Today we've released an update of our VictronConnect App, v5.105. Last week there was also a new version, here are the highlights of both combined:

• A new firmware release for the Orion XS, which adds VE.Smart Networking.
• The Orion XS has been added to the demo product library.
• Added an option to set up names for each tracker solar array connected to a MPPT RS, Inverter RS or Multi RS. For example East array and West array. The used labels are visible on all monitoring platforms, VictronConnect, VRM and the GX device.
• Fix Error #2 when connecting to products remotely, over the VRM Portal.
• Fix a few missing settings in the Lynx Smart BMS demo product.
• Fix AC input power not visible on Multi RS-es set to L2 or L3 in a three phase system.

For all details, see the full VictronConnect change log.

VE.Smart Networking for the Orion XS

Our new DC to DC battery charger, the Orion XS, now features VE.Smart Networking. Our wireless network that improves charging as well as extends battery life.

The Orion XS has three VE.Smart Networking features:

1. Voltage Sense

When connected to a Smart Battery Sense, BMV or SmartShunt, the Orion XS will use the available voltage sense reading to optimise its charge voltage. It compensates for voltage drop over the wiring to the service battery. This ensures that the battery is charged with the exact voltage as configured in the Orion - instead of a lower voltage due to resistance in the wiring.

Note that the voltage sense is for the output, ie the service battery. Not the starter battery.

2. Temperature Sense

Applies to systems where the network provides battery temperature, ie. by a BMV or SmartShunt with a battery temperature sensor. The Orion XS uses the available battery temperature to adjust the charge voltages. When cold, a lead/acid battery typically needs a higher charge-voltage …and a lower charge-voltage when it's hot. For lithium batteries the charge-voltages remain the same at all temperatures, as long as it’s not too cold. It's better to not charge Lithium batteries below 5C, to prevent them from being damaged and degraded.

3. Current Sense

In systems having a BMV or SmartShunt, the Orion takes advantage of having the actual battery current. Rather than just having its own output current. The battery current is used to decide when to transition from the Absorption- to the Float stage, see the tail current setting.

The tail current setting and current sense features are typically used for lead batteries only, as most lithium batteries require a fixed absorption time.

More on Orion XS and VE.Smart Networking

For further details on VE.Smart Networking, see the Orion XS manual. To get above features, update the Orion XS firmware to v1.03 which comes with the updated VictronConnect App.

Note that VE.Smart Networking is not applicable, nor needed-, for systems featuring a GX device. In those case all similar optimisations are part of the GX DVCC feature. See this blogpost for the announcement on Orion XS and GX devices.