Monitoring and Control Questions:
I am starting to realize that some of the Victron equipment adds up in cost and the monitoring part is quite large. It looks like the REC BMS has is own PC monitoring software which uses a certain cable and Wakespeed has a bluetooth app. I expect this software simply shows battery SOC and cells with no history or indication of charging sources etc and the Wakespeed app sets up the parameters.
So I thought that initially as well, then I started adding up all the bits and pieces, and the cost differential was a lot lower than it looks like on paper, and it's something that "just works" with no muss or fuss. The cerbo gives you 3x VE.Direct, the equivalent of a MK3-USB (for the VE.Bus equipment) two CAN Bus interfaces, 2 dry contact relay controls, 4 tank inputs, 4 temperature inputs, and 4 digital outputs. All of it packaged into a nice rugged compact case that just works(tm). To get equivalent functionality out of a Raspberry Pi would be a lot messier and really not that much cheaper, especially if you factor in the cost of the time it would take to put all of it together.
Using available device software I think you would need Victron Connect on your phone or PC, using Bluetooth for Solar and DC-DC Charger. The Wakespeed bluetooth app is separate and so is the Rec software. Perhaps a couple of smartshunts using Victron Connect with bluetooth would complete the monitering. If this system can be used effectively, it would be less expensive, but I kind wonder about having so many separate apps.
In my integrated system, I only needed the relevant bits of software (Wakespeed and REC) for the initial configuration. After that, it's all monitored through the Victron system, and online through VRM. I'm sitting here at home on my couch, and I can quickly check on my boat, not just the power system, but also bilge levels, fuel level, and in the future the levels on my potable water and holding tanks. I can also remotely turn my inverter/charger off, so the day before I head out, I can kick the system out of "storage mode", fully charge my batteries, and have a tank of hot water for that night.
Using Victron there is also an inexpensive Raspberry_pi alternative which requires: a compatible touch screen, Victron Energy VE.Direct to USB Interface ($25) using Victron OS (opensource software) to connect the Victron SmartShunt 500A ($125) and other Victron devices with VE.Direct. This would eliminate need to purchase of Victron Cerbo GX ($340) and GXtouch 50 ($200) Screen (GX product range). I'd like to monitor the energy flow between:
You'll also need a CANBus inteface to talk to the REC and Wakespeed, you'll need a power adapter to go from 14V to the raspberry pi, you'll want a touchscreen for the raspberry pi, a case to hold it all.
Yes, new version of both the Victron software and the Wakespeed firmware allow monitoring of the alternator from within VenusOS.
- Wakespeed WS500 - how can the Canbus information be accessed?
- REC BMS LFP Battery - how can the Canbus information be accessed? Add a Smartshunt too?
Connected via CAN Bus, it just shows up as a battery fully integrated into the Victron ecosystem. I have a smart shunt in my system because I'm an instrument geek, and had the money to add it as a toy. It monitors the power drawn by my DC house loads.
I pretty much never use the bluetooth app, I probably could have gone with the BlueSolar product instead and saved myself the $35
- (2) SmartSolar 75/15 - Bluetooth app and via VE.Direct port
In my case, I can remotely control it with the relay outputs from my victron system. It would be nice if there was VE.Direct, but there isn't.
- Orion TR Smart DC-DC 12/12 30 - Bluetooth app only, Victron Connect does no show current in or out
My monitoring of the starter battery is largely complete overkill, it spends its entire life on the float. I mostly use it because I won an auction that I didn't expect to.
- SFA Battery (perhaps) - add a Smartshunt?
It's also a lot messier, takes up more room, and faces potential reliability options. It's definitely a way to go, but I'd rather just spend the extra $300 or so to go with the off-the-shelf product.
- The difference is that there would be $29 VE.Direct to USB cables running all over, rather than using Bluetooth or Wifi.