Thank you for your lessons taught on this subject! I am not an electrician, but I have gone to Vocational school over 42 years ago. I am now 61 years old and I am learning a lot about setting up my on solar panel control station thanks to you and other bright men like yourself on UA-cam! I am so very grateful to you and others like yourself!!😎
Hi! I had the same problem with a Growatt 5000ES inverter and an AmpleNess S5385 battery and I solved it by setting in menu 5 type "Li" and in menu 36 number 52 (CAN protocol). And it worked flawlessly. I connected the CAN communication cable to the BMS plug to the inverter and to the CAN plug to the battery. I hope it goes the same for you.
With new inverters with a BMS port you're supposed to use the BMS port for both CAN or RS458 to the battery rs485 or can port. THE BMS port now supports both. The RS485 port on the inverter is for communication between the inverters. I believe that's why you're getting an error.
I believe there is a sequence to turn these on and off. The battery's have precharge resistors built in. I would turn on you main disconnect first and then the battery.
Thanks for the comments, good points, I've also read about the precharge along with turning the batteries on in order of sequence, pausing between each battery initiation until each has had time sequence and sync.
The configuration does not work because you have 48 volt inverters and 24V batteries. The inverter is measuring the voltage while the RS485 is communicating with the inverter and showing 24volts. The RS485 is communicating the parameters of each single battery and not as a whole pack. I have the same problem. I have 4 48 volt batteries and 2 24 volt batteries in my back all tied together. I can remove the 24 volt batteries and the system works fine with communications.
Whats confusing on the dipswitches is that if you have a single battery, all switches are down (on) but if you have more batteries added, the master is to have the 4th switch up (off)--this is according to Signature Solar (1/31/2022), whom I bought the batteries from. The manual seems to indicate the master has all the switches down though, but maybe that is only if you have one battery (?). I haven't gotten my second battery yet, so I will find out. With a single battery, I have all the switches down, and the ethernet cable is plugged into the BMS port on the Growatt 5000ES and seems to work fine. It may have been a Will Prowse video I watched that revealed he found out that all switches need to be down on a single battery on the newer LifePo4, and the newer Growatts use the BMS port--which I first used the RS485 port which wouldn't communicate with the battery.
On battery #2, #3, #4 change the port for your comm cable Meaning come out of Batt #1 on the right port and insert into Batt#2 in the left port. Then on Batt#2 out right port and in on Batt#3 left port and the same again for Batt#3 and Batt#4 I saw tis on another video when they had a comm issue between batteries.
questions: - the 4x - 48v batteries connected in serial or parallel use ( so 192vdc, 50Ah or 48vdc, 200Ah) ? - the inverters : single phase ? 48vdc? or 3-phase min 160vdc input (batt)? thanks Dirk
I am pretty sure the first battery is supposed to be number 1 not zero. Signature solar has a video on their you tube and Dave poz did a good battery one. I also note that on their videos there are 4 wires going between the inverters. Two are like you have and two are smaller wires twisted together. I can't tell if you have the two that are twisted together. Signature solar also has a video on upgrading the software for the inverters . Hope you get it sorted out.
- Thanks for sharing, your ideas and support, the small red/black wires twisted together are current sharing cables designed for sharing current when you have 2 or more inverters stacked on the same phase. I also tried the idea you suggest for changing the address number on the dip switches from 0 to 2, or 3, 4 and on down the list to no avail. The number 1 address is reserved for the communication between Inverter and Battery communication on the growatt manual.
You are using the wrong switch for cable connection. Did the same thing with my system and than I have bought a Splitter LogiLink MP0032, 5xRJ45 and it worked without a problem. I think the switch is messing up the com.
Hi, I have exactly the same problem, and with a 48V battery. I also tried everything (well I think) even with another battery software, where you can select the protocol (like Growatt RS485 or CAN) nothing helps, still the error code (20 and 04 ). I think it comes from the inverter, it must be updated. I have a note from Growatt regarding this issue and they suggest doing 2 updates. The problem is that I can't find these updates?? The batteries communicate perfectly (in RS 485-RS232) with a laptop, but do not communicate with the inverter? for me It's a problem coming from the inverter?.. (I think). Below Growatt's note: (for SPF 3K and 5K TL-HVM inverters): 3.4 warning 04 Fault description:Low battery. Analysis： 1. It may be that inverter communication protocol is different from lithium icon battery communication protocol，only some models of Pylon、Dyness brand lithium icon battery can build communication with our inverter. 2. it may be that battery discharge too much，battery voltage is really low. Suggestions: 4. if use lithium icon battery that can build communication with inverter，but still warn 04 fault，normally this fault comes with 20 fault，please arrange to upgrade inverter software using ISP tool program software. inverter new firmware software version：F2809_GW500.07_20191227_B. inverter new BMS software version：F030_sk022_05_20191220. please don’t forget to reset factory setting after upgrading every software. If you have the solution,? i would be happy to know? and thank you for this video.
