Victron Ignore AC Input Generator Assistant

Key Takeaways

• This method is for Victron Multi and Quattro inverters with older firmware (19xxxxx or 20xxxxx) in AC-coupled PV systems.
• You will use a combination of the Generator start/stop, General flag, and PV Inverter support assistants.
• Ignoring AC input forces the inverter into inverter-mode, potentially discharging batteries.
• If you cannot access or understand the VE.Configure software and assistant logic, consult a qualified technician.

How do I make my Victron inverter ignore AC input conditionally?

You can configure your Victron Multi or Quattro inverter to ignore AC input conditionally by using a combination of the Generator start/stop, General flag, and PV Inverter support assistants. This setup is primarily for AC-coupled PV installations with older firmware. Ignoring AC input will force the Multi or Quattro into inverter-mode under specific conditions, even if mains or generator power is available.

Understanding if this method applies to your system

This specific configuration strategy is not universally applicable to all Victron systems. It is designed for particular scenarios.

1. Check your inverter model: This method applies to Victron Multi and Quattro inverters.

• • Result: If you have a different Victron inverter model, this specific assistant combination may not be the correct approach for ignoring AC input.

2. Identify your microprocessor type: This configuration is most relevant for systems with an old-type microprocessor. You can identify this by checking the 7-digit firmware number of your inverter.

• • Result: If your firmware number starts with 19 or 20, you have an old-type microprocessor. If it starts with 26 or 27, you have a new-type microprocessor, and other solutions like the Virtual Switch or the now-deprecated Self-consumption Hub-2 v3 assistant might be more appropriate.

3. Assess Virtual Switch availability: The Virtual Switch tab offers an easier way to configure AC input ignoring.

• • Result: This alternative method using the Generator assistant is typically used when you must disable the Virtual Switch due to other necessary assistants already being active. If the Virtual Switch is available and not in use, it is generally the simpler option.

4. Consider your system type: This assistant configuration primarily makes sense in AC-coupled PV installations.

• • Result: If your system is not AC-coupled, or if you are not trying to manage PV inverter output in relation to AC input, this specific setup might not be the intended solution for your needs.

Assistant Configuration Summary

This method involves orchestrating three specific Victron assistants to achieve conditional AC input ignoring. The order in which these assistants are configured is important.

Configuring Victron Assistants for Conditional AC Input Ignoring

This configuration allows your Victron Multi or Quattro inverter to selectively ignore an active AC input, such as mains or a generator. This is particularly useful in AC-coupled PV systems with older firmware where you want to prioritize battery discharge or manage PV production.

The process involves setting up three specific assistants in the correct sequence within the VE.Configure software. While specific step-by-step instructions with screenshots are not available, the general principle is to define the conditions for ignoring AC input using the Generator assistant, then use the General flag assistant to act on those conditions, and finally, ensure the PV Inverter support assistant manages your AC-coupled PV.

1. Understand the Goal: The primary goal is to force the Victron inverter into inverter-mode under certain conditions, even when an external AC source is connected. This means the inverter will draw power from the batteries and connected PV, rather than from the grid or generator.
2. Access VE.Configure: You will need to connect to your Victron Multi or Quattro inverter using VE.Configure software. This typically requires a VE.Bus to USB interface or a MK3-USB interface.
3. Configure the Generator start and stop assistant:

• • Navigate to the assistants section in VE.Configure.
  • Select and add the "Generator start and stop" assistant.
  • Crucially, within this assistant's settings, you will configure the conditions that, when met, will cause the system to ignore AC input. The configuration must be set to "drive the general flag." This means its output (whether its conditions are met or not) will be passed to the General flag assistant.
  • Define your desired logic here. For instance, you might set conditions based on battery voltage, state of charge, or time of day.

4. Configure the General flag assistant:

• • Add the "General flag" assistant.
  • This assistant will be configured to "pick up the result of the generator start/stop logic."
  • When the conditions set in the Generator start/stop assistant are met, the General flag assistant will then activate the "Ignore AC input" function. This is the mechanism that tells the Multi or Quattro to disconnect from the external AC source.

5. Configure the PV Inverter support assistant:

• • If you have an AC-coupled PV system, add the "PV Inverter support" assistant.
  • This assistant is critical because when your Victron inverter ignores AC input and operates in inverter-mode, it needs to manage the output of any connected AC PV inverters.
  • The PV Inverter support assistant achieves this by changing the AC output frequency, which signals the AC PV inverters to reduce or stop their output to prevent overcharging the batteries.

6. Verify Assistant Order: Victron documentation notes that "the order in which the assistants are is important!" While the exact required order is not specified, ensure that the Generator assistant's output correctly feeds the General flag assistant, and that the PV Inverter support assistant is active to manage AC-coupled PV. A common practice is to place assistants that define logic before those that act on it.
7. Upload and Test: After configuring all three assistants, upload the settings to your Victron inverter. Carefully monitor the system's behavior to ensure it operates as expected under various conditions, particularly when the AC input should be ignored.

Safety: Understanding System Behavior

When you configure your Victron inverter to ignore AC input, you are intentionally forcing it to operate in inverter-mode. This means:

• Battery Discharge: The system will draw power from your batteries. Ensure your battery bank is adequately sized for the loads and duration you intend to operate in inverter-mode.
• Power Continuity: If the conditions for ignoring AC input are met, the inverter will disconnect from the grid or generator. If your batteries are depleted, your loads will lose power unless another source is available.
• AC-Coupled PV Management: In AC-coupled systems, the PV Inverter support assistant is crucial. Without it, or if it is misconfigured, your AC PV inverters could overcharge your batteries when the grid is ignored, potentially damaging them.
• System Stability: Incorrect assistant configuration can lead to unstable system behavior, unexpected power outages, or damage to components. Always understand the implications of each setting.

When to call a technician instead

Configuring advanced features like conditional AC input ignoring requires a solid understanding of your Victron system and its operational logic. You should call a qualified solar or Victron technician if:

• You are unsure about your inverter's microprocessor type or firmware version.
• You cannot access your inverter using VE.Configure software.
• You do not understand the purpose or interaction of the Generator start/stop, General flag, or PV Inverter support assistants.
• You are uncomfortable making changes to your inverter's core operating parameters.
• Your system exhibits unexpected behavior after attempting configuration, such as frequent disconnections, rapid battery discharge, or unstable AC output.
• You are dealing with a critical power system where any downtime or misconfiguration could have significant consequences.

A professional technician can ensure the configuration is correctly implemented, optimized for your specific system, and adheres to all safety standards.