Nuvation Energy S801 User manual

Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller
Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 | Revision: 2.0, 2022-05-18
BMS Software Version: Curie Update 3
© 2022 Nuvation Energy

Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
1.1. About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê2
2. Battery Topology Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê3
3. System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê4
3.1. Multi-Stack System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê5
3.2. Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.2.1. Main Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.2.2. Unified View Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê7
3.2.3. Communications & Data Analytics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
3.2.4. Maintenance and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê8
4. Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
4.1. Mechanical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
4.1.1. Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
4.1.2. Installation Location and Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê9
4.2. Multi-Stack Controller Electrical Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.2.1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.2.2. Step 1: Connect Stack Switchgear Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê11
4.2.3. Step 2: Connect External Network or System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê12
4.2.4. Step 3: Verify Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
4.3. Multi-Stack Controller First Power-Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
4.3.1. Connect Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê14
4.3.2. Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê15
5. Using the Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.1. Access the Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.1.1. External Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.1.2. Launch Multi-Stack Operator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê17
5.2. The Status Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.2.1. Communication Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê19
5.3. The Dashboard Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê20
5.3.1. Warnings and Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê20
5.3.2. Pack Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê21
5.3.3. Pack Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê21
5.3.4. State-of-Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê22
5.3.5. Depth-of-Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê22
5.3.6. Stack Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê22
5.3.7. Stack Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê23
5.3.8. Cell Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê24
5.3.9. Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê25
5.3.10. Nuvation Energy BMS Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê26
5.4. The Stack Status Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê29
5.4.1. Pack Connection/Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê30
5.4.2. Stack Enable and Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê30

5.4.3. Stack Service Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê30
5.4.4. Stack COM Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê31
5.5. The Details Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
5.5.1. Information Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
5.5.2. Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê33
5.5.3. Current Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
5.5.4. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê34
5.6. The Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê36
5.6.1. Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê36
5.6.2. Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê36
5.6.3. Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê37
5.6.4. Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê37
5.6.5. Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê42
5.6.6. About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê43
6. Using the Platform Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
6.1. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê44
6.2. Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
6.2.1. Installing a Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
6.2.2. Upgrading a Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê45
6.3. Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê46
6.3.1. Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê46
6.4. Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
6.4.1. Create a System Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
6.4.2. Upload a backup file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê48
6.4.3. Backup Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê49
6.5. Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê50
6.5.1. Upgrading the Multi-Stack Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê50
6.5.2. Factory Reset the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
6.5.3. Rebooting and Powering off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
6.5.4. Setting the Date, Time, and Timezone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê51
7. Communication Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê52
7.1. Modbus Protocol Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê52
7.1.1. Modbus TCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê52
7.1.2. Implemented MESA Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê52
7.1.3. MESA Model Structure and Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê53
7.1.4. Operational Cases for MESA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê55
7.1.5. Accessing MESA Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê57
8. External Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
8.1. Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
8.2. SFP+ Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
8.3. Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
8.4. DC Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê60
9. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
9.1. Faults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61

9.1.1. Ethernet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
9.1.2. Controller Heartbeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê61
9.1.3. Ready Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
9.1.4. Firmware Mismatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê62
9.2. Lost/Forgotten IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê63
9.2.1. Wireshark (Windows/Linux) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê63
9.2.2. Netdiscover (Linux only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê63
Appendix A: Operating Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê64
Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê64
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê64
Standards and Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê64
Appendix B: Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê66
Power Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê66
Appendix C: Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê67
Excess Cable Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê67

The content in this document must be followed in order to ensure safe operation of Nuvation
Energy BMS.
Do NOT energize the system until all connections to the Multi-Stack Controller
have been made.
Properly insulate or remove any unused wires. Unused wires can couple
excessive system noise into Nuvation Energy BMS which can disrupt
communication and lead to undesirable behaviors.
Please be aware of high voltages present in your system and follow all
necessary safety precautions.
The provided module enclosures are not fire enclosures.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 1Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Nuvation Energy.
The Nuvation Energy BMS is an enterprise-grade battery management system with features that
extend battery life, ensuring pack-level safety, data-analytics, and remote management.
The Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller aggregates information and provides a unified interface to
a large multi-stack battery system.
1.1. About this Manual
This Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller: Product Manual is a comprehensive manual, providing:
▪Details about all the features offered by your Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller
▪Mounting and wiring instructions to install this product safely
▪Guidance on operating the device to control your multi-stack energy storage system
This document applies to Nuvation Energy BMS Curie Update 3 software release
(Firmware version 4.106.3, Multi-Stack Operator Interface version 0.56.1). Content
may be inaccurate or incomplete for other versions.
We thrive on your feedback and what we build is driven by your input.
Please submit support tickets to [email protected].
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 2Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