Ah Lifes Good, On your rj45s, 1/2, 7/8 are standard Tx/Rx for subrate data comm like 9600. This is not ethernet and your switch/bridge is not passing data. I would go back to working with one inverter and one battery. Get an old breakout box and connect the inverter to one side and see what pins light up or use a meter. That will be the transmit pair. Then do the same with the battery. If 1/2 light up on both, you need a crossover cable. If you can make your own cables, however you connect one side connect the other in the same order only flip the connecter over. 1/2 will go to 7/8 both ways. I don't know if this will fix your problem. You might have two or three things that are mismatched. I would also read up on those L1 through whatever settings on the inverter. They may determine different comm protocols for different batteries or something else. Don't move forward adding additional equipment until you can get the main inverter and one battery talking. I hope this info is useless and you have already figured it out. Good luck.
- Morning randy and thank you for the detailed comments, this is a great explanation on what one can do to possibly figure out the communication problems between 24v batteries and 48v inverters, it'll definitely work on 48v batteries and inverters as we've tested it. I've tried with my setup as you suggested, even with an extra inverter and battery I have as backup, eliminating the hubs, possible shorts, double inverters, made patch cables, etc. and nothing. One viewer mentioned there is a difference in voltage between the batteries and inverters on the signal, and is what I believe is probably causing this issue of communication. I've yet to hear of anyone being able to sync there growatt 3000 with 24v Gyll or EG4 batteries communication. Thanks for posting.
hello, After contacting a battery manufacturer, we have found the solution. In fact on the battery you have to connect the CAN port and on the inverter you connect to BMS. For my case the protocol on the inverter (Menu 05) is 52. but it might be different for you? Another thing, normally on my version of BMS, we must also change the protocol (battery protocol), that is to say that you choose the brand of your inverter (Growatt) But on your BMS and your software I don't know. What is certain is that I had exactly the same problem before and when I connected with the CAN port of the battery it worked, and the communication with the inverter did so. (by the way to test if you disconnect the com cable, the inverter instantly gives the error and as soon as you reconnect the com cable, it works again) You can Try?...
Hey man i have question i’m willing to install lithium battery for my inverter i have seen some Lifepo4 batteries without communication ports just with power button and voltage monitoring screen do you recommend that battery for me is safe if contact the battery company and get the recommended voltages, sho i put the battery type lithium or user defined ?
- Hello Mohammed, I can't recommend any products specifically to you as they're many options out there and I am no expert in the field. I would however highly recommend Lithium batteries, with exception of you researching to know what you're buying and for what application, as every solar system may be similar in principal but extremely different in setup depending on your electrical needs, especially when mixing and matching components these days. Make sure your batteries have some kind of BMS in place, and or a fuse between inverter and batteries in the event there is an issue when connecting.
Nice video on the inverters. Doing just a tad of RS485 research, it seems to be the TD- / RD- implies a transmit / receive wiring. Therefore, a crossover cable may work or purchase the growatt hub for $29 rather than a normal ethernet hub that is wired as a straight through. I was even thinking that one could use one cross over cable from inverter 1 (master) to inverter 2 (slave) and then see IF all you need is ONE cable RS485 down to the BMS so in effect address one is the only address the BMS sees. I don't have two inverters to try it out. I have ran into similar weirdness configuring video cameras and it's always that darn cabling..... I would also see IF you can set up ONE inverter and see IF the BMS software sees all the batteries and IF so, then try connecting the second inverter. Also, I read that the inverter looks for the correct voltage and that is why the power button is off at first to PRE-charge the resistor IN the inverter first to avoid the inrush current.
- Hello Gary, great commenting, very much appreciated! The information you mentioned in regards to the "TD- / RD-" is good information, I couldn't find this information when I looked and was wondering. I did just release a video in regards to your analysis, I did exactly what you're suggesting and made a cross over cable that would reference Pinouts 1/2 on the Inverter (rj45 comm.) that goes to Pinout 7/8 (rj45 comm.) on the EG4's. This is what the manuals called for, unfortunately it didn't work. I was unsure on the 7/8 (TD, RD), which was sending or receiving so I actually made 2 separate patch cables, one configured as you see on video and one I tried on my own. As you mentioned, I believe there is an issue in the handling of the Voltage, as the 48v eg4 have no problem with communication, only the 24v, even though my 24v are in series I don't think the BMS has written into code or hardware how to handle this difference? I have another inverter and battery that I [;an to setup and use for testing (fun) and see if I can't get a little more technical in my analysis. Cheers! This is the video of me testing the cross over cable - ua-cam.com/video/3Z0bLrS6yrI/v-deo.html
Hey buddy have you tried to set a different battery as the master, in case the port on the current battery is bad. Also try use a RS485/CAN Hub from growatt. I struggled with a battery yet the port was bad on it.
