Victron energy Blue Smart IP67 Charger 12/7 User manual

Blue Smart IP67 Charger
12/7 24/5
12/13 24/8
12/17 24/12
12/25
Manual
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Manuel
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Always provide proper ventilation during charging.
Avoid covering the charger.
Never try to charge non-rechargeable or frozen batteries.
Never place the charger on top of the battery when charging
Prevent sparks close to the battery. A battery being charged could emit
explosive gasses.
Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse immediately with water if acid comes into
contact with skin.
This appliance is not designed for use by young children or people who
cannot read or understand the manual unless they are under the
supervision of a responsible person to ensure that they can use the battery
charger safely. Store and use the battery charger out of the reach of
children, and ensure that children cannot play with the charger.
Connection to the mains supply must be in accordance with the national
regulations for electrical installations. In case of a damaged supply cord
please contact the manufacturer or your service agent.
The battery terminal not connected to the chassis has to be connected first.
The other connection is to be made to the chassis, remote from the battery
and fuel line. The battery charger is then to be connected to the supply
mains.
After charging, disconnect the battery charger from the supply mains. Then
remove the chassis connection and then the battery connection.
The charger must only be plugged in an earthed socket.

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CONTENT
1. Quick start guide
2. Features
3. Operation
3.1. Multi-stage charge algorithm
3.2. Temperature compensation
3.3. Commencing a new charge cycle
3.4. Estimating charge time
4. Setup
4.1. Using the ‘Mode’ button
4.2. Using VictronConnect
4.3. Bluetooth
4.4. System reset
5. Monitoring
5.1. Status screen
5.2. Graph screen
5.3. History screen
6. Advanced configuration
6.1. Power supply function
6.2. Advanced settings
6.3. Expert mode settings
7. Specifications

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1. Quick Start guide
a) Connect DC cables to the charger and then the battery or batteries; ensure that there is a
good electrical connection and keep the terminals away from any surrounding objects that
could cause a short circuit.
b) Connect the AC power cable to a mains power outlet; the POWER (green) LED will be illuminated
when the Blue Smart Charger is powered up. When the STATUS (yellow) LED is blinking fast the
charger is in bulk stage.
c) Select the charge mode appropriate for the battery type; using the VictronConnect app select the
required 'charge preset' and the ‘maximum charge current’ (standard or low) directly from the
settings list – see section 4.2 ‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information.

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The charger will automatically store the selected charge mode and recall it for future charge cycles
(even after being disconnected from power).
d) When the STATUS (yellow) LED is blinking slow the charger has moved into absorption stage (bulk
stage is complete); the battery will be approximately 80% charged (or >95% for Li-ion batteries) and
may be returned into service if required.
e) When the STATUS (yellow) LED is illuminated the charger has moved into float stage (absorption
stage is complete); the battery will be fully (100%) charged and is ready to be returned into service.
f) When the STATUS (yellow) LED is off the charger has moved into storage mode (float stage is
concluded); to maintain the battery at full charge, the battery can be left on continuous charge for an
extended duration.
g) Disconnect the AC power cable from the mains power outlet at any time to stop charging.

