Generator autor restart on 'ac not detected at input alarm'

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

I have a generator into the ac in of my multiplus which on occasions triggerers an overload protection it has internally and has to be manually reseted with a button. note there is no overload beinbg made, the protection is faulty and the generator tech service told me something i wont say here.

Anyway, when I am away and I receive the ‘ac not detected at input alarm’ i manually turn of the generator through the app and then back on, which resets the overload protection.

Is there any way to trigger automatically a generator stop and start (maybe for a given amount of retries) when this alarm is produced?

2

Welcome to the Forum seeker :waving_hand:
You can regulate the generator’s input current and thereby reduce its load. If you have an enclosed generator, its continuous load is reduced anyway compared to an open installation.
Where and how do you use the generator… do you have any other Victron components… e.g., a Gx or Digital Multi Control?

3

Hi. thanks for the welcome. I know about the input current limit. I have it set to 19A. the generator is 7000W at 230v. AS stated the issue is not of overload, some other issue is triggering the overload protection. but with no support from the manufacturer i am looking for something to overcome this issue for now.

Yes I have a couple of mppt and all controlled by a first gen cerbo gx.

The generator is set up outside and started manually over the app by myself

4

Am I understanding correctly… You HAVE TO reset the overload protection on the generator MANUALLY… it doesn’t happen automatically?

Because these two things don’t fit together… : :thinking:

“… it has internally and has to be manually reseted with a button”
and
“… through the app and then back on, which resets the overload protection”

5

Ok, if started with Cerbo you can program a warm up and cool down time and many other cool stuff

Give a try with less than 19A…normale the MP has a soft ramp

What is the COP power of the genest?

Is it a Inverter genset oder classical?

6

Of cause, Cerbo relay 1 is programmable for genset start/stop

7

Yes that is exactly correct. It has a multi info panel with a red led that lights up when the generator overload protection is triggered. to reset it you press a button on said panel. also if under overvoltage protection you stop the generator, the panel is turned off and the protection aswell, when started again it start without the protection triggered. it is obviously faster to push the button but yu have to be there, were as remotely I am at least able to stop and start it to reset it

8

if the warm up and cool down is the soft ramp I have that selected in the multiplus since the beginning, if this is something else could you please explain a bit or point me in the direction where I can search about it..

It is an inverter generator with 7500W power, 7200W COP single phase

9

yes I use relay 1 in the cerbo to trigger the generator start stop, but this only offers me manual start stop or programable based on battery level, time etc etc. (Which I do use). What I would need is during any event that has the generator started (manually or automatic) if a generator not detected alarm is triggered, to initiate a stop-start sequence. Somewhat similar as you can reset the cerbo in case of lost connection but with the generator in case it looses ac connection to the inverter.

(Also could be usefull if you have some kind of auto-reset differential between gen and inverter)

10

What brand / model did you have?

11

its called genergy creta sol…not that I recommend it at all obviously. GENERADOR CRETA SOL 7500W | Genergy 🥇

12

Okay, a temperamental Spanish generator.

Just so I understand correctly, because my English isn’t very good: (German ↔ Spanish). After starting, the generator shows overload on the display. You have to press the reset button for it to supply power again.

According to the manual, it is an inverter generator.

Please set ECO mode to OFF.

Then try again with, for example, a 10 A input current limit.

I can’t quite remember: do you start the generator with the remote control or does the Cerbo start the generator?

What have you set in VE.Comfigure or Victron Connect?

I would also switch ON the dynamic current limit if necessary.

It should work by then at the latest.

And one more very important note at the end:

All of these portable generators form an IT network and not a TT or TN network (please google IT, TT, TN).

This means they have no bridge between the PE and N conductors.

However, this is essential for the RCD to work properly after the Multiplus if it is powered by the generator. Please also remember the grounding rod. In stand-alone operation, multiplus forms this bridge itself with the grounding relay. Further information can be found in the Multiplus manual.

If all this is Greek to you, please consult a qualified electrician

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13

Ill try to answer everything you suggested.

Tests have been made with eco both on and off, issue with both. currently in off.

The issue happens with a current limit set to 15Ah, not sure if lowering it to 10A would make a difference as the generator is theoretically max of around 30Ah but if you think i will try. wouldnt want to have bought a 7000W generator to only be able to get 2300W out of it anyway.

I am starting the generatos with a cerbo relay it is a close contact to start generator,no remote controler.

dinamic current limit has always been set. I have read there is a soft ramp up and down dependant on a firmware version I have currently not updated to. I am going to try this also.

Generator Gnd is wired to the multiplus GND lug and tthere is a grounding rod.

my english isnt perfect either but it is better than my german.

thank you very much