Introduction, Contact info & Useful Links Introduction This integration guide will help set up the charge/discharge parameters of Fortress Power batteries and commission them as they relate to Sol-Ark inverters. Tech-Support Contact Information · Phone: (877) 497-6937 ext. 2 · Support Tickets: https://www.fortresspower.com/support/ Useful Links · Warranty Submittal: https://www.fortresspower.
Notes If the battery voltages are significantly different, one technique is to finish battery installation and only turn on the lowest voltage battery using the pushbutton. Charge the battery, and when the charging voltage is ~0.2V above the resting voltage of the next lowest battery, turn it on too. Proceed until all batteries are turned on and at the same voltage level. If the batteries are below 51V, keep charging amperages below 10A per battery. If the batteries are slightly more than +/-0.
Program the Inverter This article shows how to program the inverter in closed-loop communication mode. Note: tech-support team strongly urges customers to use Fortress Power batteries in Closed-loop communication mode. Yet, if certain circumstances require one to temporarily use the batteries in open-loop communication mode, please follow the following link for open-loop settings: https://learn.fortresspower.
Notes: a) The settings shown in the latter screenshot are the most conventional ones, hence, adjustments may be required (please see the table below). b) The approach described in the note "2b" applies while programing this tab as well. Additionally, current setpoint ('A') must not exceed the generators capability. b) Larger generators are commonly tied into the grid side of the inverter rather than the dedicated generator input. Make check-marks and current adjustments accordingly.
increased. c) The battery empty voltage should not be lower than 48V. The last statement from the previous note applies to the 'Batt Empty V'. Usually this set-point does not exceed 50V. Running on 1 eFlex Running 1 Sol-Ark inverter on 1 eFlex is not compliant with Fortress minimum sizing standards. If operating with one eFlex, please adjust the following settings: In the Batt Setup Menu, adjust amperage in the first two tabs - the batt tab and the charge tab.
eFlex Side 4. Pins 4/5 (CAN_H/CAN_L) from the eFlex 5. Pin 6 (logic ground) should also be connected Cable diagram for SolArk to eFlex communication cable Step 1 - Adjust the eFlex UPS Setting 1. Connect to the battery using the KR00 BMS tool 2. Click UPS/WIFI 3.
4. CAN should now be set to 6 Step 1 - Adjust the SolArk Settings 1. Change the SolArk Batt Settings to match the following 2. Use Batt % Charged 3. BMS Lithium Batt should be set to: 00 4. Activate Battery Checked Step 1 - Checking SolArk Data Display 1. If everything is configured correctly you should now see a button labeled Lithium Batt Info 2. After opening this window on the SolArk you should see the following screen with real time data. 3.
Appendix 2 - Protocol Reference UPS - CAN Protocol ID 1 2 3 6 Protocol ID 1 2 3 Protocol Name Fortress/SolArk MODBUS SMA CANBUS Victron CANBUS SolArk CAN 4 5 6 7 CAN2_H CAN2_L GROUND RS485_A1 8 RS485_B1 Notes Primary SolArk closed loop SMA SunnyIsland UPS - Modbus Protocol Name Fortress/SolArk MODBUS Schneider MODBUS Reserved Notes Primary SolArk closed loop eFlex 5.4 Open Loop Settings This article shows how to program the inverter in open-loop communication mode.
Notes: a) If total charge/discharge current capacity of the batteries exceeds the inverter's capabilities, use the maximum current settings for the inverter. For example, if you have four eFlexes and one Sol-Ark 12K inverter, based on the size of the battery bank, 'Max A Charge' and 'Max A discharge' should be 240A each. But, Sol-Ark 12K can only carry 185A DC going to or coming from the battery. So, in this case, both 'Max A Charge' and 'Max A Discharge' would be set to 185A.
Notes a) At 'Shutdown' voltage, inverter prevents battery from powering the loads. The battery(s) will renew/continue providing power to the loads when the battery bank is recharged to 'Restart' voltage. 'Shutdown' and 'Restart' voltage set-points can be increased to increase the "reserve capacity" of the system, but that will cause less battery charge usage. The correct 'Shutdown' level is specific to the project site.
