Device Manager
The Device Manager is only displayed on the inverter that has been configured as an MDC host inverter. The assignment of whether an inverter becomes an MDC host or MDC client inverter is determined during initial commissioning.
Once set up, the devices are then displayed under ‘Real-time values’ in the energy flow diagram.
An MDC host inverter can only be a PLENTICORE G3 or PLENTICORE BI G3 inverter.
Multi Device Control (MDC) is used to control and monitor compatible devices (e.g. inverters) in the same home network via the MDC host inverter.
An MDC host inverter can be operated with or without a battery. If a battery is used in the system network, it must be connected to the MDC host inverter.
The Multi Battery Control (MBC) product extension/add-on option, which is subject to a charge, allows additional batteries to be used with up to two further MDC client inverters in the system. In this case, one battery must be connected to the MDC host inverter. Furthermore, either the battery with the largest storage capacity must be connected to the MDC host inverter, or all batteries must have the same storage capacity.
Further information on the connection and setup of multiple KOSTAL inverters via Multi Device Control (MDC) can be found in the document "Connection and setup of multiple KOSTAL inverters via MDC".
The Device Manager menu displays all compatible devices that were automatically found in the home network by the MDC host. These can be added to the MDC control/visualisation system after the MDC host inverter has been commissioned for the first time.
Use the Add manually option to connect the devices to the MDC host inverter. Depending on the device, these can then be read out or also controlled.
INFO
Dual control/regulation
When Multi Device Control (MDC) is in use, control via the KOSTAL Smart Energy Meter (KSEM) must not be used at the same time. This means that no devices may be configured in the KOSTAL Smart Energy Meter (KSEM) under the ‘Inverter’ menu item. Active power limitation is configured only via the MDC host inverter and must be deactivated in the KSEM.
If there are incompatible devices on the home network that can only be controlled via the KSEM (e.g. PLENTICORE plus G1 or an ENECTOR G1), MDC cannot be used for control. In this case, the inverter must be set up as ‘stand-alone’ (see operating mode) and all devices to be controlled must be configured in the KSEM.
An inverter is connected to the MDC host by accessing the inverter settings, selecting a type (e.g. PLENTICORE) and then clicking Connect.
|
Parameter |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Connected devices | Displays all devices connected to the MDC host inverter. Manufacturer: Display of the device manufacturer Name: Device name IP address: IP address of the device Status: Green tick indicates that the device is connected. A red X indicates that the connection cannot be established or that there is an error. Click on the device to open the settings. These can be adjusted. Disconnect disconnects the connection to the MDC host inverter. Under Info, you can see the current performance values for the device. Add manually: Use this button to connect devices for which you want to enter the data manually or which do not appear in the list below. |
Available devices | Displays all compatible devices found on the home network by the MDC host inverter. The ‘Refresh’ button can be used to scan the home network for new devices. Manufacturer: Display of the device manufacturer Name: Device name IP address: IP address of the device Settings (gear icon): Use this option to connect the device to the MDC host inverter. All fields must be completed. The device is then connected to the MDC host inverter via Connect. |
Connecting devices
Compatible devices are connected to the host via the Device Manager and can also be connected using the ‘Add Manually’ button. These may include, for example, an ENECTOR G2 wallbox, a heat pump or a third-party inverter, the energy consumption of which is measured via an upstream Shelly, TQ or KOSTAL energy meter.
The following device classes are available:
|
Parameter |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Inverters | A KOSTAL inverter is to be connected. In the energy flow diagram, the device is displayed as an inverter. |
Consumer | A consumer (e.g. a heat pump) or a circuit is to be connected via an energy meter from the brands Shelly, TQ or KOSTAL (KSEM). In the energy flow diagram, the device is displayed as a separate consumer in the house. |
Generator | A generator (e.g. third-party inverter, balcony power plant) or a circuit is to be connected via an energy meter from Shelly, TQ or KOSTAL (KSEM). In the energy flow diagram, the device is displayed as a generator in the house. |
Wallbox | A KOSTAL ENECTOR G2 wallbox is to be connected. In the energy flow diagram, the device is displayed as a wallbox. |
The following manufacturers can be selected. The manufacturers displayed depend on the device class preselection:
|
Parameter |
Explanation |
|---|---|
KOSTAL | A KOSTAL product is to be connected. Appears when selecting the device class: inverter, consumer, generator or wallbox. |
Shelly | A Shelly energy meter is to be connected. Appears when selecting the device category ‘Consumer’ or ‘Generator’. |
TQ | A TQ energy meter is to be connected. Appears when the device class ‘Consumer’ or ‘Generator’ is selected. |
The following types can be selected. The types displayed depend on the manufacturer selected:
|
Parameter |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Inverter type This could be, for example, a PLENTICORE or PIKO CI. | Select the inverter to be connected here. |
Shelly | A Shelly product should be connected as a separate energy meter for loads. The following Shelly products from Gen2/Gen3 onwards, which are connected via LAN/Wi-Fi, are currently supported:
|
TQ | A TQ product is to be connected as a separate energy meter for consumers/generators. The following products are currently approved:
|
KOSTAL | A KOSTAL Smart Energy Meter is to be connected. |
ENECTOR G2 | An ENECTOR G2 wallbox is to be connected. |