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--- ccgx:generator_start_stop [2018-03-21 11:27] – [Introduction] justin_tyers_live_a_c
+++ ccgx:generator_start_stop [2020-09-29 15:00] – [5. Settings] mvader
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Generator auto start/stop on CCGX and Venus GX ======
+====== GX - Generator auto start/stop ======
-===== Introduction =====
+===== 1. Introduction =====
-An internal relay on the CCGX/Venus GX can be used to automatically start and stop a generator. The relay - or switch - can be 'tripped' by a number of user-defined conditions. This manual will explain what conditions are available to you; and it will guide you through the steps required to set-up this useful functionality.
+An internal relay on a [[venus-os:start|GX device]] (eg [[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/color-control|CCGX]]/[[https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/venus-gx|Venus GX]]) can be used to automatically start and stop a generator. This relay - or switch - can be 'tripped' by a number of user-defined conditions. This manual will explain what conditions are available to you; and it will guide you through the steps required to set-up this useful functionality.
-Firstly, wire the relay to a genset. The relay is located on the back of the CCGX - marked //Relay//. If using a Venus GX, two relays will be seen at the bottom of the unit - only Relay 1 can be used for the generator automatic start/stop functionality.
+This is one of the available options to automatically start and stop a generator. See the [[auto-generator-start-stop:start|]] document for an overview of all options. More general information about  using a generator in combination with Victron is available [[:multiplus_faq|here]].
-Wiring between the CCGX/Venus GX needs to be 'permanent' in order for the generator to keep running; and also to allow automatic generator 'Stop' when the relay is opened again.
+===== 2. Wiring =====
+Firstly, wire the relay to a genset. The relay is located on the back of the CCGX - marked //Relay//. If using a Venus GX, two relays will be seen at the bottom of the unit - only //Relay 1// can be used for the generator automatic start/stop functionality.
+Wiring between the CCGX/Venus GX needs to be 'permanent' in order for the generator to keep running; and also to allow automatic 'Stop' when the parameters for auto-stop have been met.
 Besides driving the internal relay, the auto start/stop functionality can be also enabled to directly control supported Fischer Panda generators. For more information on how to connect Fischer Panda generators, see [[ccgx:fischer_panda|]].
-===== Enable the start/stop function =====
-====Relay====
+There are many variations on the generator side for wiring and you should also consult your generator manual or supplier regarding their remote wire start configuration.
-{{:ccgx:startstop-relay.png?300|}}
-Go to: Setttings -> Relay and set //Function// to "Generator start/stop"\\
+===== 3. Enabling the start/stop function =====
-Once enabled, all settings will become available in Settings -> Generator start and stop.\\
+Go to: Setttings -> Relay and set the //Function// options to "Generator start/stop"\\
+===Relay===
-====Fischer Panda====
+{{:ccgx:startstop-relay.png?300|}}
-{{:ccgx:startstop-fischerpanda.png?300|}}
+Now that has been enabled, all the settings pertaining to the //Automatic Generator Start/Stop// function will be found in the main Menu under: Settings -> Generator start and stop.\\
+===Fischer Panda Generators===
   - Enable the "AutoStart" function in the Fischer Panda generator control panel.
@@ Line 28: / Line 33: @@
 Once the Mode is set, all settings will become available under the Auto start/stop menu entry at the bottom of the page.\\
+{{:ccgx:startstop-fischerpanda.png?300|}}
+===== 4. Generator start/stop - Main page=====
+From the Main Menu select Settings > Generator start/stop:
-=====Main page=====
 {{:ccgx:startstop-mainpage.png?300|}}
-  * **Generator state**: Condition that is currently keeping the generator running.
+  * **Generator state**: Current status of the generator.
   * **Error**: Error description.
-  * **Runtime**: Generator runtime since last start.
+  * **Runtime**: Generator run-time 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.
+  * **Time to next test run**: When the 'test run' option is enabled this item shows the time remaining until the next test run.
-  * **Daily runtime**: Page with the running times of last 30 days.
+  * **Daily runtime**: Running time history for the last 30 days.
-  * **Settings**: Generator start and stop settings menu.
+  * **Settings**: This is the gateway to all other features.
