Setting Up Sol-Ark Closed-Loop Configuration

OVERCHARGE / OVERDISCHARGE HAZARD

In a closed-loop configuration with the BMS Lithium Batt function enabled, the BMS_Err_Stop parameter must be enabled. If the BMS_Err_Stop parameter function is not enabled, the Sol-Ark inverter will continue to operate based on the last communicated battery values. Depending on the mode of operation at the time of communication fault and given enough time, the Sol-Ark inverter-charger will eventually put the attached battery into an overcharged or fully discharged state. When that occurs, either situation will trigger the Discover Lithium Battery BMS to self-protect and disconnect the battery from the system.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in equipment damage.

It is recommended that the Sol-Ark inverter be programmed with the appropriate open-loop settings before enabling closed-loop communication.

Touch the Sol-Ark screen to:

• Navigate the Sol-Ark onscreen menus.

• Enable parameters.

• Activate the adjustment of values.

• Save all onscreen settings.

Values are adjusted using the keypad.

Enable parameters with a CHECKMARK, and disable parameters by clearing the check box. Touch a WHITE box onscreen to activate the adjustment of that value. Selecting parameters either enabled or disabled alters which values are available to be adjusted.

• A WHITE BOX indicates values that can be adjusted.

• A GREY BOX indicates values that cannot be adjusted, and any displayed value should be ignored.

If necessary, configure Sol-Ark inverters to operate in parallel before setting the parameters for battery operation.

Batt Capacity

Set to the number of Discover Lithium batteries x Ah capacity of each. (For example, set to 200 Ah for two AES RACKMOUNT batteries, each rated at 100 Ah capacity).

Max A Charge

For a single inverter: set to the lesser of the inverter’s max charge capacity, or the quantity of attached batteries, multiplied by the battery model’s specific max charge rating. For example, a 12K-P inverter would be set to the lessor of the inverter’s max charge rate of 185 A, or 190 A for two AES RACKMOUNT 48-48-5120 batteries rated at 95 A max charge each. ⁽²⁾

For a three-phase system: set to the lessor of the max charge value for the master inverter, or the quantity of attached batteries multiplied by the battery model’s max charge rating, divided by the number of inverters. For example, the master 12K-P would be set to the lessor of the inverter’s max charge rate of 185A, or 126 A, for a battery bank of four AES RACKMOUNT 48-48-5120 batteries rated at 95 A max charge each (380 A divided by three inverters).

NOTE: Each HELIOS ESS battery is rated at a 200 A charge rate, but when connected in parallel, the maximum current is limited by internal busbars. For the recommended maximum current for paralleled HELIOS ESS, refer to the HELIOS Manual, Minimum Specifications for Battery Systems.

Max A Discharge

For a single inverter: set to the lesser of the inverter’s max discharge capacity, or the quantity of attached batteries, multiplied by the battery model’s specific max discharge rating. For example, a 12K-P inverter would be set to the lessor of the inverter’s max discharge rate of 185 A, or 190 A for two AES RACKMOUNT 48-48-5120 batteries rated at 95 A max discharge each. ⁽¹⁾

For a three-phase system: set to the lessor of the max discharge value for the master inverter, or the quantity of attached batteries multiplied by the battery model’s max discharge rating, divided by the number of inverters. For example, the master 12K-P would be set to the lessor of the inverter’s max discharge rate of 185 A, or 126 A, for a battery bank of four AES RACKMOUNT 48-48-5120 batteries rated at 95 A max discharge each (380 A divided by three inverters).

NOTE: Each HELIOS ESS battery is rated at a 200 A discharge rate, but when connected in parallel, the maximum current is limited by internal busbars. For the recommended maximum current for paralleled HELIOS ESS, refer to the HELIOS Manual, Minimum Specifications for Battery Systems.

TEMPCO

This value is disabled (grey) when BMS Lithium Batt is enabled.

Use Batt V Charged

Disable

Use Batt % Charged

Enable

No Battery

Disable

BMS Lithium Batt

Enable and set to 00 ⁽²⁾

Activate Battery

Enable

⁽¹⁾ The recommended value for Max A Charge is 75% of the rated maximum charge current for the battery.

⁽²⁾ Setting the BMS Lithium Batt parameter to Enable confirms closed-loop operation. Ensure that a checkmark and 00 (CANBus Battery mode) is displayed.

The values and parameters used are for an operating temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).

Gen Charge

Enable if charging from a generator is desired. ⁽¹⁾

Note: The Gen Input Breaker must be connected to the output of an AC generator for this work.

Grid Charge

Enable if charging from the grid is desired. ⁽²⁾

Note: The Grid Input Breaker must be connected to input from the grid for this to work.

StartV

Unavailable (Grey) in a closed-loop configuration.

Start%

Set to user preference based on battery State-of-charge as a percentage. The recommended minimum is 10%.

A

Set to the same Amp value that was set for Max A Charge. ⁽³⁾

Float V

Value is communicated by BMS in a closed-loop configuration. Ignore the displayed value.

Absorption V

Value is communicated by BMS in a closed-loop configuration. Ignore the displayed value.

Equalization V

The function is disabled in a closed-loop configuration. Ignore the displayed value.

Gen Exercise Cycle Day & Cycle

Refer to Solar-Ark documentation.

Gen Force

Refer to Solar-Ark documentation.

⁽¹⁾ Left column options are for Gen Charge AutoStart values (Reference Sol-Ark documentation for more details on the generator AutoStart function.

⁽²⁾ Right Column options are for Grid Charge values.

⁽³⁾ If need be, this value is used to curtail the maximum current output of the charger.

The values and parameters used are for an operating temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).

Shutdown

Set to user preference based on battery State-of-charge as a percentage. The recommended minimum is 10%. ⁽¹⁾

Low Batt

Set to user preference based on battery State-of-charge as a percentage. The recommended minimum is 20%. ⁽¹⁾

Restart

Set to user preference based on battery State-of-charge as a percentage. ⁽¹⁾

Batt Empty V

48 V

Batt Resistance

Set to: Ten mOhm divided by the number of batteries (plus mOhm value for cable resistance, if known). ⁽²⁾

Batt Charge Efficiency

98.0 %

BMS_Err_Stop

Enable ⁽³⁾

⁽¹⁾ A closed-loop configuration uses % state-of-charge. Discharge voltage values are not available.

⁽²⁾ This value should include cable and connection resistance. The formula provided is to assist with the calculation of a general value.

⁽³⁾ BMS_Err_Stop MUST be enabled to cause the inverter to stop operating if there is a communication error. If BMS_Err_Stop is disabled, the inverter will continue to operate using the last communicated battery values.

The values and parameters used are for an assumed operating temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).