EG4 Electronics LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- EG4 ELECTRONICS
Table of Contents
EG4 Electronics LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub
Safety Information
This section provides important safety information that must be followed
during the installation and usage of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It
includes guidelines for electrical safety, handling precautions, and general
safety instructions.
Brief Introduction
The brief introduction section provides an overview of the EG4 LiFePOWER4
Communication Hub. It describes the purpose of the product and its main
features. It also highlights the benefits of using the communication hub in
conjunction with other compatible devices.
Installation
Packaging List and Location Selection
This subsection provides a list of items included in the packaging of the EG4
LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It also guides users on how to select an
appropriate location for installation, taking into consideration factors such
as accessibility, ventilation, and proximity to power and communication
sources.
Packaging List
The packaging list includes all the items that should be present in the
package of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It ensures that users have
received all the necessary components for installation.
Requirements for Installation Location
This subsection outlines the requirements for selecting an installation
location for the communication hub. It includes guidelines on the proximity to
power sources, communication sources, and the availability of proper
ventilation to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Hub Overview
The hub overview section provides a general overview of the EG4 LiFePOWER4
Communication Hub. It includes information on how to connect the power supply
and establish communication connections with other devices.
Power Supply Connection
This subsection explains how to connect the power supply to the EG4 LiFePOWER4
Communication Hub. It includes information on the type of power supply
required, the proper connection method, and safety precautions to be followed.
Communication Connection
This subsection provides instructions on establishing communication
connections between the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub and other compatible
devices. It includes information on the types of communication protocols
supported and the necessary steps for establishing a successful connection.
Communication Hub Diagram
This subsection presents a diagram of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub,
illustrating the various ports and connectors available on the device. It
helps users identify the different components and understand their functions.
Operation Guide
The operation guide section provides step-by-step instructions on how to
operate the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It covers accessing settings,
parameter settings, and the visibility function of the device.
Accessing Settings
This subsection explains how to access the settings menu of the EG4 LiFePOWER4
Communication Hub. It includes information on button combinations or
navigation methods to access the settings interface.
Parameter Settings
This subsection guides users through the process of configuring various
parameters of the communication hub. It includes information on maximum
parameters, RS485 protocol list, CAN protocol list, and baud rate settings.
-
Maximum Parameters (Page 1)
This subsection provides instructions on configuring the maximum parameters of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It includes details on the available settings and their impact on the device’s performance. -
RS485 Protocol List (Page 2)
This subsection explains how to configure the RS485 protocol list of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It includes a list of supported protocols and instructions on selecting the appropriate protocol for communication with other devices. -
CAN Protocol List (Page 2)
This subsection guides users on configuring the CAN protocol list of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It provides a list of supported protocols and instructions on choosing the suitable protocol for communication purposes. -
Baud Rate (Page 3)
This subsection explains how to configure the baud rate settings of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It includes information on available baud rate options and their impact on data transmission speed.
Visibility Function
This subsection describes the visibility function of the EG4 LiFePOWER4
Communication Hub, which includes an LCD screen and LED indicators for status
monitoring. It provides instructions on reading and interpreting the
information displayed on these visual indicators.
-
LCD Screen
This subsection explains how to read and interpret the information displayed on the LCD screen of the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It includes details on the different screens and menus available, as well as the information they provide. -
LED Indicators
This subsection provides instructions on interpreting the status information displayed by the LED indicators on the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub. It includes details on the different colours and blinking patterns of the LEDs and their corresponding meanings.
FAQ
-
Q: How can I reset the EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub to factory settings?
A: To reset the communication hub to factory settings, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. This will restore all settings to their default values. -
Q: Can I use the communication hub with devices from other manufacturers?
A: The EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices from different manufacturers. However, it is recommended to refer to the product documentation or contact the manufacturer for compatibility information.
DISCLAIMER
EG4 reserves the right to make changes to the material herein at any time
without notice. You may refer to the EG4 website at
www.eg4electronics.com for the most updated
version of our manual.
Safety Information
Danger: High Voltage and Current
- Beware of high battery voltage and current. Please ensure that the battery module breakers and/or any switches are in the “open” or “off” position before installing or working with the communication hub.
- Test all exposed conductors with a voltmeter before touching them. Any voltage exceeding 36V can cause serious injury or death.
