with a CAN Bus Lithium battery) 
 + 
 +**NOTE:** It appears that the final step in this process, enabling ESS, turns the battery monitor back on.  Please check the General tab on more time once you've complete the process before you save the configuration or upload it.
  
 {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_1.png?direct&600|}} {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_1.png?direct&600|}}
  
-☛Set the Shut-Down, Low Restart, and pre-alarm voltages (the pre alarm only activates the low battery LED on the inverter and serves no other purpose in this setup. The Shut Down and Low Restart voltage settings are usually overridden by the commands from the Lite but offer redundancy in instances of loss of communication and therefore should still be set correctly)+☛ Set the Low Shut-Down, Low Restart, and Low Pre-alarm voltages.  The Low Pre-alarm only activates the low battery LED on the inverter and serves no other purpose in this setup. The Low Shut Down and Low Restart voltage settings are usually overridden by the commands from the Lite but offer redundancy in instances of loss of communication and therefore should still be set correctly. 
 + 
 +  * ''Low Shut-Down: 47.00'' 
 +  * ''Low Restart  : 52.50'' 
 +  * ''Low Pre-alarm: 51.50''
  
 {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_2.png?direct&600|}} {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_2.png?direct&600|}}
  
-☛Charger Settings (set Battery Type as Lithium Iron Phosphate after selecting Lithium Batteries). +☛ Charger Settings Tab: Set Battery Type as "Lithium Iron Phosphate, LiFePo4 batteries". 
  
 {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_3.png?direct&600|}} {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_3.png?direct&600|}}
  
-☛Set Charger Settings as below (the charge voltage values are overridden by the Lite but should be set correctly regardless for redundancy. The charge current should be set according to the user’s requirements while ensuring that this value combined with all other charge sources cannot exceed the charge limit of the battery – it is possible to select “Limit Charge Current” on the Venus device as an additional measure to prevent the total system charge current from exceeding the charge capacity of the Lite) Note: only adjust these values AFTER selecting Lithium battery as the incorrect values are entered by Ve Config when selecting the Lithium battery type. +☛ Set Charger Settings.  The charge voltage values are overridden by the Lite but should be set correctly regardless for redundancy. The charge current should be set according to the user’s requirements **but** this value combined with all other charge sources cannot exceed the charge limit of the battery – it is possible to select “Limit Charge Current” on the GX-device as an additional measure to prevent the total system charge current from exceeding the charge capacity of the Lite. 
 + 
 +**Note:** only adjust these values **after** selecting Lithium battery as the defaults entered by VE.Configure when selecting the Lithium battery type are not suitable to Freedom Won batteries.  
 + 
 +  * ''✔️ Lithium batteries'' 
 +  * ''Absorption voltage: 55.80 V'' 
 +  * ''Float voltage     : 55.80 V'' 
 +  * ''Absorption time   : 1 Hr''
  
 {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_4.png?direct&600|}} {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_4.png?direct&600|}}
  
-☛When setting up the ESS Assistant select LiFePO4 battery and enter the Ah value for the Lite (or the combination of Lite’s for a parallel battery system) as per the Ah rating provided in the Lite specification sheet eg. Lite 5/4 = 100Ah. +☛ When setting up the ESS Assistant select LiFePO4 battery and enter the Ah value for the Lite (or the combination of Lite’s for a parallel battery system) as per the Ah rating provided in the Lite specification sheet eg. Lite 5/4 = 100Ah. 
  
 {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_5.png?direct&600|}} {{:battery_compatibility:freedom_won_ve_config_5.png?direct&600|}}
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 ☛Go back to General and disable battery monitor again.  ☛Go back to General and disable battery monitor again. 
  
-===== Venus Device Configuration =====+===== GX-Device Venus OS Configuration =====
  
-It is very important that the following settings are entered correctly for proper functioning of the Lite communication interface: +It is very important that the following settings are entered correctly for proper functioning of the Lite communication interface:
-+
  
 ☛Settings → Services → CAN-bus Profile → CAN-bus BMS (500kbit/s) ☛Settings → Services → CAN-bus Profile → CAN-bus BMS (500kbit/s)
battery_compatibility/freedomwon.txt · Last modified: 2024-02-08 14:12 by warwickchapman
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