[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

he On/Off/Charger Only switch is basically your control for how the MultiPlus-II works.

Flip it to ‘on’, and you’re fully operational – both the inverter and charger are active.

The inverter converts DC to AC, lighting up the ‘inverter on’ LED, and it’ll pass AC through if it’s getting power. When it’s not needed because AC is coming in, the charger takes over to top up your batteries, indicated by the charging mode LEDs.

Switch to ‘charger only’, and the inverter steps back. This setting is all about charging your batteries without the inverter jumping into action every time there’s a dip in the mains power. It’s a good way to keep your batteries from draining when you don’t need to invert power, like during maintenance or when you’ve got stable grid power.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

The MultiPlus-II features a microprocessor-driven adaptive battery management system.

This system includes an adaptive 4-stage charging algorithm (bulk, absorption, float, and storage) tailored to the specific characteristics of different battery types, such as lead-acid batteries.

It adjusts the charging process based on battery usage patterns and the current state of charge. For instance, in the case of lead-acid batteries, it modifies the absorption time depending on the depth of discharge to prevent overcharging and minimize gassing.

Additionally, the system has a BatterySafe mode that limits voltage increase once the gassing voltage is reached, preventing damage from excessive gassing. This adaptability ensures optimal charging for various battery conditions and types, enhancing battery life and performance.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

The Victron range of inverters, specifically designed for grid-tied applications, has several models that are compliant with the City of Cape Town’s NRS-097 standard.

According to the official document titled ‘Approved Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter List’ from the City of Cape Town, the following Victron inverters are listed as compliant:

• MultiGrid 12/3000/120-50

• MultiGrid 24/3000/70-50

• MultiGrid 48/3000/35-50

• MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32

• MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-32GX

• MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50

• MultiPlus-II 48/8000/110-100

• MultiPlus-II 48/10000/140-100

• MultiPlus-II 48/15000/200-100

These inverters are verified to meet the specific technical and safety standards required for grid-tied systems within the jurisdiction, ensuring they can safely and legally interact with the municipal power grid.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

You can adjust the inverter voltage on your MultiPlus-II 230V, which is particularly handy to suit various application needs. When it’s operating on battery power, the inverter voltage is adjustable within a range of 210v to 245v.

This feature provides you with a good level of control, allowing you to tailor the output to match the requirements of your connected devices or systems.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

The ‘Four-stage adaptive with BatterySafe mode’ is a sophisticated charging algorithm designed specifically for optimizing the charging process of lead-acid batteries.

This algorithm operates in four distinct stages: bulk, absorption, float, and storage, each tailored to the battery’s needs at various charge levels.

Here’s a brief rundown of each stage:

• Bulk: This is the first stage where the charger delivers maximum current to the battery until it reaches the absorption voltage.

• Absorption: Once the bulk voltage is reached, the charger switches to absorption mode, maintaining the voltage and allowing the current to taper down. This ensures the battery is brought up to a full charge without overcharging.

• Float: After the absorption stage, the charger reduces the voltage to a maintenance level to keep the battery at 100% charge without incurring damage that can result from overcharging.

• Storage: If the battery is not being used, the charger enters storage mode, reducing the float voltage further to minimize gassing and corrosion of the battery plates.

The BatterySafe mode part of the algorithm helps prevent battery damage due to excessive gassing by limiting the voltage increase rate once gassing voltage has been reached.

This adaptive charging method is recommended for lead-acid batteries because it accounts for their specific charging needs, prolonging battery life and maintaining efficiency.

For other types of batteries, like lithium-ion, the charging parameters can be adjusted using the software provided by Victron Energy, ensuring that each battery type gets the right charging profile.

Always refer to the help files in the software configuration programs for detailed instructions on setting this up correctly.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

I have my Multiplus-II 48V 3kVA inverter setup as a mobile UPS. In other words it’s not connected to the grid, but rather charges independently off a regular 16A plug socket in my home. Just like any other UPS that you buy from retail shops, except mine is a much better quality product.

But to pull this off, it’s important that I used the ‘AC1 input current limit’ setting in the VictronConnect app, in order to make sure that the AC draw does not exceed the 16A current limit of the plug, otherwise it will most likely start smoking or even catch fire.

So, while I could technically set this to a max of 16A, I like to play it safe and wouldn’t exceed 15A in this case.

However; I actually set it to 10A, because my 3kVA inverter only has a rated capacity of 2400W. And if you do the math, taking my average grid voltage and multiplying it by the 10A (235V x 10A = 2350W), it works out to be slightly lower than the Multiplus-II max capacity of 2400W, making it a perfect fit.

If I was using a larger Multiplus-II 48V 5kVA inverter with a max load capacity of 4000W, then I could push it to the 15A to 16A limit, as it would still be below that inverter’s max load capacity (235V x 16A = 3760W). But this naturally causes some capacity wastage, which is why I went with the smaller MPII 3KVA as it is the perfect match for a mobile UPS build.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

Yes, VictronConnect is indeed stepping in to replace VEConfigure and VEFlash. It’s designed to be more user-friendly and is compatible with a broader range of devices, not just Windows. However, it’s important to note that some advanced functionalities haven’t made it to VictronConnect yet.

These include Assistants (like AC PV, ESS), Virtual Switch (with some common functionalities now accessible via the new AC input control feature), changing the Grid Code, and specific setups for lithium batteries requiring Assistants, like the VE.Bus BMS.

If you need these features, you’ll still have to stick with VEConfigure for the time being.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

The ‘State of charge when bulk finished’ setting in the VictronConnect app is used to calibrate the estimated state of charge (SoC) of the battery at the end of the bulk charging phase.

Function:

• This setting defines the SoC that your battery should be at once the bulk (or initial) phase of charging is complete.

• The bulk phase is when the charger delivers a constant, high current to the battery until it reaches a predetermined voltage level.

Calibration:

• The reason for this setting is to adjust the SoC reading to more accurately reflect the actual charge in the battery.

• Due to various factors, including measurement errors, efficiency losses, and battery condition, the actual SoC may differ from what is calculated.

• By specifying the SoC when bulk charging is done, you help the system to recalibrate and correct the SoC measurement.

Usage:

• You might set this value based on empirical data from monitoring your batteries or manufacturer’s guidelines.

• If you notice that the SoC seems off after a full charge cycle, adjusting this setting can help align the reading with the true battery status.

Proper calibration of the SoC is important for maintaining the health of your battery bank and ensuring reliable system operation. It can prevent the system from overcharging or undercharging the batteries, which could lead to reduced battery life or insufficient power availability.

[Roxel]

Up

0

Down

::

Why would there be a power outage in an RV?