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--- victronconnect:mppt-solarchargers [2019-06-25 16:06] – mvader
+++ victronconnect:mppt-solarchargers [2020-06-25 12:33] – [4.5 Rx port function] tabreu
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 (If you are operating an [[http://https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ess:design-installation-manual|ESS]] (Energy Storage System) the charge time for this will be included in the 'Bulk' reading.)
+It is possible to export the history as a comma separated file (.csv) by clicking the three connected dots at the top right of the history screen:
+{{:victronconnect:history_export.jpg?direct&175|}}
+This is an example of the exported data for 3 of 30 days:
+^Days ago^Yield(Wh)^Max. PV power(W)^Max. PV voltage(V)^Min. battery voltage(V)^Max. battery voltage(V)^Time in bulk(m)^Time in absorption(m)^Time in float(m)^Last error^2nd last error^3rd last error^4th last error^
+|0|14500|2167|118.80|51.34|52.99|748|0|0|0|0|0|0|
+|1|15450|2326|118.81|51.68|53.97|869|0|0|0|0|0|0|
+|2|12350|2925|126.67|51.73|55.42|872|0|0|0|0|0|0|
 **Battery Voltage**\\
@@ Line 106: / Line 120: @@
 User-defined presets will be stored in the preset library - in this way installers will not have to define all the values each time they are configuring a new installation.
-By selecting //Edit Presets//, custom parameters can be set as follows:
+By selecting //Edit Presets//, or on the Settings screen (with expert mode on or not), custom parameters can be set as follows:
-=== Absorption Voltage ===
+=== Absorption voltage ===
 Set the absorption voltage.
-=== Absorption time limit (hh:mm) ===
+=== Adaptive absorption time ===
-Set the absorption time limit. Only available when using a custom charge profile.
+Select with adaptive absorption time or fixed absorption time will be used. Both are better explained below:
-Enter the time value in the notation hh:mm, where hours are between 0 and 12; and minutes are between 0 and 59.
+//Fixed absorption time://
+The same length of absorption is applied every day (when there is enough solar power) by using the maximum absorption time setting. Be aware that this option can result in overcharging your batteries, especially for lead batteries and system with shallow daily discharges. See your battery manufacturer for recommended settings.
+//Note:// make sure to disable the tail current setting to make the same absorption time every day. The tail current could end absorption time sooner if the battery current is below the threshold. See more information on the tail current setting section below.
-The charge algorithm uses an adaptive absorption time: it automatically adapts to the state of charge in the morning. The maximum duration of the absorption period is determined by the battery voltage as measured just before the solar charger begins operation each morning (12V battery assumed):
+//Adaptive absorption time://
+The charge algorithm can use an adaptive absorption time: it automatically adapts to the state of charge in the morning. The maximum duration of the absorption period for the day is determined by the battery voltage as measured just before the solar charger begins operation each morning (12V battery assumed):
 ^Battery voltage Vb (@start-up) ^ Multiplier ^ Maximum absorption times ^
@@ Line 125: / Line 142: @@
 |      > 12.2V  Vb < 12.6V       |   x 1/3    |       02:00 hours        |
 |          Vb > 12.6V           |   x 1/6    |       01:00 hours        |
-The multiplier is applied to the absorption time limit setting and this results in the maximum duration of the absorption period used by the charger.
+The multiplier is applied to the maximum absorption time setting and this results in the maximum duration of the absorption period used by the charger.
-The maximum absorption times shown in the last column of the table are based on the default absorption time limit setting of 6 hours.
+The maximum absorption times shown in the last column of the table are based on the default maximum absorption time setting of 6 hours.
-Additionally when the charge current decreases below the Tail current, the battery is fully charged. The Absorption stage ends before the Absorption time has expired. The Tail current is 1A for models 100/20 and smaller; and 2A for larger models.
+=== Maximum absorption time (hh:mm) ===
+Set the absorption time limit. Only available when using a custom charge profile.
