question

Is it possible to change the runtime meters. day/hrs to straight hrs. Or change the daily runtime to resettable service meter?

Kevin had a install today using the Victron ve.BMS MODULE with this installed in the network you can no longer turn autostart on/off or even just start or stop the generator from the main page selection. I am using the standard release software. You can still turn relay 2 on and off

In the below picture Auto is enabled , but you cant disable it here nor does manual start work

turn it on and off under the gen autostart menu works fine.

PV screen layout needs some adjustment

hi kevin,

i really like your latest mods to the generator page. just installed the beta, we will see how it goes!

I wondered if we could squeeze one extra detail into the overview it would be great if alternator data could be shown, or even DC charge sources excluding mppt as a separate box?

A new beta of GuiMods is available (v6.0~7).

This beta incorporates functionality from GeneratorConnector making that package obsolete.

An enhanced Generator overview is available. Part of this includes a "service interval" for the generator. Also, times have been reformatted as hours to sync better with generator run meters and maintenance activities.

I have also fixed the bugs reported by Paul B.

This will hopefully be the last beta before release so give it a good look over and provide comments ASAP. Thanks.

Note, these changes are NOT incorporated in the GeneratorConnector package.

Hi Kevin

Thanks so much for your Guimods additions. I'm wondering about additional tweaks as per my setup.

I have a single Multiplus II 5 KVA which takes its input from the grid for ESS. The Victron CT is on the grid input. I have a secondary fuse board for 'creitial loads' fed from the Vitctron's AC-out-1 terminals. On the Input to the Victron, I have a generator transfer switch which enables me to charge the batteries from the generator, and supply the critical loads. To change the mode of operation from 'Grid' to 'Generator' is a right faff from the GUI - have to go to settings -> System Setup -> AC Input 1.

What would be really handy is to have a quick 'generator' button that does the following:

1) Sets AC1 input to 'generator' instead of 'grid'

2) Operates one of the relays which I will use to switch from the CT on the grid input to a CT on the generator input.

3) Optionally set a max current limit when on generator.

Am I barking up the right tree with this? Or is there a different way of doing it that I've missed?

or maybe when the generator is set to 'running' via your Generator Control addon, these things could be optionally toggled?

Cheers

Tim Robinson

Basingstoke, UK

I created a new package called ExtTransferSwitch which does what I describe above.

https://github.com/kwindrem/ExtTransferSwitch

I created a new digital input type to read the state of an external transfer switch. This input switches between two sets of input current limits and changes the input source (type) from grid (or shore) to generator. Current limits are set via the normal mechanisms. So while the transfer switch is "on grid", the input current limit adjustments in the GUI change the grid current limit. While the transfer switch is "on generator" those same adjustments change the generator current limit.

You can add this to PackageManager for download and automatic updates with the kwindrem:latest for user and branch.

I realized there was something missing from the implementation I did yesterday: If grid was present, the generator might still run.

I added Do not run generator when AC1 is in use to the changes made when switching to generator and restored when switching back to grid. If you set this flag while on grid, it will be turned off when switching to generator so the generator's conditions can be evaluated allowing the generator to start if needed (e.g., due to low SOC).

When switching back to grid, the user's selection is restored. To prevent the generator from running due to one of the programmed conditions while on grid, set this parameter to on.

This change is in ExtTransferSwitch v2.0 available now.

Awesome addition. Works like a charm. Way to go.

Hi Kevin,

i use the exttransferswitch mod and its nearly the solution for my problem.

One Problem if switched to generator the Multiplus starts charging up to the Input limit.(But in ESS we still have Optimized without Batery Life NOT Keep Batteries Charged)

Its a problem for me because in My case it is a cogen Generator its runing while Grid is still connected (Use 2 Smartmeters and Fixed Power on Generator)

So maybe its possible that the tool is only switching from Grid to Generator (and vice versa)?

I'm not sure how ESS interacts with a generator source. A generator source may disable much of ESS and if so, that's beyond what I can control.

ExtTransferSwitch allows the following parameters to be set for both On Grid and On Generator states:

• grid type
• stop generator when AC 1 available
• input current limit

It certainly does not address the state when grid and generator are both connected. (a third state).

More info and a description of what you intend to happen could help me help you.

Ok but if i change the Source in System Settings manually, nothing from ESS is disabled.

its simply a different symbol on AC IN.

