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    The ‘UPS Function’ within the grid settings of the VictronConnect app affects how the MultiPlus inverter/charger responds to the quality and stability of the incoming AC supply, especially regarding waveform distortion.

    Function When Selected:

    • When the ‘UPS Function’ is enabled, the MultiPlus inverter/charger acts similarly to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

    • It becomes more critical of the incoming AC supply’s waveform.

    • If the waveform is distorted beyond acceptable parameters, often the case during power outages or with poor quality generators, the MultiPlus will quickly switch to battery power to maintain a clean power supply to the connected loads.

    Function When Deselected:

    • If you deselect the ‘UPS Function’, the MultiPlus becomes less sensitive to waveform distortion, which means it can tolerate a lower quality AC supply without switching to battery power.

    • Previously, deselecting this function activated a feature called “Allows inrush currents”. But now it will automatically enable inrush, without the need to additionally activate it.

    • The previously labeled ‘Allow inrush current’ feature is designed to prevent the MultiPlus from tripping its lower voltage limit when such heavy start-up loads are encountered.

    • This is particularly useful for starting heavy loads that require a significant amount of current at startup, such as motors or compressors.

    Use Cases:

    • If your priority is to protect sensitive electronics and ensure they are always supplied with a high-quality waveform, you would keep the ‘UPS Function’ selected.

    • Conversely, if you’re using a generator that produces a less stable waveform or if you need to start heavy loads that cause inrush currents, you would deselect this function to allow the MultiPlus to handle these situations without disconnecting from the AC supply.

    By managing the ‘UPS Function’ setting effectively, you ensure that the MultiPlus provides power to your connected devices in a manner that suits your specific power needs and conditions.

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    maleous

    Member
    January 13, 2024 at 4:34 pm in reply to: Can MultiPlus-II Act As a UPS?
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    Yes, the MultiPlus-II is great for that. It acts like a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), which is a lifesaver for sensitive electronics.

    If there’s a power cut or even a flicker, it instantly switches to battery power, so your devices won’t even notice.

    Basically a safety net for your electronics, keeping them running smoothly without any interruption, even when the power grid lets you down.

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    maleous

    Member
    January 13, 2024 at 6:51 pm in reply to: How Does MultiPlus-II Manage Charging Two Different Batteries?
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    The MultiPlus-II is equipped to efficiently charge two batteries simultaneously, catering to different charging needs. The primary DC output is capable of delivering the full output current, suitable for the main battery system.

    In contrast, the second DC output is specifically designed for charging a secondary battery, such as a starter battery, with a limited output of 4A and a slightly lower output voltage (for 12V and 24V models).

    This dual-output design allows for simultaneous charging of two different batteries with distinct characteristics and power requirements.

    The system ensures that each battery receives the appropriate charging current and voltage, effectively managing the charging process for diverse battery setups.

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    Yes, you’re right. When your MultiPlus-II 230V shuts down and both the ‘overload’ and ‘low battery’ LEDs are continuously lit, it indicates an issue with excess ripple voltage on the battery terminals.

    This is more serious than just a pre-alarm, and here’s how to address it:

    • Power Down: Safely turn off the inverter and disconnect it from the power source. This step is essential to prevent further damage.

    • Inspect Battery Connections: Look for any loose or corroded connections that could be contributing to the issue. Ensure that all connections are clean and secure.

    • Battery Health Check: If you have the tools, measure the actual ripple voltage to confirm it’s within the safe range specified in your manual. If the batteries are old or have been under heavy use, they might be the source of the problem.

    • Load Reduction: Reduce the load on the inverter by disconnecting non-essential devices, especially those that draw a lot of power.

    • Reconnection and Testing: Once everything looks good, reconnect the inverter and monitor it closely. Check if the LEDs indicate normal operation or if the ripple alarm reappears.

    • Professional Help: If the problem persists despite these steps, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Excessive ripple voltage can be tricky to diagnose and might require specialized equipment or expertise.

    This situation typically indicates a more complex issue within your power system, possibly involving the batteries or the power supply quality. It’s important to address it promptly to ensure the safety and efficiency of your system.

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    For a 5kVA MultiPlus-II model, your AC input should be protected by a fuse or magnetic circuit breaker rated at 50A or less.

    The cable cross-section must be sized accordingly to handle this protection rating.

    If your input AC supply has a lower rating, you should match the protection device to the lower value to prevent overcurrent situations.

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    These settings are all about ensuring your battery is not just charged but maintained in a way that promotes its health and extends its lifespan.

    Storage Voltage:

    • This setting refers to the voltage the charger maintains when the battery is fully charged but not in active use.

    • The idea is to keep the battery at a voltage that’s high enough to keep it fully charged but low enough to prevent damage from overcharging.

    • For example, if your absorption voltage is set to 14.4V for a 12V battery, the storage voltage might be around 13.2V. This helps in reducing gassing and corrosion of the positive plates, which are common causes of battery degradation over time.

    Repeated Absorption Time:

    • This feature is about giving your battery ‘top-up’ charges to ensure every cell is equally charged.

    • After the initial bulk and absorption phases, the charger can periodically return to absorption voltage for a short duration.

    • This repeated absorption helps equalize charge across all cells, which is especially beneficial for multi-cell lead-acid batteries.

    Absorption Repeat Interval:

    • It’s the schedule for these ‘top-up’ charges, dictating how often the charger re-enters the absorption phase during extended float charging.

    • It could be configured to trigger every day, every few days, or once a week, depending on the battery’s needs and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

    • This regular interval helps to prevent the battery from falling into states that can shorten its life, such as sulfation or stratification.

    Together, these settings form a comprehensive maintenance regime for your batteries when using the MultiPlus-II 230V. They are fine-tuned to deliver not just charge but also care for your batteries, keeping them ready and in optimal condition for when you need them.

    It’s important to set these parameters correctly in line with your specific battery type’s requirements. For precise configurations, you can use the VEConfigure tool provided by Victron Energy to adjust these settings to match the battery manufacturer’s specifications. This proactive approach to battery maintenance can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of your energy storage solutions.

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    VE.Bus products, such as the MultiPlus 24/3000/70, come with a range of firmware options. Each firmware version, like 2610143 or 2610206, is designed to optimize the product’s performance for specific applications or settings.

    The introduction of firmware version 4xx brought a significant change. Previously, if you needed a different type of firmware for a different installation, you had to manually update the firmware. But with version 4xx and later, this is no longer necessary. This version is more versatile and can adapt to various installation types without needing a firmware change.

    All new Multis and Quattros will be shipped with firmware version 400 or 500 pre-installed. This means they’ll be ready to use with Assistants (additional software tools for customization and optimization) right out of the box, making the setup process more straightforward for different installation needs. So, if you’re using or planning to get a new Multi or Quattro, you’ll likely have this more flexible firmware version from the start.

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    Why does the manual only state the Victron Color Control and not the Cerbo GX?