Generator Detection of Start\Stop

General
1

What is the best way to detect when a generator start\stops as a feed to a multiplusII being used to charge batteries? Thanks!

2

since this is a victron unit, and most (all?) victron units support Modbus, then i suggest looking at the victron multiplusII manuals to see if 1) it supports modbus (or MQTT or other interface) and 2) the value you are interested in ("generator running") is available as a variable you can read.

3

Hi,

Google search: "victron multiplus 2 detect generator start up"

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Results:
A Victron MultiPlus 2 can detect a generator startup by monitoring the AC input voltage and frequency, and will automatically switch to using the generator power once it detects a stable voltage and frequency within the preset parameters, typically through a dedicated "Generator Start/Stop" function within the settings, often requiring a GX device like a CCGX or Venus GX to manage the communication with the generator.

Key points about how a Victron MultiPlus 2 detects a generator startup:

  • Voltage and Frequency Monitoring:

The MultiPlus continuously monitors the AC input voltage and frequency to identify when a generator starts supplying power.

  • Configurable Thresholds:

Users can set specific voltage and frequency thresholds within the settings to ensure the generator is running stably before the MultiPlus switches to using it.

  • GX Device Integration:

For advanced generator management features like automatic start/stop based on battery level, load conditions, and scheduling, a GX device is usually required to interface with the generator and communicate with the MultiPlus.

How to set up generator auto-start on a Victron MultiPlus 2:

  • Access Settings:

Through the Victron VEConfigure software or a connected display, navigate to the "Generator Start/Stop" settings within the MultiPlus configuration.

  • Define Conditions:

Set the parameters that will trigger the generator start, such as minimum battery voltage, load level, or time-based schedules.

  • Relay Connection:

If necessary, connect a relay to the generator's start circuit to allow the MultiPlus to send a signal to initiate the generator start.

4

Note: there are Victron nodes in Node-RED that will READ / WRITE settings via the API so you can do whatever you want via node-RED - perhaps write a simple UI in Node-RED or even include status data like voltage, amperage, frequency etc.

Cheers,

Paul

5

Alternatively if you want something independent of the Victron - it could be as simple as putting a smart switch (Shelly for example) - flashed with Tasmota onto the outlet of the generator, Tasmota will start transmitting data once it starts up to the defined MQTT broker - easy enough to monitor these messages - and you could also put in a ping sequence into Node Red to find when the generator shuts down as the Tasmota device will stop responding.

Craig

6

sounds interesting, how would you do this? I am very new to this set of tools, etc.

7

Purchase one of the Shelly controllers that suits your environment - wire it into the output from the generator

Flash the shelly with Tasmota and configure it for your MQTT server and appropriate IP address etc.

It will send a MQTT message when it first starts which you can monitor for.

Craig

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8

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