FORTRESS SOL-ARK-12K-EMP-EFLEX-KIT Power eFlex 16.2kWh Battery Storage Kit User Guide

: June 5, 2024
: FORTRESS

Table of Contents

Introduction
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

SOL-ARK-12K-EMP-EFLEX-KIT Power eFlex 16.2kWh Battery Storage Kit
User Guide

How To Set Up Fortress Power Lithium Batteries Using Sol-Ark Inverter

Introduction

This integration guide will help set up the charge/discharge parameters of Fortress Power batteries as they relate to Sol-ark inverters, as well as closed-loop communication

For additional technical support:

Datasheets / Manuals: https://www.fortresspower.com/resources/
Email: techsupport@fortresspower.com
Discord Support: https://discord.gg/kxX6QMjKFw
Phone: 877-497-6937 x 2
Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM EST

Don’t forget to press OK when programming with the SolArk LCD screen!

Connect communication cables between each battery with Canbus terminators at each end. It does not matter which communication port on the battery is used.
Program open-loop settings before enabling closed-loop BMS control. Do not use %-state of charge controls without establishing closed-loop communication. See Exhibits C, D, and E.
Make the battery-to-inverter communication cable. See Exhibit A.
a. eFlex RJ45 pins 7+8 correspond to SolArk pins 7+8. Cut into the ethernet cable jacket and snip wires 1-5 or use a keystone. Up to 15 eFlex can be programmed closed loop with the SolArk inverters.
b. eVault RJ45 pins 3+5 correspond to SolArk pins 7+8. A keystone is recommended to make the crossover. Tool-less ethernet keystones are very useful! Up to 2 adults can be programmed closed loop with the SolArk inverters. Otherwise use Open Loop settings.
Ex. https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Less-Keystone-AMPCOM-Self-Locking-Punch- Down/dp/B07JCSPX21/
Plug the battery-to-inverter data cable into either side of the battery communication circuit.
See Exhibit B.
a. Use the RJ45 /485 port for the 8kW model.
b. Use the RS485/MOD port for the 12kW indoor model.
c. Use the CAN/batt port for the 12kW outdoor model.
In the battery set-up menu, select BMS 04 and Use %-based controls. We do not use the activate battery setting. Disabling the BMS alarm is optional. See exhibits below.
Inspect the closed-loop settings and make programming adjustments where necessary.
Program the grid parameter settings as a function of the client’s electric rate structure and desired level or reserve capacity (site-specific).

Notes:
A. Closed-loop is successful by seeing the battery %-based state of charge on the main screen, as well as a single line of BMS information on the battery info menu. If this communication is not established, please reinspect or remake your data communication cable.
B. Enabling the BMS communication will change Absorb, Float, and Equalization voltages. You may need to adjust other parameters, such as charge/discharge amperage.
C. Some settings are site-specific. Grid-tied installers are welcome to adjust settings based on different use cases.

Exhibit A – Making the Cross-Over Cable (Step 3)

FORTRESS SOL ARK 12K EMP EFLEX KIT Power eFlex 16 2kWh Battery Storage Kit -
Over Cable

Note: eFlex + eVault Modbus communication does not require a grounded communication wire.

Exhibit B – Identifying the Sol-Ark Communication Port

FORTRESS SOL ARK 12K EMP EFLEX KIT Power eFlex 16 2kWh Battery Storage Kit -
Communication Port

Exhibit C – Batt Setup > Batt Tab

FORTRESS SOL ARK 12K EMP EFLEX KIT Power eFlex 16 2kWh Battery Storage Kit -
Exhibit C

Note: Max Charge and Discharge amperage need to be reprogrammed after enabling closed-loop, but do not need to be reprogrammed back to open loop settings if troubleshooting.

Exhibit D – Batt Setup > Charge Tab

FORTRESS SOL ARK 12K EMP EFLEX KIT Power eFlex 16 2kWh Battery Storage Kit -
Exhibit D

Note: Start V or % can be increased to always keep the battery at a more full charge (i.e. net-metering or backup-only installations). Off-grid customers usually program the generator as a grid charge. Off-grid customers with very low load may elect to set grid/gen charge to 10%-15% instead of 20%.

Exhibit D – Batt Setup > Charge Tab

FORTRESS SOL ARK 12K EMP EFLEX KIT Power eFlex 16 2kWh Battery Storage Kit -
Exhibit E

Note: Battery shutdown and empty voltages may be reduced by 1V-2V if site- specific conditions are 0causing the inverter to shut down prematurely. Current settings are conservative to prevent deep discharging of the battery.

On-site? Why not register the product warranty:
Warranty Submittal: https://www.fortresspower.com/product-warranty/