Custom Cable
Connect all batteries using the included RJ45 cables. Communication cable can be made from standard ethernet cable by cutting wires 1-3, 7-8 and keeping wires 4-6.
Use the included 120 Ohm termination resistor on either end of the resulting chain. Select one of two options in the next step.
Update eFlex Firmware
Visit https://www.fortresspower.com/firmware for the latest eFlex firmware update instructions.
Set eFlex Protocol ID
Use the Guardian Hub or Firmware Update tool to set the eFlex Protocol ID to 6 (this is a setting within the eFlex itself, not available on the Sol-Ark inverter. This is not the BMS 00 protocol inputted into the Sol-Ark inverter).
BMS Error Stop Option
If you wish for the system to fault on the loss of battery communications, turn on “BMS_Err_Stop”
Program Voltage Mode Batt Tab Settings
If you cannot confirm communication, program inverter in voltage mode open loop.
Program Voltage Mode Charge Tab Settings
It is acceptable to raise the grid or generator start triggers to increase the reserve capacity of the system.
Program Voltage Mode Discharge Tab Settings
Again, only run in voltage mode / open loop settings if closed loop communication has failed.
After programing this tab, tap 'OK' and then use the 'Esc' button to go to the home screen of the inverter. Now the system is configured.
Enable Battery <--> Inverter Communication Batt Tab
a) If closed loop communication is set up correctly, enabling 'BMS Lithium Batt 00' will adjust some values automatically. In this tab, those would be 'Batt Capacity' and 'Tempco'.
b) If total charge/discharge current capacity of the batteries exceeds the inverter's capabilities, use the maximum current settings of 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.
c) If recovering a deeply discharged battery, adjust the above charge amps to 10A.
Confirm communication
If everything is configured correctly you should now see a button labeled Lithium Batt Info
After opening this window on the SolArk you should see the following screen with real time data.
Note: While this screen is very different from the RS485 preview, but still only shows aggregate reported data from the entire battery bank
Program BMS Mode Charge Tab
The settings shown in the latter screenshot are the most conventional ones, hence, adjustments may be required. See online manual for morre info.
It is acceptable to raise the grid or generator start triggers to increase the reserve capacity of the system.
https://learn.fortresspower.com/external/manual/solark/article/copy-of-program-the-inverter?p=dc8b9a9c1b3f410556835193e66f22578c68fca21098963c0c12b6f3e8e1e0e6
Program BMS Mode Discharge Tab
a) At 'Shutdown' state of charge (battery bank charge percentage), 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' state of charge. 'Shutdown' and 'Restart' state of charge set-points can be increased to increase the "reserve capacity" of the system.
The correct shutdown level is specific to the project site.
b) Low battery emailed notification is an alarm specific to the project site, integrated with the Sol-Ark monitoring app. We suggest a 20% state of charge as a low battery alarm level or higher.
c) The battery empty voltage should not be lower than 48V.
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