- Good comments KD, yes I tried setting all 4 of the batteries as Master. From inception I o ly connected 1 battery (24v) directly to the inverter, from there I connected to in Series for 48v without any luck. After that I tried as many different configuration as I could come up with, from making various cross over cables, RSr85& CAN ports, Dip switch settings and a multitude of Option 36 Protocol range settings. Nothing takes away error 20 for me with these 24v batteries.
Mine setup didn't like to talk to the BMSs of the batteries - UFO brand. I made the following changes and it's been working since. I changed the addresses of the MA unit to 100 and the SL unit to 101. Originally they where 001 and 002. And I think the addresses might been conflicting with the BMS addresses. (Think IP addresses on the computer) All this is running on RSR458 protocol. Others might have to use the CAN or other. Unfortunately might take some experimenting.
I tend to agree with this assessment. Typically most BMS systems will not work in parallel configuration because the BMS sees each battery as a whole unit of the battery system rather than a part of battery system.
I am experiencing quite a similar problem. One growatt SPF 3500 ES inverter + one growatt hope 4.8 cii 48v 100ah battery. The inverter always says battery disconnected no matter configuring the battery type to LI or USE. I am going crazy about this.
- Hello, take a breather and go back over your system with a clear mind. I'd offer you some service but the variables are many. Check wiring, correct voltages, settings on your inverter (option 5)... Might have to flash your inverters with the latest software, best handled with the seller.
We connect 3x for your Battery-pack (48V, 50Ah) in serial DC ( 144v , 50Ah) , and RS485 communication Cables . Then we connect the DC output to the Growatt Hybrid inverter SPH5000TL3 DC, and via CAN with an CAN-Cable also to the CAN - Plug of the Inverter.
BUT Growatt Inverter can not communicate with YOUR Battery-Packs!??
So, we need urgend , for YOUR application we use, technical support / connection plan scetch from your tecnical depatment. Also we must konw , how to set the dip-switches for each battery-pack (Master and slave settings for each Pack) ? Aslo we need to know , if we need special CAN cables or Special RS485 Cables????
rs485 is serial based ( just like rs232).. a network switch will fry either bms or inverter.. there are specific rs485 available from growatt.. also, please update the firmware on the inverters. i know from seplos they need an update. also, see if canbus is an option
Great ideas and comments, thanks for sharing. Truth be told the first inverter I installed the firmware updates on, which caused an Issue during the chip flashing, this rendered the inverter broken, had to install a new communication board to fix problem which Ian at Watts provided without issue. The serial based cabling also makes sense as the signals should be direct and not possibly switched in anyway. Upon trying communication setup originally I only connected 1 inverter to the battery bank to eliminate any additional hardware possibilities, but still produced the same error code 20. I'm thinking the 24v battery mixed with the 48v inverter is probably not coded into the software language? I'll keep searching and trying, thanks
@@ahhlifesgood1956 that shouldnt be a problem, as you've stacked them, and they should be communication. if you purchase a usb to rs485 you might be able to sniff if the bms's are actuall transmitting. there is another channel that had major problems with rs485 and growatts to. he made it work through canbus though. does your bms support canbus ?
@@houseofancients - Canbus should be standard on most these newer electronics, couldn't tell you definitively if it's supported, I had used the CAN port during my first setup using only 1 inverter, even made my own patch cables using pins 1/2, then 4/5, even 7/8 as the manual suggests, thus eliminating possible signal confusion. I even tried reversing dip switch settings thinking they were wrong in the manual seeing as the manual table actually says for (48v) systems, even though the manual is for 24v. Even tried the nitty gritty of cleaning contacts where the cables connect. thanks for the ideas, keep them coming!
Just hooked up my two growatt to pylontech batteries. Used the can bus to the master inverter. All good. Have you changed the inverter number 23 to parallel config? Also you can't change the 40% value because 12 and 21 are interlocked. One has to be less than the other .
@@stephenjacob9316 - Good day Stephen, thank you for the information, been fun learning this system and it keeps going. I configured options 23 and 36, trying various protocols without results. The 12 - 21 value being interlocked I had no idea, good info!
Awesome video. Thought it was only me struggling with that BMS, this is exactly what am seeing on my inverter and battery pack aswell. Can you kindly share the BMS software if possible as I would also want to log into may battery pack to see the exact readings.
