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What is ‘Absorption Voltage’ Charger setting in VictronConnect using Multiplus-I
In the ‘Charger’ settings of my Victron MultiPlus-II (after connecting my Multiplus-II to my computer, using the MK3 USB interface device), there’s an option for ‘Absorption Voltage’. Can you explain what absorption voltage means for battery charging and how to determine the correct setting for it?
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1 Reply
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The ‘Absorption Voltage’ is a setting in the ‘Charger’ section of VictronConnect for your MultiPlus inverter/chargers, that is part of a two-step (or sometimes three-step) charging process for batteries.
Function:
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During the “Absorption phase”, the charger maintains the battery at a constant voltage, which is the ‘Absorption Voltage‘.
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This phase follows the initial “Bulk Charge phase” where the battery was charged at a constant high current.
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In the “Absorption phase”, the voltage is kept steady while the current gradually tapers off as the battery becomes more fully charged.
Purpose of Absorption Phase:
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This phase allows the battery to reach full charge in a controlled manner, which helps to prevent overcharging that can occur if the voltage were to remain too high for too long.
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It also ensures that all cells in the battery reach an equal charge level.
Setting the Value:
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The correct ‘Absorption Voltage‘ will depend on the type of battery and its specific charging requirements.
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Manufacturers typically provide optimal charging voltage recommendations for their batteries.
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For instance, many flooded lead-acid batteries have an absorption voltage around 14.4V per 12V unit, but this can vary, particularly with different battery technologies like AGM or Lithium-ion.
Usage Tips:
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It is important to set the ‘Absorption Voltage‘ correctly to ensure the battery reaches full charge without causing excessive gassing or heating (in lead acid batteries), which can damage the battery over time.
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Not reaching the correct absorption voltage can result in undercharging, which also impacts battery life and performance.
Always consult your battery’s datasheet or manufacturer’s recommendations to set the correct ‘Absorption Voltage’. This ensures that your batteries charge efficiently and their longevity is preserved.
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