ess:design-installation-manual
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ess:design-installation-manual [2018-06-20 14:00] – [4.1 Update to latest firmware] guystewart | ess:design-installation-manual [2020-08-09 21:53] – [6. Controlling depth of discharge] jono | ||
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====== ESS Design & installation manual ====== | ====== ESS Design & installation manual ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
===== 1. ESS Introduction & features ===== | ===== 1. ESS Introduction & features ===== | ||
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=== What is ESS? === | === What is ESS? === | ||
- | An ESS (Energy Storage System) is a grid-tie installation, incorporating solar and battery-storage, which //behaves// as though it were an off-grid installation | + | An Energy Storage System |
+ | |||
+ | It allows for time shifting power, charging from solar, providing grid support, and exporting power back to the grid. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When an ESS system | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the ESS system, there must at least be one inverter/ | ||
- | * [[https:// | + | * [[https:// |
* [[https:// | * [[https:// | ||
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Configuring ESS in a system which uses a diesel generator as backup - for extended mains failures - can be achieved. Grid code and Loss of Mains configuration will need special attention, see [[ve.bus: | Configuring ESS in a system which uses a diesel generator as backup - for extended mains failures - can be achieved. Grid code and Loss of Mains configuration will need special attention, see [[ve.bus: | ||
- | And on the Venus-device, select ' | + | And on the [[venus-os: |
=== When not to use ESS === | === When not to use ESS === | ||
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Where there is no grid-meter; all loads are connected to AC-out. And where there is a PV Inverter present, that is also connected to AC out. | Where there is no grid-meter; all loads are connected to AC-out. And where there is a PV Inverter present, that is also connected to AC out. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
=== Optional feed-in of MPPT Solar charger power === | === Optional feed-in of MPPT Solar charger power === | ||
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* [[https:// | * [[https:// | ||
* {{ : | * {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Energy Storage System introduction, | ||
+ | |||
+ | A seperate document that provides further introductory information, | ||
+ | |||
=== Advanced control options === | === Advanced control options === | ||
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The Energy Storage system, uses a [[https:// | The Energy Storage system, uses a [[https:// | ||
- | === Venus-device === | + | Note that ESS can only be installed on Multis and Quattros which feature the 2nd generation microprocessor (26 or 27). All new systems shipped have 2nd generation chips. |
+ | |||
+ | === GX device === | ||
The system is managed by the [[https:// | The system is managed by the [[https:// | ||
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For a full or partial grid-parallel installation an Energy Meter can be installed in the main distribution panel between the grid and the installation. | For a full or partial grid-parallel installation an Energy Meter can be installed in the main distribution panel between the grid and the installation. | ||
- | https://www.victronenergy.com/live/energy-meter | + | A grid meter is not required where there are no AC renewable-energy source(s) and also no AC load(s) present on the the //input// side of the Multi/ |
- | A grid meter is only //required// when there is an additional energy source (e.g. PV) connected | + | If there is any AC renewable energy source |
+ | |||
+ | In particular, without a grid meter: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * When renewable energy | ||
+ | * The AC Load value shown will be too low (and will show zero where there is a surplus of renewable energy). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Both issues are resolved by installing a grid meter. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
=== PV (optional) === | === PV (optional) === | ||
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Update all components to the latest firmware version: | Update all components to the latest firmware version: | ||
- | - Venus-OS v2.15 or newer. Instructions to upgrade to v2.00 [[ccgx: | + | - Venus-OS v2.15 or newer. Instructions to upgrade to v2.00 can be found [[ccgx: |
- Multi, MultiGrid, MultiPlus or Quattro to 422 or newer. Instructions [[updating_firmware: | - Multi, MultiGrid, MultiPlus or Quattro to 422 or newer. Instructions [[updating_firmware: | ||
- Solar Chargers, either VE.Can or VE.Direct must run their latest firmware version. | - Solar Chargers, either VE.Can or VE.Direct must run their latest firmware version. | ||
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* When using a VE.Bus BMS and a Multi Compact, check the DIP switches: DIP switch 1 must be on, and DIP switch 2 must be off. | * When using a VE.Bus BMS and a Multi Compact, check the DIP switches: DIP switch 1 must be on, and DIP switch 2 must be off. | ||
- | ==== 4.3 Venus-device - ESS Settings ==== | + | ==== 4.3 GX device - ESS Settings ==== |
Navigate to Settings -> ESS, to see this menu: | Navigate to Settings -> ESS, to see this menu: | ||