Happy Holidays M.E. - I'd share the exact software link I installed but I'm not at home currently to send know, I do believe it is this link on Ian's website titled "Software CD", the same disc that comes in the box when purchasing the Growatts. watts247.com/manuals/gw/
You need to charge up to 100% periodically or your product is useless because they can't balance unless they get up to at least 99%. I build large LifePO4 battery banks for off grid use. I don't use all in one units unless they ask for one and then only Victron or Sol-Ark since they are the only ones that work. However Sol-Ark does not officially support canbus on the Orion Jr 2 BMS scine that would be most likely a DIY application. I like separating the chargers and inverters out and putting in control relays to control the different devices because its a reliable proven way to do it. Also by separating them out they are easily replaced if something goes out without replacing everything. If an 3000 watt inverter fails just spend $280 and get a new one, etc. Also inverters can be turned off and on using remote switches thus conserving standby power. For example you could dedicate an inverter to the Oven, Stove, Washer, Dryer etc and put the switch next to the outlet and only turn it on when needed and remember to turn if off when done saving a lot of power. I build complete custom systems for off grid use and all one ones for grid tied systems.
- Thanks Larry this most definitely could be the case, I was just looking up the Pin communication for RJ45 coming from the Growatt is on 1/2 and the EG4's says its communicating on Pins 7/8, the fix might be as easy as making a crossover cable that functions to send signal from Pins 1/2 to 7/8. Planning to give this a try.
I think your communication problems between your computer and the battery packs have to do with the series connection of the packs. This makes the RS485 have to deal with a 25 volt difference between the series connected batteries. The RS485 is only designed to handle a +/- 7 volt difference in ground levels. Easy to test by disconnecting the positive outputs of the batteries and temporarily connecting all the negative outputs together. Then connect to your computer with the communications software and see if you can see all four battery packs. As for fixing the problem during normal use, I don't know of a way. For inverter communications the 24 volt packs will probably never communicate correctly. Inverter is expecting 48 volt batteries and getting 24 volt data would just think the batteries are very under charged. Might work OK when you actually hook the 24 volt packs to a 24 volt inverter, all in parallel.
- Dennis thank you for the precise response, in my short words and after many different configurations I believe this to be the problem. Really appreciate the technical and well written advise for myself and others to help better understand our systems. Cheers
This link to Signature Solar the CEO is explaining how to connect EGYLL BMS Communication with Growatt inverters (5000ES and others) ua-cam.com/video/hD6dxn1Y7iY/v-deo.html I hope this can be of assistance to you. The one thing I noticed in his video he says to use address 1 not 0 (zero)
Thanks for the comments Harry, yes the the address of 1 and 0 I've tired in the past without success, even tied sequencing the address ranges starting from (5) on up. This same systems my friend has configured, difference being he's running a 5000 watt inverter with 48v batteries. My best guess is the software/hardware of the inverter being 48v not recognizing and reading the 24v battery architecture, I'll keep looking and learning, thanks
@@ahhlifesgood1956 Possibly your problem is caused by the different battery voltage. Are you using 2 24V batteries in series to run the 48V Growatt inverter? I noticed in your video you had 4 batteries, if I am not mistaken. So I guess you have 2 series pair of 24v batteries parallel? Series and paralleled arrangement? Have you been able to send a question to Signature Solar about this particular problem you are having? By the way, your video work and detailed explanations are very well done, and I enjoy and learning from your sharing of your experience of setting up your system. Thank you for your good work it is very well done.
@@harryv6147 - Thanks for the reply Harry, I haven't asked Signature Solar for help on this yet but I probably will at some point. I believe you're right on target with finding out the problem with communication, it must have something to do with the 24v and being in series. Yesterday I was reading the Growatt manual and realized that RS485 port uses pins 1/2 where as the EG4 battery manual says RS45 port uses pins 7/8. I think I'm going to make this cross over cable next and see if it works for my setup. Thanks for the help.
Thank you for your lessons taught on this
subject! I am not an electrician, but I have
gone to Vocational school over 42 years ago. I
am now 61 years old and I am learning a lot
about setting up my on solar panel control
station thanks to you and other bright men
like yourself on UA-cam! I am so very grateful
to you and others like yourself!!😎
Hi! I had the same problem with a Growatt 5000ES inverter and an AmpleNess S5385 battery and I solved it by setting in menu 5 type "Li" and in menu 36 number 52 (CAN protocol). And it worked flawlessly. I connected the CAN communication cable to the BMS plug to the inverter and to the CAN plug to the battery. I hope it goes the same for you.
With new inverters with a BMS port you're supposed to use the BMS port for both CAN or RS458 to the battery rs485 or can port. THE BMS port now supports both. The RS485 port on the inverter is for communication between the inverters. I believe that's why you're getting an error.
