question

p-rogalski avatar image
p-rogalski asked

New ESS system is going mental after connecting to grid.

Hi gents.

Really need some help here as I'm losing a plot a bit here.

I've just (3rd day of constant work) configured my Easysolar, which for some time now worked as off-grid, as an ESS system. However, ESS is not working as it should.

In the idle, when the system is running without the grid-connected, all loads are correct. Critical load around 50W. The A/C load (consumer unit/house) is also correct at 225W - visible through the energy meter EM112. Please see below.

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As soon as I connect the grid to the system. Loads are going mental. Pls, see the screens with what's happening with the system.

unnamed-2.jpgunnamed-1.jpgunnamed-3.jpg


I'm 100% sure there is no such power demand at that moment.


Update - things I have checked:

1. I have connected the energy meter with the new cable - same behaviour

2. Used the clamp meter on the grid live line - same demand/usage as the meter

3. Connected Victron clamp transformer - same behaviour


What am I doing wrong? What causing the issue? How to fix it into a fully functional ESS system? Appreciate any suggestions...

Multiplus-IIESSEasySolar All-in-One
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unnamed-2.jpg (274.0 KiB)
unnamed-1.jpg (220.5 KiB)
unnamed-3.jpg (230.9 KiB)
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·

It's almost like it sees neighbour loads. Is this possible?

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9 Answers
Craig Chamberlain avatar image
Craig Chamberlain answered ·
If the external CT isn’t in use, did you reinstall the little jumper link to re-enable the internal CT?
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·
Craig this was it! It's all working as it should. Thank you so much!
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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·

Excellent news!! In the "old" version with the jack socket the connection was automatically made (internally) when the plug was out!! :)

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

@Gazza thank you so much for your patience! You are amazing! I wish I could repay you somehow. Top Man!

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Craig Chamberlain avatar image Craig Chamberlain p-rogalski commented ·
That’s fantastic news! Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that are overlooked.

Enjoy! :)

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski Craig Chamberlain commented ·
Oh...you won't believe how frustrating was this journey! I'm so happy I got the solution! So happy this is working. Thank you so much!
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·
Hmm, that's interesting...I have not. I will check this straight away. Will let you know.
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mjs500 avatar image
mjs500 answered ·

clamp amp meter help you check your amp load

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·

I have checked the amperage and the correct load is on the first picture. It's all go mental as soon the grid is connected to the EasySolar.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski p-rogalski commented ·

ah...I got what you mean now. I have plugged the clamp meter and it corresponds to what the energy meter shows.

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Marco Nijholt avatar image
Marco Nijholt answered ·

Assuming you're not using an external meter

Sounds like an issue I've had, grab a 3.5mm plug, and go inside the amp meter socket on the bottom of the multiplus (make sure its off while you do it). Insert and remove multiple times.

The issue is that sometimes the socket internally makes contact (i think), making the multiplus think an external current meter is connected. So it uses that as value for loads which can make it do all kind of things. In my case it started happening randomly at night, making my power turn off/on multiple times due to overload alarms and eventually it blew a fuse internally.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·
I use an energy meter EM112 to measure the grid and don't use the current clamp. However, I have it all installed so will try today. Mine hasn't got a 3.5 jack plug, it came with a 2p terminal.


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Marco Nijholt avatar image Marco Nijholt p-rogalski commented ·

If you're using an external meter, then that's probably not the issue indeed.

Seems like they changed the 3.5mm jack on newer models then as well, sounds like a good idea.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski Marco Nijholt commented ·

The current transformer is connected but there is no difference.

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mjs500 avatar image mjs500 p-rogalski commented ·

The current transformer is connected but there is no difference. did you change config in remote console and ess grid metering to inverter charger with Ct connected as even with a remote ct in use you still have to use ( ess grid metering to inverter charger ) setting for it stop using the EM112 for grid metering

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski mjs500 commented ·
No, I have only activated the current transformer (CT) in inverter settings. The grid meter was still set to measure by the external meter.


I'm not at home at the moment. Will check this tomorrow and will feedback. Thank you
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mjs500 avatar image
mjs500 answered ·

61kgeq95ftl-sx522.jpg

clamp amp meter help you check your amp load independent of your Easysolar


61kgeq95ftl-sx522.jpg (27.4 KiB)
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·

Yes, I didn't get it initially. I've connected one and it reports exactly the same figure as the energy meter. However, I've noticed that demand is stable and then suddenly inverter overproducing. Forcing energy to be pushed to the grid, and then it all starts jumping. It's almost like the data is skewed or missing.

