Remote power control (without Hybrid EMS)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2025

Remote power control license

In addition to the grid operator, an energy trader (also known as a third party, solar power trader, direct marketer) can also send power control setpoints. The blue'Log XC is compatible with several energy traders, and you can activate a separate, additional interface for Remote power control (RPC).  The controller interprets the control signals of the energy trader and transfers them to the PV system. If the grid operator and energy trader setpoints temporarily overlap, the lower setpoint is given priority.

For more information, see:

• License data sheet: Downloads - meteocontrol GmbH

• Prioritization between different control modes (without Hybrid EMS).

Activate remote power control

Prerequisites

• blue'Log XC with firmware 6.0.2 or higher

• Remote power control license is installed

• OpenVPN license is installed and OpenVPN is activated

Steps

1. Navigate to Power control > Active power > Setpoint command method.

2. Select the Extended settings icon > Options > Activate the Remote power control toggle. The Modbus parameters will appear.

3. Meter selection:

   • Firmware 32.0.6 or higher: Select a meter for feed-in power. You can select any meter connected to your blue’Log XC (exception: S0 meter).

   • Firmware below 32.0.6: Automatically selects the meter selected under Power Control > Operating data > Choose feed-in meter.

4. Setpoint selection:

   • Firmware 33.0.10 or higher: Select relative or absolute setpoint.

   • Firmware below 33.0.10: Default is the relative active power setpoint.
     
     

     

5. Check that remote power control is active under Cockpit > System settings.

6. Confirm that the VPN connection is enabled and running under System > VPN connection > Connection status.

7. The third party should now be able to carry out active power control.
   

RPC and meter selection

In some scenarios, for example, mixed installation plants, the meter that delivers the feed-in power value is not always the meter for power control. With firmware 32.0.6 or higher, you can select a separate meter for RPC. This allows energy traders to measure the feed-in power at the grid connection point if the power control meter does not deliver the actual feed-in power.

• You can also activate RPC without a meter. However, a feed-in meter is a requirement for power control by energy traders in some countries, such as Germany. If you do not select a meter, the feed-in power at registers 2 and 102 will not be available.

• If RPC was enabled prior to updating your firmware to 32.0.6, the existing feed-in meter will remain the same.

RPC and relative and absolute active power setpoints

In some markets, such as The Netherlands, energy traders may need to apply either a relative (% ) or absolute (W) active power setpoint for remote power control. You can activate either option under Power control > Active power. The read and write values are reflected in the Modbus register values.

Troubleshooting: Energy trader can not enable power control

Problem

An energy trader can not enable power control

Solution

Confirm that:

• The VPN connection to the energy trader is enabled and running

• There is no further access from an energy trader, e.g. via a VPN router or a device for energy trading (German e.g.: ”Steuerbox für Direktvermarktung”)

• The RPC toggle is activated

• All other RPC settings are configured correctly 

• If you require further assistance, contact Support