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on2itmaclennan avatar image
on2itmaclennan asked

Easysolar II GX - Grid parallel on AC-IN with ESS does it work?

Hi all,

Has anyone managed to do this with an Easysolar II GX and the CT with nothing connected to AC-OUT-1 or AC-OUT-2???

I have an Easysolar II GX set up in grid parallel mode on AC-IN (as pictured below). It is configured with ESS assistant and the Current sensor on my mains (I am using the AS/NZ grid setting). I have other Grid Tie inverters in parallel with AC-IN. Basically using the Easysolar as an AC coupled storage system (store energy in battery when excess solar and use energy from battery when no solar).. The system works perfectly except it keeps failing during the charge cycle typically around 90% SOC. I have also noticed that the GX part of the Easysolar keeps power cycling.

Has anyone experienced this failure? The symptoms are the Multiplus supplies loads perfectly and charges perfectly except when the "GX device" loses visibility of the built in Multiplus (sometimes it also loses the built in MPPT which I am not using and the internet connection). At this time the GX remote console can't see the Multiplus or any ESS configuration so it just turns off and never recovers until I reboot from the remote console OR switch off with 3 position switch on inverter. When rebooted it works again perfectly but rebooting every day once or twice is not practical.

I suspect a fault or firmware issue or memory leak or something wrong with the charging algorithm???

Any ideas or help would be awesome, things I have tried already:

Turned on DVCC, temporarily fixes the issue for 24hrs then goes back to failing on charge cycle

Connected by ethernet not wifi, didn't fix the issue

Set inverter up from scratch again, didn't fix the issue

Did all firmware updates again (with GX device disconnected), didn't fix the issue


This is what I have except nothing connected to the "No break loads". My battery is just AGM with no smart BMS etc.


Thanks in advance

Andrew



ESSEasySolar All-in-OneAC PV Coupling
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2 Answers
Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image
Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) answered ·

Hi @on2itmaclennan

does it give any errors on VRM error log?

what is the VRM-id? (or url)

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Daniel,

There are no errors on the VRM error log. It all just stops working until a reboot (already rebooted once today, normally needs twice).


VRM portal ID 0281d80298c2

I am not familiar with sharing but assume you can access with the above info? Otherwise I can add you as a user?


Thanks

Andrew

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan on2itmaclennan commented ·

Not sure why but the share is missing from the post

See if it sticks this time. I think things are pretty limited looking through this share though?

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Daniel,

Do you have any further update for me? I purchased 2 of these Easysolar II GX units and am thinking to get rid of both as they just don't work! The second (still new in box) was for an off grid install with no connectivity but there is no point installing a product that keeps turning off!

Can you please let me know if you are working on an update or a bug fix? My system below still fails 1-3 times a day and I have to log in and re-boot through the remote console.

I see others are having similar issues, it really can't be hard to fix given that at least in my system the issues happen consistently.


Thanks in advance

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi @on2itmaclennan

I'm sorry I totally missed your updates (I wasn't @mentioned)

do you still have issues with the error 14 vebus error?

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ve.bus:ve.bus_error_codes#error_14_-_device_cannot_transmit_data

if so: please contact your vendor for repair of the unit.

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Daniel, @Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff)

I do not get any error code when my issues occur, I do not believe there is a cable issue and I have contacted my supplier.

I believe there is a bug in the firmware or code, I have been asked to test when not configured as ESS but have not had time yet.

I have also been told that EasysolarII GX is not certified for grid interaction in NZ and that I need to buy a MultiplusII GX. This is not advertised or widely known but given the EasysolarII GX is a multiplusIIGX I don’t know if this is true.

Basically the GX loses connection with the multiplus and mppt when charging, it is always during the last phase of charging AND I have recently discovered it doesn’t happen if the battery doesn’t reach my set minimum charge (I have set the SOC to 70% to prevent over discharge and I have also set minimum battery voltages to prevent over discharge).

I have changed so many settings trying to figure out the issue so need to double check the minimum SOC theory but for the past few days the system has behaved perfectly and the last few days are the only few days I didn’t discharge to 70% and get the low voltage alarm etc.

I have been meaning to check the cables as your link suggests will be the issue but given the repeatability of the issue I don’t believe that can possibly be the problem).

I will keep messing around, can you please confirm how I can tell if I am getting error 14? Surely the device would report 14 if that was the case?


thanks very much for the help.

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi @on2itmaclennan

the error code can be seen in your VRM page, when clicking 'alarm logs'

Yes the Easysolar II GX has the same hardware and firmware as the normal Multiplus II and Multiplus II GX

the cable mentioned is the ve.bus cable, but in your unit that is inside the casing, so shouldn't be something wrong with it.

I've asked some experts if they have ideas about it.


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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi @on2itmaclennan

Can you please try to update to Venus 2.62~2 to see if this solves it?

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/67901/venus-os-v2622-available-for-testing.html

It fixed a VE.Bus Error 14 issue.

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented ·

Hi @Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff)

I can confirm the issue is not resolved with v2.62-2. The GX device still loses connection with the Multiplus during the charge cycle with no errors reported.

I loaded test firmware on Friday 20/11/2020 at 9:19am. There have been no errors logged since the 10/11/2020 in VRM. The alarm logs do not correlate with the multiplus losing connection to the GX device at all (basically there are no logs when this happens)

This is what I see after failure:

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This is the log but you can see nothing for today or yesterday and the failure occurred both days.
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Any other ideas?