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2. Features
a) Bluetooth setup and monitoring (Using VictronConnect)
Easily setup, monitor or update the charger firmware using the VictronConnect app and a
Bluetooth enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet).
b) Multi-stage charge algorithm
The multi-stage charge algorithm is specifically engineered to optimise each recharge cycle and
charge maintenance over extended periods.
c) Adaptive absorption
Adaptive absorption monitors the battery’s response during initial charging and intelligently
determines the appropriate absorption duration for each individual charge cycle.
This ensures that the battery is fully recharged regardless of the discharge level or capacity and
avoids excessive time at the elevated absorption voltage (that can accelerate battery aging).
d) Temperature compensation
Charge voltage is automatically compensated depending on the ambient temperate; this ensures
that the battery is charged at the optimal charge voltage regardless of the climate and avoids the
need for manual settings adjustments.
Temperature compensation is not required and automatically disabled when in LI-ION charge
mode.
e) High efficiency
The Blue Smart Charger range is up to ~95% efficient; resulting in lower power usage, less heat
generated and cooler operation.
f) Durable and safe
i. Engineered to provide years of trouble-free and dependable operation in all usage
conditions
ii. Protection against overheating: output current will be reduced if the charger temperature
increases to 50°C
iii. Protection against short circuit: If a short circuit condition is detected the charger will
immediately shut down
iv. Protection against reverse polarity connection: If the charger is incorrectly connected to a
battery with reverse polarity the user replaceable fuse will blow (except for the 12/25 model,
which has a non-replacable internal fuse)
v. Protection against ingress of dust and water/liquid
g) Silent operation
Charger operation is totally silent: there is no cooling fan or moving parts.
h) Lithium Ion compatible
Compatible with Li-ion (LiFePO₄) batteries; when the integrated LI-ION charge mode is selected
the charge cycle settings are altered to suit.
If the charger is connected to a battery where under voltage protection (UVP) has tripped, the
Blue Smart Charger range will automatically reset UVP and start charging; many other chargers
will not recognise a battery in this state.
Warning: Never charge a Li-ion battery when its temperature is below 0°C.
i) Storage stage
An additional stage to extend battery life whilst the battery is unused and on continuous charge.

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j) Recondition stage
An optional stage that can partially recover/reverse lead acid battery degradation due to sulfation;
typically caused by inadequate charging or if the battery is left in a deeply discharged state.
k) Low current mode
An optional mode that limits the maximum charge current to a significantly reduced level;
recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high current charger.
l) Recovery function
The Blue Smart Charger range will attempt to recharge a severely discharged battery (even
down to 0V) with low current and then resume normal charging once the battery voltage has risen
sufficiently - many other chargers will not recognise a battery in this state.
m) Power supply mode
A specific mode to use the charger as a DC power supply; to power equipment at a constant
voltage with or without a battery connected.

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3. Operation
3.1 Multi-stage charge algorithm
The Victron Blue Smart Charger range are intelligent multi-stage battery chargers, specifically
engineered to optimise each recharge cycle and charge maintenance over extended periods.
The multi-stage charge algorithm includes the individual charge stages described below:
1. Bulk
The battery is charged at maximum charge current until the voltage increases to the configured
absorption voltage.
The bulk stage duration is dependent on the battery’s level of discharge, the battery capacity and
the charge current.
Once the bulk stage is complete, the battery will be approximately 80% charged (or >95% for Li-
ion batteries) and may be returned into service if required.
2. Absorption
The battery is charged at the configured absorption voltage, with the charge current slowly
decreasing as the battery approaches full charge.
The absorption stage duration is adaptive and intelligently varied depending on the battery’s level
of discharge – this is determined from the duration of the bulk charge stage.
The absorption stage duration can vary between a minimum of 30 minutes, up to a maximum
limit of 8 hours (or as configured) for a deeply discharged battery.
3. Recondition
The battery is charged at low current until the voltage increases to the configured recondition
voltage.
Recondition is an optional charge stage for lead acid batteries and not recommended for
regular/cyclic use - use only if required, as unnecessary or overuse will reduce battery life due to
excessive gassing.
The higher charge voltage during recondition stage can partially recover/reverse battery
degradation due to sulfation, typically caused by inadequate charging or if the battery is left in a
deeply discharged state for an extended period (if performed in time).
The recondition stage may also be applied to flooded batteries occasionally to equalise individual
cell voltages and prevent acid stratification.
During recondition stage the charge current is limited to 8% of the nominal charge current, (for
example - 1.2A for a 15A charger) and the stage is terminated as soon as the battery voltage
increases to the configured recondition voltage or after a maximum duration of 1 hour (or as
configured).
4. Float
The battery voltage is maintained at the configured float voltage to prevent discharge.
Once float stage is commenced the battery is fully charged and ready for use.
The float stage duration is also adaptive and varied between 4 to 8 hours depending on the
duration of the absorption charge stage, at which point the charger determines the battery to be
in storage stage.

