Victron Freedom Won Battery Compatibility: Setup and Troubleshooting

Key Takeaways

• Always use a Victron GX-device with Venus OS for communication between Victron inverters and Freedom Won batteries.
• Ensure all Victron devices have the latest firmware installed for proper compatibility.
• Strictly adhere to the maximum inverter power specified for your Freedom Won LiTE model to prevent overloads and warranty issues.
• The adaptive Maximum Charge Voltage Limit (CVL) for 48V systems varies, typically between 55.0V and 55.8V for a well-balanced battery.

Why is my Victron system not communicating with my Freedom Won battery, or why is it tripping?

The most common reasons for communication issues or unexpected battery trips between Victron inverters and Freedom Won batteries relate to incorrect setup, outdated firmware, or improper inverter sizing. The integration between Victron Energy and Freedom Won batteries, including the LiTE Home and Business, LiTE Commercial, and eTower ranges, has been extensively developed and tested and is certified and supported by both companies, provided the system is configured correctly.

Diagnosis

Proper setup is critical for reliable operation. Follow these steps to diagnose common issues:

1. Verify GX-device presence and function:

• • Check: Confirm that a Victron GX-device is installed in your system.
  • Result: If no GX-device is present, the battery cannot communicate with the Victron system. A GX-device running Venus OS is required to receive, process, and transmit the commands and information communicated by the battery to the Victron system.
  • Action: Install a Victron GX-device and ensure it is running Venus OS.

2. Check firmware versions:

• • Check: Ensure all Victron devices have the latest available firmware installed.
  • Result: Outdated firmware can cause communication errors or unexpected behavior. Freedom Won batteries may also benefit from a firmware update if the Victron firmware is being updated on an existing installation.
  • Action: Update all Victron devices to their latest firmware. Contact support@freedomwon.co.za for Freedom Won firmware updates.

3. Confirm CAN Bus connection:

• • Check: For Freedom Won LiTE models, verify the CAN Bus protocol connection between the battery and the Victron GX-device.
  • Result: An improper or missing CAN Bus connection will prevent communication.
  • Action: Ensure the CAN Bus cable is correctly connected according to the installation manual for both devices.

4. Review inverter sizing against battery specifications:

• • Check: Compare the kVA rating of your installed inverter(s) against the maximum inverter power specified in the applicable Freedom Won LiTE specification sheet for your specific battery model.
  • Result: If the inverter's kVA rating exceeds the battery's specified maximum, the battery could be overloaded, causing it to trip. This is especially critical when the grid is not available, as the "Limit DC Discharge Power" ESS feature in the GX-device will not operate, and the LiTE will also not be able to limit discharge power.
  • Action: Do not exceed the maximum kVA values provided in the specification sheet for each respective model. For multiple units in parallel, the kVA rating for every LiTE in the system may be summed to provide the total allowable inverter installed power.

5. Check battery voltage settings:

• • Check: Verify the charge and cut-out voltage settings in your Victron inverter/charger.
  • Result: Incorrect voltage settings can lead to improper charging or premature cut-off.
  • Action: Set the Float and Bulk Charge Voltage to 14V and Cut-out Voltage to 11.5V for 12V systems. For 24V systems, use 28V for Float and Bulk Charge Voltage and 23V for Cut-out Voltage. For 48V systems, the adaptive Maximum Charge Voltage Limit (CVL) value transmitted varies from 54.8V to 55.8V depending on the state of balancing, typically between 55.0V and 55.8V for a well-balanced LiTE.

Cause/fix table section

Pairing and Settings

Integrating Freedom Won batteries with Victron Energy systems requires specific attention to communication, firmware, and sizing.

Communication Protocol: Freedom Won LiTE models communicate with Victron systems using the CAN Bus protocol. A Victron GX-device (such as a Cerbo GX) running Venus OS is essential for this communication. The GX-device acts as an interpreter, receiving, processing, and transmitting the commands and information communicated by the battery to the Victron system.

Firmware Requirements: For optimal compatibility, the latest available firmware should be installed on all Victron devices. If an existing installation is updated with new Victron firmware, Freedom Won batteries may also benefit from a firmware update. For Freedom Won firmware updates, contact support@freedomwon.co.za.

Voltage Settings: While the battery's Battery Management System (BMS) manages many aspects of charging, some settings are configured within the Victron inverter/charger.

Battery Sizing: Correct sizing is critical for both performance and warranty.

• Inverter Power: It is important to refer to the applicable Freedom Won LiTE specification sheet for the maximum inverter power that may be connected to each specific LiTE model. For multiple units in parallel, the kVA rating for every LiTE in the system may be summed to provide the total allowable inverter installed power.
• Energy Capacity: The LiTE should be sized so as to provide adequate energy capacity in kWh to meet the load demands of the system and to receive most of the excess solar generation each day.
• eTower Scalability: Freedom Won eTower batteries can be paralleled up to 16 units, though the manufacturer recommends a limit of 4 batteries in parallel for optimal performance.

Safety: Inverter Sizing and DC Bus Pre-charging

Safety and warranty compliance are paramount when working with high-voltage battery systems.

Inverter Sizing Limits: It is not permissible to install an inverter larger than stated in the LiTE specification sheet regardless of whether the "Limit DC Discharge Power" ESS feature in the GX-device is used. This is a critical safety measure. For instances where the grid is not available, this power limiting feature will not operate, and the battery could thus be overloaded, causing it to trip. The LiTE contains a protection circuit breaker that is only rated to handle the power-up inrush current of the inverter for up to the capacity stated in the specification sheet. Exceeding these limits can lead to system failure and potential hazards.

DC Bus Pre-charging: The manufacturer emphasizes the importance of DC bus pre-charging. Always follow the specific instructions provided in the Freedom Won and Victron manuals for DC bus pre-charging to prevent damage to components from inrush current. This typically involves using a pre-charge resistor to slowly charge the inverter's capacitors before making the final connection, reducing the initial current surge.

When to call a technician instead

While many compatibility and setup issues can be resolved by following the guidelines above, some situations require professional intervention. You should call a qualified technician if:

• You are unsure about any wiring or electrical connections, especially with high-voltage DC systems.
• The system continues to trip or fail after verifying all settings, firmware, and sizing.
• You encounter persistent communication errors that cannot be resolved by firmware updates or cable checks.
• You need to perform a Freedom Won battery firmware update and are not comfortable doing so, or if the process requires specialized tools.
• You suspect internal damage to the battery or inverter.

Remember that Freedom Won battery warranties require that you have configured the battery correctly. Incorrect installation or exceeding specified limits can void your warranty.