Victron Pylontech Compatibility: Setup Guide and Troubleshooting

Key Takeaways

• CAN-bus communication is essential for Victron GX devices to manage Pylontech batteries.
• All Victron components, especially GX devices and inverters, require specific minimum firmware versions.
• Correct VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS cabling and termination are critical for communication.
• Specific settings in the GX device (DVCC) and VEConfigure software are necessary for proper operation.

How do I connect Victron and Pylontech batteries for reliable operation?

Connecting Victron Energy equipment with Pylontech lithium batteries requires careful attention to firmware versions, cabling, and specific configuration settings. The most common cause of compatibility issues is incorrect CAN-bus communication setup or outdated firmware. The first step is always to ensure all components meet the minimum firmware requirements and that the CAN-bus cable is correctly installed and terminated.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to diagnose common compatibility issues between Victron and Pylontech systems.

1. Check Victron GX Device Firmware:

• • Observation: Your GX device (e.g., Cerbo GX) shows an error or does not detect the Pylontech battery.
  • Meaning: The GX device firmware may be too old.
  • Action: Verify the firmware version. For new systems, the minimum required is v2.42. Legacy systems may operate on v2.15 or later. Update if necessary.

2. Verify Pylontech Battery Visibility:

• • Observation: The Pylontech battery is not listed in the GX device's connected devices.
  • Meaning: This can indicate incorrect CAN-bus cabling, an unpowered Pylontech system, or a firmware mismatch.
  • Action: Ensure the Pylontech master battery is powered on. Proceed to check cabling and DIP switch settings.

3. Inspect CAN-bus Cabling and Termination:

• • Observation: Communication errors persist despite correct firmware.
  • Meaning: The CAN-bus cable might be incorrect, improperly connected, or missing termination.
  • Action: Confirm you are using the correct Victron VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS cable (Type A or B, depending on your Pylontech model). Ensure the cable is plugged into the Pylontech CAN port of the master battery and the GX device's VE.Can port. Verify a VE.Can terminator is installed in the other VE.Can socket on the GX device.

4. Check Pylontech DIP Switch Settings:

• • Observation: Battery communication is intermittent or non-existent.
  • Meaning: Incorrect DIP switch settings on the Pylontech master battery can prevent proper communication.
  • Action: Ensure the Pylontech master battery's DIP switches are set to 000, unless you are using an LV-Hub.

5. Review GX Device DVCC Settings:

• • Observation: The system is not charging or discharging as expected, or alarms related to voltage limits appear.
  • Meaning: Dynamic Voltage and Current Control (DVCC) settings may be misconfigured.
  • Action: In the GX device settings, ensure DVCC is set to ON. Shared Voltage Sense and Shared Temperature Sense should be OFF.

Cause/fix table section

Victron Pylontech System Configuration

Proper configuration of your Victron and Pylontech system involves ensuring all components have the correct firmware, wiring the CAN-bus communication correctly, and setting specific parameters in both the Pylontech battery and Victron software.

Firmware Requirements

It is critical that all Victron devices have the minimum required firmware for seamless communication with Pylontech batteries.

Wiring the CAN-bus Communication

The Victron GX device communicates with the Pylontech battery management system (BMS) via a CAN-bus connection. This connection transmits critical data such as keep-alive signals, charge and discharge limits, error codes, and State of Charge (SOC %).

1. Select the Correct Cable:

• • For Pylontech US2000C/D, US3000C, UP5000, US5000, US5000B, and Force-L models, use the Victron VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS type A Cable, part number ASS030710018.
  • For Pylontech US2000, US3000, and UP2500 models, use the Victron VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS type B Cable, part number ASS030720018.

2. Connect to Pylontech Master Battery: Plug the communication cable, specifically the side labeled "Battery BMS", into the Pylontech CAN port of the master battery. If you have multiple Pylontech battery modules, connect them together using the RJ-45 cables supplied by Pylontech via their link ports to form a single large battery system.
3. Connect to GX Device: Plug the side of the cable labeled "Victron VE.Can" into one of the VE.Can ports on your GX device.
4. Terminate the CAN-bus: Plug a VE.Can terminator into the other unused VE.Can socket on the GX device. This ensures proper signal integrity on the CAN-bus network.

