Introduction

Switching on a generator at low battery state of charge

This is a special local control mode that is implemented to switch a relay on when the total state of charge of the batteries drops below a configurable value. This will allow a generator to take over and power the loads, and recharge the battery.

Configuring the special control mode

Batteries

Make sure that your batteries are added to the SmartgridOne Controller.

Relay device settings

1. Add the relay through the device wizard:
   1. Go to the 'Devices' page.
   2. Click 'Start wizard'
   3. Choose 'On/off load'
   4. Choose 'Generic'
   5. Choose 'Relay', or 'Ethernet to relay converter', as suited to how the relay is connected.
   6. Scan for and add the relay.
2. For the relay that is controlled, set the 'Default device state' in the device settings page to the position the relay must take when the mode cannot decide (for example when no battery capacity is known). The mode itself puts the 'Use case' of the relay to 'Direct passthrough of an external control signal' as soon as it is active.

Enabling the special control mode

1. Go to the 'Settings' tab on the SmartgridOne Controller's interface and click 'Manage special local control modes'.
2. Click 'Start wizard' under 'Enable a new special local control mode'.
3. Choose 'Backup genset switch on/off based on the total battery state of charge' and click 'Next'.
4. Configure the total battery state of charge below which the relay switches on, the state of charge above which it switches off again, and how long (in seconds) it should at least stay on or off after switching. Between the two thresholds the relay keeps its position.
5. Select the relay and click 'Apply mode to selected devices'.

See Special local control modes for the priority towards other signals, and for pausing or removing the mode.