Help understanding victron data

[aperikub]

Hello !

I have an EasySolar II-GX 3000VA 24V 250/70 with two LiFePO4 25.6v 100Ah batteries and 1200Wc solar panels.

Last night a few things happened that I don't really understand, I plugged an AC input around 17h (5h PM), at this time it seems the MPPT was ending Bulk phase, but the sun was almost down, I also plugged in a 2000w electrical heater.

First thing : around 17h20, the MPPT went into fault (Err 38) this default cuts solar power in order to prevent over-charging, from data it seems the mppt was going into absorption but went back to bulk before going into fault.

I've always been puzzled by the visible absence of communication between the Mppt and the Multiplus II (both parts of the Easysolar), when I plug in an AC input it seems to trigger a charge, no matter what the status of the mppt is...

Here are the readings :

Global for the night


Solar input around Fault



Solar/Battery around fault :



Battery around fault :


MPPT state :



My second issue : As visible on the first screenshot, it seems there was a tension surge at 3:33, from the AC readings it appears to have happened during a period of low consumption, any Idea what could cause this ?

Here are the readings:

AC consumption :


Battery :


Thanks!!!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Enable range values on your charts to ensure you're capturing the true peaks.

Hello !

I have an EasySolar II-GX 3000VA 24V 250/70 with two LiFePO4 25.6v 100Ah batteries and 1200Wc solar panels.

Last night a few things happened that I don't really understand, I plugged an AC input around 17h (5h PM), at this time it seems the MPPT was ending Bulk phase, but the sun was almost down, I also plugged in a 2000w electrical heater.

First thing : around 17h20, the MPPT went into fault (Err 38) this default cuts solar power in order to prevent over-charging, from data it seems the mppt was going into absorption but went back to bulk before going into fault.

I assume you have consulted the error code for guidance:

Err 38, Err 39 and Err 80 to Err 87 - PV Input shutdown​

When these errors show, the PV Input is internally shorted in order to protect the battery from over-charging.​

​

Prior to any other trouble shooting, make sure to update to the latest firmware version.​

​

Possible reasons for this error to occur:​

​

• The Battery voltage (12/24/36/48V) is set incorrectly. Use VictronConnect to set the right Battery Voltage.
• There is another device connected to the battery, which is configured to a higher voltage. For example a MultiPlus, configured to equalise at 17 Volts, while in the MPPT this is not configured.

Error recovery:​

​

• Error 38 and Errors 84 to 87: First disconnect the solar panels and disconnect the battery. Wait for 3 minutes, then reconnect the battery first and next the panels.
• Error 39: The charger will automatically resume operation once the battery voltage drops below its maximum voltage setting (normally Equalisation or Absorption voltages). It can also takes a minute to reset the fault.
• Errors 80 to 83: First disconnect the solar panels and disconnect the battery, then follow the reset procedure described here.

If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty.​

I've always been puzzled by the visible absence of communication between the Mppt and the Multiplus II (both parts of the Easysolar), when I plug in an AC input it seems to trigger a charge, no matter what the status of the mppt is...

Please elaborate on this. Your description is unclear. The MPPT and MP-II never communicate with each other. They both communicate with the GX device and the GX devices issues control parameters to the various connected devices using whatever rules are in place.

Default behavior of all Victron VE.Bus inverters is take AC input when present and pass it through to loads while using excess to charge. You must deliberately configure it to work otherwise.

Enable the "range values" slider for each chart. Without it you will fail to capture true max and min values.

Concerning the jump to 31V, the most common cause for over-voltage is LFP battery BMS charge protection events.

 

[aperikub]

Thanks for the answer ! In deed I read the error code details, but the battery voltage was set correctly, also the recovery steps worked all right.

What I meant by the "absence of communication" is if let's say the Smart Solar charged all day long and is half an hour into absorption, if I plug in the AC input, a new charge session will take place (Bulk-Abs-Float), I thought the GX would take the previous solar charge in consideration.

Concerning the jump to 31V, the most common cause for over-voltage is LFP battery BMS charge protection events.

Is it an issue ?

thanks!!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Thanks for the answer ! In deed I read the error code details, but the battery voltage was set correctly, also the recovery steps worked all right.

So absorption and float voltages are identical on both chargers?

What I meant by the "absence of communication" is if let's say the Smart Solar charged all day long and is half an hour into absorption, if I plug in the AC input, a new charge session will take place (Bulk-Abs-Float), I thought the GX would take the previous solar charge in consideration.

Your desired function would create multiple opportunities for UNdesirable situations and failed charging requiring a convoluted network of confirmations that would further cause complaint that Victron is too complicated. It would also be deemed unreliable. I'm not aware of any other ecosystem that behaves as you describe.

Victron's goal is maximum power availability/uptime, thus each charger executes their charges independently.

MPPT charging is potentially unreliable and variable - making it very diff

Is it an issue ?

Yes. at 32-33V, the inverter will shutdown due to over-voltage. The outcome is essentially identical to you cutting the cable between the batteries and charger, which is not good for the equipment.

Recommend:

Absorption 27.6V
Absorption time: 2 hours
Tail current: disabled
Float: 27.2V

Run like that for a couple weeks. This should allow the batteries some extra balance time and may improve to the point that the spike goes away with your old settings.

 

[740GLE]

Is there a shunt in the easy solar?

I wonder if the BMS of the battery went into protection mode and voltage spiked before the SCC could react.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Is there a shunt in the easy solar?

I strongly doubt it. It is not listed in the manual.

The Victron EasySolar-II GX integrates the following elements:

• A powerful MultiPlus-II inverter/charger
• A SmartSolar MPPT solar charge controller
• A GX device with a 2x 16 character display

These elements come prewired, and preconfigured together inside a single unit. This greatly simplifies most installations, saving time and money.

The inverter itself has current sensing and battery monitor features, and the GX can take the MPPT current data and feed it to the MP-II to improve the battery monitor accuracy. This is a feature of any GX device with connected MPPT, and is enabled by default, and can't be disabled... A shunt would be more accurate with better sync, but not by a huge amount during a discharge, when one would be most concerned.

I wonder if the BMS of the battery went into protection mode and voltage spiked before the SCC could react.

Concur.

 

[740GLE]

Sounds like a perfect reason to snag a 300a shunt and integrate it.