[Olson]

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The ‘Repeated Absorption Time’ setting in the VictronConnect app’s ‘Charger’ section refers to the duration for which your MultiPlus inverter/charger will hold the battery at the absorption voltage during a repeated absorption phase.

Function:

• This setting effectively determines how long the charger will apply the absorption voltage to “top off” the battery’s charge during these periodic maintenance charges. The goal is to ensure that the battery gets fully charged without overcharging.

Setting the Duration:

• The appropriate duration for the repeated absorption phase varies depending on your battery type and capacity.

• A common setting might be around one hour, but this can be adjusted based on your specific needs and the recommendations of your battery manufacturer.

Usage Tips:

• Lead-Acid Batteries: For lead-acid batteries, which are prone to sulphation if not kept fully charged, a sufficient repeated absorption time can help maintain the battery health.

• Manufacturer Guidelines: Always consult the battery’s manual or manufacturer for advice on repeated absorption time. They may suggest different durations based on the battery’s size and chemistry.

• Observation: If you notice that your battery performance is declining, or it’s not maintaining a full charge as expected, you may need to adjust the repeated absorption time.

• Balancing Act: It’s important not to set the duration too long, as this could lead to overcharging, especially in batteries that are already near full charge. On the other hand, too short a duration may not effectively top off the battery.

The ‘Repeated Absorption Time’ is a customizable setting that allows you to fine-tune how your system maintains battery charge levels, particularly in applications where the batteries are not cycled daily and may benefit from periodic recharging to maintain optimal performance.

[Olson]

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Yeah definitely. DVCC plays a crucial role in maintaining battery health by ensuring accurate voltage, current, and temperature sensing. This leads to more efficient charging and discharging cycles, reducing the risk of overcharging or deep discharging, which can significantly extend the battery’s lifespan​​.

[Olson]

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For systems with multiple BMSs, you can select which BMS to use for DVCC through the “Settings > DVCC” menu on the GX device. This setting also allows the use of a BMV or SmartShunt for State of Charge (SoC) tracking while still using a BMS for DVCC​​.

[Olson]

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Customizing the settings on the MultiPlus-II is actually quite user-friendly. You don’t need to be a tech wizard at all.

All you need is a PC and the free software available from Victron Energy’s website.

With this, you can easily tailor the system’s operation to fit your energy needs. It’s pretty straightforward and offers a lot of flexibility to optimize your system’s performance.

[Olson]

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When both the ‘bulk’ and ‘absorption’ LEDs are on simultaneously on your MultiPlus-II 230V, it indicates the BatterySafe mode of operation.

Here’s what this means for your charging process:

• Mains Voltage: The AC mains voltage is being supplied to the charger, which is actively working to charge your batteries.

• BatterySafe Mode: This mode is designed to prevent damage due to excessive gassing (lead acid batteries only) that can happen if the absorption voltage is too high for the battery, especially during the later stages of charging.

• Absorption Voltage Not Reached: While both LEDs are on, it means the charger is in the process of bringing the battery up to the set absorption voltage but hasn’t quite reached it yet. This could happen if the battery was deeply discharged and the charger is being cautious to bring it up to full charge without causing any damage.

• Charging Process: The charger is ensuring that the batteries are charged safely and effectively. Once the absorption voltage is reached, the charger will move to the next phase of charging, ensuring that the batteries are topped up without overcharging.

This dual LED indication is a good sign that your charger is working efficiently to keep your batteries in top condition while ensuring their longevity. It’s managing the fine balance between charging quickly and charging safely.

[Olson]

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Yes, you can safely use a type A RCD with your MultiPlus-II 230V.

The inverter incorporates a mains frequency isolating transformer, which eliminates the possibility of DC current being present at any AC port.

This makes it compatible with type A RCDs, ensuring that you can protect your installation against earth leakage currents effectively.

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When your grid voltage averages around 230-235V, it’s generally close to the nominal voltage for which most equipment is rated. To set the upper voltage limit on your MultiPlus-II 230V:

Consider Voltage Fluctuations:

• Allow for normal fluctuations that may occasionally exceed your average. It’s not unusual for grid voltage to swing above the average by a small margin.

Setting the Upper Limit:

• Given your average is 230-235V, a sensible upper limit could be set at around 250V. This would provide a buffer to accommodate occasional surges while preventing the inverter from shutting down during normal fluctuations.

• However, if you have sensitive equipment that could be damaged by voltages slightly higher than 235V (such as a PC power supply that are generally rated to 240V max), then you might opt for a lower setting, like 240V or 245V, for added protection.

Monitoring and Adjustment:

• It’s important to monitor your grid voltage over time to see how much it varies. If you notice regular excursions above 235V, you may need to adjust the upper limit accordingly.

• Always consider the voltage tolerance of your connected devices. The inverter should cut off the supply to protect your equipment if the grid voltage exceeds safe levels.

Use of Protective Devices:

• Ensure that your system includes surge protection and that any circuit breakers or fuses are rated for the maximum current your installation might draw at the higher end of your voltage setting.

[Olson]

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The Virtual switch is an important feature used in the vast majority of these systems, and it’s available with the default firmware versions shipped with the units, typically xxxx1xx or xxxx4xx.

The term “basic systems” might sound simple, but there’s actually a lot you can do with the Virtual switch functionality. In VEConfigure3, the Virtual switch tab presents various options.

Two common applications include automatically starting/stopping a generator and forcing the inverter/charger into Inverter mode even when good AC power is available, known as “AC ignore.”

One of the main advantages of using the Virtual switch for configurations is its simplicity compared to configuring with Assistants. It’s user-friendly and allows for efficient setup of your system according to your specific needs.

Regarding the firmware versions, xxxx1xxx is compatible with hardware featuring both old and new types of microprocessors.

On the other hand, firmware version xxxx4xxx is exclusively for the new microprocessor types and is the successor to xxxx1xxx.

This progression in firmware versions usually means enhanced features and improved system compatibility, particularly for the latest hardware models.

[Olson]

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The ‘Ground Relay’ in your Victron MultiPlus inverter settings is a crucial component that manages the connection between the inverter’s neutral point and the protective earth (PE) during different operational modes.

Functionality: Here’s what happens with the ground relay during the operation of your inverter/charger:

• When the inverter is operating in inverter mode (meaning it is not receiving AC input), the internal transfer switch is open, and the ground relay connects the Neutral of the inverter to PE. This ensures proper grounding within the inverter itself, which is essential for safety.

• When the inverter receives AC input and the transfer switch closes (transferring AC input to the output), the ground relay will first disconnect the Neutral from PE before the switch closes. This prevents any potential ground loops or electrical interference between the grid’s neutral and the inverter’s internal grounding system.

Safety and Regulations:

• This feature is particularly important in systems with earth-leakage circuit breakers, which are designed to prevent electric shock by breaking the circuit if a fault is detected.

• The correct operation of the ground relay ensures that these safety mechanisms can function properly.

Warning for 120/240V Models:

• If you disable the ground relay on models designed for split-phase systems (commonly referred to as “120/240V” systems), it will result in the disconnection of the L2 output from the inverter.

• This could lead to a partial loss of power where certain circuits will not receive power from the inverter.

The ground relay setting is typically managed automatically by the inverter system, but it can be manually enabled or disabled to suit specific installation needs.

Understanding and correctly setting the ground relay is essential for maintaining electrical safety and ensuring compliance with local wiring regulations.