2. Battery Topology Terminology
Energy storage systems are hierarchical in nature. Nuvation Energy has adopted the following
definitions for battery pack topology:
Cell
A Cell is the smallest unit of energy storage distinguishable by the battery management system.
One Cell, as defined from the perspective of the BMS, may actually consist of one or more
electrochemical cells connected in parallel. This subtlety is reflected in the nomenclature for
completeness. For example, a "1p" Cell refers to a single electrochemical cell, while a "2p" Cell
refers to two electrochemical cells connected together in parallel. From the perspective of the BMS,
these topologies appear identical except for the capacity of the Cells.
Group
A Group is a set of Cells connected in series and managed together. For example, 12 "1p" Cells in
series are referred to as a "12s1p" Group, while 16 "2p" Cells in series are referred to as a "16s2p"
Group. Grouping of Cells is highly application-specific and is defined in how BMS hardware
interfaces are physically wired up to Cells.
Stack
A Stack is one or more Groups connected in series. For example, five "14s2p" Groups connected in
series could be described as a "5g14s2p" Stack. However, it is far more common to describe it as
a "70s2p" Stack.
Bank
A Bank is one or more stacks connected in parallel. For example, three "70s2p" Stacks connected
in parallel are referred to as a "3x70s2p" Bank.
Pack
A Pack is one or more Banks connected in series.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 3Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

3. System Overview
The Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller aggregates all battery stacks within a multi-stack energy
storage system. It enables operation of the overall system as a single unified battery, while still
providing stack-level control.
This product functions as a central battery control hub for other control systems. These may include
power conversion systems and/or energy controllers. Through this hub, such control systems can
obtain and respond to battery data and send control commands to the battery system.
The Multi-Stack Controller can be used to manage up to 36 battery stacks in parallel, and will bring
up stacks in the sequence best suited to the immediate use-case requirement, i.e. power, energy, or
capacity.
The Multi-Stack Controller provides two crucial battery-level software interfaces for large, multi-stack
battery applications:
1. Modbus TCP:
•Unified view of the entire battery conforming to open energy standards
•Conforms to MESA (Draft 3) Models: S801, S802, and S803
•Used directly by inverters and other grid infrastructure implementing the MESA (Draft 3)
standard
2. Web-based configuration and diagnostics:
•Hosts web-based tools that can be accessed from common web browsers
•Used to configure settings and view diagnostic information for the entire battery system
A few key system-level features that are also provided are:
▪System-wide statistics for voltages, temperatures, and currents
▪Current limiting algorithms for multi-stack battery systems
▪State-of-Charge algorithms for multi-stack battery systems
▪NTP client for BMS time synchronization
Figure 1. Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 4Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

3.1. Multi-Stack System Architecture
A typical multi-stack system, equipped with Nuvation Energy’s suite of BMS products, is illustrated in
Figure 2. There is a hierarchy of battery management involved, each product fulfilling its role at a
different level:
▪At the cell level, a Nuvation Energy Cell Interface module measures voltage/temperature and
balances cells as required.
▪At the stack level, a Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear unit measures current and
connects/disconnects its stack as required, as well as incorporates other stack safety features.
Battery safety is handled at the stack level.
▪At the system level, a Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller unit manages all stacks as described
above.
For a given stack, the daisy-chained Cell Interface modules report data to and receive direction from
the Stack Switchgear. In turn, the Stack Switchgear reports data to and receives direction from the
Multi-Stack Controller. Here, a unified view and central control of the multi-stack system is provided
to the user as well as any external devices.
Nuvation Energy Cell Interface modules and Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear units
are sold separately. Datasheets, along with product manuals, are available online at
https://www.nuvationenergy.com/technical-resources.
Figure 2. Multi-Stack Controller system diagram
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 5Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

