Victron Energie Atlas Combi 12/450 User manual

ENGLISH
USER MANUAL
Victron Atlas Combi 12/450
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INTRODUCTION
Victron Energie has established an international
reputation as a leading designer and manufacturer of power
systems. Our R&D department is the driving force behind this
reputation as it is continually seeking new ways of incorporat-
ing the latest technology in our products. Each step forward
results in value-adding technical and economical features.
Our proven philosophy has resulted in a full range of state-of-
the-art equipment for the supply of electrical power that
meets the most stringent requirements.
Victron Energie systems provide you with high-quality AC
supplies in places where there are no permanent sources of
mains power.
An automatic stand-alone power system can be created with a
configuration comprising a Victron Energie inverter, battery
charger, mains manager (if required) and, last but not least,
batteries with sufficient capacity.
Our equipment is suitable for countless situations in the field,
on ships or other places where a mobile 230-Volt AC power
supply is indispensable.
Victron Energie has the ideal power source for all kinds of
electrical appliances used for household, technical and admin-
istrative purposes, including instruments susceptible to inter-
ference. All of these applications require a high-quality power
supply in order to function properly.
Victron Atlas Combi 12/450
This manual contains directions for installing the Atlas Combi
model 12/450. It describes the functionality and operation of
the Atlas Combi, including its protective devices and other
technical features.
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CONTENTS
1. DESCRIPTION 7
1.1 General 7
1.2 Victron Atlas Combi 7
1.3 The battery charging section 8
1.4 The inverter section 8
1.5 Changeover 9
1.6 Charging 9
2 PROTECTIVE DEVICES 11
2.1 Short-circuits 11
2.2 Maximum power 11
2.3 Overload 11
2.4 Temperature 12
2.5 Low input voltage 12
2.6 High input voltage 12
2.7 Reversed polarity 12
3. INSTALLATION 13
3.1 Materials required 13
3.2 Location 13
3.3 Connections 13
3.3.1 Earth 13
3.3.2 230 VAC output 14
3.3.3 230 VAC input 14
3.3.4 Battery 14
3.3.5 Battery cables 15
4. START-UP 17
4.1 Operation 17
4.2 “On” position 18
4.3 “Stand by” position 18
4.4 Changeover 18
4.4.1 Engaging 230 V mains 18
4.4.2 Disengaging 230 V mains 19
4.5 Charger 19
4.6 Adjustments 20
4.6.1 Frequency 20
4.6.2 Output voltage 20
4.6.3 Switch-on sensitivity on “stand by” 20
4.7 Battery charger 21
4.7.1 Adjustment of voltage 22
4.7.2 Float 22
4.7.3 Equalize 22
4.8 Maintenance 23
4.9 Jumpers 23
4.10 Potentiometers 24
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5. FAULT TRACING LIST 25
5.1 General 25
5.2 The inverter fails to start 25
5.3 The (unloaded) AC output voltage is too low 26
5.4 The battery charger fails to start 27
5.5 The batteries overcharge 27
5.6 The batteries do not charge fully 27
6. SPECIFICATIONS 29
6.1 Inverter 29
6.1.1. Input 29
6.1.2. Output 29
6.1.3. Automatic Economy Switch (AES) 30
6.2 Battery charger 30
6.2.1 Input 30
6.2.2 Output 30
6.2.3 Changeover 31
6.3 Mechanical data 31
7. DRAWINGS 33
Atlas Combi 12/450 cabinet dimensions 34
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1. DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
Victron Atlas Combi 12/450 units are tested to ensure correct
functioning before leaving the factory. They are packed in
shock-absorbing polystyrene and packed in sturdy cardboard
boxes for secure transportation. Along with the equipment it-
self, the box also contains a manual.
The Victron Atlas Combi is housed in a robust aluminium
cabinet (IP21) suitable for floor or wall mounting. The AC
output terminals and the DC battery terminals are located on
the front of the cabinet.
1.2 Victron Atlas Combi 12/450
The Atlas Combi is a compact combination of an inverter and
an automatic battery charger, hence the name Atlas Combi.