+Enter the time value in the notation hh:mm, where hours are between 0 and 12; and minutes are between 0 and 59.
 === Float voltage ===
 Set the float voltage.
+=== Re-bulk voltage offset ===
+Set the voltage offset that will be used over the float voltage setting that will determine the threshold that the charge cycle will restart.
+E.g.: For a Re-bulk voltage offset off 0.1V and a float voltage setting of 13.8V, the voltage threshold that will be use to restart the charge cycle will be 13.7V. In other words, if the battery voltage drops below 13.7V for one minute, the charge cycle will restart.
 === Equalization voltage ===
 Set the equalization voltage.
-=== Auto Equalization ===
+=== Equalization current percentage  ===
+Set the percentage of the Max charge current setting that will be used when equalisation is performed.
+=== Automatic Equalization ===
 Set-up the frequency of the auto equalize function. Available options are between 1 and 250 days:
@@ Line 146: / Line 175: @@
 Equalization is typically used to balance the cells in a lead battery, and also to prevent stratification of the electrolyte in flooded batteries. Whether (automatic) equalization is necessary, or not, depends on the type of batteries, and their usage. Consult your battery supplier for guidelines.
-When the Automatic equalization cycle has initiated, the charger applies an equalization voltage to the battery as long as the current level stays below 8% (Gel or AGM) or 25% (tubular plate) of the bulk current.
+When the Automatic equalization cycle has initiated, the charger applies an equalization voltage to the battery as long as the current level stays below the equalization current percentage setting of the bulk current.
 __Duration of the Automatic equalization cycle__
@@ Line 160: / Line 189: @@
 For units without a rotary switch (75/10; 75/15; 100/15 & 100/20) the default battery type is a VRLA battery and any user-defined battery will behave as a tubular plate battery with regard to equalization.
+=== Equalisation stop mode ===
+Set how the equalisation will end. There are two possibilities, first is if the battery voltage reaches the equalisation voltage and the second is on fixed time, where the maximum equalisation duration is used.
+=== Maximum equalisation duration ===
+Set the maximum time that the equalisation phase will last.
-=== Start Equalization now ===
+=== Tail current ===
-Selecting 'Start Equalization now' allows manual initiation of an Equalization cycle. To allow the charger to equalize the battery properly use the manual equalize option only during absorption and float periods, and when there is sufficient sunlight. Current and voltage limits are identical to the automatic equalize function. The duration of the equalisation cycle is limited to a maximum of 1 hour when triggered manually. Manual equalization can be stopped at any time by selecting 'Stop Equalize'.
+Set the current threshold that will be used to finish absorption phase before the maximum absorption time expires. When the battery current gets below the tail current for one minute, the absorption phase will end. This setting can be disabled by setting it to zero.
 === Temperature compensation ===
@@ Line 170: / Line 203: @@
 The configured coefficient is in mV per degree Celsius for the whole battery bank, not per cell. The base temperature for the compensation is 25°C (77°F), as shown in the chart below.
-{{ :victronconnect:temperature_compensation_internal.png?350|Battery voltage adjustment based on internal temperature measurement}}
+{{:victronconnect:mppt-tempcomp-graph4.png?350|Battery voltage adjustment based on battery temperature (14.4V as setpoint, compensation factor = 16.2mV/ºC)}}
 With a [[:smart_battery_sense_manual|Smart Battery Sense]] is installed; the actual battery temperature will be used for compensation; throughout the day.
@@ Line 182: / Line 215: @@
 See the [[victronconnect:ve-smart-networking|VE.Smart Network manual]] for details on what devices are capable of transmitting temperature.
+=== Manual Equalization - Start now ===
+Selecting 'Start now' on 'Manual equalisation' allows manual initiation of an Equalization cycle. To allow the charger to equalize the battery properly use the manual equalize option only during absorption and float periods, and when there is sufficient sunlight. Current and voltage limits are identical to the automatic equalize function. The duration of the equalisation cycle is limited to a maximum of 1 hour when triggered manually. Manual equalization can be stopped at any time by selecting 'Stop Equalize'.
