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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 12, 2024 at 5:23 pm in reply to: Configuring MultiPlus-II 230V for Three-Phase Output in Larger Systems28 XP
47 Honor
::Configuring the MultiPlus-II 230V for three-phase output involves a specific setup process. Firstly, you need to connect three units of the MultiPlus-II 230V, each unit will handle one phase of the three-phase power system. These units are interconnected using a VE.Bus communication cable, which synchronizes their operation to ensure a balanced load across all three phases.
When you connect up to 6 sets of these three units in parallel, you essentially expand the system’s capacity significantly. Each set contributes to the overall power output, cumulatively providing up to 45 kW / 54 kVA of inverter power and more than 600 A of charging capacity. This parallel connection is managed through the same VE.Bus system, ensuring that all 18 units (6 sets of 3) work in harmony, sharing the load and charging duties efficiently.
This setup is particularly beneficial for large-scale applications where high power output and substantial charging capabilities are required. The synchronization of multiple units ensures that the power distribution is even and stable across all phases, making it ideal for complex electrical systems that require three-phase power.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 12, 2024 at 5:47 pm in reply to: Using MultiPlus-II in My RV – Does It Work Like a UPS?28 XP
47 Honor
::While not a direct reason for power loss, the MPII does aid in preventing it.
If the batteries drain quicker than anticipated, or if there’s a malfunction in the charging system, it might lead to interruptions in power availability. It’s essential to have an efficient battery management system to avoid such scenarios.
The MultiPlus-II , while it requires battery power to operate, assists in conserving battery life and ensures effective charging when connected to external power sources, thereby reducing the chances of complete battery depletion.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 15, 2024 at 5:15 am in reply to: What is the purpose of the ground relay in my MultiPlus-II 230V?28 XP
47 Honor
::The ground relay in the MultiPlus-II 230V plays an important role in the safety and proper functioning of the inverter/charger, especially in the context of grounding and fault protection.
Basic Function of the Ground Relay:
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The ground relay in the MultiPlus-II 230V serves to manage the connection between the Neutral output and the system chassis (or ground) depending on the power supply status.
Operation Without External AC Supply:
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When there is no external AC power supply (such as shore power or generator power) available, the ground relay closes. This connects the Neutral output of the inverter/charger directly to the chassis.
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This connection is vital for the safety of the system while it operates in inverter mode, ensuring that any fault currents have a path to the ground, minimizing the risk of electric shock or equipment damage.
Operation With External AC Supply:
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When the MultiPlus-II is connected to an external AC power source, the ground relay opens before the input safety relay closes. This disconnection is important because the external power source will have its own grounding system.
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The opening of the ground relay prevents potential ground loops or conflicts between the inverter/charger’s internal grounding and the external source’s grounding system.
Importance in Earth Leakage Protection:
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This functionality of the ground relay is essential for the correct operation of earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs) or residual-current devices (RCDs) connected to the output of the MultiPlus-II.
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By ensuring that the Neutral and ground are connected only when necessary, the ground relay maintains the effectiveness of these safety devices, which are designed to trip and cut off power in case of earth leakage or fault currents.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 15, 2024 at 5:18 am in reply to: How should I ground my MultiPlus-II 230V in a fixed installation?28 XP
47 Honor
::Here are some important things to take note of and do, in order to ensure proper grounding:
Importance of Grounding:
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Grounding provides a path for electrical currents to be safely dispersed in case of a fault. It’s vital for preventing electrical shocks and damage to your MultiPlus-II and connected equipment.
Locate the Grounding Wire:
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In your electrical setup, identify the grounding wire, typically colored green or green/yellow. This wire is part of your AC input cable.
Ensure Uninterruptible Grounding:
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The grounding connection for your MultiPlus-II must be continuous and secure. This means it should be connected directly to a grounding point without any switches, connectors, or other devices that could potentially interrupt the grounding path.
