Using a NodeMCU to monitor an eSmart3 charge controller

The wiring is as follows:

From: https://skagmo.com/page.php?p=documents/04_esmart3_review

Extra: RS485 port
The pinout on this port is as follows:
Pin Function
1 RS-485 A/+
2 RS-485 B/-
5,6 GND
7,8 +5V out

Looking at the RJ-45 plug end on (towards you) with the retaining clip at the bottom the wiring is:

Pin Number:              8               7                  6            5                 4             3              2                1    

Cable Colour:        brown        brown /       green        blue /       blue       green /        orange      orange /
                                                 white                           white                     White                          white

Function:                  +5v         +5v            GND          GND                                             B              A

           

So first let's do a baseline test using PC software and A/B wired to a RS485 to USB adaptor.

All worked OK.

tele/nodemcu_pv_charger/pv_volt

70.70

The Arduino code was based on..

Experienting with lead acid batteries in Tola

 I have 8x 100W solar panels on my pergola and brought down my eSmart3 charge controller and 2x 12v 70Ah lead acid batteries.

I intend to set up a little mains supply system in the kitchen with a 300W inverter I have knocking around :)

Experimenting with two 24v 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries in Kilnageer

For the last few days I've been testing my two 24v 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries.

I received them a few weeks ago but only tested BLE communications to their BMS with an Android App. I didn't try charging or discharging them.

I bought them on Jan 11, 2022 from  CERRNSS Battery Factory Store (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/912104017) on AliExpress and they cost 1,311 euros including all taxes and a mains charger. I specifically asked for them to have Wi-Fi access to their BMS. They arrived on the 1st April, 2022 so took 10 or so weeks to arrive.

But after taking them up to Mayo on Mon 18th April 2022 the testing finally began.

In Mayo I have 5x 230W solar PV panels connected to a eSmart3 charge controller which was connected to 6x lead acid leisure batteries (configured as three 24v pairs in parallel).

Wood delivered for pergola and PV panel stand

 The idea is the pergola will hold two vines and eventually have solar PV panels on top.

Built pergola which has three 4 foot (48" / 1220 mm) by 3 foot (36" / 920 mm) sections for solar panels. Can I get 300+ W ones to fit in there?

Finally got my LiPo Batteries from China

 Happy days my batteries have arrived

Exciting unboxing them!

These are 24v 100Ah LiPo batteries so combined provide 4.8 KWh (or 5 units) of electricity.

I expect only 80% can be drawn. I also have a mains charger for them.

So either I charge them at a night rate in Tola and discharge during the day to reduce my electricity bill. But Community Power haven't implemented my night rate yet.

Or take them to Mayo and see if they can supply enough current @24V to my 4KW inverter so that I can run the oven for an hour (2KWh). Something I'm yet to achieve.

I also downloaded the Android BMS app to talk over  low-power Bluetooth (BLE) to each battery's Battery Management System (BMS) and all looks good.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CXmg5qO9P9VHWR4YZBSQSR12QE1Lp9Xw

They appear to by 8 strings of 3.x v LiPo batteries.

But I want to do this monitoring using a NodeMCU and Arduino later.