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* Victron 12.8V Lithium batteries, and other lithium batteries that have passive cell balancing | * Victron 12.8V Lithium batteries, and other lithium batteries that have passive cell balancing | ||
- | Because it makes no sense to leave a battery discharged, without reserve power in case of mains failure, we recommend leaving BatteryLife enabled | + | Because it makes no sense to leave a battery discharged, without reserve power in case of mains failure, we recommend leaving BatteryLife enabled |
- | * Lithium with active cell balancing | + | Redflow specifies that BatteryLife should be disabled in [[battery_compatibility: |
- | * [[battery_compatibility: | + | |
- | * [[battery_compatibility: | + | |
- | However, BatteryLife //can// be disabled in these cases. | + | === 4.3.2 Grid meter installed === |
- | === 4.3.2 Control without | + | Leave Off when no Victron |
- | Set to ' | + | All loads and (optional) grid-tie inverters must be installed on the AC out in a system without a Victron grid meter. See earlier in the manual for more information. |
=== 4.3.3 Inverter AC output in use === | === 4.3.3 Inverter AC output in use === | ||
Line 340: | Line 364: | ||
Set to ' | Set to ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Please note that when enabling this option, the DVCC charge current limit configured under Settings -> Limit charge current won't be active. The Solar charger will operate at full power for maximum feed-in into the grid. It's advisable to configure a safe limit on the solar chargers when used with a small battery bank. | ||
=== 4.3.5 Phase compensation === | === 4.3.5 Phase compensation === | ||
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* //Slow charge//: ESS will slowly charge the battery when the SOC has been below the actual SOC limit for more than 24 hours. It will keep slow charging until the lower limit has been reached at which point the system once again switches to //Discharge disabled//. | * //Slow charge//: ESS will slowly charge the battery when the SOC has been below the actual SOC limit for more than 24 hours. It will keep slow charging until the lower limit has been reached at which point the system once again switches to //Discharge disabled//. | ||
* // | * // | ||
+ | * // | ||
=== 4.3.9 Limit charge power === | === 4.3.9 Limit charge power === | ||
- | This setting limits the amount of AC power used by the Multi for battery charging. The limit also applies to AC power received by the Multi from a grid-tie PV Inverter. | + | This setting limits the amount of AC power used by the Multi for battery charging. The limit also applies to AC power received by the Multi from any grid-tie PV Inverters connected to AC-in. |
- | In other words, this setting limits the flow of power from AC to DC. | + | In other words, this setting limits the flow of power from AC to DC on utilities connected to AC-in. |
* This setting does not reduce the charge power coming from //MPPT Solar Chargers//. | * This setting does not reduce the charge power coming from //MPPT Solar Chargers//. | ||
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* In the same menu, set Sunspec Model Type to int + SF | * In the same menu, set Sunspec Model Type to int + SF | ||
* In Settings-> | * In Settings-> | ||
+ | * In Settings-> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
Use the __Fronius Zero feed-in active__ menu item to double check that all above criteria are met. It will show **No** if the firmware requirement; | Use the __Fronius Zero feed-in active__ menu item to double check that all above criteria are met. It will show **No** if the firmware requirement; | ||
+ | |||
+ | Do not use a Fronius Smart Meter for limiting export when part of a Victron ESS System. More details about when a Fronius Smart Meter can, and can not be used is explained [[ac_coupling: | ||
=== 4.3.12 Grid setpoint === | === 4.3.12 Grid setpoint === | ||
This sets the point at which power is taken from the grid when the installation is in self-consumption mode. Setting this value slightly above 0W prevents the system from feeding back power to the grid when there is a bit of over-shoot in the regulation. The default value is therefore 50W - but should be set to a higher value on large systems. | This sets the point at which power is taken from the grid when the installation is in self-consumption mode. Setting this value slightly above 0W prevents the system from feeding back power to the grid when there is a bit of over-shoot in the regulation. The default value is therefore 50W - but should be set to a higher value on large systems. | ||
- | ==== 4.4 Venus-device - Other settings ==== | ||
- | === 4.4.1 Settings -> System setup -> AC Input types === | + | |
+ | ==== 4.4 GX device - Scheduled Charging ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 4.4.1 Introduction === | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Scheduled Charging setting is located in the ESS menu of the [[venus-os: | ||
+ | |||
+ | If the target state of charge is reached, and it is still within the period of time set, the battery will stop charging but will not discharge (unless there is grid outage). This optimises battery cycling and still allows room in the battery for PV charging. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 4.4.2 Configuration === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Scheduled charging is available as part of ESS. It is accessible on the [[venus-os: | ||
+ | |||