I believe there is a sequence to turn these on and off. The battery's have precharge resistors built in. I would turn on you main disconnect first and then the battery.
Thanks for the comments, good points, I've also read about the precharge along with turning the batteries on in order of sequence, pausing between each battery initiation until each has had time sequence and sync.
The configuration does not work because you have 48 volt inverters and 24V batteries. The inverter is measuring the voltage while the RS485 is communicating with the inverter and showing 24volts. The RS485 is communicating the parameters of each single battery and not as a whole pack.
I have the same problem. I have 4 48 volt batteries and 2 24 volt batteries in my back all tied together. I can remove the 24 volt batteries and the system works fine with communications.
- Thank you sir for the comments, after many enjoyable attempts I learned the same lesson.
Whats confusing on the dipswitches is that if you have a single battery, all switches are down (on) but if you have more batteries added, the master is to have the 4th switch up (off)--this is according to Signature Solar (1/31/2022), whom I bought the batteries from. The manual seems to indicate the master has all the switches down though, but maybe that is only if you have one battery (?). I haven't gotten my second battery yet, so I will find out. With a single battery, I have all the switches down, and the ethernet cable is plugged into the BMS port on the Growatt 5000ES and seems to work fine. It may have been a Will Prowse video I watched that revealed he found out that all switches need to be down on a single battery on the newer LifePo4, and the newer Growatts use the BMS port--which I first used the RS485 port which wouldn't communicate with the battery.
After you select Li on option 05 next select 04 and not 01 like you did. I am confused on your batteries being 24v in a 48v setup for the spf5000es.
Saw this video today . I think it may help with the communication issue . Good luck !
ua-cam.com/video/-RBS-jGADzw/v-deo.html
On battery #2, #3, #4 change the port for your comm cable Meaning come out of Batt #1 on the right port and insert into Batt#2 in the left port. Then on Batt#2 out right port and in on Batt#3 left port and the same again for Batt#3 and Batt#4 I saw tis on another video when they had a comm issue between batteries.
questions:
- the 4x - 48v batteries connected in serial or parallel use ( so 192vdc, 50Ah or 48vdc, 200Ah) ?
- the inverters : single phase ? 48vdc?
or 3-phase min 160vdc input (batt)?
thanks Dirk
I am pretty sure the first battery is supposed to be number 1 not zero. Signature solar has a video on their you tube and Dave poz did a good battery one. I also note that on their videos there are 4 wires going between the inverters. Two are like you have and two are smaller wires twisted together.
I can't tell if you have the two that are twisted together.
Signature solar also has a video on upgrading the software for the inverters .
Hope you get it sorted out.
- Thanks for sharing, your ideas and support, the small red/black wires twisted together are current sharing cables designed for sharing current when you have 2 or more inverters stacked on the same phase. I also tried the idea you suggest for changing the address number on the dip switches from 0 to 2, or 3, 4 and on down the list to no avail. The number 1 address is reserved for the communication between Inverter and Battery communication on the growatt manual.
Nice video, thank you. Does anyone reading this have any info regarding communication between the growatt and a home made battery using a daly BMS?
You are using the wrong switch for cable connection. Did the same thing with my system and than I have bought a Splitter LogiLink MP0032, 5xRJ45 and it worked without a problem. I think the switch is messing up the com.
dont you plug into bms port on inverter? since your batteries have bms built in.
Have you tried the next protocol number as you had 50 options, you need to go through one by one
Thanks for the questions, I did try running through various number configuration without success.
Hi,
I have exactly the same problem, and with a 48V battery.
I also tried everything (well I think) even with another battery software, where you can select the protocol (like Growatt RS485 or CAN) nothing helps, still the error code
(20 and 04 ).
I think it comes from the inverter, it must be updated.
I have a note from Growatt regarding this issue and they suggest doing 2 updates.
The problem is that I can't find these updates??
The batteries communicate perfectly (in RS 485-RS232) with a laptop, but do not communicate with the inverter? for me It's a problem coming from the inverter?.. (I think).
Below Growatt's note: (for SPF 3K and 5K TL-HVM inverters):
3.4 warning 04
Fault description:Low battery.
Analysis：
1. It may be that inverter communication protocol is different from lithium icon battery
communication protocol，only some models of Pylon、Dyness brand lithium icon battery
can build communication with our inverter.
2. it may be that battery discharge too much，battery voltage is really low.
Suggestions:
4. if use lithium icon battery that can build communication with inverter，but still warn 04
fault，normally this fault comes with 20 fault，please arrange to upgrade inverter software
using ISP tool program software.
inverter new firmware software version：F2809_GW500.07_20191227_B.
inverter new BMS software version：F030_sk022_05_20191220.
please don’t forget to reset factory setting after upgrading every software.
