Dynamic Energy Storage System: save energy costs – automatically

Dynamic Energy Storage System is a powerful new feature available for grid-connected Victron Energy installations.

It is particularly effective in Europe, for example, where it will save money if your energy provider publishes energy prices for the day ahead – as often happens in Germany and the Netherlands, for example – and it will also save money for those on day/night/weekend and fixed tariffs.

Who is Dynamic ESS for?

It can be used by owners of home Energy Storage Systems – Solar energy systems which include battery storage, and a grid connection – which are controlled by a GX device. A supported grid energy meter will further enhance the feature accuracy and cost savings.

(The home installation can include a generator as long as it is only normally used for emergency back-up power.)

Read on for more information or view this short video presentation:

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What does the Dynamic ESS feature do?

Dynamic ESS intelligently switches between battery storage, solar energy, and the electricity grid. Based on ‘input data’ and ‘learning’ it optimally stores low-cost energy for use when prices are high.

How does it work?

An algorithm takes into account information such as the cost of energy right now, battery type (and therefor cycle-life and cost), capacity, SoC, maximum charge/discharge rates; your typical energy use based on a four-week history; and a weather-related solar yield forecast – for which your location must be known.

Dynamic ESS plans ahead to ensure that energy you are predicted to use later in the day has already been stored – and at the most economical price.

How do I implement Dynamic ESS?

Dynamic Energy Storage System (Dynamic ESS) is one of the most exciting features made available by software release v3.30 of our Venus OS – the operating system which drives all our GX communication centre devices, such as the Cerbo GX. Dynamic ESS can be set up through your GX device’s user-interface, or remotely via the Victron Remote Management (VRM) platform.

Go to ‘Settings/Firmware’ to ensure you are running v3.30 or later – or visit the VRM portal, go to device list, click Firmware Update. The firmware can also be updated with an SD-card or USB memory stick.

When you are running v3.30 or later which has an ESS assistant installed you will find Dynamic ESS as a menu option within Settings. You will be asked to provide a range of information which may take fifteen minutes. Your cost savings will begin immediately, improve over the next 28 days, and go on for life!

And you can read more about Energy Storage Systems on our Energy Storage Market page.