+ | You can see at a glance what is configured, with a summary of the start day, time and duration shown for each. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | For each schedule you can select a specific day of the week, every day of the week, or you may opt to charge on all weekdays or only on weekends. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Multi will start charging from the grid at the specified start time, and stop after the set duration or when the set SOC limit is reached. The period designated by the day, start time and duration will subsequently be referred to as a scheduled charge window. | ||
+ | |||
+ | During charging, the ESS state will indicate that Scheduled Charging is in progress. | ||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 4.4.3 Stop charge on SOC === | ||
+ | |||
+ | When a SOC limit is set for a scheduled charge window, charging will stop when the batteries reach the requested SOC. The batteries will however not discharge until the scheduled charge window ends. The goal is to be at or near the requested SOC at the end of the scheduled charge window. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 4.4.4 Frequently asked questions === | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Why does the Multi not discharge the battery after charging ends? == | ||
+ | |||
+ | Discharge is disabled until the end of the scheduled charge window. The goal is to exit the window at the requested SOC. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == How can I prevent discharge to reserve battery capacity for later in the day? == | ||
+ | |||
+ | Set a charge window for the required period with a low SOC Limit. Discharge is disabled in a scheduled charge window. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == What happens if I set overlapping schedules? == | ||
+ | |||
+ | The first matching schedule takes priority. If the two schedules have different SOC limits, the limit of the second matching scheduled charge window takes effect after the first scheduled charge window ends. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 4.5 GX device - Other settings ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === 4.5.1 Settings -> System setup -> AC Input types === | ||
Set the AC Input type to // | Set the AC Input type to // | ||
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Note that we recommend wiring the Generator to AC-in 1, and the Grid to AC-in 2. The reason is that the Quattro will then prioritize the Generator over the Grid. That arrangement offers maximum flexibility (allowing forced generator intervention even when the grid is available) and maximises control. | Note that we recommend wiring the Generator to AC-in 1, and the Grid to AC-in 2. The reason is that the Quattro will then prioritize the Generator over the Grid. That arrangement offers maximum flexibility (allowing forced generator intervention even when the grid is available) and maximises control. | ||
- | === 4.4.2 Settings -> Generator start/stop === | + | === 4.5.2 Settings -> Generator start/stop === |
More information on controlling remote generator start/stop is available [[ccgx: | More information on controlling remote generator start/stop is available [[ccgx: | ||
- | ==== 4.5 MPPT Solar Charger ==== | + | |
+ | ==== 4.6 MPPT Solar Charger ==== | ||
In ESS, the MPPT Solar Chargers will follow the charge curve as set in VEConfigure. The charge parameters configured in the MPPT Solar Chargers themselves are ignored in an ESS setup. | In ESS, the MPPT Solar Chargers will follow the charge curve as set in VEConfigure. The charge parameters configured in the MPPT Solar Chargers themselves are ignored in an ESS setup. | ||
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Start the generator and check that the system begins to charge the batteries. | Start the generator and check that the system begins to charge the batteries. | ||
===== 6. Controlling depth of discharge ===== | ===== 6. Controlling depth of discharge ===== | ||
- | //(Note: All absolute voltages mentioned in the example below refer to a 12V system. Voltages should be multiplied by x2 or x4 for a 24V or 48V system, respectively.)// | + | //(Note: All absolute voltages mentioned in the example below refer to a 12V system. Voltages should be multiplied by x2 for a 24V system |
==== 6.1 Overview === | ==== 6.1 Overview === | ||
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(This 0.1 V is the threshold for 12 V systems; for 24 V the threshold is 0.2 V above; and for 48 V it is 0.4V above.) | (This 0.1 V is the threshold for 12 V systems; for 24 V the threshold is 0.2 V above; and for 48 V it is 0.4V above.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 6.5 ESS Battery Status Reason Code Numbers ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | In addition to the charger states (Bulk/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The key for these codes is: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * #1: SOC is low | ||
+ | * #2: BatteryLife is active | ||
+ | * #3: BMS disabled charging | ||
+ | * #4: BMS disabled discharge | ||
+ | * #5: Slow Charge in progress (part of BatteryLife, | ||
+ | * #6: User configured a charge limit of zero. | ||
+ | * #7: User configured a discharge limit of zero. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
===== 7. Phase compensation - further information ===== | ===== 7. Phase compensation - further information ===== | ||
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__Single phase ESS in a system with a three-phase connection to the utility grid__ | __Single phase ESS in a system with a three-phase connection to the utility grid__ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Single phase ESS is a single inverter/ | ||