Battery-Battery Communication The eVault MAX uses canbus to communicate from battery to battery. This occurs over the COM_Parallel ports. The ports are bidirectional. Canbus communication requires resistor termination to function without blips. Fortunately, the eVault MAX has internal canbus resistors! Terminate these resistors by using the dipswitches in the upper service cabinet within the battery. The dip switches should be in the ON position for the batteries at the end of the communication circuit.
Note: the eVault MAX can parallel up to 20 battery units in closed loop communication. Battery Touchscreen The eVault has a touch screen. The bottom corners of the eVault are touch interactive. Battery ID, bottom left Protocol ID, bottom right Note: Power cycle the first battery in the battery-battery communication circuit after adjusting any of these settings on any battery in the circuit. Battery ID Number each battery 1,2,3,4,5.... until the end of the battery circuit.
To create your own modified cable, you can use a variety of strategies: 1) A limited number of our vendors distribute a pre-made cable such as can be found here. 2) Crimp a custom RJ45 connector or use an RJ45 Ethernet keystone or cut and strip an Ethernet cable, twisting the appropriate communication wires together with small wire nuts or electrical tape if necessary. 3) Most Ethernet cabling is Type B-format cable, but it is also common to find Type A-format cable.
2. Program the first 'Batt' tab: Notes: a) To run the batter without inverter communication, uncheck "BMS Lithium Batt 04" and select "Use Batt V charged", such as during a calibration charge. b) Enabling BMS Lithium Batt 04 will adjust some values and make other values unadjustable (like the temperature coefficient above). Just ignore those values - the BMS is in control. c) The eVault is a 9.
experience and battery life, limit the discharge to 80% except for very rare occasions. Here is a list of our suggested triggers: Application Gen Trigger Grid Trigger checked, 51.2V or 15%, TOU programming to 20% Grid-tied, no generator not checked minimum Grid-tied, with portable checked, 51.1V or 10%, shutdown checked, 51.2V or 15%, TOU programming to 20% generator 8% minimum Off-grid, with stationary not checked checked, 51.4V or 20% generator Off-grid, with portable checked, 51.
EVMX - Setting Up CAN communication NOTICE The following instructions are not usable on the general release firmware of the eVault Max firmware, they are considered pre-release and should not be used outside of engineering supervision. Step 1 - Fabricate the Communication Cable SolArk 8k SolArk 12k SolArk Side 1. Pins 4/5 (CAN_H/CAN_L) are used by the SolArk for battery CAN communication 2. Pin 6 (logic ground) should also be connected 3. This bus runs at 500kbps internally.
SolArk 12k Outdoor Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Assignment INV_CAN_H INV_CAN_L CAN_GND NC NC NC NC NC eVault Max Side 4. Pins 1/2 (CAN_H/CAN_L) from the eVault Max 5.
1. Touch the Protocol ID 2. Enter the number 6 and press enter 3. The screen should update to show 6 Step 1 - Adjust the SolArk Settings 1. Change the SolArk Batt Settings to match the following 2. Use Batt % Charged 3. BMS Lithium Batt should be set to: 00 1. Activate Battery Checked Step 1 - Checking SolArk Data Display 1. If everything is configured correctly you should now see a button labeled Lithium Batt Info 2.
eVault Max Ethernet Port - Inverter RS485 eVault Max Ethernet Port - Com_Parallel 6 7 NC NC 8 NC Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Assignment NC NC INV_RS485_A NC INV_RS485_A RS485_GND NC 8 NC Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Assignment BATT_CAN_H BATT_CAN_H CAN_GND NC NC RS485_GND PARALLEL_CAN_L 8 PARALLEL_CAN_H Appendix 2 - Protocol Reference eVault Max Protocols Protocol ID 1 2 3 4 5 Protocol Name Fortress/SolArk MODBUS SMA CANBUS Fortress CANBUS Victron CANBUS Schneider MODBUS Notes Primary SolArk closed loop SMA Sunn
6 SolArk CANBUS Alternative to ID 1, uses SolArk CAN instead of RS485/Modbus eVault Max Closed Loop Settings This article shows how to program the inverter in open-loop communication mode. Note: tech-support team strongly urges customers to use Fortress Power batteries in Closed-loop communication mode. Yet, if certain circumstances require one to temporarily use the batteries in open-loop communication mode, please follow the instructions below. 1.