The coding of the Combi models is composed as follows:
example: Atlas Combi 12/450:
12/ = 12 Volt, battery voltage
/450 = 450 Watt, continuous power
The Atlas Combi delivers a modified sinewave alternating cur-
rent of 230 V, 50 Hz. Continuous power can be delivered at
all times. A maximum short-duration power can be delivered
for about one second: at a bat-
tery voltage of 12 Volt, the
maximum power is 700 Watt.
Almost any electric or elec-
tronic device powered by a
230 VAC (50 Hz) supply may
be connected to the inverter
of the Atlas Combi.
IP21=
protection against
materials larger
than 12 mm (for
example a finger)
and protection
against vertically
descending water-
drops (condensa-
tion).
Watt =
unit of power
Volt =
unit of voltage
Volt
rms
=
root mean square
(effective value of
alternating wave)
Hertz =
unit of frequency
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1.3 The battery charging section
The battery charger of the Atlas Combi is suitable for a 230 V
(50 Hz) mains voltage. The charger works automatically and
delivers a maximum current of 25 amp.
The battery may remain permanently connected to the
charger, even during winter storage. The Atlas Combi is suit-
able for starter batteries and semi-traction batteries of the
lead/acid type in open or sealed designs.
1.4 The inverter section
The inverter converts a direct current of 12 V into an alternat-
ing current of 230 V, 50 Hz (see illustration 1). With the Atlas
Combi switched on (i.e. switch set to “on”) the inverter’s own
no-load power consumption is 14 Watt.
A full-load efficiency of approximately 85% is achieved
through the use of FET transistors.
The Atlas Combi has an AES (“Automatic Economy
Switch”), as standard. It is activated by setting the switch to
the “stand by” position. The AES switches the inverter off
when the external equipment does not require power. This lim-
its power consumption to 2 Watt and the inverter operates
when a load is detected. Substantially reduced power con-
sumption is achieved when there are intermittent loads. The
sensitivity of the AES can be adjusted, for more information
see section 4 “Start-up”.
starter battery =
a battery used
only to start
machines (such as
the engine of a
boat) and suitable
for high cold
currents
semitraction
battery =
a combined
starter/light battery
Illustration 1. Outputvoltage
waveform during “on” mode.
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1.5 Changeover
When a mains voltage is
connected to the Atlas
Combi, the “on” LED goes
out. The load of the in-
verter is automatically
switched to mains after
about 1 second. As a result,
the inverter is immediately
switched off. More informa-
tion about this changeover
is given in section 4.4.
1.6 Charging
The automatic part of the charger starts up about 1 second af-
ter the charger switch has been set to the “on” position and
230 VAC is present.
Charging takes place according to the WoUoU characteristic,
with a maximum current of 25 amp at a battery voltage of 12
V. The boost charging voltage is set to a standard value of
14.25 VDC (see illustration 3).
AES =
Automatic
Economy Switch
AC =
Alternating Cur-
rent. This is the
normal type of volt-
age supplied by
the mains or shore
power systems
DC=
Direct Current.
This is the type of
Voltage deliverd by
batteries and bat-
tery chargers.
intermittent
load =
a load regularly
switched on and
off automatically
in equipment such
as refrigerators or
electric heaters
with thermostats.
Illustration 3. Charging current wave-
form in relation to battery voltage.
Illustration 2. Output voltage
waveform during “AES” mode.
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2. PROTECTIVE DEVICES
The Atlas Combi is extremely reliable thanks to numerous
built-in protective devices. Descriptions of these devices are
given below.
2.1 Short-circuits
The inverter’s output is protected against short-circuiting. For
the Atlas Combi 12/450, the short-circuit output current
amounts to 3 amp.
In this condition the output voltage approaches 0 V. Once the
short-circuit has been rectified the inverter immediately res-
umes normal operation. This eliminates the need to fit a fuse
in the inverter’s output circuit.
2.2 Maximum power
The maximum power which can be delivered by the inverter
is 700 Watt. This level, which is limited electronically, can be
delivered for several seconds. If the equipment is overloaded
for too long, the input plate fuse (50 A) will become defective.
2.3 Overload
If the inverter is subjected to a high load, it may reach the
critical limit and the overload protection will be activated.
With the Atlas Combi 12/450 this critical limit is ca. 600 Watt.