* Phase Compensation enabled: ESS regulates total power L1 + L2 + L3 to 0. | * Phase Compensation enabled: ESS regulates total power L1 + L2 + L3 to 0. | ||
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__Three phase ESS in a system with a three-phase connection to the utility grid__ | __Three phase ESS in a system with a three-phase connection to the utility grid__ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Three phase ESS is, at least, three inverter/ | ||
* Phase Compensation enabled: ESS prevents circumstances where the battery might be charging on one phase whilst discharging on another. | * Phase Compensation enabled: ESS prevents circumstances where the battery might be charging on one phase whilst discharging on another. | ||
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(Make sure you install the ESS on L1. If it's installed on another phase the visualisation will be wrong.) | (Make sure you install the ESS on L1. If it's installed on another phase the visualisation will be wrong.) | ||
- | ==== 7.2 Three-phase ESS ==== | + | ==== 7.3 Three-phase ESS ==== |
A three-phase ESS system has at least one Multi installed on each phase. We recommend leaving the phase-compensation setting to its default: enabled. | A three-phase ESS system has at least one Multi installed on each phase. We recommend leaving the phase-compensation setting to its default: enabled. | ||
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A bit more detail with reference to selected modes: | A bit more detail with reference to selected modes: | ||
- | In __Keep batteries charged mode__ no power comes from the batteries to power loads unless the grid fails. PV power, when available, will always be used to power the loads. | ||
- | In __Optimize mode__ whether the load is great or small power will be supplied by the batteries. The Grid meter will be kept at 0W until either the battery is drained or the load exceeds the inverter' | + | * In __Optimize mode__ whether the load is great or small power will be supplied by the batteries. The Grid meter will be kept at 0W until either the battery is drained or the load exceeds the inverter' |
+ | |||
+ | * In __Keep Batteries charged mode__ no power comes from the batteries to power loads unless the grid fails. PV power, when available, will be used to power the loads. There is a known issue when using “Keep batteries charged” mode that can result in less production from the MPPT solar charger when batteries are full. This only occurs when [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | The current options to work around this "Keep Batteries charged" | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Enable [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Set the mode to Optimize, and set the minimum SOC to 100%. Note that with this workaround there is still a difference with the “Keep batteries charged” mode: the system will not recharge the battery from the grid after a power outage | ||
=== Q2: I've enabled optimize mode, but do not see grid-power being used to charge the battery? === | === Q2: I've enabled optimize mode, but do not see grid-power being used to charge the battery? === | ||
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- Inverter shutdown through ' | - Inverter shutdown through ' | ||
- | With ESS in Optimize mode the system will always remain connected - even when the batteries are full. And although connected, the power draw is not substantial - yet this configuration offers the stability of the grid for nothing. | + | With ESS in Optimize mode the system will always remain connected - even when the batteries are full. And although connected, the power draw is not substantial - this configuration offers the stability of the grid without additional grid consumption. |
- | === Q4: Why is the VE.Bus state in //pass-through//? === | + | === Q4: Why is the VE.Bus state in pass-through? |
- | In ESS, the conditions for the VE.Bus system to be in //pass-trough// are: | + | In ESS, the conditions for the VE.Bus system to be in //pass-through// (ve.bus state: passthru) |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
+ | - A grid code is in use that requires the enabling of battery discharging by aux-inputs. Check the used grid-code in VEConfigure and compare with the electrical signals provided to the Inverter/ | ||
+ | - The Loss of Mains detection (LOM) causes issues, often in combination with a high impedance connectivity to the utility. For details see [[ve.bus: | ||
=== Q5: How can I suppress low battery warnings? === | === Q5: How can I suppress low battery warnings? === | ||
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=== Q7: How do the charge states work in ESS? === | === Q7: How do the charge states work in ESS? === | ||
- | * The MPPTs are always in the `ESS` state. This indicates that the MPPT is being controlled by the Multi or Quattro. To view the system state, look at the VE.Bus State. | + | * The MPPTs are always in the `ESS` state. This indicates that the MPPT is being controlled by the Multi or Quattro |
* While discharging, | * While discharging, | ||
* When in Float, the system will begin a new charge cycle when the battery voltage has been below the restart-voltage for a certain length of time. This voltage depends on the chosen battery type selected on the charger tab in VEConfigure: | * When in Float, the system will begin a new charge cycle when the battery voltage has been below the restart-voltage for a certain length of time. This voltage depends on the chosen battery type selected on the charger tab in VEConfigure: | ||