-===== Settings =====
+===== 5. Settings =====
 {{:ccgx:startstop-settings.png?300|}}
   * **Conditions**: See [[#Conditions|Conditions]]
-  * **Minimum runtime**: Once started the generator should run for a minimum amount of time, for manual start this setting is ignored.
+  * **Minimum run time**: It's good practice for a generator, once started, to be allowed to reach its operating temperature. When started manually this setting is ignored.
-  * **Detect generator at AC input**: After starting the generator, it monitors the Multi (or Quattro), to see if it connects to the generator. In case it does not it will cause an alarm. This function catches a wide array of possible problems, like a simple no fuel situation, but also a tripped fuse or other problem between the generator and the Quattro. This functionality is not available for VE.Can connected Multi/Quattro.
+  * **Detect generator at AC input**: Enabling this feature will raise an alarm on the GX device, as well as trigger an alarm email from the VRM portal(1), whenever power is //not// detected at the AC input terminal of the Inverter/Charger while the generator is (or was) supposed to be running. The purpose of this function is to bring attention to a wide variety of problems; such as lack of fuel, a mechanical or electrical fault at the generator or a tripped breaker. This functionality is not available for VE.Can connected Multi/Quattro. (1) requires automatic alarm monitoring on VRM to be enabled. Which it is by default.
   * **Quiet hours**: See [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]]
-  * **Reset daily run time counters**: Reset the last 30 days run time counters.
+  * **Reset daily run time counters**: Resets the 30 day run-time history.
-  * **Generator total run time**: Sets the total run time counter.
+  * **Generator total run time**: Reset, or modify, the total run-time hours.
+===== 6. Conditions: User-definable parameters which trigger a generator auto-start. =====
+To get to //Conditions// from the main menu go to: Settings -> Generator start and stop -> Settings -> Conditions\\
-===== Conditions =====
-Conditions location: Generator start and stop -> Settings -> Conditions\\
 {{:ccgx:startstop-conditions.png?300|}}
-* **Battery monitor**: Select which battery monitor will be used for DC related conditions.
+* **Battery monitor**: Select how the battery will be monitored - if at all. The battery monitor data will be used for DC-related conditions.
-* **On loss of communication**: Defines the behavior when the datalink between the CCGX/Venus GX and the selected battery monitor and/or vebus inverter/charger is lost. Options are:
+* **On loss of communication**: If ever there is a communication breakdown between the CCGX/Venus GX and the selected battery monitor, and/or VE. Bus inverter/charger; and parameters have been set which depend on this information - choose between the following actions:
-    * **Stop the generator**: If the generator is running and the datalink is lost, the generator will be stopped. (default)
-    * **Start the generator**: If the datalink is lost and one or more conditions depends on it the generator will be started.
+    * **Stop the generator**: If the generator is running, it will be stopped. (default)
-    * **Keep running**: If the generator was already running before the datalink loss this setting will keep it running, but will not start it if was not running previously.
+    * **Start the generator**: If the generator is not running, it will be started.
-* **Do not run genset when AC 1 is in use**: It is intended for backup systems, with a Quattro, having mains on AC in 1, and Genset on AC in 2. When this option is enabled, the Genset will only be started after a mains failure. And in case of a mains failure, the Genset will automatically be stopped again as soon as the mains is restored. This functionality is not available for VE.Can connected Quattros.
+    * **Keep running**: If the generator is running at the time of data loss this setting will keep it running.
-The following conditions are available to auto start/stop a generator:
+* **Do not run genset when AC 1 is in use**: This option is ideal for back-up systems where a Quattro has mains/grid electricity connected to its //AC-in 1// terminal, and a Genset connected to its //AC-in 2// terminal. With this option enabled, the Genset will only start after a mains failure. And where a mains failure has occurred, the Genset will automatically be stopped again as soon as mains power is restored. This functionality is not available for VE.Can connected Quattros.
-  * **Manual**
-  * **State of charge (SOC)**
+=== The following parameters may be user-defined to trigger an automatic Generator start/stop: ===
-  * **AC load***
-  * **Battery current**
-  * **Battery voltage**
+  * Manual
-  * **Inverter high temperature**
+  * State of charge (SOC)
-  * **Inverter overload**
+  * AC load *
-  * **Periodic test run**
+  * Battery current
-* The measured value is the system total AC consumption.\\
+  * Battery voltage
+  * Inverter high temperature
+  * Inverter overload
+  * Periodic test run
+(* The value measured here will be the total AC consumption of the system.)\\
+Condition-parameters are prioritized in the order shown above. When a number of conditions are reached at the same time, only the highest-priority condition will be shown as active.