Connecting to a Grounding Point:
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Find a grounding point in your building’s electrical system. This could be a grounding bar or a metal conduit that is part of the electrical grounding system.
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Ensure the grounding point is established and compliant with your local electrical codes.
Making the Connection:
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Connect the grounding wire from the MultiPlus-II’s AC input cable to the grounding point.
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Use appropriate connectors or clamps to make this connection. Ensure that the connection is mechanically strong and electrically conductive.
Securing the Grounding Path:
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After connecting, double-check to ensure the grounding path is secure and uninterrupted.
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Test the grounding connection for continuity using a multimeter or a continuity tester to confirm it’s properly established.
Regular Maintenance:
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Periodically check the grounding connection as part of your routine maintenance. Ensure it remains secure and intact to continue providing safe operation.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 20, 2024 at 6:04 am in reply to: How to Connect VE.Bus Inverter/Charger to a PC for Configuration?28 XP
47 Honor
::To connect your Victron VE.Bus inverter/charger to a device such as a PC, for either configuration or status updates, you’ll need specific adapters and cables to establish a successful connection.
For configuration mode:
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You’ll require an MK3-USB adapter. This device acts as a bridge between the VE.Bus port on your inverter/charger and the USB connection on your computer.
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Along with the MK3-USB, you should use a standard RJ45 UTP cable, commonly known as an Ethernet patch or LAN cable. It’s crucial to use an industrially manufactured cable as hand-crimped cables often lead to connectivity issues. Even if a hand-crimped cable works for computer networks, it may not meet the quality needed for Victron products.
For status mode:
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A VE.Bus Smart Dongle is used. This dongle connects to the VE.Bus port on the inverter/charger and allows Bluetooth connection to your device, enabling you to check the status wirelessly.
When connecting with an Android device, there’s an additional step:
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You will need an OTG (On-The-Go) cable to convert the USB cable from the MK3-USB to the data port on your Android device. The type of OTG cable required depends on your device’s data port, which is typically a micro-USB or USB-C connection.
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Note that the OTG adapter is not provided by Victron and must be sourced separately.
By ensuring you have the correct equipment and cables, you can set up your inverter/charger for configuration using a computer or check its status from your Android device with ease.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 20, 2024 at 6:54 am in reply to: How Does the VE.Bus Firmware Numbering System Work?28 XP
47 Honor
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 20, 2024 at 7:03 am in reply to: What Firmware Versions do I need to use the VictronConnect app?28 XP
47 Honor
::For Basic Systems: If you’re running a system that primarily uses Virtual Switch functionality, you’ll likely be working with firmware versions in the range of xxxx1xx or xxxx4xx. The xxxx1xx firmware works with both old and new microprocessor types. However, the xxxx4xx firmware is specifically for new microprocessors (26/27 family groups) and is the successor of xxxx1xx.
For Advanced Systems (like Energy Storage):
You’ll need firmware versions xxxx4xx. Keep in mind, this is exclusive to new microprocessors (26/27 family groups).
For Complex Systems with Old Microprocessors:
Use firmware version xxxx2xx. When you load this firmware, it will replace the Virtual Switch tab with the Assistants tab in VEConfigure.
Compatibility in Three- and Split-Phase Systems:
Units with both old and new microprocessors can be mixed in these setups without issues. However, you cannot mix Virtual Switch firmware (100 – 199) with Assistant firmware (200 – 499). It’s crucial to use the same and latest firmware version across all units in the system.
Firmware Numbering System: The firmware number, like 1941143, is broken down as follows:
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’19’ denotes the family group number (indicating old microprocessor, 230VAC),
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’41’ refers to the model (in this case, Quattro 24/3000/70-50/30)
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‘143’ represents the firmware version.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 20, 2024 at 7:43 am in reply to: What settings are available for Multiplus-II inverter using VictronConnect App?28 XP
47 Honor
::Each section within the VictronConnect app contains specific settings that allow you to manage and configure your Victron MultiPlus inverter/charger. Here’s a breakdown of the features within each main menu section:
The Settings menu in VictronConnect provides a structured way to manage and configure various aspects of your Victron device. Here’s a rundown of each section as seen in the menu:
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General: This section includes settings that apply to the general operation of your inverter/charger, such as system frequency, input current limits, and whether the current limit can be overridden by a remote control.