- Do not make any connections or disconnections while the system is operating. This could result in serious injury and/or death.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with your system. This can include but is not limited to, safety glasses, gloves, and proper clothing.
- High-voltage DC can melt or weld tools and cause serious injury or blindness due to metal splatter.
- All wiring should be approved by a licensed electrician or your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for electrical permitting.
Brief Introduction
The EG4 LiFePOWER4 Communication Hub is a communication device that interprets the 48V LiFePOWER4 battery protocols into information that is readable by the inverter selected in the settings. The hub can establish communication with two battery banks, each consisting of 15 batteries, for communication between 30 LiFePOWER4 modules.
Installation
Packaging List and Location Selection
Packaging List
When the product is unpacked, the contents should match those listed here:
Requirements for Installation Location
The communication hub should not be placed in direct sunlight, rain, snow,
or other extreme weather conditions. Direct UV exposure can cause LCD screen
damage. The EG4 Communication Hub is only intended for indoor use at room
temperature. High humidity levels can render this unit inoperable and void
your warranty.
Mounting the Communication Hub
The communication hub is intended to be easily installed alongside any battery
and inverter configuration. (See image on the right). The mounting screws are
spaced about 2.4 in. (60.9mm) vertically and 9.27 in. (235.5mm) horizontally.
The unit can be mounted to a flat surface or with the mounting brackets to
serve as stands.
Hub Overview
Power Supply Connection
Only use the power supply cable included with the Communication Hub to power
the system. This cable should only be used with 48V batteries. Before
connecting the terminal box to the unit, make sure the ring terminals are
securely fastened to the battery connection.
Grounding
There is a bare metal section on the hub that is intended for grounding. If
necessary, users can attach a grounding wire here to ground the hub by local
regulations.
Communication Connection
The battery that will communicate directly with the communication hub must be
set to DIP switch address 1. (See image on left)
Important
Do not use address 0 at all (all DIP switches down) The comm hub acts as the
“host” in the bank, so it needs to have this address available for both RS485
BAT ports. Due to this, “Pack 16” will never display any data.
The Communication Hub can support BMS addresses from 1-15 batteries in RS485-1 and addresses 17-31 in RS485-2 for a total of 30 batteries. The connection of CAN BMS batteries to CAN-2 is currently not supported. Inverters are connected via CAN-1 for inverters using CAN protocols. If the inverter uses RS485 protocols, connect via RS485-3. (See Section 4.2.2 & 4.3.3 for inverter protocol selection)
Below are some system connection examples:
Victron (CAN bus)
Schneider (RS485)
Communication Hub Diagram
| No. | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Display Screen | Parameters and module information |
| 2 | UP | Moves the cursor up or increases the value |
| 3 | DOWN | Moves the cursor down or decreases the value |
| 4 | BACK | Return to the main interface |
| 5 | ENTER | Press to modify or confirm a selection in the settings |
interface.
(Press and hold for 10s to enter settings)
6| MICROSD| Micro SD card slot
| No. | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B+, B- | 48VDC power connection (positive and negative) |
| 2 | ON/OFF | On/Off power switch |
| 3 | CAN1 | CAN port for communication to inverter |
| 4 | CAN2 | CAN port for communication to CAN batteries (for future use) |
| 5 | R1, R2 | Dip switches for address configuration |
| 6 | RS485-1 | RS485 communication port of the BMS. A single bank can chain |
up to 15 BMSs with addresses 1-15
7| RS485-2| RS485 communication port of the BMS. A single bank can
chain up to 15 BMSs with addresses 17-31
---|---|---
8| RS485-3| RS485 communication port to inverter
9| RUN| Run LED, flashes to display the run status
10| ALM| The alarm LED, flashes to display the alarm status
Operation Guide
Accessing Settings
Press and hold the “ENTER” button for about 10 seconds while on the home
screen to access the settings menu. You will be able to adjust your maximum
charge amperage per battery, maximum charge voltage, selected protocol, and
baud rate. To return to the main menu, press the “BACK” button.
Parameter Settings
Maximum Parameters (Page 1)
You can adjust the maximum charge voltage and amperage in the settings menu to
suit your needs. You can also limit the amperage at which each battery
charges. We recommend configuring these to match the LiFePOWER4 battery
specifications. (Refer to the LiFePOWER4 specification sheet for a full list
of recommended parameters.)
