question

I have made some progress on the bilge monitoring code with node-red. I essentially want to know if the bilge is running for long periods of time, or multiple times in a given period. I have both working with messaging now (SimplePush). So, when a bilge circuit closes, I start a timer (30 seconds for testing). If that timer hits some milestones I send a message (10 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds). This tells me if the bilge is running for a prolonged period.

I also start a timer with the previous timer, but this one doesn't get turned off if the bilge stops. It will now run for a fixed period of time and count how many times the bilge runs within that time period. If it hits certain milestones I send message alerts. Once the timer completes, I reset and wait for the next round.

Always happy to share and appreciate feedback. Right now I am just using inject nodes to simulate the bilge circuit but I also have that working on the digital inputs of the cerbo, stepping the voltage down with dry contacts.

We took the easy route out, and just tossed a pressure sensitive tank sensor into our bilge sump, connected up to the Tank140 we use to monitor our wastewater and potable water tanks. Gives us a live readout of how deep the water is in the bilge. I just wish that Victron could give me a tank value in terms of depth rather than actual volume (which I don't really care about when it comes to the bilge).

We are looking at making the world's most complex bilge pump controller using Node Red, as the automatic function of our bilge pump doesn't have enough hysteresis to deal with the back flow from the bilge hose, so it just constantly cycles if left in automatic mode.