I believe the 8kVA and 10kVA Multiplus-II's cannot be paralleled. Will this be fixed with a future software upgrade or never?
If it will be possible in future, then when?
asked
Multiplus-II 8kVA and 10kVA in parallel
The hardware is different, so there is no kind of firmware that can change that.
Units must be the same hardware before they can be parallel or multiphase connected.
yes, but, for me the question still stands. Will we be able to parallel two Multiplus II 8KVA together or two 10KVA units togetehr. Today, on paper at least, it's not possible, right?
Oh, apologies. I understand the question now. Those ones will not be able to be paralleled yet, due to hardware limitations.
Maybe future hardware versions will be able to, and then, a firmware update may or may not enable the existing hardware versions.
To be able to extend the setup, maybe it is better to have two Multiplus II 5 kVA in parallel, rather than one Multiplus II 10 kVA?
What are advantages and disadvantages of having one Multiplus II 10 KVA vs. two Multiplus II 5 kVA? Let me try to summarize my view:
| Criterion |
1 x Multiplus II 10 kVA |
2 x Multiplus II 5 kVA |
| Extensible with additional units |
no |
yes |
| Space requirements |
less |
more |
| Cabling requirements |
less |
more |
| Price |
slightly more expensive |
slightly cheaper |
| GX unit |
separate |
can be included in one of the devices |
Is there anything else that I may be missing in the comparison? What about noise, reliability, ease of setup, etc.?
When you have a parallel system you can have error#17 or #18 stop your system cold and hard reset is required.
I have error#18 happen once a month and there is no way to find a reason for it.
It is so frustrating and I am happy to soon change my 6x MP-II/3k into 3 MP-II/5k.
Our parallel setups work fine, just stick to the victron compatibility guides and best practices and it works well. It's only those who go DIY or have science projects that seem to hit errors.
The benefit of 2 x 5, is that if one dies, you can at least run at half power still.
Another negative, the idle load will be a bit higher with multiple units, but in the big picture that doesn't matter.
It is a bit more complex to setup though.
Our parallel setups work fine, just stick to the victron compatibility guides and best practices and it works well. It's only those who go DIY or have science projects that seem to hit errors.
I would understand this statement if you were the sole Victron installer in the World and all installation not done by you where DIY. I would suggest a bit of modesty.
Creating the impression that all installs will have those errors is disingenuous.
It may be common on your install but you have made specific choices which are off-piste.
So sure, errors can happen, but on the whole, parallel installs work fine and ongoing issues have less to do with the product and more with the install/installer.
Except everyone blames the manufacturer when they choose the road less travelled.
I choose taking responsibility over modesty any day.
Show me where I claim that "all installs will have those errors"? Your claim that I do is disingenuous, as well as your claim that only DIY systems have those errors.
Can you explain what are the "off-piste" choices?
I had a bunch of problems with my parallel system and it is not DIY parallel system. I payed Victron installer to do it but when problems started he vanished leaving me with the problem.
I would not say anything bad on the manufacturer since thanks to their help and commitment my system works and soon will work even better as non parallel one.
Just for you to know, my problems where related to the product itself.
My understanding is that if two multi's are in parallel and one fails , the other will shutdown and you have no power output. Can someone from Victron confirm this .
Your understanding is correct.
When one fails you can reconfigure for single inverter and resume this way with a half power.
I want to build a 3 phase system with about 20 kVA per phase over time. Can the 8 and 10 kVA parallel? The other features and functionality fades into insignificance. It was simple question. Let's not make rocket science out of it.
No, at the moment it is not possible.
If it will be possible with the current hardware and a firmware update or if it needs a new hardware revision is not sure at the moment.
If you need 8 or 10 or more kVA per phase you should use the "old" MultiPlus or Quattro (+ external NA protection).
Hello ...
Paralleling is not possible.you are right. Thanks for correcting me. I have indeed misunderstood.
3 phase configuration with 3 units max. for these models possible, but not paralleling.
Previous post (inaccurate) below...
Our Victron Sales Manager confirmed that we can have a max. of 3 units (whether in paralell or in a 3 phase configuration) for MultiPlusII10kVA units (should logically be applicable to 8 and 15kVA units too).
We have a 3 phase installation with 3x MultiPlusII 10kVA that has been running smoothly for more than 8 months now.
So far however, we have not needed and hence tried paralelling on any site.
Are you sure of this? The Multiplus-II data sheet still says that parallel operation is not possibe for 8k/10k/15k models, and it's been revised recently to correct this statement for the 15k.
Current technical information for Multiplus-II/8000 and 10000 and 15000 does not agree with your Victron Sales Manager confirmation.