If you have the solution,? i would be happy to know? and thank you for this video.
Ah Lifes Good, On your rj45s, 1/2, 7/8 are standard Tx/Rx for subrate data comm like 9600. This is not ethernet and your switch/bridge is not passing data. I would go back to working with one inverter and one battery. Get an old breakout box and connect the inverter to one side and see what pins light up or use a meter. That will be the transmit pair. Then do the same with the battery. If 1/2 light up on both, you need a crossover cable. If you can make your own cables, however you connect one side connect the other in the same order only flip the connecter over. 1/2 will go to 7/8 both ways. I don't know if this will fix your problem. You might have two or three things that are mismatched. I would also read up on those L1 through whatever settings on the inverter. They may determine different comm protocols for different batteries or something else. Don't move forward adding additional equipment until you can get the main inverter and one battery talking. I hope this info is useless and you have already figured it out. Good luck.
- Morning randy and thank you for the detailed comments, this is a great explanation on what one can do to possibly figure out the communication problems between 24v batteries and 48v inverters, it'll definitely work on 48v batteries and inverters as we've tested it. I've tried with my setup as you suggested, even with an extra inverter and battery I have as backup, eliminating the hubs, possible shorts, double inverters, made patch cables, etc. and nothing. One viewer mentioned there is a difference in voltage between the batteries and inverters on the signal, and is what I believe is probably causing this issue of communication. I've yet to hear of anyone being able to sync there growatt 3000 with 24v Gyll or EG4 batteries communication. Thanks for posting.
hello,
After contacting a battery manufacturer, we have found the solution.
In fact on the battery you have to connect the CAN port and on the inverter you connect to BMS.
For my case the protocol on the inverter (Menu 05) is 52.
but it might be different for you?
Another thing, normally on my version of BMS, we must also change the protocol (battery protocol), that is to say that you choose the brand of your inverter (Growatt)
But on your BMS and your software I don't know.
What is certain is that I had exactly the same problem before and when I connected with the CAN port of the battery it worked, and the communication with the inverter did so. (by the way to test if you disconnect the com cable, the inverter instantly gives the error and as soon as you reconnect the com cable, it works again) You can Try?...
Hey man i have question i’m willing to install lithium battery for my inverter i have seen some Lifepo4 batteries without communication ports just with power button and voltage monitoring screen do you recommend that battery for me is safe if contact the battery company and get the recommended voltages, sho i put the battery type lithium or user defined ?
- Hello Mohammed, I can't recommend any products specifically to you as they're many options out there and I am no expert in the field. I would however highly recommend Lithium batteries, with exception of you researching to know what you're buying and for what application, as every solar system may be similar in principal but extremely different in setup depending on your electrical needs, especially when mixing and matching components these days. Make sure your batteries have some kind of BMS in place, and or a fuse between inverter and batteries in the event there is an issue when connecting.
Nice video on the inverters. Doing just a tad of RS485 research, it seems to be the TD- / RD- implies a transmit / receive wiring. Therefore, a crossover cable may work or purchase the growatt hub for $29 rather than a normal ethernet hub that is wired as a straight through. I was even thinking that one could use one cross over cable from inverter 1 (master) to inverter 2 (slave) and then see IF all you need is ONE cable RS485 down to the BMS so in effect address one is the only address the BMS sees. I don't have two inverters to try it out. I have ran into similar weirdness configuring video cameras and it's always that darn cabling..... I would also see IF you can set up ONE inverter and see IF the BMS software sees all the batteries and IF so, then try connecting the second inverter. Also, I read that the inverter looks for the correct voltage and that is why the power button is off at first to PRE-charge the resistor IN the inverter first to avoid the inrush current.
- Hello Gary, great commenting, very much appreciated! The information you mentioned in regards to the "TD- / RD-" is good information, I couldn't find this information when I looked and was wondering. I did just release a video in regards to your analysis, I did exactly what you're suggesting and made a cross over cable that would reference Pinouts 1/2 on the Inverter (rj45 comm.) that goes to Pinout 7/8 (rj45 comm.) on the EG4's. This is what the manuals called for, unfortunately it didn't work. I was unsure on the 7/8 (TD, RD), which was sending or receiving so I actually made 2 separate patch cables, one configured as you see on video and one I tried on my own.
As you mentioned, I believe there is an issue in the handling of the Voltage, as the 48v eg4 have no problem with communication, only the 24v, even though my 24v are in series I don't think the BMS has written into code or hardware how to handle this difference?
I have another inverter and battery that I [;an to setup and use for testing (fun) and see if I can't get a little more technical in my analysis. Cheers!
