Super noob question, bare with me.
I have an easysolar 24/3000/70 and a 2kw non inverter generator that I occasionally use to top the batteries up after a cloudy day.
I’ve limited charging to 35amp and, apart when the fridge kicks in, it runs very steadily and happy.
Problem arises when I use the washing machine or the 3d printer during those cloudy days as the generator starts pulsing up and down quite loudly, giving the idea that is gonna fall apart any moment.
I know, is a small generator for my 9k system…
And I can do washing on a sunny day no dramas…
The 3d printer tho I would love to let it run for those long hours prints without worrying about the batteries.
Is there a setting in the multiplus that could help alleviate the pulsing problem or should I simply upgrade to a bigger inverter generator?
Wondering if I’m missing a simple software solution here that would help me save money from upgrading my equipment.
Thanks for your time 
Gab
What kind of battery technology are you using?
If you are using a 2kw generator, you can set your input current limit to a maximum of 10A!
It will never manage 35A and will therefore run at its absolute limit!
Have 8 SBS 190f in a 24v configuration.
It manages very nice? pumping less than 1kw for chargin and another 400/500 foor what I’m using in the house.
I had it cranking 40+ no worries?
Topping the batteries religiously once they reach 24.4v
It could be due to the motor management of the washing machine. If an inverter motor with speed control is installed here, the extremely short current pulses can cause the toroidal core of the Easysolar to build up and the generator simply regulates up and down via the normal AVR control. The electronic transformer from the 3D printer could cause this itself.
How far can you reduce the input current limitation?
And what exactly do you mean by “I had it cranking 40+ no worries?”
I didn’t try limit it more, I might give it a go and set it to what you reckon? 10A?
Before I set the limit in the multi (I think the standard value is 50?) I had the generator pumping 40/42 amps in the batteries for the first few minutes of charging, using the whole 2k+ of the generator, that’s what I meant.
You think that a bigger generator with inverter technology would solve my problem if there is no solution with what I am using now?
Thanks for your time bud
You could first try increasing the AC voltage of the Easysolar. This means that the generator does not need to readjust so quickly because you then reduce the required current.
The generator can only supply 2000W. At 230V at the input, that is only around 8 amps.
However, as the Easysolar could charge with 3kw, it always forces the generator to its limit.
In any case, an inverter would be a solution because the carburetor is not mechanically regulated and therefore cannot fluctuate.
Hi
The the Dynamic current limiter setting might help.
see the “2.1 Dynamic current limiter” section in the link below.
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/multiplus_faq
Dynamic current limiter didn’t do anything unfortunatelly, I think it works with inverter generators only? I could be wrong.
I reduced the amps on the charger to 10A and the pulsing intensity was reduced but not eliminated… same slight pulse that the multi has when I run the printer on batteries exclusively.
How much should I try increase the voltage on the multi @Netrange ?
Cheers
Do you have an additional remote to limit the AC input-Current (like a Digital Multi Control GX)?
what @Netrange means with the Limit is not the Charge Current (here you can set a higher value, depends on your batteries maximum charge current)
You should set the AC1 input Limit to around 7A (2000W with 80% load) 8A would also work but let your generator run near max. Load.
Important: We are all Talking about AC-Current Limitation (not Charging Current)
Yes, I needed that clarification thank you!
Done a lot of research lately and feel a bit overwhelmed.
Makes total sense, I was mixing the two things and couldn’t understand why I had to limit charging so low when it was working pretty good at 40A charging.
I will put that back (maybe 35A) and limit AC input as you suggested to 7.
I have a (CC)GX installed in the easysolar, that is considered a remote right? Should I change things there too?
Thank you
In this document you can read more about Power Assist and its funtionality
your CCGX acts as Remote like on my first question. so the value you are setting in the Multi ist “almost” useless.
You can set your AC current limit in the CCGX
- go to the menu there you should seen your Multi and all other connected devices
- go into your Multiplus
- on the i Belive 3rd. row from top you should be able to set your AC-Current limit
In order to get the “max” out of your Generator i would recommend 7A if the problems dont get better maybe try 5-6A so the Generator has a bit more headroom for regulating. (but 7A should be fine)
The charge current can be set to 40A if your battery banks is capable of it. In theory you can go up to 67A then your ac input Limit is at his max. value. if you put in 70A then your AC-Limit is Limiting the charge current at its max. capability.
But as said before your max. Charge Current shuld not be higher as the battery manufacturer is recomending.
Had a good read and few things clarified, just wanted to thank whoever responded as helped clear some clutter.
I’ve tried to limit the AC current in but when I run the printer the generator doesn’t even connect anymore, just keeps clicking trying to.
I will leave the limit on tho for the generators sake and run the printer and washing machine on battery exclusively.
I think it’s time to upgrade the genny to a suitable size, is way too small