Is it possible the energy meter sends some faulty information to the inverter causing this unbalance and madness?

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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·
Just to be sure... ?


On the remote console under Devices menu. Meter > Settings > Role > Grid meter

and under ESS menu Grid Metering > External meter

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

Yes, it was set like this originally.

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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·

Where/how is your Meter connected "physically" in the system?
What I am trying to work out is from your statement when grid is disconnected:- "The A/C load (consumer unit/house) is also correct at 225W - visible through the energy meter EM112"
The thing is with an ESS system with a "Grid" meter if you disconnect the grid then AC In will be blank (as it is).. but the meter will not measure AC loads, since it is before your consumer unit? I am assuming that AC is fed to your Easysolar via an MCB?RCCB from that consumer unit since your AC loads are shown as a parallel setup ie onAC In ?

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·
Understand. What is missing from the picture is an A/C isolator between the Victron and the meter. Basically when I switch the isolator OFF the grid still can feed power into the consumer unit.
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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·
Ok. So the system does not follow the Grid set point/ (what have you set?)...and I guess you have all Feed-in disabled?


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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

That's correct. The grid setpoint is set to 0. However, I had it set to -10W or 10W doesn't matter it's ignoring the setting anyway. Yes, feed-in is all disabled, but again Victron ignoring this as well.

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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·
Are you sure you have the RS485 version of the meter? I know the ET112 is definitely compatible but is the EM112 compatible with the EasySolar? Do you have the latest firmware installed?
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

This is what I'm not sure. However, I have managed to connect with the meter using Carlo G. software and rs485 cable. It reported all the details, but I'm not sure if Victron sees the data in the same way.

According to the Victron energy meters manuals, it should be compatible, but I've just ordered ET112. Just to make sure. It should be with me tomorrow.

The Victron is running on the most up-to-date software, but in the meantime, I have gone back to the previous version to see how it behaves. It was the same.

Gazza, thank you so much for your patience and support.

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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·

No problem. I do get the sense that the meter is somehow not reacting properly with the ESS. tbh it is always really difficult diagnosing these sort of system instablities by text!! :) Sometimes you just have to be there to look at the many many variables in a Victron system!
The EM112 should have a model number something like EM112-DIN AV0 1 X S1 PF B, the important bit is the S1 model. See what happens when you get the ET112. If you still have the same problem then all you can do is go right back to basics with the set-up procedure for the ESS , tedious I know... but there will be a setting or a tick box somewhere that is causing grief. Best wishes

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

Yes, you are right. It would be very simple for someone who knows what he is doing :)

I will feedback tomorrow when the new energy meter arrives. Let's see what happens there.

Thank you anyway for your support. Let the force be with you.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

Got the ET112. All connected. All the same ;(

Absolutely devastated!


screenshot-2023-10-24-at-180422.png

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screenshot-2023-10-24-at-180422.png (296.4 KiB)
gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·

Is there any difference when you remove the CT clamp completely? I am not sure why you are using both that and the ET112?
I am also dubious about the CT clamp(you have) being the correct current ratio? Do you have the Ext Current sensor checked in the VE Config 3 page? If so I would uncheck it, upload the file update and disconnect the CT clamp from the system. Then set-up the Meter and ESS for Grid. It's time to start removing "variables" to troubleshoot this.
veconfigexample.png

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veconfigexample.png (15.1 KiB)
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

EM112 energy meter is connected to the grid cable, then to the inverter "A/C in" cable and consumer unit. Something like the picture below :

screenshot-2023-10-25-at-185408.png

"updated drawing of my installation"

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screenshot-2023-10-25-at-185408.png (97.2 KiB)
gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·
You don't show the Neutral connection to the EM112?


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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·
Sorry, this is quite a poor drawing. I have the neutral connected to the meter on a 1mm cable with a 1A fuse (the cable is connected as per manual to the left side). It's only for keeping the meter on.
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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·
How is the AC out (critical loads) connected in relation to the AC In side as you have shown. Does it feed another consumer unit somewhere?

Could you show a bit more detail regards the switching of your energy meter please. Sorry for the 20 questions.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

Not a problem. Please don't worry.

I have updated the drawing of my electricity setup. Yes, it does feed into a small load in the garage. Mainly, the boiler, wifi extender, lights etc.