Thanks

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

hi @on2itmaclennan


Then it's probably best to replace the GX card (after checking the connections inside)

Normally this should be done by a repair centre, but maybe they can send you one if you can do it yourself.

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented ·

Hi @Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff),

Thanks for the advice, I'll try and get a replacement GX device and do some more testing. The problem I have is the local Victron support tell me the Multiplus II is not designed for this application and that it will never work and that is why I am having the issue! So I need to configure the system differently (although not getting guidance on exactly how).

My first step is getting confirmation that it is OK to use the Easysolar II GX or Multiplus II GX for a grid interactive ESS with plugged CT (not power meter) connecting loads on AC-IN and the grid tie inverters on AC-IN as described above. Can you confirm that please?

The local support have advised:

Victron MPII does not utilise a High Frequency typography of program control that would work seamlessly with AC in only method used. The typography programmed with Victron MPII must see energy through the H bridge. Thus external CT (outside of the bridge in ESS) or Carlo Gazzi ET112 meter is required in ESS along with AC1 out utilised with load.

For me as an electrical engineer AC-IN and AC1-OUT are electrically the same point and I am using the external CT so it should work. I would like the actual schematic for the MPII if you can provide something better than below so I can verify my understanding of H Bridge inverter chargers. Either way my understanding doesn't line up with the comments above or what actually happens with what I have installed (it works perfectly 99% of the time).

1606008737598.png

Thanks again

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Andew @on2itmaclennan

your intended use (parallel connection) is a normal use case and should make no difference to use with loads on the output.

The external CT technically replaces the internal CT, only thing to make sure: don't extend the cable length of it, that leads to problems.

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented ·

Hi @Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff), thanks for the information. My local dealer has supplied a replacement unit as the constant re-booting of the GX screen was not a good look. The replacement unit worked perfectly for a week but it has today lost connection with the Multiplus part of the system as described and picture previously. No errors or warnings...


What kind of problems do you see when you have an extended CT? Perhaps I have a bad CT? I don't believe I do but if you can describe the symptoms people have when they have an extended CT it would help.


Cheers

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Andrew @on2itmaclennan

The (external) CT is part of the Multiplus part of the unit, it is not directly connected to the GX card and therefor should not matter for the comms between GX and other components.

I'll send you an email.

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented ·

Hi Daniel, @Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff)

Do you know if anyone has had a look at my system, it still reboots itself regularly during the last part of the charge cycle.

I got your email requesting access but am not sure my reply reached you to give permission to dial in and do whatever you need to do. Did I need to add you as a user?


Thanks

Andrew

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Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Andrew,

I just checked, and it landed in an inbox of another person...

Just replied...

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misullivan avatar image
misullivan answered ·

Thought AC coupled (especially with output feed limiting) was supposed to have the ac coupled grid tie inverter downstream from the Victron? (Iie on AC-Out)

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on2itmaclennan avatar image on2itmaclennan commented ·

Hi Misullivan,

According to the manual it is fine to do both. I understand that the Grid Tie inverters if connected to the AC-Out can participate in islanding but I am not using that feature (UPS). When the grid fails my Victron also disconnects, it does not create an island.

When you say output feed limiting do you mean set up as an ESS for self consumption?

One setting I have implemented but not mentioned above is a limit on the AC of 20Amps simply because the MCB in my distribution board was a 20 Amp and I was not intending to change it. If you think this could be an issue I can easily swap the MCB and remove the limiting setting. My issue is always with charging is always during the Absorption to Float end of charging so not close to 20 amps.

Thanks

Andrew

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misullivan avatar image misullivan on2itmaclennan commented ·

You can certainly get put a fronius inverter upstream (in parallel) with the Victron, however if you wish to use the zero feed in functionality I believe (and I am not an expert) the only way to do this is have the fro it’s downstream of the Victron, not in parallel.... this is because the Victron will adjust the output of the fro its by varying the voltage/frequency to cause the fronius to step down its output.


Now reading back on your post I realize I have made (mistakenly) and assumption based on the diagram... I’m assuming your other grid ties are Fronius. I’m making a second leap there as well... but that I think is correct... you’re trying to use the excess solar power generated to charge batteries rather than export so you can ten use the excess later when the solar is not great enough... as part of that I kept in the first instance you’re trying to do this with either zero feeding or limited feed in (eg here in Aus, I am not alllowed to feed in more than 5kw on a single phase... so if I generate 10kw either I have to back off or store it somewhere.. you want to do the latter.)


Now as to the other part of the issue is the GX going offline...


I have seen this (sorta) on my system... I have seen in my system the solar charger go missing, I have seen the BVM go missing and last time I rebooted it, the Multiplus went missing... 2 reboots and everything is back to normal... I have another open post looking at it.. I suspect it’s an I’d clash on the ve.direct bus.. but that’s me... if yours is going off completely losing everything including the console... is the display working on the front? If so the GX is working... this should mean you can remote console in.. if you cannot, check network. If you can it sounds similar to my issue.. first thing to check is the cabling.. particularly the ve.direct cables... also check the terminals on the solar charger... my last unit came with the connections inserted too deep and clamped on the insulation which gave an intermittent battery connection... result was the charger rebooted randomly and each time the negotiations with the GX ended up with something going missing.... fixed that and now the problem is only every couple of months..

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