Line 780: | Line 891: | ||
Switching off in overload, while connected to the grid, is caused by the active Loss of Mains (LOM) detection, linked to the country code as configured in VEConfigure3. | Switching off in overload, while connected to the grid, is caused by the active Loss of Mains (LOM) detection, linked to the country code as configured in VEConfigure3. | ||
- | This behaviour occurs when the AC supplied on the AC-in of the Multi or Quattro is ' | + | This behaviour occurs when the AC supplied on the AC-in of the Multi or Quattro is ' |
For the solution and configuration options, see [[ve.bus: | For the solution and configuration options, see [[ve.bus: | ||
- | === Q9: Why does my MultiGrid refuse to feed-in? === | + | === Q9: Why are my loads powered by the grid instead of battery or solar? === |
- | A MultiGrid system can enter a state where feed-in (more precisely: converting DC to AC while connected to the grid) is disabled.\\ This happens when, at the moment of connection to the grid, there is not enough DC power to perform the required relay test. (N.B. this relay test is part of the grid code specification - and is mandatory). In order to perform this test the Multigrid must be able to run from battery during a period of time (depending on the selected grid code but usually about 1 minute).\\ If this is not possible, | + | Check list in case loads are being powered |
- | Therefore there is no need to worry - the system | + | __First of all__, check that the system |
- | === Q10: My battery | + | __Secondly__, |
- | The recharge | + | __Thirdly__, |
+ | |||
+ | The relay test will be performed once either the battery voltage has been recharged above 14/28/56 volt, or when the battery has been recharged to above 20% SOC. To check if a system | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Fourthly__, | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Lastly__, check that the rocker switch on the unit is set to On, rather than to Charger-Only. When set to charger-only, | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Finally__, | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Q10: Why does the system refuse to discharge my battery? === | ||
+ | |||
+ | See Q9. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Q11: My battery is first discharging, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The recharge you are seeing might be part of the Sustain protection. Consider increasing the minimum SOC level. For example increase it with 5%; and then check what happens. | ||
Or decrease the sustain voltages with VEConfigure, | Or decrease the sustain voltages with VEConfigure, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Search this manual for Sustain to learn more. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Q12: What is auto-recharge? | ||
+ | The system will automatically recharge the battery (from the grid) when the SOC drops 5% or more below the value of ‘Minimum SOC’ in the ESS menu. Recharge stops when it the battery is recharged up to the Minimum SOC level. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Q13: Can I use ESS in a vehicle or a boat? === | ||
+ | No, you cannot. After unplugging the shore cord it can take up a moment for the system to detect the loss of mains and open the back-feed relay. During those seconds, the shore power plug will be live: there is 110/230 Volts AC on the terminals. The exact number of seconds differs per country and depends on the local requirements. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The same applies to other solutions where the wiring is not protected against accidental removing, for example a simple cable with end-user removable plug, such as a portable power supply. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== 10. Troubleshooting ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Trouble shooting steps: | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Start with checking firmware versions (needs to be latest). And when asking questions; report the exact firmware versions that are used. | ||
+ | - Check battery type/brand. If lead then it might be unsuitable and probably broken because of the heavy cycling. | ||
+ | - If some unknown or unsupported CANbus battery; change the battery to a supported type. | ||
+ | - Check the state of the inverter/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Then; if PV is not used enough to power loads; | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Check for the # reason codes; see CODE KEY in this manual. | ||
+ | - Check wiring: lots of voltage drop between MPPT and multi will prevent the system from effectively powering AC loads from solar power. | ||
+ | - Test with and without SVS enabled: leave it disabled. | ||
+ | - Next, check MPPT charge current limit during the time that it is not used enough. MPPT CCL is supposed to be high always; even when battery full. Unless there is a temperature issue. | ||
+ | - Now check MPPT Charge Voltage Setpoint. It is supposed to be above actual battery voltage. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note that those last two set points are determined by software; and calculated based on the setpoints sent by the (CANbus connected) lithium battery: you can't change them manually. Looking at them however does help understanding why certain things are happening; | ||
===== DISQUS ===== | ===== DISQUS ===== | ||
~~DISQUS~~ | ~~DISQUS~~ |
ess/design-installation-manual.txt · Last modified: 2021-01-14 08:35 by marmour