+All enabled conditions will be evaluated - even if the generator is already running. When the active condition has been satisfied, an un-met parameter in a lower-priority condition will keep the generator running.
+=== Relays triggered by Battery SOC ===
+  ***Use Battery SOC value to start/stop:** Toggle this feature on or off.
+  ***Start when Battery SOC is lower than:** Set the depletion level for auto-start.
+  ***Start value during quiet hours:** During [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]] it may be desirable to delay an auto-start until it really can't be avoided. If //Quiet hours// has been defined, set a lower, more critical, autostart level.
+  ***Stop when Battery SOC is higher than:** Set the recharge level for auto-stop.
+  ***Stop value during quiet hours:** If [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]] has been defined, set a lower auto-stop level to achieve a shorter generator run-time.
+=== Relays triggered by Battery Current ===
+  ***Use Battery current value to start/stop:** Toggle this feature on or off.
+  ***Start when Battery current is higher than:** When a high AC demand is experienced which will soon exhaust the battery, the generator can be auto-started to assist in meeting that demand. Set the current-level at which this will occur.
+  ***Start value during quiet hours:** If [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]] has been defined, set a higher, more critical current value.
+  ***Start after condition is reached for:** Set a delay before auto-start. Some AC device will draw a short-term, high-peak current on start-up. Instigating a delay before auto-start will avoid starting the generator unnecessarily.
+  ***Stop when battery current is lower than:** Set the current for auto-stop.
+  ***Stop value during quiet hours:** If [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]] has been defined, set a higher current level to achieve shorter generator run-times.
+  ***Stop after condition is reached for:** Set a delay to ensure that the current-reduction condition is stable.
+=== Relays triggered by Battery Voltage ===
-Conditions are evaluated in the order shown above and when multiple conditions are reached only the top one will be shown as active condition.
-All enabled conditions are evaluated even if the generator is already started so when the active conditions ends, the next reached condition will keep the generator running.
-==== Condition settings ====
 {{:ccgx:startstop-conditionsettings.png?300|}}
-  * **Use "condition" value to start/stop**: Enables or disables the condition
+  * **Use battery voltage value to start/stop**: Toggle the feature on or off.
-  * **Start when "condition" is higher/lower* than**: When the value set here is reached, the relay is closed to start the generator.
+  * **Start when battery voltage is lower than**: When battery voltage falls below the value entered the relay will start the generator.
-  * **Start value during quiet hours**: The same that above but when the "Quiet hours" mode is active.
+  * **Start value during quiet hours**: If [[#Quiet_hours|Quiet hours]] has been defined enter a lower (more critical) value to ensure the generator will only auto-start when absolutely necessary.
-  * ** Start after the condition is reached for**: Some values like AC load can vary suddenly due to a consumption peak and go back to a normal value in a few seconds. In this kind of situations the start of the generator is usually not desired. This option will delay the generator start until the start value is reached for a minimum amount time.
+  * ** Start after the condition is reached for**: This function allows the user to build-in a delay between the auto-start condition being met and an auto-start being triggered. The importance of this is that a sudden but temporary high AC demand will cause an equally sudden drop in battery voltage. This drop //may// be temporary - in which case a generator start is not required. But if the condition endures for a longer period of time than the value entered here, the generator will be started.
-  * **Stop when "condition" is higher than**: The same than above but for stop value.
+  * **Stop when battery voltage is higher than**:  When battery voltage rises above the value entered the relay will stop the generator.
-  * **Stop value during quiet hours**: The same than above but for stop value.
+  * **Stop value during quiet hours**: During [[#Quiet hours|Quiet hours]] it may be desirable to auto-stop the generator sooner. Enter a lower battery voltage value than the one above.
-  * ** Stop after the condition is reached for**: The same than above but for stop value.
+  * ** Stop after the condition is reached for**: This feature builds in a delay before stopping the generator after the 'stop' value has been reached. This is to make sure that the voltage rise is stable.
-* Higher/lower value depends on the type of condition.