Pylontech DIP Switch Settings

Ensure the DIP switches on your Pylontech master battery are correctly configured for communication with the Victron GX device. Set the DIP switches to 000, unless your system specifically requires an LV-Hub for parallel battery configurations.

Victron GX Device Settings

Configure your GX device to properly manage the Pylontech battery.

1. DVCC (Dynamic Voltage and Current Control):

• • Navigate to Settings -> DVCC on your GX device.
  • Set DVCC to ON.
  • Set Shared Voltage Sense to OFF.
  • Set Shared Temperature Sense to OFF.
  • The Limit managed battery charge voltage setting should generally be OFF. Only enable it if you are experiencing persistent "High Voltage" or "Internal Error" alarms related to cell imbalance, as it can help the batteries balance.

2. CAN-bus Profile:

• • In the GX device settings, configure the CAN-bus profile for the BMS-Can port.
  • Select CAN-bus BMS (500 kbit/s).

VEConfigure Settings (for Multi, MultiPlus, MultiGrid, Quattro)

For Victron inverter/chargers, use VEConfigure software to apply specific settings.

1. General Tab:

• • Ensure Enable battery monitor is checked.
  • Set Battery capacity to the total capacity of your Pylontech battery bank (e.g., 50Ah multiplied by the number of US2000 modules).

2. Charger Tab:

• • Set Battery type to Lithium.
  • Set Charge curve to Fixed.
  • For 48V Pylontech models, set Absorption voltage to 52.0 V.
  • For 48V Pylontech models, set Float voltage to 51.0 V.
  • Set Absorption time to 1 Hr.

3. Inverter Tab:

• • For 48V Pylontech models, set DC input low shut-down to 44V.
  • For 48V Pylontech models, set DC input low restart to 48V.
  • For 48V Pylontech models, set DC input low pre-alarm to 48V (this setting can be adjusted based on preference).

4. ESS Assistant:

• • Select the Externally managed Lithium battery option.
  • Set Sustain voltage to 48V.
  • Set Dynamic cut-off values to 46V for all values.
  • The Restart offset should remain at its Default value of 1.2V.

VE.Direct MPPT Charger Settings (using VictronConnect)

For VE.Direct MPPT chargers, configure settings via VictronConnect.

1. Set Battery voltage to 48V.
2. Set Absorption voltage to 52V.

For MPPT RS chargers, set Remote Mode to Remote on/off.

Safety: Lithium Battery Considerations

Pylontech lithium batteries have internal protection mechanisms, but understanding their limits is crucial for safe operation.

• Voltage Protection: The battery's protection system will activate if the discharge voltage drops to 44.5V or less. Similarly, if the charging voltage exceeds 54V, battery protection will engage.
• Temperature Limits: Pylontech batteries have specific operating temperature ranges. The working discharge temperature range is -10 to 50 degrees Celsius. The charging temperature range is 0 to 50 degrees Celsius. Charging outside this range can damage the battery and is restricted by the BMS.
• Current Limits: The battery has an over-charge and over-discharge current limit of 102A for 15 seconds, 200A for 0.1 seconds, and a 400A short circuit current. Exceeding these limits can trigger internal protection.
• General Electrical Safety: When working with battery systems, always disconnect all power sources (PV, grid, battery) before making or breaking connections. Use insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits, as a short across a battery bank can release hundreds of amps instantly.

When to call a technician instead

While many compatibility issues can be resolved with careful configuration, some situations warrant professional assistance. If you encounter persistent errors after verifying all firmware, wiring, and settings, or if you are uncomfortable performing electrical work, contact a qualified solar technician. Complex system integrations, issues that may void your warranty, or problems that require opening sealed Victron or Pylontech units should always be handled by authorized service personnel.