9. Configuration
This section is intended mainly for stand-alone applications
For grid connected Energy Storage Systems (ESS) please see https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ess:start
Settings may only be changed by a suitable qualified installer with the appropriate training, and subject to local requirements. Please contact Victron for further information or necessary training.
Read the instructions thoroughly before implementing changes.
During setting of the charger, the AC input must be removed.
9.1. Standard settings: ready for use
On delivery, the product is set to standard factory values. In general, these settings are suitable for single-unit operation.
Warning
Possibly, the standard battery charging voltage is not suitable for your batteries! Refer to the manufacturer's documentation, or to your battery supplier!
Standard factory settings
Setting | 24 V / 48 V |
Inverter frequency | 50 Hz |
Input frequency range | 45 – 65 Hz |
Input voltage range | 180 – 265 VAC |
Inverter voltage | 230 VAC |
Stand-alone / parallel / 3-phase | stand-alone |
AES (Automatic Economy Switch) | off |
Ground relay | on |
Charger on / off | on |
Battery charge curve | four-stage adaptive with BatterySafe mode |
Charging current | 100% of the maximum charging current |
Battery type | Victron Gel Deep Discharge (also suitable for Victron AGM Deep Discharge) |
Automatic equalisation charging | off |
Absorption voltage | 28.8 V / 57.6 V |
Absorption time | up to 8 hours (depending on bulk time) |
Float voltage | 27.6 V / 55.2 V |
Storage voltage | 26.4 V / 52.8 V (not adjustable) |
Repeated absorption time | 1 hour |
Absorption repeat interval | 7 days |
Bulk protection | on |
AC input current limit | 32A for 3kVA model and 50A for 5kVA model (= adjustable current limit for PowerControl and PowerAssist functions) |
UPS feature | on |
Dynamic current limiter | off |
WeakAC | off |
BoostFactor | 2 |
Programmable relay | alarm function |
PowerAssist | on |
9.2. Explanation of settings
Settings that are not self-explanatory are described briefly below. For further information, please refer to the help files in the software configuration programs.
Inverter frequency
Output frequency if no AC is present at the input.
Adjustability: 50 Hz; 60 Hz
Input frequency range
Input frequency range accepted. The product synchronises within this range with the AC input frequency. The output frequency is then equal to the input frequency.
Adjustability: 45 – 65 Hz; 45 – 55 Hz; 55 – 65 Hz
Input voltage range
Voltage range accepted. The product synchronises within this range with the AC input. The output voltage is then equal to the input voltage.
Adjustability:
Lower limit: 180 – 230 V
Upper limit: 230 – 270 V
Note : the standard lower limit setting of 180V is intended for connection to a weak mains supply, or to a generator with unstable AC output. This setting may result in a system shut down when connected to a 'brushless, self excited, externally voltage regulated, synchronous AC generator' (synchronous AVR generator). Most generators rated at 10kVA or more are synchronous AVR generators. The shut down is initiated when the generator is stopped and revs down while the AVR simultaneously 'tries' to keep the output voltage of the generator at 230V.
The solution is to increase the lower limit setting to 210VAC (the output of AVR generators is generally very stable), or to disconnect the product from the generator when a generator stop signal is given (with help of an AC contactor installed in series with the generator).
Inverter voltage
Output voltage in battery operation.
Adjustability: 210 – 245 V
Stand-alone / parallel operation / 2-3 phase setting
Using multiple devices, it is possible to:
increase total inverter power (several devices in parallel)
create a split-phase system with a separate autotransformer: see VE autotransformer datasheet and manual
create a 3-phase system.
The standard product settings are for a single device in stand alone operation.
AES (Automatic Economy Switch)
If this setting is turned 'on', the power consumption in no-load operation and with low loads is decreased by approx. 20%, by slightly 'narrowing' the sinusoidal voltage. Applicable in stand-alone configuration only.
Search Mode
Instead of the AES mode, the search mode can also be chosen. If search mode is 'on', the power consumption in no-load operation is decreased by approx. 70%. In this mode the product, when operating in inverter mode, is switched off in case of no load or very low load, and switches on every two seconds for a short period. If the output current exceeds a set level, the inverter will continue to operate. If not, the inverter will shut down again.
The Search Mode 'shut down' and 'remain on' load levels can be set with VEConfigure.
The default settings are:
Action | Threshold |
Shut down | 40 Watt (linear load) |
Turn on | 100 Watt (linear load) |
Ground relay (see appendix B)
With this relay, the neutral conductor of the AC output is grounded to the chassis when the back feed safety relays are open. This ensures the correct operation of earth leakage circuit breakers in the output. If required an external ground relay can be connected (for a split-phase system with a separate autotransformer). See appendix A.
Battery charge algorithm
The standard setting is 'Four-stage adaptive with BatterySafe mode'.
This is the recommended charge algorithm for lead acid batteries. See the help files in the software configuration programs for other features.
