Grid Fallback automatic with ESS

DIY
1

Hi,
my Victron system equipped with Multiplus was running so far in" Island mode " considering the grid as an external generator triggered by SOC level or overload on one phase. Works fine, but when grid relay connexion was triggered, the inverters systematically switch in charger mode.

I have recently updated the firmware to run it with latest ESS with permanent connexion to grid without feeding excess back to grid. I works fine but globally, there is an additional dayly consumption of around 5 KW compared to previous installation.
I read that it is possible to modify the ESS set-up by selecting “Grid Fallback” in VE Config instead of permanent grid connexion. With this mode, the grid would only be connected when one phase is overloaded (power assist) or when the SOC limit is reached without switching the inverter in charger mode . The grid could also be connected during off-peak low tarif to recharge the battery during night if required.
Can somebody confirm this way of operating and the set-up to be applied in VE config.
Thanks
JM

2

you don’t need an ESS assistant for this, but the virtual switch … (in the menu in befor that) … you have to deactivate it so that you can activate the ESS assistant … and configure it as a grid with condition …

3

Thank you for the answer. Sorry but I am not a professional. If I understand it well, I should

  1. Select virtual switch tab

  2. Select one option into the list
    for example “Dedicated AC Input”.

For what I intend to do, can you be more specific?
In particular, what should be selected to maintain ESS feature in case of overload Power Assist for a single phase only without trigering the charger mode?
Is it possible also to keep the ESS option to program the recharge of the battery during off-peak hours?
Thank you,
JM

4

To cut a long story short …
If you want to use an assistant … whether ESS or others … you MUST deactivate the virtual switch …
With ESS you are always connected to the network … But here you can control the behaviour via external controls … NodeRed, for example.
With the virtual switch you can select when the Multi should connect to the network and when it should not …
Read the instructions and try out the behaviour with a load