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    PowerAssist works by monitoring your home’s power consumption and comparing it with the grid’s capacity.

    When it detects that the demand is higher than what the grid can supply, the MultiPlus-II compensates for the shortfall by supplying additional power from the batteries.

    This process involves real-time analysis of power demand and instantaneous response to supply additional power.

    The system can adjust the level of assistance dynamically, ensuring that your appliances receive stable power without overloading the grid connection.

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    ElvenMage

    Member
    January 14, 2024 at 6:47 pm in reply to: What is Ripple Voltage in Victron Inverters?
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    Acceptable Ripple Voltage Levels:

    • Normal: In a perfectly wired installation with the inverter under full load, a ripple voltage of + / – 0.6 to 0.8 volts is considered normal.

    • Pre-alarm: Victron inverters have built-in pre-alarm and alarm thresholds for ripple voltage. The pre-alarm threshold is typically 1.2 to 1.5 volts RMS, depending on the battery voltage.

    • Full alarm: If the ripple voltage exceeds the full alarm threshold, which is typically 2.5 to 3 volts RMS, the inverter will shut down to protect itself and the batteries.

    Effects of High Ripple Voltage:

    • Reduced battery lifespan: High ripple voltage can cause stress on the battery cells, leading to reduced lifespan and premature failure.

    • Reduced charging efficiency: High ripple voltage can also reduce the efficiency of battery charging, meaning it takes longer to charge the batteries to full capacity.

    • Equipment damage: In severe cases, high ripple voltage can damage sensitive electronic equipment connected to the inverter.

    Causes of High Ripple Voltage:

    • Loose cable connections: Loose or corroded cable connections between the batteries and the inverter can increase resistance and lead to higher ripple voltage.

    • Undersized cables: Using cables that are too thin for the inverter’s current rating can also cause high ripple voltage.

    • Faulty inverter: In some cases, a faulty inverter can also cause high ripple voltage.

    Troubleshooting High Ripple Voltage:

    • Check cable connections: Make sure all cable connections between the batteries and the inverter are clean and tight.

    • Verify cable size: Ensure that the cables you are using are thick enough to handle the inverter’s current rating.

    • Monitor ripple voltage: You can use a DC voltmeter to monitor the ripple voltage at the battery terminals.

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    In the 3kVA MultiPlus-II model, the 2400W rating refers to the total power that the unit can handle, which includes both the AC output load and the battery charging load.

    Here’s how it works:

    Total Power Capacity:

    • The 2400W (3kVA) rating of the MultiPlus-II represents the total power capacity that the unit can handle at any given time. This capacity is shared between the AC output and the battery charging function.

    Shared Capacity:

    • When the MultiPlus-II is supplying power to AC loads (AC-out) and charging the batteries simultaneously, the combined power of these functions cannot exceed the total rated capacity of 2400W.

    Load Distribution:

    • If the AC output is under a heavy load close to the 2400W limit, the available power for battery charging will be reduced accordingly to keep the total power within the 2400W capacity.

    • Conversely, if the battery is charging at a high rate, the available power for the AC output will be reduced to maintain the overall power usage within the unit’s capacity.

    Power Management:

    • The MultiPlus-II intelligently manages power distribution between these functions. If a high demand is placed on the AC output, the inverter/charger will automatically reduce the battery charging current to prevent overloading the system.

    Practical Examples:

    • If you have a load of 1500W on the AC-out, and your batteries are being charged at a rate that requires 900W, this totals 2400W. The MultiPlus-II will manage these loads to ensure the total does not exceed the 2400W capacity.

    • However; If you have a load of 1800W on the AC-out, and your batteries are being charged at a rate that requires 900W, this totals 2700W, exceeding the MultiPlus-II 2400W capacity, which would cause the overload light to turn on or even the inverter to shut itself down, in order to protect itself.

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    This LED combination in PowerAssist mode provides valuable insight into how your MultiPlus-II 230V is operating:

    • PowerAssist Mode Function: PowerAssist is a sophisticated feature that allows your inverter/charger to assist the AC input source when the load demands more current than the input source can provide.

    • AC Input and Load Demand: The ‘mains on’ LED being lit signifies that the AC input is connected and functional. However, if the load requires more current than what your preset maximum input allows, the inverter steps in to supply the additional current needed.

    • Inverter Engagement: The blinking ‘inverter’ LED indicates that the inverter has kicked in to provide this additional power. Essentially, it supplements the AC input with power from the batteries, ensuring that your loads receive the required current without interruption.

    • Balancing Act: This feature is particularly useful when you’re connected to a limited AC source, like a small generator or a weak grid. It prevents overloading the source while ensuring that your power needs are met.

    • Practical Implication: For example, if you’re using a 5kW generator but your load suddenly spikes to 6kW, the MultiPlus-II will provide the extra 1kW by inverting power from the batteries, thus ‘assisting’ your generator.

    In summary, the lit ‘mains on’ and blinking ‘inverter’ LEDs in PowerAssist mode mean your MultiPlus-II is actively ensuring that your power needs are met, even when your primary AC source can’t handle the load on its own.

    It’s a great feature that enhances the versatility and reliability of your power system, providing seamless power support and preventing potential overloads or power interruptions.

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