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Introduction

The dynamic power limiter (DPL) is a software feature allowing automatic inverter power limit adjustments. Depending on the serup, the DPL will take the power meter (i.e. currently consumed power), the available solar power, and the battery charge state into account. The inverter is steered such that the currently consumed power (as provided by the power meter) reaches a user-defined value (usually zero). In particular, this allows to implement a zero export setup.

Systems without battery

The DPL also works in systems that do not have a battery, i.e., where the inverter is powered by solar panels directly. Configure the DPL accordingly. Battery-related features and settings do not apply for these setups.

Systems without a power meter

Setups without access to a power meter reading are supported. However, this implies that the inverter will never produce more than the configured base load.

Refer to the documentation on DPL parameters to learn how to configure the DPL.

Terminology and Basics

Best Effort

The DPL can be slow (>10 seconds) to calculate and send a new power limit. With tuning, the limit updates can be as frequent as one or two seconds. There will always be a delay. The DPL cannot be expected to react in "realtime" similar to a commercial inline battery/inverter combination.

Inverter

The DPL is currently capable of controlling a single inverter only.

It is expected that the DPL is in exclusive control over the inverter. No other software and no human interaction shall trigger limit updates to be sent to the inverter.

Battery Cycles

Reboot State

After a reboot the battery is assumed to be in a charge cycle unless the SoC or voltage is found to be above the respective start threshold.

Charge Cycle

A battery charge cycle is started when the battery SoC or voltage falls below the respective stop threshold. The charge cycle completes when the battery SoC or voltage reaches the respective start threshold.

Discharge Cycle

The battery is or was charged to or beyond the start threshold. The discharge cycle ends when the battery SoC or voltage reaches the respective stop threshold.

Voltage Measurements

If the DPL is configured such that voltage thresholds (rather than SoC thresholds) are effective, the voltage reading is taken from any of the following sources, in the given order:

  1. Battery interface
  2. Victron charge controller battery output terminal
  3. Selected inverter input (configurable)

If available, the battery interface voltage reading is preferred, as it is closest to the actual battery and therefore to be expected to be the most accurate. Without a battery interface and if available, the victron charge controller output voltage is preferred, as it also is often closer to the battery as well as more accurate. As a fallback, the inverter's input voltage reading is assumed as the battery voltage.

(Full) Solar-Passthrough

If the currently available solar power is known, the DPL can make additional decisions on how to calculate the inverter limits. See the documentation on (Full) Solar-Passthrough.