The overload protective device fitted to the Atlas Combi
12/450 works as follows:
❐When the critical limit is reached, the “overload” LED
lights up. Although the inverter will not switch off, the
output voltage will fall as the load increases.
❐When the overload situation has ended, the voltage
will automatically return to the correct level.
short circuit
current =
current supplied
when a short-
circuit on the out-
put occurs.
LED =
Light Emitting
Diode
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2.4 Temperature
The temperature of the electronics is measured continuously.
The inverter switches off before the temperature reaches an
unacceptably high level due to short-circuiting, overloading
or excessive ambient temperatures. The “temperature” LED
lights up when this situation occurs and the inverter restarts
automatically once the temperature has dropped to an accept-
able level.
2.5 Low input voltage
The inverter switches off if the input voltage is too low. This
input voltage limit is 9.0 V. The inverter restarts when this
voltage exceeds +10.5 V.
2.6 High input voltage
The inverter switches off if the input voltage rises above 17V
and restarts once the input voltage has dropped below +15 V.
2.7 Reversed polarity
If the positive (“+”) and negative (“-”) poles are switched
when the equipment is being connected up, the inverter will
not switch on. Once this has been corrected the inverter will
switch on. You should therefore follow the connection instruc-
tions given in section 3.3.4, on page 18 very carefully.
input voltage =
DC voltage
delivered by
batteries
output voltage =
AC voltage
delivered by the
Victron product
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3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Materials required
❐Two mains leads, 1.5 mm2, maximum length 6 m.
❐Battery cables.
❐The Atlas Combi model 12/450 is fitted with a mains
lead, so a screwdriver is not required.
3.2 Location
❐Install the inverter in a dry area with good ventilation.
Note: High ambient temperatures will reduce output
power, impair efficiency and shorten working life
(see section 6 “Specifications”).
❐There are holes in the bottom and rear of the cabinet
for floor or wall mounting. For the dimensions, refer
to section 7 “Drawings”, page 38.
❐Install the Atlas Combi in an upright position with suf-
ficient space for natural cooling through the grill of the
cabinet. If this is not possible forced cooling must be
provided by fitting a fan to the underside. Make sure
you will have easy access to the front of the unit after
installation.
❐Keep the distance between the Atlas Combi and the
battery as short as possible.
3.3 Connections
3.3.1 Earth
Connect the mains earth wire to the earth contact of the
socket. The circuit is functional only if the cabinet is con-
nected to earth. An M5 earth screw is fitted on the front of the
cabinet (see illustration 4, on page 19). Connect the cabinet
earth terminal to earth. The earth for vessels is the hull or
earth plate; for motor vehicles it is the chassis.
3.3.2 230 VAC output
The Atlas Combi 12/450 is fitted with a socket, which is lo-
cated on the front, at the lower left-hand side (see illustration
?
?
?
?
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3 on page 19. The 230 V external equipment must be con-
nected to this socket.
It is not necessary to incorporate a fuse in the inverter’s out-
put: the inverter is fully protected against overloading and
short-circuiting, see section 2, “Protective devices”.
The inverter will be damaged if another alternating
current (e.g. from a generator) is connected to the
230 V output, however briefly. This also applies
when the inverter is switched off (“off” position).
3.3.3 230 VAC input
A 230 VAC supply is needed if the Atlas Combi’s battery
charger is used.
Use the three-wire cable (wire diameter 1.5 to 2.5 mm2)
which is supplied with the equipment. The connection ar-
rangement of the input terminal block is in the same order as
the output terminal block (see illustration 9). This cable
should be connected to the terminal situated to the right of the
socket (see illustration 4 on page 19.
Ensure that double-pole switches are used for all
switching between different 230 VAC power sup-
plies (e.g. generator), otherwise the Atlas Combi
may be damaged.
3.3.4 Battery
The functioning and working life of equipment and batteries
depend on the battery connections being made correctly. Be-
tween the battery and the Atlas Combi there is a circuit with a
low voltage and high current. Resistance decreases accord-
ingly as cables become shorter and thicker. The combined re-
sistance of the two cables must not exceed 4 milliohms.