This is the video of me testing the cross over cable - ua-cam.com/video/3Z0bLrS6yrI/v-deo.html
Hey buddy have you tried to set a different battery as the master, in case the port on the current battery is bad. Also try use a RS485/CAN Hub from growatt. I struggled with a battery yet the port was bad on it.
- Good comments KD, yes I tried setting all 4 of the batteries as Master. From inception I o ly connected 1 battery (24v) directly to the inverter, from there I connected to in Series for 48v without any luck. After that I tried as many different configuration as I could come up with, from making various cross over cables, RSr85& CAN ports, Dip switch settings and a multitude of Option 36 Protocol range settings. Nothing takes away error 20 for me with these 24v batteries.
Mine setup didn't like to talk to the BMSs of the batteries - UFO brand.
I made the following changes and it's been working since.
I changed the addresses of the MA unit to 100 and the SL unit to 101.
Originally they where 001 and 002. And I think the addresses might been conflicting with the BMS addresses. (Think IP addresses on the computer)
All this is running on RSR458 protocol.
Others might have to use the CAN or other. Unfortunately might take some experimenting.
Thanks for sharing.
- Thank you
Could be because you have 24 volt battery's and there run in series.
Thanks weighing in, I am thinking also that it's the 24 volt battery and a 48v inverter, I would imagine the software is setup for 48v hardware.
I tend to agree with this assessment. Typically most BMS systems will not work in parallel configuration because the BMS sees each battery as a whole unit of the battery system rather than a part of battery system.
I am experiencing quite a similar problem. One growatt SPF 3500 ES inverter + one growatt hope 4.8 cii 48v 100ah battery. The inverter always says battery disconnected no matter configuring the battery type to LI or USE. I am going crazy about this.
- Hello, take a breather and go back over your system with a clear mind. I'd offer you some service but the variables are many. Check wiring, correct voltages, settings on your inverter (option 5)... Might have to flash your inverters with the latest software, best handled with the seller.
We connect 3x for your Battery-pack (48V, 50Ah) in serial DC ( 144v , 50Ah) , and RS485 communication Cables .
Then we connect the DC output to the Growatt Hybrid inverter SPH5000TL3 DC, and via CAN with an CAN-Cable also to the CAN - Plug of the Inverter.
BUT Growatt Inverter can not communicate with YOUR Battery-Packs!??
So, we need urgend , for YOUR application we use, technical support / connection plan scetch from your tecnical depatment.
Also we must konw , how to set the dip-switches for each battery-pack (Master and slave settings for each Pack) ?
Aslo we need to know , if we need special CAN cables or Special RS485 Cables????
rs485 is serial based ( just like rs232)..
a network switch will fry either bms or inverter..
there are specific rs485 available from growatt..
also, please update the firmware on the inverters.
i know from seplos they need an update.
also, see if canbus is an option
Great ideas and comments, thanks for sharing. Truth be told the first inverter I installed the firmware updates on, which caused an Issue during the chip flashing, this rendered the inverter broken, had to install a new communication board to fix problem which Ian at Watts provided without issue. The serial based cabling also makes sense as the signals should be direct and not possibly switched in anyway. Upon trying communication setup originally I only connected 1 inverter to the battery bank to eliminate any additional hardware possibilities, but still produced the same error code 20. I'm thinking the 24v battery mixed with the 48v inverter is probably not coded into the software language? I'll keep searching and trying, thanks
@@ahhlifesgood1956 that shouldnt be a problem, as you've stacked them, and they should be communication.
if you purchase a usb to rs485 you might be able to sniff if the bms's are actuall transmitting.
there is another channel that had major problems with rs485 and growatts to.
he made it work through canbus though.
does your bms support canbus ?
@@houseofancients - Canbus should be standard on most these newer electronics, couldn't tell you definitively if it's supported, I had used the CAN port during my first setup using only 1 inverter, even made my own patch cables using pins 1/2, then 4/5, even 7/8 as the manual suggests, thus eliminating possible signal confusion. I even tried reversing dip switch settings thinking they were wrong in the manual seeing as the manual table actually says for (48v) systems, even though the manual is for 24v. Even tried the nitty gritty of cleaning contacts where the cables connect. thanks for the ideas, keep them coming!
Just hooked up my two growatt to pylontech batteries. Used the can bus to the master inverter.
All good.
Have you changed the inverter number 23 to parallel config?
Also you can't change the 40% value because 12 and 21 are interlocked. One has to be less than the other .
@@stephenjacob9316 - Good day Stephen, thank you for the information, been fun learning this system and it keeps going. I configured options 23 and 36, trying various protocols without results. The 12 - 21 value being interlocked I had no idea, good info!
