Hello!
At the moment I am planning a small setup with the following components:
- SmartSolar 100/50 with one or two solar panels (approx. 500W).
- MultiPlus 12/500/20 or 12/800/35 for AC and to support charging from grid.
- 12V LiFePO4-Battery with a BMV-712 Smart attached.
It should roughly look like this:
The setup should stay as slim as possible, to save cost an overall installation space.For the controls I also don’t want to get too fancy. The only needs are a Switch (to turn AC on/off) and a Display for SOC (BMV-712).Settings should be done via Victron Control app.
In order to save energy and prevent the battery from running out too soon i need to switch Loads on/off under certain conditions:
- The BMV-712 can switch off / or set an alarm when SOC drops below desired value. This is very useful for some cases and should be used. But it cannot cover all needs.
- The SmartSolar can switch loads with its virtual load output (when adding a VE.Direct TX digital output cable). I have found Load output settings depending on Vbatt and the streetlight settings. Both are nice but don’t seem to do what I am looking for…
Desired function:
The fridge should only run (on 12V) when enough solar power surplus is available because it should not unnecessarily drain the battery, especially after dark.
Q1: Is there a possibility to switch consumers depending on the solar power currently available?
For instance: Turn on load switch if P(solar)> 100W
I know this kind of feature from residential PV-installations where it works like a charm.
Have i missed a setting or would this be a #feature-request?
Q2: I have read somewhere that this virtual output delivers only 5V and very little power.
Which relay (specs) could I need to use for switching my 12V components?
Help and hints appreciated!
Thank you.