Notes: a) The settings shown in the latter screenshot are the most conventional ones, hence, adjustments may be required (please see the table below). b) The approach described in the note "2a" applies while programing this tab as well. Additionally, current set-point ('A') must not exceed the generators capability. b) Larger generators are commonly tied into the grid side of the inverter rather than the dedicated generator input. Make check-marks and current adjustments accordingly.
Battery-Battery Communication It does not matter which battery communication ports are used for battery-battery or battery-inverter communication. The eVault communication ports are bi-directional and accomplish the same functions, regardless of labeling. In other words, you can connect the battery-battery communicaiton cables in any communication ports between batteries, and plug the inverter into either side of the battery-battery communication chain.
communication cables and running as independent master batteries. 2) When paralleling multiple batteries, one battery may get "stuck" by not opening its relay contactors and flowing amperage in or out of the battery. Toggle the battery between master and slave modes until it clicks on, and then leave in the appropriate master or slave mode. After the battery unsticks, power down and then power back up the battery banks using the push button if convenient.
B. Program the Batt tab in Battery Setup menu: Notes: 1) If not installing battery-inverter communication, leave the system running in voltage mode. 2) Some voltage levels can only be programmed with "Use Batt V charged" enabled. Some percentage levels can only be programmed with "Use batt % charged" enabled. You can ignore system values if they are not programmable. 3) Some inverter settings are not programmable with "BMS Lithium Batt 04" has been enabled.
1) The Gen or Grid checkboxes need to be selected to program their corresponding V or % start triggers. The V or % start triggers can only be programmed if in voltage or percentage based controls. 2) Large generators over 8kW in size are commonly connected to the grid input of the inverter and use the grid start trigger 3) Offgrid customers should use 51.4V or 20% as a trigger for grid/generator charging, and 51V or 15% for any secondary backup generators.
Confirm Inverter-Battery Communication Confirming Inverter-Battery Communication Before plugging into the inverter, please confirm you have followed the previous eVault or eFlex specific instructions. The communication cable plugs into the Battery/CANbus port on the Sol-Ark. Only if the Sol-Ark communication card does not have a Battery/CANbus port - such as on an older Sol-Ark inverter, plug into the 'RJ45 485' or 'RS485' port.
3) You may not want to discharge the battery too aggressively. Sticking to no more than 9kW per eVault or 3.3kW per eFlex is optimal for maximizing battery life under time-of-use grid sell-back. Likewise, selling back at less than the full rated value of the inverter is healthy for inverter life.
Calibration Charge SoC Calibrating the battery literally means charging the battery 100% full and confirming the battery resting voltage is above 54V. This can be done onsite or remotely. Calibration is not a regular task.
Performing a calibration charge quickly: 1. Complete steps 1-3 in the previous step. 2. Go into the Grid Setup menu and enable time-of-use settings. 3. Find the current time zone and set the voltage to 55.5V. Then check the "grid charge" box in the adjacent column. 3. Once the battery reaches 55.5V, the battery should displays 100% and the original settings can be restored.
Firmware Updates Firmware updates are rarely needed. Most firmware updates solve a minor issue - major firmware updates typically are adding compatibility with new-to-market hardware or to accommodate developments in battery-inverter communication. Most of our installers use the firmware update tool to confirm proper system commissioning or unlock batteries from their protective modes during a deep discharge. To update the battery firmware, please visit https://www.fortresspower.com/firmware.
Voltage Charge (SoC) 48V 51V 51.5V 52V 52.3V 52.4V 52.5V 52.8V 53.2V 53.