 ==== 4.2 Load output  ====
 This section applies to all products. These settings are typically used on the smaller models which have a dedicated load output (75/10, 75/15, 100/15 and 100/20).
@@ Line 200: / Line 237: @@
   - **Automatic Energy Selector**: Off when Vbatt < Vlow. And On when Vbatt > Vhigh. When conditions are met Load will be on for a pre-selected time. Note; This mode is only available on SmartSolar Models.
-Note that, by default, the models with a load output have their algorithm selected with a jumper in the VE.Direct port. This can be disabled using the VE.Direct Rx pin configuration (see **4.5** below). Or remove the jumper from the VE.Direct port when using VictronConnect to configure the load ouput operation mode, the drawing below shows where the jumper is located.
+Note that, by default, the models with a load output have their algorithm selected with a jumper in the VE.Direct port:
+  * no jumper -> user selected algorithm in VictronConnect (defaults to BatteryLife algorithm)
+  * jumper between pin 1 and 2 -> conventional algorithm 1
+  * jumper between pin 2 and 3 -> conventional algorithm 2
+Therefore, to configure an algorithm using VictronConnect, either remove the jumper, or change the VE.Direct RX pin configuration to Remote on/off, see **4.5** below. When a VE.Direct cable is connected, for example to a GX Device, or a Bluetooth dongle, then the "no jumper" configuration will be active. Both when the GX Device is powered, as well as when its off. The drawing below shows where the jumper is located.
 {{:victronconnect:jumper_location.png?200|}}
@@ Line 213: / Line 256: @@
 ==== 4.3 Streetlight settings ====
-{{:victronconnect:vc5_iphone_bluesolar_streetlight.png?direct&175|VictronConnect - MPPT Streetlight}}
+{{:victronconnect:vc5_iphone_bluesolar_streetlight2.png?direct&200|Streetlight settings}}
-The Streetlight function allows you to automatically control night lighting - it's duration, and brilliance. When the Streetlight function is enabled a timer program can be created whereby 'sunset' and 'sunrise' are used as the anchor points for the timer program. The advantage of this is that the programme will adjust itself to the duration of night-time as it changes with the season. Note that the internal clock will need a few days of uninterrupted operation to synchronize with sunrise and sunset and whilst this is happening a 12-hour day, and a 12-hour night will be assumed.
+=== Introduction ===
+The Streetlight function allows you to automatically control night lighting - it's duration, and brilliance. When the Streetlight function is enabled a timer program can be created whereby Sunset, Sunrise as well as Midnight can be used as the anchor points for the timer program. These anchor points will automatically adjust itself to the duration of night-time as it changes with the seasons.
+=== Streetlight, TX Pin, Relay as well as the Load output configuration ===
+For our smaller chargers, that have a set of dedicated load output terminals, the light can be powered from those terminals. For larger chargers, the TX can be used, as a 'virtual load output'. Or, for models having a relay, also the relay can be used. See TX Pin and Relay chapters for details.
+Note that, both for the real load output, and TX pin or Relay as 'virtual load output' the streetlight algorithm is applied in conjuction with the settings as configured in the Load output menu:
+If streetlight is disabled, then the (virtual) load output is controlled only by the configuration as made in the load output menu.
+If streetlight is enabled, then its an AND function: the load output will be on when both the condition made in the Load output menu are satisfied as well as the streetlight settings. Otherwise, its off.
+Therefore, in a streetlight application, the load output setting is typically set to either Always on, or to Battery life. Its is never configured to Always off as that will result in the light to be always off. For more configurable voltage levels to force the light off, the other load output options (conv alg., user alg.) can be used.
+=== Setting the Sunset action ===
 At sunset you can choose from the following actions:
-  - Take no action (light remains off).