"Could you show a bit more detail regards the switching of your energy meter" - not sure if I got this one. The meter is constantly on.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski p-rogalski commented ·

I have a feeling the inverter/software is not working correctly. When the grid is ON and system has this erratic behaviour. Regardless of my Grid Current Limit settings (3A) it can charge with 20amp. Feels like the software or controlling unit is somehow corrupted and ignores all the settings.

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gazza avatar image gazza p-rogalski commented ·

It's certainly possible. You could check the firmware update via VRM > Device list menu?
You mentioned in an earlier comment that you had a bypass switch somewhere in the system that you didn't show on a previous sketch? Not siure if that was the meter or the easysolar ?

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski gazza commented ·

The firmware is up to date according to VRM - 3.11.

In regard to the isolators - pls see the picture below. The left one is the A/C out-feeding the garage consumer unit, and the right one is the A/C in goes through the wall into the grid connection.

unnamed-1.jpg

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p-rogalski avatar image
p-rogalski answered ·

Okay, I have tested the current transformer option (turned external meter- grid monitoring). Although, it doesn't go metal like before the readings are totally wrong. On top of that inverted started to charge the battery from the grid with a power of 900W. VRM showed -225W at that time on the A/C Input side. It looks like the Inverter is not considering or ignoring the ESS settings. I have optimised without BatteryLife set there. What the heck?


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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image
Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) answered ·

Hi @P. Rogalski

I've briefly looked at your system, it's running in inverter mode most of the time, and VRM logging interval is set to 15 minutes, so when running from grid, there is not much useful information visible.

If you set VRM logging interval to 1 minute, more information would be logged.

Still I think it has to do with the external current sensor connection, can you share a picture of this?

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·
Hi Daniel,


Thank you for your response and contribution to my subject.

I have tried lots of different options today and eventually disconnected the energy meter from the system. I've just tried to connect it again and the Victron stopped receiving signals from RS485 and discovering units connected to this port :(.

I have restarted the inverter many times but the USB stopped responding, so I won't be able to show you the behaviour. In the meantime, after talking to Gazza I've decided to purchase a new energy meter this time ET112. Let's see if this will change anything. However, if the USB is not working I don't think we can move forward. I will feedback tomorrow if you are still available.

Ahh, I'm not having a great experience with Victron :(

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·

Hi Daniel,


I have managed to get it going again. The behaviour is the same as before.


screenshot-2023-10-23-at-213400.png



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mgb07 avatar image
mgb07 answered ·

Yip, should be a 100A:50ma type, this is what I use in my Victron ESS. The voltage type is probs not compatible and may be causing the volatile readings as the inverter is looking for a current and not a voltage. You can buy them on Amazon or thru Victron suppliers, quite cheaply.

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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski commented ·

Sorry for the confusion. CT current transformer isn't in use. For grid measuring ET112 energy meter is installed.

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p-rogalski avatar image
p-rogalski answered ·

Guys, thank you so much for your contribution to this topic. You are amazing!

@Craig Chamberlain thank you so much for directing me to the right answer.

@Gazza you are a true supporter! your patience and willingness are unbelievable! With people like you, this community can only grow from strength to strength!!!

I'm so grateful. I wish I could buy you a cold one whenever you are.

Very kind regards and may the force be with you!!!!

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Craig Chamberlain avatar image Craig Chamberlain commented ·
You are very welcome, and although I might have found the simple solution, it was only because every other stone had already been turned over by @Gazza and others. In fact @Marco Nijholt effectively had the correct answer 3 days ago but the differences between the old 3.5mm jack socket and the newer connector obscured the answer a little.


Team effort! :)
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Marco Nijholt avatar image Marco Nijholt Craig Chamberlain commented ·
Awesome, knew the behavior looked familiar, but not aware of the new connector on that version of the multiplus
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p-rogalski avatar image p-rogalski Craig Chamberlain commented ·

My wife is almost in tears that she finally got her husband back, and I didn’t go mental. Haha

Joking apart, I’m so very grateful. Have a great evening!



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Craig Chamberlain avatar image Craig Chamberlain p-rogalski commented ·
Sounds like you need to book a table for two at a nice restaurant to celebrate!
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gazza avatar image gazza commented ·
Totally welcome. We have all pulled our hair out sometimes... Hopefully now time to enjoy what you have created!
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mjs500 avatar image
mjs500 answered ·

missing link ! glade to see it working page 31 multiplus- ii manual, you having just much fun chasing a round as me with the zigbee wireless link for grid meter and still have not got a answer as why it be find by venos OS now wire link in place working ok but

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