Victron and ZYC Energy Battery Compatibility Guide

Key Takeaways

• ZYC Energy batteries require a Victron GX device for communication and system integration.
• Communication between ZYC Energy batteries and Victron systems relies on the BMS-Can (CAN-bus) protocol.
• Ensure all Victron inverter/charger units and RS models have the specified minimum firmware versions.
• ZYC Energy battery firmware can be updated remotely through the Victron VRM portal, provided the GX device has internet access.

How do I connect ZYC Energy batteries to Victron systems?

Connecting ZYC Energy batteries to a Victron Energy system primarily requires a Victron GX device. This device acts as the central communication hub, using the BMS-Can (CAN-bus) connection to manage essential battery functions. The communication link is critical for the Victron system to receive charge and discharge limits, error codes, and the battery's state of charge from the ZYC Energy battery.

The BMS-Can connection speed is set to 500 kbit/s. This ensures proper data exchange between the battery and the Victron GX device.

Many Victron inverter/charger models are compatible with ZYC Energy batteries, including various Multiplus, Multiplus II, Quattro, Quattro II, RS Smart Solar, Multi RS Solar, and Easysolar II units. The specific compatibility can vary based on the system's configuration (single-phase, three-phase, on-grid, off-grid) and the number of units required.

Diagnosis: Troubleshooting Communication Issues

Communication issues between ZYC Energy batteries and Victron systems are often related to firmware, cabling, or GX device configuration. Follow these steps to diagnose common problems.

1. Check GX Device Connection:

• • Observable Check: Is the ZYC Energy battery physically connected to the BMS-Can port of a Victron GX device?
  • Meaning: A GX device is essential for communication. If not connected, the Victron system cannot receive battery data.

2. Verify CAN-Bus Speed:

• • Observable Check: Confirm the BMS-Can (CAN-bus) connection on your GX device is configured to 500 kbit/s.
  • Meaning: Incorrect speed settings will prevent proper data exchange.

3. Check Victron Firmware Versions:

• • Observable Check: Verify the firmware version of your Victron inverter/charger units. For VE.Bus models, check if the firmware is at least 469. For Inverter RS and Multi RS models, confirm the firmware is at least 1.16.
  • Meaning: Outdated firmware can lead to communication issues and prevent full compatibility.

4. Ensure Solar Charger Connection to GX Device:

• • Observable Check: If using a Victron Solar Charger, confirm it is connected to the GX device via VE.Direct or VE.Can.
  • Meaning: This connection is mandatory for the GX device to regulate charge currents and voltages from the solar charger based on battery data.

5. Check GX Device CAN-Bus Ports:

• • Observable Check: If you have multiple CAN-Bus devices (e.g., battery and solar charger), ensure your GX device has sufficient CAN-Bus ports. For example, a Color Control GX may not be suitable as it has fewer ports.
  • Meaning: Insufficient ports can prevent necessary connections, leading to communication failures. GX devices with two CAN-Bus ports are generally suitable for connecting both the battery and a solar charger.

Cause/fix table

Compatibility and Configuration Settings

Integrating ZYC Energy batteries with Victron Energy systems requires specific hardware, communication protocols, and firmware versions to ensure stable and efficient operation.

Required Hardware and Communication

A Victron GX device, such as a Cerbo GX, is essential for communication with ZYC Energy batteries. The GX device facilitates the exchange of critical information like charge and discharge limits, error codes, and state of charge via its BMS-Can (CAN-bus) connection. This connection is set to 500 kbit/s.

