I know this has been addressed regularly, but wondering if there is an update to VE connect / firmware / Cerbo options that have a different answer before I going digging myself…
Is it possible to have the generator start regularly WITHOUT the Q2 switching over to it, yet it still being able to start the generator and switch to it when particular SOC is reached?
For this, should generator be used on AC IN 2?
If Generator has to be on AC IN 1 - is there a way of achieving the desired result?
Test Case Scenario:
2 x Quattro 2 48v 5KW in parallel
Connected to 240v Grid
Single Phase 6KW Generator for backup
Thank you in advance
OGPS
(Ed @ Off-Grid Power Systems - offgridps.com)
2
Either AC input will work. You could use one of the Virtual Switch configurations (using VE.config) and have it ignore AC input until a SOC condition is reached. If you have a Cerbo GX then use it to control the generator since it’s easier to configure in my opinion.
Have you personally used AC 2 as an input and had the Quattro 2 detect and accept the current?
This site the Q2 / Cerbo will not detect any voltage.
I note the latest manual:
Q3: Can I use ESS with a generator?
A: Yes you can. Note that the only installation type where that makes sense is a land based installation (no boat, and no vehicle). A Quattro must be used with AC input 1 connected to the generator, and AC input 2 connected to the grid. The role of the generator will be to provide power during a long grid failure.
I don’t want to rewire the site to AC1 Generator input if there is a seperate issue…
Generator is an Old Silenced Kubota 9KVA
AC1: Have turned LOM off, Weak Voltage is checked (UPS can not be unchecked with ESS assistant).
TIA
OGPS
(Ed @ Off-Grid Power Systems - offgridps.com)
4
No. I’m in the USA where ESS is not supported by Victron and not allowed by the utilities. (Victron doesn’t provide grid codes for North America not does it have the requisite UL listings to do so). And, Victron only offers ONE Quattro-II product for use in North America and it’s for mobile use where ESS isn’t used anyway. But, I have used generators on the AC2 input with Quattros in off-grid situations.
Generally, to use generators that output dirty power you usually need to enable “Weak AC” in the inverter section of VEconfigure and disable UPS. In your initial post you didn’t mention anything about running ESS and I didn’t think about UPS mode being forced on in ESS. I have installed ESS systems but they are very rare in the USA - unfortunately. I have an ESS configuration in my shop, but it’s running on MultiPlus-II and not Quattros, so I can’t play around with ESS settings across multiple inputs. Perhaps someone else here outside of the USA can offer more guidance.