The terminals to which the battery cables are connected are lo-
cated on the front of the Atlas Combi, at the lower left-hand
side (see illustration 3). The terminals are suitable for use
with battery cables which have a flexible core.
double-pole
switching
switching by
means of a relay
which has two
separate contacts,
i.e. one for phase
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3.3.5 Battery cables
In determining the wire diameters of the battery cables, loads
of 450 Watt and peak loads were taken into account.
Distances to batteries cable diameter
less than 1.5 m 6mm
2
more than 1.5 m and less than 6.0 m 10 mm2
Avoid contact resistances by tightening up all connections.
Illustration 4. Atlas Combi 12/450 connections
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4. START-UP
4.1 Operation
The switches and monitoring LEDs of the inverter are located
on the front of the Atlas Combi (see illustration 5).
LED’s
on switched on
stand by inverter operating automatically
charge battery charger on
overload overload indication
input battery voltage too high
input ⊕battery voltage too low
temperature inverter temperature too high
inverter switch
inverter inverter
on switched on
off switched off
stand by stand by
battery charger switch
charger battery charger
on switched on
off switched off
Illustration 5. Atlas Combi 12/450 front.
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4.2 “On” position
Start the inverter by setting the “inverter” switch to the “on”
position. The “on” LED lights up if an output voltage is pre-
sent.
4.3 “Stand by” position
When the inverter is in the “stand by” mode (bottom position
of the switch), the “stand by” LED lights up to indicate that
the AES has been activated. Refer to section 5 “Fault tracing
list” if this does not occur.
The inverter starts as soon as the load at the output exceeds 9
W. This causes the “on” LED to burn more brightly, while the
“stand by” LED remains at normal brightness.
The inverter switches back to the “stand by” mode automat-
ically as soon as the load is switched off. This enables consid-
erable energy savings to be achieved.
The switch-on sensitivity of the AES can be adjusted using
potentiometer R82 (for more details, see section 4.6.3.).
4.4 Changeover
4.4.1 Engaging 230 V mains
If the Atlas Combi 12/450 is connected to the 230 V mains,
the following sequence of events will occur:
The inverter switches off.
The connected load (maximum 600
Watt) is switched from the inverter
to the mains network.
The “on” LED lights up.
The equipment’s plug contains a
6,3 amp glass fuse, which protects the
changeover contacts (see illustration
6).
Illustration 6. Location of mains
glassfuse.
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4.4.2 Disengaging 230 V mains
If the 230 V mains voltage is switched off, the following se-
quence of events will occur:
The load is switched to the inverter.
The inverter starts immediately.
The external equipment is reconnected to a 230 V sup-
ply within 0.5 seconds.
The “charge” LED goes out and the battery charger is
switched off.
4.5 Charger
The charger of the Atlas Combi is switched on by setting the
“charger” switch to the “on” position. The “charge” and “on”
LEDs light up after about 0.1 seconds.
The voltage rises gradually until it reaches 14.25 V, depend-
ing on battery capacity, discharge and consumption.
When the battery reaches a voltage of 14.25V, the charging
current drops. This high charging current is maintained for
four hours, thereby ensuring optimum charging of the batter-
ies. After this period the charger switches to a lower voltage
of 13.5 V.
The battery charger works with the VDL 2-step charging sys-
tem made by Victron Energie. It automatically keeps the bat-
tery in a perfectly charged condition for extended periods. Ex-
ternal equipment has immediate access to power.
If, during the float charge cycle, the voltage drops below 13.5
V for longer than 30 seconds, a new boost charge cycle is
started. This may occur after the switching on of external
equipment which requires more than 25 amp. Anew “boost -
equalize - float” cycle is also started if the charger is switched
off briefly.
With the VDL system, the battery can remain permanently
connected to the battery charger, without overcharging.
V.D.L. =
Victron trickle
charge system
float charge
mode =
recharging
boost charge
mode =
initial charging
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4.6 Adjusting the inverter
Frequency and output voltage can be adjusted with the aid of
potentiometers. General information about potentiometers can
be found in section 4.10.
Open the cabinet by unscrewing the
four screws (M4) off the dripshield.
Take the dripshield off and unscrew
the four cap nuts on the front, then
remove the front (see illustration 7).
