Victron Exide Battery Compatibility: Setup and Configuration Guide

Key Takeaways

• Firmware is critical: Ensure your Victron GX device runs Venus OS v2.90 or newer for Exide battery compatibility.
• CAN-bus connection: Correctly wire the supplied CAN-bus cable between the battery and the GX device.
• Configuration is essential: Specific VEConfigure and GX device settings are required for proper communication and operation.
• When to stop DIY: If communication issues persist after verifying firmware, wiring, and settings, contact a qualified technician.

How to ensure Victron and Exide battery compatibility?

Ensuring compatibility between your Victron Energy system and Exide Sonnenschein Lithium batteries primarily involves verifying firmware versions, correctly wiring the CAN-bus communication cable, and applying specific configuration settings. Both Victron and Exide actively support this combination, provided the system is set up according to their guidelines.

Diagnosis and Setup Steps

Follow these steps to diagnose compatibility issues or set up your Victron system with an Exide battery. Each step includes an observable check and what its result means.

1. Verify GX Device Firmware Version

• • Check: Access your GX device (Color Control GX, Venus GX, Cerbo GX) and check its firmware version.
  • Result: If the firmware is below v2.90, the system may not recognize the Exide battery or communicate correctly.
  • Action: Update the GX device to at least firmware v2.90. It is recommended to always use the latest firmware version.

2. Inspect CAN-bus Cable Connection

• • Check: Ensure the CAN-bus cable supplied with the Exide battery is correctly connected between the battery and the GX device. The side of the cable with pins 7 and 8 should be plugged into the GX device. The side with pins 1 (CAN-L) and 2 (CAN-H) goes to the battery.
  • Result: An improperly connected cable will prevent the battery from showing on the GX device display and cause it to stop charging or discharging after several minutes.
  • Action: Re-seat or re-wire the CAN-bus cable according to the specified pin assignments.

3. Confirm GX Device CAN-bus Profile

• • Check: On your GX device, navigate to Settings -> Services -> CAN-profile.
  • Result: If the profile is not set to CAN-bus BMS (500 kbits/s), the GX device will not communicate with the Exide battery.
  • Action: Select the CAN-bus BMS (500 kbits/s) CAN-profile.

4. Review VEConfigure Settings

• • Check: Connect to your Victron Multi or Quattro using VEConfigure software and review the settings in the General, Charger, and Inverter tabs, as well as the ESS Assistant settings.
  • Result: Incorrect settings for battery type, voltages, or ESS parameters will lead to improper charging, discharging, or system operation.
  • Action: Adjust VEConfigure settings as detailed in the configuration tables below.

5. Verify GX Device DVCC Settings

• • Check: On your GX device, navigate to Venus OS Settings -> System Setup.
  • Result: If DVCC (Distributed Voltage and Current Control) is not ON, or if Shared Voltage Sense or Shared Temperature Sense are ON, the battery's BMS may not correctly control the Victron system's charge parameters.
  • Action: Set DVCC to ON, and Shared Voltage Sense and Shared Temperature Sense to OFF.

Cause/fix table section

Victron and Exide System Configuration

This section details the specific settings required for integrating Exide Sonnenschein Module Pro LIBM0480050-G01 batteries with Victron Energy systems. The combination of Victron products with the Exide battery has been tested and certified by the R&D departments of both companies.

Compatible Victron Products

All 48V Multis and Quattros are compatible. A GX device is necessary in the system, as it provides the CAN-bus port used for communication between the ESS battery and the Victron system.

GX Device Requirements

The GX device needs to run at least firmware v2.90. It is recommended to always use the latest Firmware version for the GX device.

VEConfigure Settings - General Tab

These settings are applied using the VEConfigure software for your Multi or Quattro inverter/charger.

VEConfigure Settings - Charger Tab

These settings define the charging parameters for the Exide battery.

VEConfigure Settings - Inverter Tab

These settings protect the battery from excessive discharge.

VEConfigure ESS Assistant Settings

When configuring the ESS Assistant, select the externally managed Lithium battery option.

GX Device Configuration - CAN-bus Profile

The GX device requires a specific CAN-bus profile to communicate with the Exide battery.

To access this setting, navigate to Settings -> Services -> CAN-profile on your GX device.

GX Device Configuration - DVCC Settings

DVCC (Distributed Voltage and Current Control) must be enabled for the battery's BMS to manage charging parameters.

MPPT Settings (Precautionary)

In normal operation, the MPPT charge characteristics are governed by the GX device via DVCC, with instructions from the connected Exide battery. However, it is a good practice to set these values as a precaution.

CAN-bus Wiring and Termination

A cable for the CAN-bus connection ships with the battery. This cable has only CAN-L and CAN-H connections and no ground wire. The side of the cable with pins 7 and 8 should be plugged into the GX device, and the side with pins 1 (CAN-L) and 2 (CAN-H) goes to the battery. Exide batteries come with a CAN-bus terminator already installed or supplied. When assembling the battery from individual modules, remember to terminate the CAN-bus on the last module, using the supplied terminator. Without properly connecting this cable, the battery will stop charging or discharging after several minutes. Also, the battery will not show up on the display of the GX device.

Safety: 48V Systems

Working with 48V battery systems involves significant electrical hazards. Always disconnect all power sources—PV, battery, and AC—before making or breaking any electrical connections. Use insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits, as a spanner across a 48V battery bank can draw hundreds of amps and cause severe burns or fire. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection and insulated gloves. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent arcing and overheating.

When to call a technician instead

If you have followed all the setup and troubleshooting steps, verified firmware, wiring, and settings, and your Victron system still does not properly communicate with or manage your Exide battery, it is time to call a qualified solar or electrical technician. Issues such as persistent communication errors, unexpected battery behavior, or if you are uncomfortable performing any of the electrical connection steps, warrant professional assistance. Attempting to diagnose complex electrical faults without proper training and tools can be dangerous and may void product warranties.