Check out this guy. ON MY WORK BENCH. the had same issues.
Awesome video. Thought it was only me struggling with that BMS, this is exactly what am seeing on my inverter and battery pack aswell.
Can you kindly share the BMS software if possible as I would also want to log into may battery pack to see the exact readings.
Happy Holidays M.E. - I'd share the exact software link I installed but I'm not at home currently to send know, I do believe it is this link on Ian's website titled "Software CD", the same disc that comes in the box when purchasing the Growatts. watts247.com/manuals/gw/
You need to charge up to 100% periodically or your product is useless because they can't balance unless they get up to at least 99%. I build large LifePO4 battery banks for off grid use. I don't use all in one units unless they ask for one and then only Victron or Sol-Ark since they are the only ones that work. However Sol-Ark does not officially support canbus on the Orion Jr 2 BMS scine that would be most likely a DIY application. I like separating the chargers and inverters out and putting in control relays to control the different devices because its a reliable proven way to do it. Also by separating them out they are easily replaced if something goes out without replacing everything. If an 3000 watt inverter fails just spend $280 and get a new one, etc. Also inverters can be turned off and on using remote switches thus conserving standby power. For example you could dedicate an inverter to the Oven, Stove, Washer, Dryer etc and put the switch next to the outlet and only turn it on when needed and remember to turn if off when done saving a lot of power. I build complete custom systems for off grid use and all one ones for grid tied systems.
- Hi Tim and thank you for the comments, very useful information.
I think you are telling the grow watts that you have 48V batteries not 24 volt. You set each battery as if it were 48V not the 24V they actually are.
- Thanks Larry this most definitely could be the case, I was just looking up the Pin communication for RJ45 coming from the Growatt is on 1/2 and the EG4's says its communicating on Pins 7/8, the fix might be as easy as making a crossover cable that functions to send signal from Pins 1/2 to 7/8. Planning to give this a try.
@@ahhlifesgood1956 I'll be watching to see if this works. Good information.
HOWdy L-I-G,
G@@D Luck on your Communication problem "20"
COOP
...
The first battery should be : on , on . on, off. The 4th switch is in off. this make it battery 1. Try it and let me know. :D
I think your communication problems between your computer and the battery packs have to do with the series connection of the packs. This makes the RS485 have to deal with a 25 volt difference between the series connected batteries. The RS485 is only designed to handle a +/- 7 volt difference in ground levels. Easy to test by disconnecting the positive outputs of the batteries and temporarily connecting all the negative outputs together. Then connect to your computer with the communications software and see if you can see all four battery packs.
As for fixing the problem during normal use, I don't know of a way.
For inverter communications the 24 volt packs will probably never communicate correctly. Inverter is expecting 48 volt batteries and getting 24 volt data would just think the batteries are very under charged. Might work OK when you actually hook the 24 volt packs to a 24 volt inverter, all in parallel.
- Dennis thank you for the precise response, in my short words and after many different configurations I believe this to be the problem. Really appreciate the technical and well written advise for myself and others to help better understand our systems. Cheers
This link to Signature Solar the CEO is explaining how to connect EGYLL BMS Communication with Growatt inverters (5000ES and others) ua-cam.com/video/hD6dxn1Y7iY/v-deo.html I hope this can be of assistance to you. The one thing I noticed in his video he says to use address 1 not 0 (zero)
Thanks for the comments Harry, yes the the address of 1 and 0 I've tired in the past without success, even tied sequencing the address ranges starting from (5) on up.
This same systems my friend has configured, difference being he's running a 5000 watt inverter with 48v batteries. My best guess is the software/hardware of the inverter being 48v not recognizing and reading the 24v battery architecture, I'll keep looking and learning, thanks
@@ahhlifesgood1956 Possibly your problem is caused by the different battery voltage. Are you using 2 24V batteries in series to run the 48V Growatt inverter? I noticed in your video you had 4 batteries, if I am not mistaken. So I guess you have 2 series pair of 24v batteries parallel? Series and paralleled arrangement? Have you been able to send a question to Signature Solar about this particular problem you are having? By the way, your video work and detailed explanations are very well done, and I enjoy and learning from your sharing of your experience of setting up your system. Thank you for your good work it is very well done.
@@harryv6147 - Thanks for the reply Harry, I haven't asked Signature Solar for help on this yet but I probably will at some point. I believe you're right on target with finding out the problem with communication, it must have something to do with the 24v and being in series. Yesterday I was reading the Growatt manual and realized that RS485 port uses pins 1/2 where as the EG4 battery manual says RS45 port uses pins 7/8. I think I'm going to make this cross over cable next and see if it works for my setup. Thanks for the help.