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5. Storage
The battery voltage is maintained at the configured storage voltage, which is slightly reduced
compared to the float voltage to minimise gassing and extend battery life whilst the battery is
unused and on continuous charge.
6. Refresh
To refresh the battery and prevent slow self-discharge while in storage stage over an extended
period, an 1 hour absorption charge will automatically occur every 7 days (or as configured).
The POWER and STATUS LEDs can be used to determine if the Blue Smart Charger is powered up or
not and the active charge stage; refer to the table below:
LED
State
Charge Stage / Description
Power
(green)
Illuminated
Power On
Off
Power Off
Status
(yellow)
Fast blinking Bulk
Slow blinking
Absorption / Recondition
Illuminated
Float / Power supply mode
Off Storage / Refresh
3.2 Temperature compensation
The Victron Blue Smart Charger range will automatically compensate the configured charge voltage
based on ambient temperature (unless disabled or in Li-ion mode).
The optimal charge voltage of a lead acid battery varies inversely with battery temperature;
automatic temperature-based charge voltage compensation avoids the need for special charge
voltage settings in hot or cold environments.
During power up the charger will measure its internal temperature and use that temperature as the
reference for temperature compensation, however the initial temperature measurement is limited to
25°C as it’s unknown if the charger is still warm from earlier operation.
Since the charger generates some heat during operation, the internal temperature measurement is
only used dynamically if the internal temperature measurement is considered reliable; when the
charge current has decreased to a low/negligible level and adequate time has elapsed for the
charger’s temperature to stabilise.
The configured charge voltage is related to a nominal temperature of 25°C and linear temperature
compensation occurs between the limits of 6°C and 50°C based on the default temperature
compensation coefficient of 16.2mV/°C (for 24V chargers multiply the coefficient by 2) or as
configured.
The temperature compensation coefficient is specified in mV/°C and applies to the entire
battery/battery bank (not per battery cell).

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3.3 Commencing a new charge cycle
A new charge cycle will commence when:
i. Bulk stage is complete and the current output increases to the maximum charge
current for four seconds (due to a simultaneously connected load)
ii. If re-bulk current is configured; the current output exceeds the re-bulk current in float
or storage stage for four seconds (due to a simultaneously connected load)
iii. VictronConnect is used to select a new charge mode or change the function from
‘Power Supply’ to ‘Charger’ mode
iv. The AC supply has been disconnected and reconnected
3.4 Estimating charge time
A lead acid battery is at approximately 80% state of charge (SoC) when the bulk charge
stage is completed.
The bulk stage duration Tbulk can be calculated as Tbulk = Ah / I, where I is the charge
current (excluding any loads) and Ah is the depleted battery capacity below 80% SoC.
An absorption period Tabs of up to 8 hours may be required to fully recharge a deeply
discharged battery.
For example, the charge time of a fully discharged 100Ah battery when charged with a 10A
charger to approximately 80% SoC is Tbulk = 100/10 = 10 hours.
Including an absorption duration of Tabs = 8 hours,the total estimated charge time would be
Ttotal = Tbulk + Tabs = 10 + 8 = 18 hours.
A Li-ion battery is more than 95% charged at the end of the bulk stage and reaches 100%
charge after approximately 30 minutes of absorption charge.

