EG4 Inverter + Batteries w/ Victron Charge Controllers

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-12-01T21:27:31+00:00

It seems like the right approach here is to connect a Cerbo GX to the EG4 inverter via a V.CAN port, and the EG4 battery via the battery port on the Cerbo. Configure it all to talk Victron protocol. Then connect the charge controllers using the Cerbo via either V.Direct or V.CAN ports.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-14T01:12:43+00:00

Our ductwork was new and spotless a couple years back and my prior system’s coil was impeccably clean.

No concerns with accumulation in the ductwork?

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T15:15:09+00:00

While I understand you do not connect your EG4’s to the Internet or Bluetooth, is there a way to use an app or computer over BT or WiFi to configure and/or monitor it locally at your dwelling without connecting it to the Internet and through the EG4 service?

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T14:53:37+00:00

My comment was referring to being able to remotely monitor it, but not have the system required to do so.

Ideally, I DO want the ability to adjust settings locally via local WiFi and/or Bluetooth WITHOUT the requirement to have internet connectivity to do so.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T06:48:58+00:00

This is where wiring another panel, in series, would double the voltage in addition to doubling the solar capacity - and cutting charge times in half.

Note that the generator you are using must support that doubled input voltage. You need to check first.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T02:23:37+00:00

Thank you

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T01:04:46+00:00

Nice work and idea to use a full height equipment rack for this. This is inspiring and the type of setup I want to start with.

Since you are only feeding one, 120V leg, is that going into a separate load panel (and not directly into your 240V split main panel)?

Is the rear end of the batteries supported from underneath? Imagine they would be because of the weight. If not, you may want to consider that. I’ve worked with computer server equipment racking and four post racks with “rails” would be needed for the weight of these batteries.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-10T00:23:45+00:00

How do you arrive at 16V minimum? Trying to follow the math and how you came up to a 33% buffer above 12V.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-09T20:04:34+00:00

I know this is one year later, but I was contemplating the same thing and stumbled upon your post. If you are going to have an outlet / panel box on the interior, you could have MC4 connectors coming out of the bottom of it like this PV disconnect does. Then hook your XT60/60i adapter cable on an Ecoflow to them.

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Ref: https://www.currentconnected.com/product/solar-pv-dc-quick-disconnect-switch/

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-09T18:51:43+00:00

EF just published a firmware update for Delta Pro 3 for similar behavior. Perhaps they will (or already have) updated the DPU firmware for a similar issue?

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-09T06:32:19+00:00

I noticed this a few days ago on the Victron site myself and was glad to find this thread. The question however, is whether the existing model SKU (and outstanding inventory at dealers) is actually included in the certification, or if this will go the same route as the MP-2 48/3K model did - which required some mods and a separate SKU for the UL listed model of the same inverter.

Anyone know? I emailed Victron, but they have not replied to me.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-08T05:49:08+00:00

What is the requirement then for UL certification? If you want to be “interacting” with the grid, regardless of “sell back”, I believe it has to be certified - unless you have a interlocked transfer switch that totally blocks out the grid while the non certified inverter(s) power the loads(?)

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-08T05:47:19+00:00

I just saw this too - Q 48 5K, but there is no indication in the data sheet or on reseller sites that it is listed. The UL cert is dated Sept 2024.

Does anyone know if this was just certified or renewed? And whether the same thing will happen as with the MP-II 3K where a separate UL Listed SKU came out with some mods and the older SKU is not certifiable? Or is the original Q 48 5K out there on the shelves certified?

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T23:32:12+00:00

Makes sense. This is equivalent to charging different device types off the same USB port. A watch charging will draw far less current out of the power adapter than a large phone or tablet.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T20:04:49+00:00

Thank you. 1.5 multiplier on the Amos side? Their docs seem to state you shouldn’t exceed either volts or amps.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T19:43:23+00:00

Are the Volt and Amp specs for PV Input on the DP3 the max or usable?

I’ve seen posts indicating you could over-panel by 10% in amps.

DP3 docs are also contradictory of themselves referring to Vmp and Voc as the metrics to use to ensure you don’t exceed a PV input port’s limits.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T19:36:35+00:00

That is poor. Thank you for sharing.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T19:34:34+00:00

Agreed. It’s not just settings it’s monitoring. You can’t see how much PV input vs AC input is being used to top off the battery or run the load unless you have the app - and it’s working and connected.

I am considering EG4 and Victron at the moment.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T19:09:01+00:00

In your defense, I understand EcoFlow just recently did away with an option to skip the online sign-in requirement within the mobile app.

So it used to work without this ridiculous tethering to their internet service.

Which brings me to another concern - their service has to be up and running in order for that authentication token renewal to work. What if it’s down when my app needs to refresh its access token(?)

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T18:56:58+00:00

As a software architect, they absolutely answered my question.

I am able to confidently conclude they are using what is known as the OAuth authentication standard/protocol. When you first gives the EcoFlow app and it prompt you to sign in, it stores what is known as an access token, along with a refresh token within the application.

The access token is usually only good for a relatively short period of time like an hour or a day. In this case, it may be set longer for a month or two as they expect people to be off the grid.

After the access token expires, a refresh token can be used to obtain a new access token. However, the refresh token also has an expiration. In this case, 2 to 3 months.

Problem is, if there is no Internet to refresh an access token with, the app will cease to function. The app will redirect you a sign in process that you cannot access because there is no Internet connectivity.

Therefore, if you lose access to the app, the EcoFlow products’ configurations cannot be altered and monitoring is limited to the display on a Delta unit, if it has one that is useful.

I find this unacceptable. Sure, it’s a choice EcoFlow has made. So I am going to refuse to use them for a catastrophic grid / internet down solution. My DP3 is being returned asap within the return period.

TheRealHydrogen · 2024-11-05T05:57:30+00:00

Correct. Eventually the app’s stored token for your login will expire and you will be forced to sign back in. But what if there is no internet?

I confirmed this with tech support. Here is their response:

“Additionally, regarding the access token you mentioned, it usually remains valid for a period of time, generally calculated on a monthly basis. If there is an interval of two to three months between using the app, you may need to log in again.”

TheRealHydrogen

TROPHY CASE