+  * __Keep the lights off__
-  - Turn the light on, and then off after a chosen number of hours. Two dim-levels can be entered ...one for the "on" period; and a second for the "off" period. (Use 0% to switch the light off during the night).
+  * __Switch on for a fixed time__. This option will turn the light on at sunset, and then off after a configurable interval. When the dimming feature is enabled <sup>(1)</sup>, two dim-levels can be entered: one for the "on" period; and a second for the "off" period. A typical use case for these options is to get a strong light during high traffic hours (right after sunset), and lower intensity during the low hours, to save the battery. Set the second dim level to 0% to switch the light completely off during that second section.
-  - Turn the light on ...and then off at (solar) midnight. (Note that 12 o' clock midnight differs from the solar midnight - which is the mid-point between sunset and sunrise. The charger will need to operate for several days to synchronize with the solar activity in your area.) Two dim-levels can be entered: one for the "on" period (up to midnight) and a second dim-level for the "off" period after midnight. (Use 0 to switch the light off during the night).
+  * __Switch on till midnight__. This option turns the light on at sunset, and then off at midnight. When the dimming feature is enabled <sup>(1)</sup>, two dim-levels can be entered: one for the "on" period (up to midnight) and a second dim-level for the "off" period after midnight. Set the second dim level to 0% to switch the light completely off during that second section.
-  - Turn the light on, and then off at sunrise. Note when this option is chosen the sunrise control actions are no longer shown.
+  * __Switch on till sunrise__. This options turns the light on at sunset, and then off at sunrise. When this option is selected; there is no need to also select an action at sunrise, and therefore the sunrise control option will be hidden. When the dimming feature is enabled <sup>(1)</sup>, one dim level be configured, __Dim level at sunset__.
+<sup>1)</sup> the dimming feature requires the TX Port function to be configured to PWM. The dim level inputs are only available when the TX Port is configured accordingly. See chapter 4.4 below for details.
+=== Setting the Sunrise action ===
 At sunrise you can choose to:
-  - Turn the light off at sunrise.
+  * __Switch off__: Turns the light off at sunrise.
-  - Turn the light on for a chosen number of hours before sunrise; and then turn the light off at sunrise. Note that the charger needs to synchronize with the solar activity in order to predict the time of sunrise. This takes several days.
+  * __Switch on before sunrise__: This option switches the light on at a configurable time interval before sunrise; and then switches the light off at sunrise. In case the dimming feature is enabled <sup>(1)</sup>, this feature allows to configure a more intense light interval during early morning rush hours. Together with the Sunset action, you can now configure three dim levels: one at sunset rush hour, one during the low traffic hours, and the third on during the early morning rush hours.
-**FOR EXAMPLE:**
+=== Midnight is Solar midnight, and not 12 o' clock ===
-The selections which have been made on the iPhone screen image above (please click image for expanded view) will have the following effect on the Streetlight controls:
-  *//At sunset// - the light will be switched on for a fixed time
+The charger has no real time clock, and does not know when it is 12 o' clock at night. All references to midnight refer to what we call solar midnight: the mid-point between sunset and sunrise.
-  *//Dim level at sunset// - at Full brilliance (100%)
-  *//Keep lights on during// - the duration has been set to 1h 0m
-  *//Dim level at end// - at the end of one hour the brilliance will be reduced to half (50%)
-Also;
+=== Midnight and Sunrise synchronisation ===
-  *//At sunrise// - the lighting will be adjusted before sunrise
-  *//Time before sunrise// - at 1h 0m before sunrise, the following adjustment will be made:
-  *//Dim level// - full brilliance will be restored (100%)
+The (solar-) midnight and sunrise anchor points in the timer program need the charger to have its internal clock synchronised with the cycle of the sun.
-NB: This dim-levels menu only appears when the TX port function is set to PWM (see **4.4** below).
+After making your settings and powering up the charger, the charger will start unsynchronised: it assumes that midnight is 6 hours after sunset, and assumes that the full night is 12 hours.