Victron Inverter/Charger Compatibility

ZYC Energy batteries are compatible with a wide range of 48V Victron inverter/charger models. The specific model and quantity required depend on your system's design (e.g., single-phase, three-phase, on-grid, off-grid). Examples of compatible models include:

• Multiplus 48V Series: Multiplus 48/500/6, Multiplus 48/800/9, Multiplus 48/1200/13, Multiplus 48/1600/20, Multiplus 48/2000/25, Multiplus 48/2000/25-50 120V, Multiplus 48/3000/35, Multiplus 48/5000/70.
• Multiplus II 48V Series: Multiplus II (GX) 48/3000/35-32, Multiplus II (GX) 48/5000/70-50, Multiplus II 120V 48/3000/35-50, Multiplus II 120V 48/5000/70-95, Multiplus II 48/3000/35-32, Multiplus II 48/5000/70-50, Multiplus II 48/8000/110-100, Multiplus II 48/10000/140-100, Multiplus II 48/15000/200-100.
• Quattro 48V Series: Quattro 48/3000/35-50/50 120V, Quattro 48/5000/70-100/100 120V, Quattro 48/10000/140-100/100 120V, Quattro 48/5000/70-100/100, Quattro 48/8000/110-100/100, Quattro 48/10000/140-100/100, Quattro 48/15000/200-100/100, Quattro 48/15000/200-100/100 277V.
• Quattro II 48V Series: Quattro II 48/5000/70-50.
• RS and Easysolar II 48V Series: RS Smart Solar 48/6000, Multi RS Solar 48/6000, Multi RS Solar 48/6000 Dual Tracker, Easysolar II 48/3000/35-32 MPPT 250/70 GX, Easysolar II 48/5000/70-50 MPPT 250/100 GX.

Firmware Requirements

To ensure proper compatibility and functionality, it is recommended to use the latest firmware version on new installations and when troubleshooting issues. Specific minimum firmware versions are required for certain Victron devices:

• VE.Bus Models: The minimum supported firmware version for VE.Bus models is 469.
• Inverter RS and Multi RS Models: The minimum supported firmware for Inverter RS and Multi RS models is 1.16. These models must be connected via the VE.Can port, on a separate VE.Can (250kbps) interface.

Solar Charger Integration

All 48V BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT Chargers are compatible with ZYC Energy batteries. Connecting these solar chargers to the GX device via VE.Direct or VE.Can is mandatory. This connection allows the GX device to regulate charge currents and voltages effectively, based on the battery's communication data. GX devices with two CAN-Bus ports are suitable for connecting both the battery and a solar charger.

Remote Firmware Updates for ZYC Batteries via VRM

ZYC Energy batteries support remote firmware updates through the Victron VRM portal. This process simplifies maintenance and ensures your battery management system remains up-to-date.

Prerequisites for VRM Update:

1. The ZYC battery must be connected to a Victron GX device via CAN-Bus.
2. The GX device must be internet-connected and registered with the Victron VRM portal.
3. "Full access" must be enabled in the VRM menu of the GX settings.

Update Process:

1. Download the ZYC firmware files from the documentation section of the ZYC Energy official website (https://www.zycportal.com).
2. Upload these files via the VRM portal. ZYC provides a step-by-step guide for this process.
3. After the update, check the battery’s firmware version in VRM and monitor for any system issues. In large systems, the VRM firmware update is applied to the master battery first, and it may take some time for the ZYC BMS to automatically update the firmware of other connected batteries.

Safety: Firmware Updates and Electrical Systems

Working with high-voltage battery systems and performing firmware updates carries inherent risks. Always prioritize safety.

When performing a firmware update, especially in remote off-grid systems, there are always risks involved, such as power outages. If a power outage could affect someone on site, they should be notified before attempting the update. A power interruption during an update can corrupt the device's software, potentially rendering it inoperable.

When working with any part of your solar electrical system:

• Always isolate all power sources (PV, battery, AC grid) before making or breaking electrical connections.
• Use insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits. A spanner across a battery bank can short hundreds of amps, leading to severe burns or equipment damage.
• Never open the battery enclosure unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer and you are qualified to do so.

When to call a technician instead

While many compatibility and communication issues can be resolved with careful troubleshooting, some situations warrant professional assistance. You should call a qualified technician if:

• You experience persistent communication failures despite following all troubleshooting steps.
• Firmware updates consistently fail, or you are unsure about the update process.
• You encounter error codes or system behavior not covered in this guide or the Victron documentation.
• You are uncomfortable working with high-voltage electrical systems.
• Any physical damage is observed on the battery or Victron equipment.

Attempting repairs or modifications beyond your expertise can void warranties and pose significant safety risks.