Configuring Victron GX Devices for Cegasa eBick LV Batteries

Key Takeaways

• A Victron GX device is mandatory for communication with Cegasa eBick LV batteries.
• Proper CAN-Bus wiring and specific VEConfigure settings are crucial for stable operation.
• Ensure all Victron components (GX device, inverter/charger) meet minimum firmware versions.
• Adhere to minimum battery module requirements based on your Victron inverter/charger and system type (ESS or Off-grid, single or three-phase).

How do I configure Victron GX devices for Cegasa eBick LV batteries?

Configuring Victron GX devices for Cegasa eBick LV batteries involves specific CAN-Bus wiring, firmware requirements, and VEConfigure settings. The primary step is ensuring proper communication between the battery's external Battery Management System (BMS) and the GX device. This guide outlines the necessary steps and parameters for successful integration.

Essential Components and Firmware

Before beginning configuration, verify that your Victron components meet the necessary requirements.

GX Device Requirements

A GX device is required for communication with Cegasa eBick LV batteries. For example, a Cerbo GX can be used. The minimum supported firmware version for the GX device is v2.22. It is recommended to use the latest firmware version on new installations and when troubleshooting issues. Using a Color Control GX (CCGX) is not recommended as it only has a single VE.Can port, which can limit system expansion.

Inverter/Charger Requirements

All 48V Multis, MultiPlusses, MultiGrids, Quattros, and RS models are compatible with Cegasa eBick LV batteries. The minimum supported firmware version for these inverter/charger units is 469. Updating to the latest firmware is recommended for new installations and troubleshooting issues. These inverter/charger units must be connected to the GX device via the VE.Bus connection port.

Solar Charger Compatibility

All current model 48V BlueSolar, SmartSolar VE.Direct, and MPPT RS solar chargers are compatible. Connection of these solar chargers to the GX device is mandatory, as it is used to regulate charge currents and voltages. If you plan to use the VE.Can communications port to connect solar chargers, select a GX Device that has sufficient CAN-Bus ports. The Color Control GX has only one VE.Can port and is therefore not suitable for connecting both the battery and solar chargers via VE.Can. Other GX Devices can be used, as they typically have two ports, allowing one for the Cegasa battery and the other for solar chargers.

Battery Compatibility

The Victron system supports the Cegasa EBick LV series batteries. The EBick LV has an external BMS (MCS master box) which connects to the Victron GX device. Victron is not compatible with the Cegasa high voltage configuration where battery voltage is increased beyond 48V nominal. Victron systems do not support the series connection configuration of these batteries.

Minimum Battery Modules Required

The number of Cegasa eBick LV battery modules required varies depending on the Victron inverter/charger model, system type (ESS or Off-grid), and phase configuration (Single or Three Phase).

Victron Multiplus & Multiplus II & MP-II GX 48/3000/35 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Multiplus & Multiplus II & MP-II GX 48/5000/70 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Inverter RS & Multi RS 48/6000 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Quattro 48/5000/70-100/100 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Quattro 48/8000/110-100/100 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Quattro 48/10000/140-100/100 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron Quattro 48/15000/200-100/100 with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron EasySolar & EasySolar-II 48/3000/35-50 MPPT with Cegasa eBick LV

Victron EasySolar 48/5000/70-100 MPPT with Cegasa eBick LV

CAN-Bus Wiring Steps

Proper CAN-Bus wiring ensures communication between the Cegasa BMS and the Victron GX device.

1. Configure inverter type in Cegasa BMS: Use the Cegasa EViewer WebApp to configure the inverter type in the Cegasa BMS. Refer to Cegasa documentation for specific details on this step.
2. Connect network cable: Connect a standard CAT5e or CAT6 network cable between the Cegasa BMS and the BMS-Can port of the GX device. Note that the specially wired type A or type B Victron BMS cables are not used with the Cegasa BMS.
3. Connect VE.Can terminator: Connect the VE.Can terminator, supplied with the GX device, to the other BMS-Can port of the GX device.
4. Verify connection: Power on the GX device and verify proper configuration and connection by checking that the battery appears in the GX device menus.

VEConfigure Settings

After establishing communication, configure the Victron inverter/charger parameters using VEConfigure.

VEConfigure Charge Parameters for Victron Inverter/Chargers with Cegasa Batteries

VEConfigure Inverter Parameters for Victron Inverter/Chargers with Cegasa Batteries

VEConfigure General Tab Settings

In the VEConfigure General tab, ensure the following:

• Enable battery monitor: Check the "Enable battery monitor" function.
• Battery capacity: Set the battery capacity to the total capacity of the battery. For example, if each module is 280Ah, multiply 280Ah by the number of battery modules.
• Charge Efficiency: Set Charge Efficiency to 95%.
• Other parameters: Other parameters, such as "State of charge when bulk finished," can be left at their default setting.

Safety

When designing and installing a system with Cegasa eBick LV batteries and Victron equipment, safety considerations are important.

For Off-grid systems, it is strongly recommended to ensure there is a minimum of DC-Coupled PV (MPPT Solar Charger) in the system, not only AC-Coupled PV. Adhering to the minimum battery configuration and a factor of 1.0 is always important, especially for Off-grid systems. Both Cegasa and Victron may be reluctant or refuse to provide support for systems not sized according to the minimum battery configuration table.

Temperature effects on charge rates should be considered during the design phase, particularly in hot and cold climates.

When to call a technician instead

If you encounter persistent system shutdowns or communication errors after following these configuration steps, or if you are unsure about any part of the installation or wiring, it is best to consult a qualified solar technician. Incorrect wiring or parameter settings can lead to system instability or damage. Support may be refused for systems that are not sized according to the manufacturer's minimum battery configuration table.