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Grid: These settings pertain to how your inverter interacts with the grid power. It includes options for setting voltage and frequency ranges that are acceptable for the inverter to utilize grid power, as well as settings for features like UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) function.
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Inverter: Here, you’ll find settings specifically related to the inverter function, like the output voltage the inverter will provide to your devices, and various protections and features related to the DC input from the batteries.
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Charger: This category covers the battery charging functions of your inverter/charger. It allows you to set the charge current, absorption voltage, float voltage, and parameters for the charging algorithm.
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AC Input Control: This section provides options for managing AC input, such as setting conditions for when the inverter should connect to or disconnect from AC input based on load or battery conditions.
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Advanced: In the advanced settings, you can fine-tune the behavior of your inverter/charger with options such as prioritizing other energy sources, which is useful when integrating with systems like solar panels or wind turbines.
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Help & Manuals: Access to documentation and support resources for your Victron device can be found in this part of the menu. It’s a helpful section for troubleshooting and learning more about the features of your device.
Each of these sections helps organize the settings into logical groupings, making it easier for you to find and adjust specific aspects of your inverter/charger’s operation.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 20, 2024 at 9:00 am in reply to: What is ‘Charge Current’ setting in VictronConnect using Multiplus-II?28 XP
47 Honor
::The ‘Charge Current’ setting in the ‘Charger’ section of the VictronConnect app specifies the maximum current that the MultiPlus inverter/charger will use to charge the batteries during the bulk phase of the charging cycle.
Function:
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During the bulk phase, the charger delivers a constant current to the batteries until they reach a certain voltage level. The ‘Charge Current’ setting determines the intensity of that current.
Setting the Value:
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For lead-acid batteries, a good rule of thumb is to set the charging current at approximately 10-20% of the battery capacity. For example, if you have a 100 Ah battery bank, you’d set the charging current between 10A to 20A.
Factors Affecting Actual Charge Current:
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AC Input Limit: If the AC input current limit is set low and there is a high load demand from the system, the charger might reduce the charge current to accommodate the load.
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Environmental Temperature: High ambient temperatures can lead to derating of the charge current to prevent overheating.
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Cabling: Improper or insufficient cabling can introduce high ripple voltage, which can cause the charger to limit the current to protect the batteries.
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System Load: The system’s DC consumption during charging can also affect the charge current. If significant power is being used by the system, there might be less available for charging.
Usage Tips:
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It’s essential to take into account the expected DC consumption of your system when setting the charge current.
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You want to ensure that there is enough current to both run your system and charge your batteries efficiently.
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Additionally, always consult your battery manufacturer’s guidelines to set the correct charging parameters for your specific battery type to ensure safety and longevity of the battery bank.
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MysticMonkMoves
MemberJanuary 12, 2024 at 5:45 pm in reply to: Using MultiPlus-II in My RV – Does It Work Like a UPS?28 XP
47 Honor
::Several scenarios can lead to power disruptions or the need for a seamless transition between power sources:
- Switching Between Power Sources: Often, RVs switch between different power sources, such as moving from shore power (when connected to an external electricity supply at a campground) to the RV’s own generator or battery system. This switch, if not seamless, can cause a temporary power outage.
- Generator Issues: If your RV relies on a generator for power, any operational issues or maintenance requirements for the generator could lead to temporary power outages.
- External Factors: External factors such as extreme weather conditions can affect the RV’s power source, particularly if you’re connected to an external power grid.
- Safety and Protection: In cases of power surges or fluctuations, especially when connected to inconsistent external power sources, an abrupt power cut can occur as a safety measure to protect the RV’s electrical system and appliances.