The Multi-Stack Controller is offered in variants based on the number of battery stacks to which it will
be connected. Variants are available in 4-stack increments, up to a maximum of 36 stacks.
The Multi-Stack Controller is available in a compact hardware form-factor or in a rack-mounted
hardware form-factor. This document describes the compact form-factor. The document for the rack-
mount form-factor is available upon request.
Designed in compliance with MESA (Modular Energy Storage Architecture) Open Standards for Energy
Storage (http://mesastandards.org/, draft 3), the Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller was created
specifically for integration with a wide range of batteries and inverters, and is designed to work with
Nuvation Energy Stack Switchgear, Nuvation Energy High-Voltage BMS, and Nuvation Energy Low-
Voltage BMS.
Orderable part numbers are listed in Appendix B.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 6Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

3.2. Features
3.2.1. Main Functions
Manages multiple stacks
Manage up to 36 stacks.
Provides Unified View of Entire Battery
Access diagnostics and performance data of entire multi-stack battery from a single unified user
interface.
Provides Remote Access
Remote access for data analytics or for viewing and adjusting battery operation remotely via web
browser on a PC, tablet computer, or even on a smartphone.
Automates System-Wide Fault Response
Manually or automatically identify and act upon faults anywhere in the battery pack.
Communications
Communicate securely over Ethernet. Provides unified interface for site controllers to multiple
stacks.
Automatic Pack Connection
Allows the BMS to manage the connected state of all battery stacks within the pack. When
requested, the Multi-Stack Controller will connect all stacks if they do not violate the pack
connection voltage limit. Stacks are automatically connected when the limit is no longer violated
(i.e. when the stack voltage becomes close enough to the pack voltage that is safe to connect).
Maximize Pack Uptime and Connection
Provides a flexible configuration to manage battery stack faults at a pack level. A Nuvation Energy
support technician can configure a battery pack to tolerate a specified number of stacks that fault
and disconnect from the DC bus. The Multi-Stack Controller allows the pack to remain operational
and manage the reduced power capacity of the battery.
3.2.2. Unified View Operator Interface
A Browser user interface, which supports Chrome and Firefox, provides a view of:
Statistics View
Monitor pack-level statistics for voltage, temperature, and current across all cells.
Real-Time View
Monitor measurement and control information in real-time.
Aggregate State-of-Charge
View State-of-Charge calculated values for the entire battery.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 7Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

Flow-Through I/O
Control all points in the BMS from a single interface.
Communications Status
Reports networking communication status and communication issues from stacks within the pack.
Faults and Warnings
Monitor all system-wide faults and warnings or—for a finer level of control—drill down into detailed
battery pack diagnostics.
3.2.3. Communications & Data Analytics
Isolated BMS Network Traffic
Separate Ethernet ports isolate BMS network traffic from external network traffic, helping ensure
your energy storage system is hardened and reliable.
Inverter Support
Modbus TCP supports MESA Draft 3 storage models for connection to power conversion systems as
well as other external systems through multiple concurrent client connections.
3.2.4. Maintenance and Management
Multi-Stack Current Limiting
Determine operating current limits for entire pack, which can be read by the external system to
control the inverter, protecting the battery pack from over-charging or discharging.
Pack-Level Fault Response
A highly configurable architecture allows a Nuvation Energy support technician to specify system
faults and desired responses. The Multi-Stack Controller flags faults anywhere in the battery pack
and automatically takes preventive action to keep the battery functional and healthy.
Servicing
Bring stacks online/offline for service, maintenance, modifications, etc. Selectively connect
multiple stacks to the DC power bus.
Network Environment Flexibility
A multi-socket Ethernet interface allows concurrent operation of both local and remote operator
panels, monitoring data and interfacing with inverters over Modbus TCP. SFP+ interfaces allow
long-distance fibre connectivity without external hardware.
Provides Remote Support
The Multi-Stack Controller provides the option of a secure VPN connection to a Nuvation Energy
server which grants Nuvation Energy support engineers remote access to check on the health of
the battery pack and aid the local site commissioning team.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 8Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