RS485 Protocol List (Page 2)
| No. | Protocol | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | EG4 | EG4 |
| 1 | GROWATT | Growatt |
| 2 | SCHNEIDER | Schneider |
| 3 | VOLTRONIC | Voltronics |
| 4 | PYLON | Pylontech |
| 5 | LUX | Luxpower |
CAN Protocol List (Page 2)
| No. | Protocol | Brand | No. | Protocol | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | EG4 | EG4 | 3 | GROWATT | Growatt | |
| 1 | VICTRON | Victron | 4 | AISWEI | Aiswei | |
| 2 | SCHNEIDER | Schneider | 5 | SOL-ARK | Sol-Ark | |
| 6 | SMA | Sunny Island | 12 | SAJ | SAJ | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 7 | SOFAR | Sofar | 13 | DYNESS | Dyness | |
| 8 | SOLIS | Solis | 14 | INVT | INVT | |
| 9 | GOODWE | GoodWe | 15 | MEGAREVO | Megarevo/ EG4 |
8k-EXP
10| DEYE| Deye| 16| LUX| Luxpower
11| SIGINEER| Sigineer|
Baud Rate (Page 3)
The rate at which information is transferred in a communication channel is
referred to as the baud rate. In the context of a serial port, “9600 baud”
means that the serial port can transfer a maximum of 9600 bits per second.
Important
Do not manually change the baud rate of the Communication Hub, as this can
render the device incompatible with the batteries.
NOTE!
If the LifePower4 batteries’ firmware is up to date, a firmware update will
need to be performed on the Communication Hub to ensure proper communication.
Navigate to the product page to find the latest firmware files
https://eg4electronics.com/categories/communication/eg4-lifepower4
-communication-hub.
Visibility Function
LCD Screen
The display on the communication hub will show the consolidated voltage,
current draw, state of charge, temperature, system (battery bank)
communication status, inverter communication status, and the number of
batteries in the bank. While in the main menu, pressing up or down will cycle
through different pack details, such as individual battery cell voltages.
LED Indicators
Each communication port is equipped with two indicator lights, one yellow and
one green. The yellow light should always remain on, while the green light
will blink during active communication. There is also a green LED labeled
“RUN” that will flash during proper operation and a red light labelled “ALM”
that will turn on during an alarm state.
Storage Function
A microSD card is required to store data during faults or alarms.
Removing the SD card with immediately clear all data stored in it.
You can record BMS address, cell voltage, total voltage, charge/discharge
capacity, charge/discharge current, temperature, as well as many other
parameters at the time of a fault or alarm. Storage content is read through
the monitoring interface in a LIFO (last in, first out) manner.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Extracting Data from SD Card
To view and extract data from the SD card you will need the application BMS
Test, which can be downloaded from the EG4 website:
https://eg4electronics.com/downloads/. Follow the installation instructions
located here: https://youtu.be/1BIyzMdy2TM.
Steps to view and extract SD card data
- After installing the BMS Test, open the software and ensure you are connected to the battery. (See image on right)
- Click on the “HistoricalData” tab. In the “Parameter configuration” box, click “Open,” and select the data file named SpiFlashDataConfig. Open this file.
- Under the “Read by entry” box, change the “Entries from” 0 to 100.
- Under “Store information,” select your battery ID under “APP ID:” and click “Start” in the “Read by entry” box to create an Excel file of the data logs of that battery.
- The file will be in the BMS Test software folder on your PC with an RTDS file name.
Technical Specifications
Nominal Operating Parameters
Operating Voltage| 20-60VDC
Charge/Discharge Seting Range| 0-100A
Nominal Environmental Parameters
Rec. Temperature| 68–77°F (20–25°C)
Humidity| <55%
Communication Parameters
Communication Ports| RS485/CAN Bus
General Specifications
Dimensions (H×W×D)| 3.4 in.×9.7 in.×1.3 in. (8.5 cm×24.5 cm×3 cm)
Weight| 1.3 lbs. (0.6 kgs)
Warranty| 3 Year (only when used indoors)
Pin-Out Definition
©2023 EG4 Electronics, LLC. All rights reserved. Version 1.0.1 | Information subject to change without notice.