-After making your settings the charger will use 'local time' for 5 days whilst synchronising with solar activity. During this period the charger should remain powered-up. If not, it will work on the assumption that midnight occurs 6 hours after sunset and will continue with this assumption until local synchronisation has taken-place.
+During synchronisation, the charger checks the time between each detected sunrise. After three full day/night cycles, where the detected time is approximately 24 hours (one hour of deviation is allowed), it will start using its internal clock; instead of the fixed 6 and 12 hour timing.
-The lighting controller (timer) program is written to non-volatile memory, so the program will remain intact when the charger is disconnected from the battery.
+Note that a loss of power will make the charger loose its synchronisation; it will take 5 days again to properly synchronise. Configuration settings are (ofcourse) stored and not lost, just like any other settings are always maintained during a loss of power.
+=== Sunset and sunrise detection ===
-When entering a 'switch-on' instruction a dim level can also be entered, this results in a signal  being sent to the TX port when the VE.Direct port is set to this mode (refer to Chapter **4.4** below).
+The Sunset and Sunrise detection voltage settings can be used to adjust the detection to match the panel configuration. The Sunrise detection voltage must be 0.5V higher than the Sunset detection level. The lowest detectable voltage is 11.4V. Set this option to 0 to use the built-in defaults, which are:
+  * Sunset = Vpanel < 11.4V
+  * Sunrise = Vpanel > 11.9V
+The default setting is 0, which uses built-in default voltages.
+Use the 'Delay' periods to avoid the system making an accidental switch when clouds passes over the panels. The valid range is between 0...60 minutes. These delays are disabled by default (0).
+=== Gradual dimming speed ===
+The gradual dimming option can be used to slow down the response of the timer program. This is useful when multiple streetlights are used in a row, and helps to mask the fact that each timer uses its own detection and the transition moment which will vary from unit to unit.
+The dimming settings can be adjusted. You can input the number of seconds required to achieve each percentage-point of change (x seconds/per 1% of dimming). The available setting parameters are 0 ...99
+* 0 = immediate response (gradual dimming disabled)
+  *A setting of '0' will achieve an immediate response - so the gradual dimming option is disabled.
+* 9 = dim from 0 to 100% in 15 minutes.
+    *Setting the dimming speed to 9, for example, slows down the dimming speed to 15 minutes (9 seconds for each percentage point of dimming x 100 percentage points = 900 seconds or 15 minutes.
+Note: Make sure the TX port function is set to Light dimming mode (as described in the next chapter) and connect a VE.Direct TX digital output cable to the PWM dim input of your LED driver.
 === Mid-point shift ===
@@ Line 264: / Line 339: @@
   * Degree of shift = time of sunset (in minutes) +half the duration of night (in minutes) - length of day (in minutes) = 1140m +342m-1440m = 42 minutes
-=== Night and day detection ===
+=== Example configuration ===
-Night/day detection voltage settings can be used to adjust the detection to match the panel configuration. The day detection voltage must be 0.5V higher than the night detection level. The lowest detectable voltage is 11.4V. Set this option to 0 to use the built-in defaults which are: Night = Vpanel<11.4V   Day = Vpanel>11.9V).
-The default setting is 0 (use built-in default voltages)
+The selections which have been made on below screen image (click to enlarge) result in this program:
-Using the 'Delay' periods for day/night changeover avoids the system making an accidental switch when clouds pass over the panels. The valid range is between 0...60 minutes. These delays are disabled by default (0).
+  *//At sunset// - the light will be switched on for a fixed time
+  *//Dim level at sunset// - at Full brilliance (100%)
+  *//Keep lights on during// - the duration has been set to 1h 0m
+  *//Dim level at end// - at the end of one hour the brilliance will be reduced to half (50%)
-=== Gradual dimming speed ===
+Also;
-The gradual dimming option can be used to slow down the response of the timer program. This is useful when multiple chargers are used in a row, and helps to mask the fact that each timer uses its own detection and the transition moment which will vary from unit to unit.