The adjustment points are on the
control PCB of the inverter. This
PCB, which is located at the front
of the subchassis, contains three ad-
justment points, namely: potenti-
ometers P3 (output voltage), P4
(frequency) en R82 (AES-sensitiv-
ity). See illustration 8.
4.6.1 Frequency
The frequency is set to a standard value of 50 Hz although
this can be altered by turning potentiometer P4 (see illustra-
tion 7) to the left (“-”) or to the right (“+”). This can be meas-
ured with a digital frequency meter.
4.6.2 Output voltage
The output voltage is set to a standard value of 220 VRMS at a
load of 450 Watt and an input voltage of 12 V. The unloaded
output voltage is approximately 233 VRMS. The output volt-
age may be adjusted by turning potentiometer P3 (see illustra-
tion 7) to the left (“-”) or to the right (“+”) (the standard fac-
tory-setting is 233 Volt).
4.6.3 Switch-on sensitivity on “stand by”
If the inverter fails to start when the external equipment re-
quests power, the AES sensitivity may be increased by turn-
ing potentiometer R82 to the right. Check whether the in-
verter returns to “stand by” once the external equipment has
switched off.
frequency
meter =
device for
measuring the
frequency of the
mains voltage
Illustration 7. Removal of the frontpanel.
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4.7 Adjusting the battery charger
The adjustment points are on the control PCB of the battery
charger.
The control PCB of the battery charger, which is located be-
neath the rear of the sub-chassis, has two adjustment points;
potentiometers P1 (equalize) and P2 (float) (see illustration 9
and page 39, drawing ac02050i).
Illustration 8. Location potentiometers P3 and P4.
Illustration 9. Location of potentiometers P1, P2 and R82.
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4.7.1 Adjustment of voltage
The battery charger operates with two charging voltages
which must be adjusted separately. First set the low charging
voltage (float) and then the high charging voltage (equalize).
Internal adjustments should only be carried out by
a qualified technician.
4.7.2 Float
The following procedure should be used when adjusting the
low charging voltage (float) by means of potentiometer P2
(see illustration 8).
step 1 Switch on the charger and disconnect all external
equipment.
step 2 Using an acidimeter, check whether the batteries are
fully loaded.
step 3 Position jumper S1 (see illustration 9). For further in-
formation about jumpers see section 4.9.
step 4 Connect a voltmeter with a reading accuracy of 0.1
V to the output of the charger. Adjust the float charg-
ing voltage (potentiometer P2) until the required
voltage has been achieved (13.5 Volt).
step 5 Remove jumper S1.
step 6 Seal the adjusting screw of potentiometer R4 with
nail polish.
Jumper Function
S1 float test
S2 (pins 1+2) charging time 8 hours
S2 (pins 2+3) charging time 4 hours (standard
setting)
4.7.3 Equalize
The high charging voltage (equalize) is adjusted once the low
charging voltage (float) has been set. The following procedure
should be used for adjusting the high charging voltage with
the use of potentiometer P1 (see illustration 9):
step 1 Switch on the charger. Wait until the batteries are
charged to a level where the charging current is be-
low 5 amp.
step 2 Connect a voltmeter with a reading accuracy of 0.1
V to the output of the charger.
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step 3 Adjust the equalize voltage (potentiometer P1) un-
til the required voltage has been achieved.
step 4 Seal the adjusting screw of potentiometer P1 with
nail polish.
Internal adjustments should only be carried out by
a qualified technician.
4.8 Maintenance
The Atlas Combi does not require any special maintenance. It
is advisable to check the electrical connections periodically
(once a year). Keep the converter as dry and clean as possible.
4.9 Jumpers
Jumpers are small removable connectors situated on the PCB.
By placing and removing the jumpers various features can be
enabled or disabled.
Illustration 9 shows how to set the jumpers.
Illustration 10. Placing the jumper.
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4.10 Potentiometers
Potentiometers are adjustable resistors. Turning the screw in-
creases or reduces the values associated within the potenti-
ometer.
These values may concern matters such as voltage, frequency
or switch-on sensitivity. The screw must be turned by means
of a screwdriver (No. 0) and sealed with Tipp-Ex or nail pol-
ish. See also illustration 10.
Illustration 11. Potentiometer.
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