VE.Bus BMS V2 does not power up with Cerbo GX & no Multiplus

DIY
, , ,
1

Hi

I have a VE.Bus BMS V2, a Cerbo GX Mk2 and a Smart Battery which want get running.

The devices are connected as depicted in the first graph:

v01
v011208×1604 130 KB

This graph was taken from the VE.Bus BMS manual and the MultiPlus deleted, because I don’t have a MultiPlus in the setup.

Result: neither VE.Bus BMS nor Cerbo started.

As next step, I used the AUX port at the VE.Bus BMS and connected it to Battery plus. Orange line in the 2nd graph This shall substitute the optional AC-DC power supply as it is described in the manual.

v02
v021196×1606 139 KB

Result: Cerbo starts nominally, but VE.Bus BMS still does not.

What is wrong here? Why does the VE.Bus BMS not start?

Thanks a lot for any support!

Kay

2

It is in the manual in a highlighted notice, Section 3.2. I know of a workaround, I will add a follow up post when I find it.

Notice

Note that the BMS does not have a battery negative connection. This is because the BMS obtains battery negative from the VE.Bus. As such, the BMS cannot be used without a VE.Bus Inverter/charger or a VE.Bus inverter.

3

Links to get the VE Bus BMS Mk2 to work without an inverter.

4

The question is why you have the VE.Bus BMS if you don’t have a MultiPlus?
It’s literally designed for systems with a MultiPlus/Quattro.

@pwfarnell But does that work around also enable the BMS control of MPPTs etc over the GX device?

1 Like
5

Matthias, I do not know for sure. ATC and ATD should still be OK. DVCC control of MPPTs and Orions will depend on how the coms from BMS to Cerbo GX work without the inverter. We would need feedback from Victron and or users who have done this.

6

Note the caveats listed above if you are relying on DVCC to control charging by MPPT or Orion chargers. Once the system is connected and working and DVCC set up, disconnect the comms cable from the BMS, the BMS should shut down charging.

7

Thank you both!

@pwfarnell OK, I will check the Pin 3 solution

@M_Lange VE.Bus BMS seemed to be more capable (VE.Bus at all, GX connectivity etc), than the SmallBMS or SmartBMS. I did not expect that it so much dependent on the MultiPlus et al.
The complete system is more than the one in the graphs. It contains 3x SmartBattery 200 A, a Smart IP charger and optional MPPT charger.