Connect and configure Pixii Powershaper and Home Reduxi controller (TCP/IP and RS485)

1. Overview

Pixii PowerShaper and Pixii Home support two independent Modbus communication methods for integration with the Reduxi controller:

Supported communication modes:

• Modbus TCP/IP over Ethernet
• Modbus RTU over RS485 (Serial COM4)

Only one communication method is used at a time, depending on the site design and available infrastructure.

2. Communication Option A – Modbus TCP/IP

2.1 Description

Modbus TCP/IP is the recommended and most commonly used communication method.

Characteristics:

• Communication over Ethernet
• Pixii and Reduxi must be on the same IP network
• Easier commissioning and troubleshooting

2.2 Physical Connection – Modbus TCP/IP

1. Connect the Pixii PowerShaper / Pixii Home to the local network using an Ethernet cable.
2. Connect the Reduxi controller to the same local network.

Ethernet connection examples:

• Pixii PowerShaper

• Pixii Home

2.3 Network Configuration (Pixii)

1. Enter the Pixii user interface
   (Pixii Home App for Pixii Home, Web Interface for PowerShaper)
2. Navigate to:

Communication → Network settings

3. Configure:

• IP address
  → Static IP recommended
• Subnet mask
• Gateway (if required)

4. Record the Pixii IP address for Reduxi configuration.

2.4 Modbus TCP Configuration (Pixii)

1. Navigate to:

Menu → Communication → Modbus

2. Set:

• Enabled: Yes
• Type: TCP/IP
• TCP Port: 502 (default)

3. Save the settings.

2.5 Multicabinet Regulation Type (Required for Modbus TCP)

Navigate to:

Menu → Communication → Modbus

Two options are available:

Multiple Services

• Pixii internal control logic is active
• Reduxi acts as a supervisory system7

Simple Modbus

• Reduxi takes full control
• Pixii operates as a controlled device

to enable proper system response, Demand Response had to be activated. This is done by clicking the play button (moving it to the right) and then saving the setting.


If Modbus communication is not working properly, restart PIXII.

Note:
Changing the Multicabinet regulation type can only be applied by Pixii support.

3. Communication Option B – Modbus RTU over RS485

3.1 Description

Modbus RTU over RS485 is used when:

• Ethernet is not available
• A serial industrial bus is required

Characteristics:

• Serial communication
• Requires cabinet access
• Uses Pixii Gateway Serial COM4

3.2 Physical Location of RS485

• RS485 is located on the Pixii Gateway
• Connection point: Serial COM4
• Physical access: inside the Pixii cabinet
• Reference: Figure 2.3 – Right side view (Serial COM4)

3.3 Multicabinet Role Configuration (Required for RS485)

Navigate to:

System → General settings

Single‑cabinet system:

• Multicabinet role: Client

Multi‑cabinet system:

• One cabinet: Master
• All others: Client

Note:
Multicabinet role is independent from Modbus master/slave roles.
Pixii is always a Modbus slave.

3.4 Serial Port Configuration (RS485)

Navigate to:

Menu → Communication → Serial ports

Select Serial Port tab “4” (COM4) and configure:

Save the settings.

3.5 Modbus RTU Configuration

Navigate to:

Menu → Communication → Modbus

Set:

For multi‑cabinet systems:

• Each cabinet must use a unique Modbus address.

Save the settings.

4. Adding Pixii to the Reduxi Controller

This step is identical for both communication options, except for the selected connection type.

4.1 Add Device

Log in to the Reduxi configurator and select Add device.

4.2 Basic Device Settings

• Device type: Battery
• Type: Pixii PowerShaper or Pixii Home
• Name: User defined

4.3 Communication Channel Selection

Select communication type:

• TCP/IP → for Modbus TCP
• Serial RS485 → for Modbus RTU

Set parameters accordingly.

4.4 Communication Test

Use Test communication.

Possible results:

• ✅ Communication successful
• ❌ Communication failed

5. Advanced Settings

The advanced setting is arbitrary and depends on the specific needs of the location where the Reduxi controller is installed. After finishing all the advanced settings, press the "Done" button on the lower right side.

6. Control settings/definition for PIXII devices in Reduxi configurator

Control of the PIXII system can be performed with two options, as described in point 3.3, PIXII Modbus settings. Depending on which option is used, the user also needs to be aware that the appropriate control type needs to be defined on the Reduxi configurator for every PIXII device that is added to the system.

In case the Multiple Services device under the menu Devices/PIXII/Details/under all settings needs to be configured, as shown in the image below:

In case the Simple Modbus device in the menu Devices/PIXII/Details/under all settings, needs to be configured, as shown in the image below:

7. Last measurements

After successfully establishing communication with the newly added device, its values ​can be checked under Devices/PIXII PowerSharper in the Reduxi configurator as an additional test. 

For advanced battery control, integrate the device into the strategy of the Reduxi system. Under Devices/PIXII PowerSharper or Home in the Reduxi configurator, the control type must be set to AUTO so commands for strategy will affect the battery.

To achieve maximal flexibility and energy cost reduction with respect to dynamic price and dynamic tariffs please follow the instructions on how to define strategy at this link: Strategies for Reduxi controller.

After successfully adding the device, it can also be monitored and controlled via the Reduxi application.