+  *//At sunrise// - the lighting will be adjusted before sunrise
+  *//Time before sunrise// - at 1h 0m before sunrise, the following adjustment will be made:
+  *//Dim level// - full brilliance will be restored (100%)
-The dimming settings can be adjusted. You can input the number of seconds required to achieve each percentage-point of change (x seconds/per 1% of dimming). The available setting parameters are 0 ...99
+{{:victronconnect:vc5_iphone_bluesolar_streetlight2.png?direct&200|Streetlight settings}}
-* 0 = immediate response (gradual dimming disabled)
-  *A setting of '0' will achieve an immediate response - so the gradual dimming option is disabled.
-* 9 = dim from 0 to 100% in 15 minutes.
-    *Setting the dimming speed to 9, for example, slows down the dimming speed to 15 minutes (9 seconds for each percentage point of dimming x 100 percentage points = 900 seconds or 15 minutes.
-Note: Make sure the TX port function is set to Light dimming mode (as described in the next chapter) and connect a VE.Direct TX digital output cable to the PWM dim input of your LED driver.
 ==== 4.4 Tx port function ====
 This setting defines the function of the Tx pin located inside the VE.Direct connector. Use the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/cables/ve-direct-tx-digital-output-cable|VE.Direct TX digital output cable, ASS030550500]] to access - and therefore receive signals from - the pin.
@@ Line 301: / Line 373: @@
 {{:victronconnect:vc4_iphone_bluesolar_rxportsettings.png?direct&150|VictronConnect - MPPT RX port settings}}
-The Rx pin on the VE.Direct connector can be used for other functions. This functionality was introduced in firmware version 1.17 and applies to the 10A, 15A and 20A chargers with a load output.
+The Rx pin on the VE.Direct connector can be used for other functions. This functionality was introduced in firmware version 1.17.
 Available options:
-  - **Remote on/off (This is the default setting on all larger models)**. This setting allows remote on/off control: (0V = switch charger off, +5V (or a signal sent via VE.Direct communication) = switch charger on). An example of this operation is when the unit is connected to a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-bms|VE.BUS BMS]] (using a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-non-inverting-remote-on-off-cable|VE.Direct non inverting remote on-off cable, ASS030550300]]).
+  - **Remote on/off (This is the default setting on all larger models)**. This setting allows remote on/off control: (Pin to GND = switch charger off, Pin floating or to battery+ (or a signal sent via VE.Direct communication) = switch charger on). An example of this operation is when the unit is connected to a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-bus-bms|VE.BUS BMS]] (using a [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-non-inverting-remote-on-off-cable|VE.Direct non inverting remote on-off cable, ASS030550300]]).
-  - **Load output configuration (This is the default setting on the following models: 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 and 100/20)**. The Tx pin can be used to place a jumper to select load output operation. See Load output chapter (**4.2** above) for details.
+  - **Load output configuration (This is the default setting on the following models: 75/10, 75/15, 100/15 and 100/20)**. The Tx pin can be used to place a jumper to select load output operation. See Load output chapter (**4.2** above) for details. This only applies to the 10A, 15A and 20A chargers with a load output.
   - **Load output on/off inverted** This setting reverses the load output on/off control: (0V = switch load output on, +5V = switch load output off)
   - **Load output on/off normal** This setting allows load output on/off control: (0V = switch load output off, +5V = switch load output on)
@@ Line 379: / Line 451: @@
 An application for this feature, for example, is to set a minimum generator run-time.
+==== 6. VE.Smart Networking ====
+This option is only available when the connection between the charger and VictronConnect is done over Bluetooth. This menu offers the possibility for the user to create or join an existing VE.Smart Network. By doing that, the user allow data to be exchanged between chargers and sensors. Please, refer to the [[victronconnect:ve-smart-networking|]] manual for more information about the possibilities over that feature.
 ===== DISQUS =====
 ~~DISQUS~~