4. Installation Instructions
4.1. Mechanical Installation
4.1.1. Dimensions and Weight
The overall dimensions of the Multi-Stack Controller are 340mm × 218.5mm × 89.8mm.
The Multi-Stack Controller module weighs approximately TBD kg.
Figure 3. Mechanical Drawing of Multi-Stack Controller
4.1.2. Installation Location and Position
The Multi-Stack Controller is rated to operate in the temperature range of 5°C to 40°C. It is designed
for indoor use.
For best thermal performance, the Multi-Stack Controller should be mounted to a flat vertical surface
such that the face with the Ethernet / Power connectors is pointing up.
The Multi-Stack Controller can be mounted using 4 M5 screws, as illustrated in Figure 3.
4.1.2.1. Mounting Clearances
Extra space should be provided around the module to allow for cable connections, easy
installation/maintenance and to provide adequate fan-less cooling. The spatial clearance is illustrated
below.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 9Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

Figure 4. Multi-Stack Controller Restricted Areas
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 10 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

4.2. Multi-Stack Controller Electrical Connections
Before making any connections, ensure that power is not applied to the Multi-Stack
Controller.
4.2.1. Getting Started
Before connecting power to the Multi-Stack Controller you need to:
1. Connect Stack Switchgear communications
2. Connect external network or system
3. Verify grounding
Below are images of the external interfaces available on the front and back of the Multi-Stack
Controller.
Figure 5. Multi-Stack Controller external interfaces (front)
Figure 6. Multi-Stack Controller external interfaces (back)
4.2.2. Step 1: Connect Stack Switchgear Communications
Connect the Stack Switchgear units to the Ethernet RJ45 ports labelled 1to 4using Cat5e-rated or
higher Ethernet cables of suitable lengths. Refer to the network port connection map Table 1.
The Stack Switchgear only supports ports at 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. To connect a
Stack Switchgear to port 5or 6, an Ethernet switch supporting 1 Gpbs and 10/100
Mbps is required.
Table 1. Network Port Connection Map
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 11 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

Port Name Function Port Label Port Speed
External Manage network traffic external to the Multi-Stack Controller. Operator
Interface is accessed from this port.
7 & 8 1/10 Gbps
Internal Manage traffic from battery management system stacks. 1-4 10/100/1000 Mbps
5 & 6 1/10 Gbps
Figure 7 is an image of the MSC front panel, pointing out the different types of ports the Multi-Stack
Controller supports:
▪4x internal Ethernet ports at 10/100/1000 Mbps (ports 1-4)
▪1x internal Ethernet port at 1/10 Gbps (port 5)
▪1x internal SFP+ port at 1/10 Gbps (port 6)
▪1x external Ethernet port at 1/10 Gbps (port 7)
▪1x external SFP+ port at 1/10 Gbps (port 8)
Figure 7. Multi-Stack Controller port types
Depending on the Multi-Stack Controller variant purchased, you may also use an external unmanaged
network switch to connect more than 4 Stack Switchgear products to the Multi-Stack Controller.

The external and internal networks of the Multi-Stack Controller should remain
separated and independent for the best operation of the battery pack. Excessive
network traffic on the internal network can interfere with the Multi-Stack Controller
management of the stacks.
4.2.3. Step 2: Connect External Network or System
The Ethernet RJ45 port labelled 7or the SFP+ port labelled 8may be used to connect the Multi-Stack
Controller to an external system, such as:
▪Energy control systems, such as power conversion systems and energy controllers
▪A laptop, to configure operating parameters and observe status
▪A local area network (LAN) connection, for wired internet access
▪An Ethernet switch, to access any number of the above devices
The External Ethernet interface is a standard Cat5e-rated RJ45 jack, supporting only 1 and 10 Gigabit
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 12 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

speeds. Any Cat5e-rated or higher Ethernet cable of suitable length may be used to connect to this
RJ45 jack.
Connecting both ports 7& 8at the same time will create a loop and will cause
interference with the operation of the external network.
No connection should be made to the IPMI port, unless directed by Nuvation Energy.
Refer to the network port connection map Table 1.
Below is a diagram of the installation of the Multi-Stack Controller with the Stack Switchgear. In case
the external controller does not support 1 Gbps (shown below), and only supports 10/100 Mbps, an
Ethernet switch must be added.
Figure 8. Multi-Stack Controller recommended installation
4.2.4. Step 3: Verify Grounding
The Multi-Stack Controller must be mounted to an Earth bonded metal structure to maintain a reliable
ground. This references all components internal to the Multi-Stack Controller to earth ground, as the
negative input of the DC power connector is also connected to the chassis. Earth ground is also
passed along to shielded connectors (e.g. Ethernet and USB).
The external supply has its negative input connected to earth ground through the
Multi-Stack Controller module’s chassis.
These instructions assume that attention is paid to proper grounding instructions and best practices
for any and all Stack Switchgear units and Cell Interface modules. Please refer to the stack-level
Product Manual for this information.
It is also assumed that similar measures are taken for other components of the battery energy
storage system such as the batteries and the power conversion system.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 13 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

