In this article we look at how to configure your MultiPlus or Quattro unit using the Victron VE Configure software tool.
Are you installing the ECOmulti unit? Victron have just published a step-by-step guide you can view here
Watch the Victron Energy video guide to VE Configure software - https://youtu.be/V1Zceq02vMA
Before you start: Update the firmware on your MultiPlus or Quattro unit
Please contact us with the serial number of your unit, and the intended use, and we will email you over the correct firmware version.
Then use the VE Flash program to update the firmware - please be very careful to follow the steps on the screen saying when to switch the unit on or off.
Victron have a great video showing the process, you can view it here
Step 1: Install the VE Configure 3 software tool
You can download the VE Configure 3 software from the Victron Energy website at this link.
Please also download and install the MK2 connection drivers which your laptop will need to connect up to the MultiPlus or Quattro unit.
Step 2: Connect your laptop to the MultiPlus or Quattro unit
Connect your laptop to the MultiPlus or Quattro unit using the MK2 USB cable.
Switch on the MultiPlus or Quattro.
Select the Port Selection menu and choose the COMS port where the USB cable is connected to your laptop.
Step 3: General settings
On the first page we set the general settings.
The System frequency is the frequency of the AC output from the unit. It should usually be set to 50Hz to match the AC loads and PV inverter (if there is one installed).
UPS function decides what happens if we lose power quality from the AC input. For a grid connected back-up system UPS function is useful to changeover quickly and keep the loads running. For an off-grid system we usually want to disable UPS function so that we can charge the batteries from the generator even if it has a weak or low quality output.
The AC input current limit from a back-up generator should be set to 80% of the generator's maximum power output. This stops the unit from overloading the generator and ensures it will use the generator efficiently when charging the batteries.
The AC2 input current limit only applies to the Quattro unit which has two AC inputs.
Step 4: Inverter settings
Power Assist should normally be enabled and boost factor set to 2.0. If the power from the AC input (generator or grid) is not sufficient then the unit will use the battery to help power the loads.
If the system is off-grid then AES mode should be disabled. This settings is useful as a 'standby' mode when energy demand is very low, however it can reduce the power quality causing any PV inverters on the AC output to disconnect.
Step 5: Charger settings
It is really important that the battery settings are correct, if in doubt please give us a call to check the settings!
In most cases we want to select Enable charger so the the unit can charge the battery - disable this option if you only wanted to use your own external battery charger.
The easiest way to configure the battery is to click Battery type and select the correct Victron battery from the list.
If you are using a different battery then you will need to look up the charge settings from the battery datasheet.
Step 6: Battery monitor settings
For a lead-acid battery the State of charge when Bulk finished is usually set to 70% and the charge efficiency will be set to 0.8 or less.
The Battery capacity is set to the C20 Ah capacity of the battery bank.
Step 7: The Virtual Switch
In most cases it is easiest to choose Do not use VS and program your unit with the software Assistants (step 8).
However sometimes the Virtual switch is useful for programming more advanced behaviours.
Step 8: VE Assistants
You can add assistants to the unit depending on how you want it to behave.
Here we will discuss the most popular software assistants.
HUB systems for self-consumption
The HUB Assistant is used to quickly configure a self-consumption system.
There are currently four types of HUB system depending on how your system is set up:
HUB1 - A BlueSolar MPPT is used to charge the batteries on the DC side
HUB2 - The panels run on a PV inverter which is installed on the load side (AC Out) of the MultiPlus / Quattro unit.
HUB3 - The panels run on a PV inverter which is installed on the grid side (AC In) of the MultiPlus / Quattro unit.
HUB4 - The MultiPlus / Quattro is installed with an AC sensor used to optimise self-consumption.
Generator start and stop
Switch on a generator when the batteries are running low
PV Inverter support
Use frequency shifting to de-rate a PV inverter connected on the AC output, disconnect the PV inverter when the battery is full
Step 9: Save the settings
Click Send settings and follow the steps on screen carefully to program the settings into the MultiPlus or Quattro unit
Hints and tips
I want to try the VE Configure software for training purposes?
Just click Port selection from the menu and select Fake target with full options
Where can I find more information about the Software Assistants?
Victron Energy have an excellent resource on their Victron Live blog