So in Fact you think the exttransferswitch mod is not causing the charging of the batteries?

i have observed that if exttransferswitch is switching to generator its automaticaly starts charging the battery!? (thats not the behavior if only switching the AC IN 1 manually from Grid to generator)

Additional informations about the usage:

- I have 3 Phase 48V8000 in ESS
- in ESS i user eternal Gridmeter (EM24 Ethernet)
- also one EM24 is user as Generator Meter (also on AC IN 1)
- The Generator is Syncronising to the Grid (AC IN 1) and after syncronising
its starting Fixed Power Output (Mesured by the Gridmeter and so charged into batteries as well)

after switching manually to Generator on AC1 its working quite well..

ExtTransferSwitch stores On Grid and On Generator values for the following parameters:

• grid type
• stop generator when AC 1 available
• input current limit

When the digital input changes states, those three states are recalled from storage. That's all ExtTransferSwitch does.

Is it possible the input current limit is changing to a value that isn't appropriate? If so, just set it back to the desired value while on generator. That new value will be remembered for use next time the digital input signals On Generator again.

@Kevin Windrem

Dear Kevin,

Thanks for your work ! I'm seriously considering the implementation of ExtTransferSwitch and Gui mod for a Multiplus II + Fronius on AC out.

UPDATE : Using AC ignore using VICTRON CONNECT disable assistants...like the "2 wires BMS" asssitant : This is tricky, because it's not obvious, especially when the ESS is still visible in GX.

I'm using now INVERTER ONLY. "2 wires BMS" function is still operating.

See https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/62020/ess-and-ignore-ac-input.html

Currently, I'm running with AC ignore which is a great functionnality (about 25% of my daily consumption was drawn from grid whatever Solar excess I have). BUT if I have to start Generator : I have to manually disable ACignore in Victron connect, so that Multi could accept what ever is on ACIN... wich is a true pain.

I tried to use assistants to ignore ACIN based on load & SOC and use an Aux input condition to disable ACignore, but the ESS asssistant instantly disable Fronius inverter when AC ignore (53Hz). also the 2 Aux Inputs on multiplus II are used by BMS and there is no temp sense on this hardware version (Cerbo Input not usable).

To conclude : The only way I have to set ACignore ON and OFF with Multi II + fronius inverter to start generator is to set it up or down with Victron connect. No other assistant can be used and I've no free input on Multi.

Would it be possible to include in your ExtTransferSwitch a control to disable ACignore when the Generator switch ON?

Meanwhile, I'll dig into the installation of the ExtTransferSwitch, as it it already one great step ahead in automation of the process of switching ACIN to generator.

With my best regards !

Dear Kevin,

Sorry for late answer, I got hard time with my setup as I discovered that 2wire BMS assistant was not operational after setting AC ignore. I had to investigate that (even if system was not at risk as I'm running 16 cells Lion: Multi is limited to 64V max).

I updated my previous post, not to mislead peoples with Acignore

Good point is that Multi can be placed in "INVERTER mode" leading to a ACignore. (See link in my post). I tested it and it works fine with the "2 wires BMS" assistant. I need to find out a way to change this setting to include condition with node-red, but this is a safer start point.

About my request and interest for AC ignore: our house is low on energy demand. We need 6 to 10KW/day and we adapt the need to solar availability. When connected to grid, we still have 2.4KW/day grid consumtion due to grid setpoint (100W by night raised at 200W when PV fronius quick in). Going AC ignore cancel this uneeded downstream flow. This is not a question of money saving, but I'm pissed to see solar converter to throttle while I'm pulling from grid.

To modify my request , I don't need anymore to turn AC ignore OFF, but to switch Multi to ON why starting generator. This info may help you:

Modbus Register 33
com.victronenergy.vebus - Switch Position - 33
1=Charger Only;2=Inverter Only;3=On;4=Off

You may only add a check of the switch position . If "2", then change to "3" while Generator is ON, and turn back to "2" when manual stop, so that it's transparent for user (existing and new). This could also be seen as a foool proof in case One want to start generator while in Inverter mode ;o)))

If this is not doable or too time consuming. My ATS can be automatically switched : I'll use the manual relay to make the inversion (This would make also a type of Hardware AC ignore )

(note that I have to run the generator once a month, even if there is enough solar coverage, prefereably under loads : that's why I want to make my life a bit more easy.

With my best regards,

@Kevin Windrem

Hi Kevin,

I'm very appreciative of all your hard work on these Venus OS modifications! I've been trying to incorporate a function within the autorun tile on the generator overview page that shows the Battery SOC conditions and allows you to set the start and stop percentages.

I was wondering if you had any insight regarding that kind of functionality?

Thanks!