4.3. Multi-Stack Controller First Power-Up
4.3.1. Connect Power
Identify an appropriate AC power source
The AC power source must not be derived from the energy system itself without an ability to
maintain (or turn on) the supply when the energy system is powered off (i.e. black start).
An external UPS can be used between the energy system-derived AC source and the supply
providing power to the Multi-Stack Controller when an external AC power source is not available.
Table 2 shows the specifications of the 12V power supply that can be ordered with the Multi-Stack
Controller. If using a different 12V power source, the supply must meet the power requirements
listed in Appendix A.
Table 2. 12 V Power Supply Specifications
Symbol Parameter Min Typical Max Units
Vinput_AC Input Voltage AC 90 264 V AC
finput_AC Input Frequency 47 50/60 63 Hz
Iinput_AC Input Current AC 2 A AC
Voutput_DC Output Voltage DC 12 V DC
Ioutput_DC Output Current DC 12.5 A DC
Poutput Output Power 150 W
Powering up the system
Verify that all the mechanical and electrical installation steps are completed and the Multi-Stack
Controller is connected to the Stack Switchgear units, network, and power.
When ready to power on the Multi-Stack Controller, connect the DC power connector and then
enable AC power. The Multi-Stack Controller turns on automatically when power is applied;
however, following a shutdown, the power button can be used to manually turn on the Multi-Stack
Controller as an alternative method to simply power-cycling the device.
The Multi-Stack Controller will emit a 4-tone startup chime when low-level software has started.
This will be followed by a 3-tone chime once all software has been initialized. The Nuvation Energy
BMS Operator Interface will be accessible shortly after this chime.
To shutdown the system, momentarily press the power button to initiate a graceful shutdown of
the Multi-Stack Controller. A graceful shutdown is always recommended before unplugging the
power supply.

The Multi-Stack Controller initiates a factory restore after 10 sequential unsuccessful
boot sequences. To avoid this situation, ensure that the unit is fully powered up
before power cycling.
In the event the unit has initialized a factory restore, please contact
[email protected] to bring the unit back to a functional state.
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 14 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

4.3.2. Status LEDs
When the Multi-Stack Controller is powered up, its status LEDs provide indication of the functional
status of the module and its interfaces. The Operator Interface provides additional information.
The Power LED indicates the status of the Multi-Stack Controller.
Figure 9. Multi-Stack Controller Power LED
Table 3. Power LED Description
LED Colour Status
Power LED Solid Blue Multi-Stack Controller State: Operational
Solid Teal Multi-Stack Controller State: Reading/Writing to the Internal Storage Media
Solid Red Multi-Stack Controller State: Overheating or Critical Hardware Fault.
Flashing Red Multi-Stack Controller State: Hardware Fault
The Port LEDs indicate the status and speed of each interface.
Figure 10. Multi-Stack Controller Port LEDs
Table 4. Port LEDs Description
LED Colour Status
LAN1 - LAN4 Activity (A1 - A4) Flashing Orange LAN# State: Active
LAN1 - LAN4 Link (L1 - L4) Solid Green LAN# Speed: 10/100 Mbps
Solid Orange LAN# Speed: 1000 Mbps
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 15 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3

LED Colour Status
LAN5 & LAN7 Activity (A5 & A7) Flashing Orange LAN# State: Active
LAN5 & LAN7 Link (L5 & L7) Solid Orange LAN# Speed: 1 Gbps
Solid Green LAN# Speed: 10 Gbps
LAN6 & LAN8 Activity (A6 & A8) Flashing Green LAN# State: Active
LAN6 & LAN8 Link (L6 & A8) Solid Orange LAN# Speed: 1 Gbps
Solid Green LAN# Speed: 10 Gbps
IPMI Activity (A0) Flashing Orange IPMI State: Active
IPMI Link (L0) Solid Green IPMI Speed: 10/100 Mbps
Solid Orange IPMI Speed: 1000 Mbps
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller - Product Manual
Document ID: NE-PM-004 16 Rev 2.0, 2022-05-18
Curie Update 3