+=== Relays triggered by AC load  ===
-==== AC load condition ====
+AC load triggers work similarly to other triggers but the feature is refined by a //Measurement// setting.
-AC load condition works like the rest of conditions but has the "Measurement" extra setting.
+The //Measurement// setting is available on firmware v2.0 and later and has three possible values:
+  * **Total consumption** (Default option)
+  * **Inverter total AC out**
+  * **Inverter AC out highest phase**
 {{:ccgx:startstop-acload-condition.png?300|}}
 {{:ccgx:startstop-acload-measurement.png?300|}}
-The "Measurement" setting is available on firmware v2.0 and onwards and has three possible values:
-  * **Total consumption** (Default option)
-  * **Inverter total AC out**
-  * **Inverter AC out highest phase**
+=== Relays triggered by Inverter High temperature ===
+  ***Start on high temperature warning:** Toggle this feature on or off.
+  ***Start when warning is active for:** Set a delay to avoid temperature rises which are temporary, caused by brief high AC demands.
+  ***When warning is cleared stop after:** Set a delay to ensure that a reduction in inverter temperature - usually caused by lower power demand - is stable.
+=== Relays triggered by Inverter overload ===
+  ***Start on overload warning:** Toggle this feature on or off.
+  ***Start when warning is active for:** Set a delay to ensure that the inverter overload warning has not been triggered by a high-demand of AC power of only short duration.
+  ***When warning is cleared stop after:** Set a delay to ensure that the reduction in AC power demand is stable.
-==== Test run condition ====
+=== Automatic periodic 'Test run' ===
-Allows you to program a periodical test run.\\
+This feature allows automatic generator starts, periodically, as a 'test run'.\\
 {{:ccgx:startstop-testrun.png?300|}}
-  * **Test run interval**: Test run will be performed periodically based on this setting
+  * **Test run interval**: Set the interval between test runs.
-  * **Skip test run if has been running for**: The test will be skipped if during the test run interval the generator was running at least the number of hours set on this setting.
+  * **Skip test run if has been running for**: The test will be skipped if during the test run interval the generator ran for at least as long as it would on a 'test run'.
-  * **Test interval start date**: The interval count will start based on this date, this setting can be set in the future and the interval will be ignored till the set date is reached.
+  * **Test interval start date**: The 'test run' interval counter will start from the date entered here. No test runs will be carried out until the date set here has been reached.
-  * **Start time**: Time of day in which the generator will start
+  * **Start time**: Time of day at which the generator 'test run' will commence.
-  * **Test duration**: Duration of the test
+  * **Test duration**: Duration of the test.
-  * **Run until battery is fully charged**: Stops the generator after the battery is fully charged instead of a fixed amount of time
+  * **Run until battery is fully charged**: Enabling this feature will cause the 'test run' to continue until the battery is fully charged - instead of for a fixed amount of time.
-==== Manual start ===
-Use the manual start to directly start the generator. If the generator is already running you can use this option to make sure that the generator won't stop automatically when the active condition becomes inactive.
+=== Manual-Start Feature ===
+Use the //Manual start// feature to remotely start the generator. You can also press Start when the generator is already running - doing so will ensure that the generator won't automatically stop when the condition which caused it to start has been satisfied. In other words, the //Manual start// feature will override the auto-stop parameters.
 There are two ways to start the generator manually:
-  * **Using menu**: Go to Generator start and stop -> Manual start and use the switch to start the generator.
+  * **Using the Manual start menu**: Go to: Generator start and stop -> Manual start; and then toggle the graphic to start the generator.
-  * **Using generator page**: Press the top-left button to show the generator page. Once in the generator page press the center button, when pressed you will be asked how to stop the generator, manually or using a timer. Once selected the stop mode a countdown of five seconds will start, you can abort the manual start by pressing the center button.
+  * **Using the GX 'Home page' Generator graphic**: Press the top-left button on the CCGX, or Venus GX remote console and engage the //Generator// page. Then press the center button. You must first choose how you wish to //stop// the generator - manually, or by entering a run-time. Once you've made your selection a five-second countdown will begin during which you can //abort//  the manual-start by pressing the center button.
 {{:ccgx:startstop-manual.png?300|}}
@@ Line 155: / Line 198: @@
 {{:ccgx:startstop-pagesstarted.png?300|}}
-**WARNING:** If the generator is manually started without a stop timer, won't stop until the user set to off the manual start option.