Battery type
The standard setting is the most suitable for Victron Gel Deep Discharge, Gel Exide A200, and tubular plate stationary batteries (OPzS). This setting can also be used for many other batteries: e.g. Victron AGM Deep Discharge and other AGM batteries, and many types of flat-plate flooded batteries.
With VEConfigure the charge algorithm can be adjusted to charge any battery type (Nickel Cadmium batteries, Lithium-ion batteries)
Absorption time
In case of the standard setting 'Four-stage adaptive with BatterySafe mode' the absortion time depends on the bulk time (adaptive charge curve), so that the battery is optimally charged.
9.2.1. Equalisation
Traction batteries require regular additional charging. In the equalisation mode, the product will charge with increased voltage for one hour (4V for a 48V battery). The charging current is then limited to 1/4 of the set value.
Important
Equalisation mode supplies a higher charging voltage than most DC consuming devices can cope with. These devices must be disconnected before additional charging takes place.
Automatic equalisation charging
This setting is intended for flooded tubular plate traction or OPzS batteries. During absorption the voltage limit increases to 2,83V/cell (68V for a 48V battery) once the charge current has tapered down to less than 10% of the set maximum current.
See 'tubular plate traction battery charge curve' in VEConfigure.
Storage voltage, Repeated Absorption Time, Absorption Repeat Interval
See Appendix E.
Bulk Protection
When this setting is 'on', the bulk charging time is limited to 10 hours. A longer charging time could indicate a system error (e.g. a battery cell short-circuit).
AC input current limit
These are the current limit settings for which PowerControl and PowerAssist come into operation.
AC input current limit range with PowerAssist setting enabled:
3kVA models from 3,7 A minimum to 32 A maximum
5kVA models from 5.7 A minimum to 50 A maximum
Factory setting: the maximum value.
UPS feature
If this setting is 'on' and AC on the input fails, the product switches to inverter operation practically without interruption.
The output voltage of some small generator sets is too unstable and distorted for using this setting – the product would continually switch to inverter operation. For this reason, the setting can be turned off. The product will then respond less quickly to AC input voltage deviations. The switchover time to inverter operation is consequently slightly longer, but most equipment (most computers, clocks or household equipment) is not adversely impacted.
Recommendation: Turn the UPS feature off if the product fails to synchronise, or continually switches back to inverter operation.
This setting is also often used for 'classical' generators that respond slowly to sudden load variation.
Dynamic current limiter
Intended for generators, the AC voltage being generated by means of a static inverter (so-called 'inverter' generators). In these generators, engine rpm is reduced in case of low load: this reduces noise, fuel consumption and pollution. A disadvantage is that the output voltage will drop severely or even completely fail in the event of a sudden load increase. More load can only be supplied after the engine is up to speed.
If this setting is 'on', the device will start supplying extra power at a low generator output level and gradually allow the generator to supply more, until the set current limit is reached. This allows the generator engine to get up to speed.
This setting is also often used for 'classical' generators that respond slowly to sudden load variation.
Weak AC
Strong distortion of the input voltage can result in the charger hardly operating or not operating at all. If WeakAC is set, the charger will also accept a strongly distorted voltage, at the cost of greater distortion of the input current.
Recommendation : Turn WeakAC on if the charger is hardly charging or not charging at all (which is quite rare!). Also turn on the dynamic current limiter simultaneously, and reduce the maximum charging current to prevent overloading the generator if necessary.
Note: when WeakAC is on, the maximum charge current is reduced by approximately 20%.
BoostFactor This value adjusts the PowerAssist behaviour. If you are experiencing issues with PowerAssist (e.g. overload), please consult with a specialist trained by Victron Energy before attempting to modify.
Programmable relay
The relay can be programmed for all kinds of other applications, for example as a starter relay for a generator.
Auxiliary AC output (AC-out-2)
Intended for non-critical loads. Default behaviour only allows AC-out-2 after a 30 second delay when AC input is detected. A Current measurement circuit enables PowerAssist. Override programming for more control of this relay is possible.
9.3. Inverter/Charger
For more information regarding the configuration of the Inverter/Charger component of the EasySolar-II GX, please see the MultiPlus-II manuals
Full programming functionality of the Inverter/charger requires the use of a laptop computer with VEConfigure. Limited configuration is possible with the VictronConnect app.
9.4. SmartSolar MPPT 250/70 charge controller
The Solar Charger is configured using VictronConnect. The easiest method of connecting to the Solar Charger part is via Bluetooth. This works for Android, iOS and macOS. Bluetooth connection is not currently supported for Windows.
When required to use Windows, unplug the VE.Direct cable from the Solar Charger, and use a VE.Direct USB interface cable to your Windows laptop. Once completed, reconnect the VE.Direct cable that runs between the internal GX device and the Solar Charger.
For the complete documentation for the MPPT included inside the EasySolar-II GX, please refer to these documents: