Victron and Pylontech Battery Compatibility Guide

Key Takeaways

• A Victron GX device is mandatory for Pylontech battery communication and system management.
• Always ensure all Victron components, including the GX device, inverter/charger, and MPPTs, run the latest recommended firmware.
• The Pylontech Battery Management System (BMS) communicates critical charge and discharge limits via the CAN-bus.
• Correct battery sizing is crucial to prevent over-current alarms and ensure the inverter can start up without issues.

How to ensure Victron and Pylontech batteries are compatible?

Ensuring compatibility between Victron energy systems and Pylontech lithium batteries requires careful attention to specific hardware, firmware, and connection protocols. The combination of Victron products with Pylontech lithium batteries has been tested and certified by the Victron and Pylontech R&D departments. A Victron GX device is essential for this integration, as it facilitates communication with the Pylontech Battery Management System (BMS).

Compatibility Checklist and Firmware Requirements

For seamless operation, specific firmware versions and hardware connections are necessary across your Victron system components. It is highly recommended to use the latest firmware version on all connected devices.

Pylontech Battery Model Compatibility

Not all Pylontech battery models are compatible with Victron systems, primarily due to the presence of a CAN-bus port.

System Configuration and Communication

A GX-device (e.g., Cerbo GX) is required for Victron + Pylontech systems. It is essential to use the CAN-bus connection of the GX device. This communicates the keep-alive signal, charge and discharge limits, error codes, and state of charge (SOC %) between the batteries and the system.

Victron + Pylontech systems can be used for various applications:

• Off-grid systems with Distributed Voltage and Current Control (DVCC).
• Grid Backup systems with DVCC or Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
• Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for Self Consumption.

Once DVCC is enabled on the GX device, the charge and discharge rates are managed by the Pylontech battery.

Minimum Battery Sizing Recommendations

Proper battery sizing is critical for system stability and longevity. Using very large solar arrays with battery banks that are too small can exceed the limits of the batteries' ability to charge and possibly lead to the BMS triggering over-current alarms.

You must have the minimum number of battery modules to supply the inverters' startup inrush surge currents that charge the capacitors when the inverter is first connected. This occurs prior to any loads being connected. It is much more desirable to have the inverter/charger overload than the battery, as the inverter will automatically recover, whereas the battery may require intervention once in a fault state.

Each US2000 battery module is approximately 50Ah at 48V. Each US2000 battery module can provide 25A continuous charge and discharge and 100A peak for 1 minute.

Minimum Battery Sizing Table (based on US2000 modules)

This table provides guidance on the minimum number of Pylontech US2000 modules required for various Victron inverter/charger models.

CAN-Bus Wiring and Parallel Connections

You can connect multiple battery modules together to form a single large battery by connecting the RJ-45 cable supplied by Pylontech using the link ports on the battery. The batteries will automatically detect and link to each other; no adjustment of dip switches on the battery module is necessary. The battery with the empty link port 0 is the master battery.

• UP2500 Models: The communications for UP2500 can be paralleled up to 20 modules per string. UP2500 cannot use the LV-HUB.
• Other Pylontech Models: Other models can connect up to 8 battery modules. When using more than 8 parallel units with these models, some limitations, additional configuration, or equipment (e.g., Pylontech LV-Hub) may apply.

Safety: Lithium Battery Systems

Pylontech batteries include a Battery Management System (BMS) with each battery module. This BMS is crucial for managing the battery's health and safety by monitoring cell voltages, temperatures, and currents, and communicating these limits to the Victron GX device. Always ensure that the BMS is functioning correctly and that all communication links are secure. Lithium batteries store significant energy and require careful handling. Never attempt to bypass or modify the BMS. Ensure proper ventilation for your battery installation and avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures.

When to call a technician instead

While this guide covers essential compatibility and configuration steps, complex issues or persistent system faults may require professional intervention. If you encounter error codes that are not easily resolved, or if the system behaves unexpectedly after following all compatibility guidelines, contact a certified Victron or Pylontech technician. Attempting advanced repairs or modifications without proper training can void warranties and pose safety risks.