+**WARNING:** If the generator is started manually (remotely) without using the stop timer, it will run until the 'Off' button has also been manually toggled.
-In both options the use of a stop timer is available, use the timer to program the generator stop.
+The stop timer is available to both methods of manually remote-starting the generator, and using it will ensure that the generator will auto-stop ...and will not be inadvertently forgotten.
-Manually stop the generator is only possible if no other condition is active. In the case that you want to force the stop you should disable the active condition or disable the generator start and stop function.
+Note that stopping the generator manually can only be achieved when no un-met 'run' condition is active. If you wish to force a generator-stop you must first disable the function which is keeping it running - or disable the //Generator start and stop// function.
+=== Quiet hours ===
-===== Quiet hours =====
 {{:ccgx:startstop-quiethours.png?300|}}
-Quiet hours allows you to set a time zone for nighttime with values that make the generator start only when is really necessary.
+//Quiet hours// allows you to define a period during which the noise from a running generator would be a nuisance; and to set different values to the conditions which would cause an auto-start during this period - thus ensuring that the generator will only start during a quiet period when it is absolutely necessary.
-When the "Quiet hours" mode is active, the conditions will use the related start/stop values.
+From the main menu go to: Settings -> Generator start/stop -> Settings; and then
+toggle-on the //Quiet hours// feature. Define the //Quiet hours// start- and end- times in the boxes which appear below.
-To enable it go to the settings menu and set the "Enable quiet hours" switch on.
+//Quiet hours// will become the permanent condition (when enabled) if the defined 'start' and 'stop' times are the same.
-Once enabled start and end time settings will become visible.
-You can make the "Quiet hours" mode to be permanently active(when enabled) setting both start and stop time to the same value.
+=== Using "Quiet hours" as a tool to define two sets of user-preferences ===
+Alternatively, the "Quiet hours" feature can be used to define how you wish your system to respond to different circumstances - for example:
-=== Using "Quiet hours" to define two time zones ===
+  * **Early morning/low SOC**: Battery SOC is often lowest in the morning. Couple this with cloudy weather first thing - or panels which have a westerly bias, and which tend to do better in the afternoon; and you have a circumstance where the generator may auto-start in the morning triggered by a low battery SOC condition - yet later on when the day brightens the solar energy is wasted because the work has already been done by the generator. Setting the //Quiet hours// feature to cover this period, together with lower auto-start conditions, will help to avoid unnecessary generator auto-starts.
-Besides the main purpose of the "Quiet hours" mode you can also use it to define two time zones over the day.
-Examples of the use of different time zones:
+  * **Holiday home**: Holiday homes which are only inhabited part-time experience much deeper power-draws when they are in use. The //Quiet hours// feature can be used to set much lower auto-start parameters when the house is in use, than when it is empty. Quiet hours should be set to be the //permanent condition// (See above) during occupation; and the //Quiet hours// feature can be toggled 'off' whenever the house is empty.
+===== 7. Troubleshooting =====
+=== Fischer Panda: Generator does not start and "Remote switch control disabled" error is shown ===
-  * **Solar system**: A cloudy morning may cause the generator to start by a low SOC condition, then two hours after the clouds go away. In this case your batteries are charged and your solar system wasting free energy. To avoid this situation you can set a time zone for daytime with a lower start value for the SOC condition.
+Enable the "AutoStart" function in the Fischer Panda control panel.
-  * **Away mode**: Some holiday houses are only inhabited on weekends during which power consumption is larger and the generator has to take care of keep batteries in good condfition. The rest of the week the battery SOC level can be lower waiting to be charged by solar energy. With time zones you can set a secondary time zone for the whole day and only enable/disable it when the house is uninhabited.
+===Fischer Panda: Auto start/stop function has stopped working after an error===
-=====Troubleshooting =====
+Make sure that the issue is solved, then clear the error, and the auto start/stop function will work again.
-====Fischer Panda: Generator does not start and "Remote switch control disabled" error is shown====
-Enable the "AutoStart" function in the Fischer Panda control panel.
-====Fischer Panda: Auto start/stop function stopped working after an error====
-Make sure that the issue is solved and clear the error to make the auto start/stop function work again.
 ===== DISQUS =====
 ~~DISQUS~~