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4. Setup
4.1 Using the MODE button
There are 3 easily selectable integrated charge modes that are suitable for most common
battery types, as well as an optional recondition stage that can be included (except for Li-
ion mode).
Any settings made are stored and will not be lost when the charger is disconnected from
mains power or the battery.
a) Charge voltage
By simply selecting the appropriate charge mode for the battery type being charged,
(refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations) the voltage settings for each
charge stage will be altered according to the table below:
Mode
Absorption
Float
Storage
Recondition
Normal
14.4 V
13.8 V
13.2 V
16.2 V
High
14.7 V
13.8 V
13.2 V
16.5 V
Li-ion
14.2 V
13.5 V
13.5 V
N/A
Note: For 24V chargers multiply all voltages by 2.
Charge voltage is also automatically compensated depending on ambient temperature
(except for Li-ion mode) - see section 3.2 ‘Temperature compensation’ for more
information.
The desired charge mode can be selected using the VictronConnect app - see section 4.2
‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information.
b) Recondition mode
If enabled the recondition stage is included in the charge cycle; use only if required as a
corrective/maintenance action - see section 3.1 / 3 ‘Recondition’ for more information.
c) Low current mode
If enabled the charge current is continuously limited to a significantly reduced level (varies
per model - refer to specifications) compared to the nominal charge current.
Low current mode is recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high
current charger, for example some lead acid batteries can overheat if charged with a current
that exceeds 0.3C (more than 30% of the battery capacity in Ah).

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4.2 Using VictronConnect
With the IP67 Blue Smart Charger range, selection of an integrated charge mode and other
general settings can also be made with a Bluetooth enabled device (such as a mobile phone
or tablet); using the VictronConnect app.
For further details about the VictonConnect app refer to the online user manual:
https://www.victronenergy.com/live/victronconnect:start
To setup the charger using VictronConnect:
i. Download and install the VictronConnect app.
The VictronConnect app can be downloaded from the following locations:
Android – Google Play Store
iOS/Mac – Apple App Store
ii. Enable Bluetooth on the mobile phone or tablet (if not already enabled).
iii. Open the VictronConnect app and look for the Blue Smart Charger in the LOCAL page,
if it doesn’t automatically appear perform a scan for devices in range by selecting the
‘scan’ button (round orange button with circular arrow) in the bottom right corner.
iv. Select the Blue Smart Charger from the local device list.
v. During initial connection a ‘Bluetooth pairing request’ prompt will appear requesting the
Bluetooth PIN code; enter the default PIN code 000000.

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vi. Access the settings menu by selecting the ‘setting’ icon (gear) in the top right corner.
vii. Select Select the required 'charge preset', the 'maximum charge current' (standard or low)
and if desired enable ‘night mode’ directly from the settings list.

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4.3 Bluetooth
a) Changing the PIN code
To prevent an unauthorised Bluetooth connection, it is highly recommended to change the
default PIN code.
To change the Bluetooth PIN code:
i. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code
(000000)
ii. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right
corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
iii. Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
iv. Beside ‘PIN code’ select ‘CHANGE’ to open the ‘Change PIN code’ window.

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v. Enter the current and new PIN code (twice), then select OK; avoid using an
obvious PIN code that is easy for someone else to guess, such as 111111 or
123456.
b) Resetting the PIN code
If the PIN code is forgotten or lost, it can be easily reset to the default 000000 using the
VictronConnect app or the MODE button on the charger.
Using VictronConnect
To reset the Bluetooth PIN code:
i. Locate the Blue Smart Charger in the LOCAL page and select the ‘device options’ icon (three
vertical dots) on the right side of the description.
ii. Select 'Reset PIN code' from the pop-up prompt.
iii. Enter the PUK code and select ‘OK’. The PUK code is located on a label stuck to the back of
the Blue Smart Charger.

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c) Disabling Bluetooth
It is possible to totally disable Bluetooth communication if desired.
Typically, there is no need to disable Bluetooth since unauthorised access is protected with
a PIN code, but certain situations may warrant it for an even higher level of security.
There are two options available:
Option #1: Enabled for 30 seconds
This option allows a Bluetooth connection to made within the first 30 seconds after a power-up;
enabling a firmware update to be completed or Bluetooth to be re-enabled. If no Bluetooth
connection is made within the first 30 seconds, then Bluetooth is disabled thereafter.
To disable Bluetooth:
i. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code
(000000) or the current PIN code set.
ii. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right
corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
iii. Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
iv. Beside 'Bluetooth Enabled' select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then
select ‘Enabled for 30 seconds’.

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v. Select ‘OK’ as confirmation.
vi. Bluetooth will now be disabled, except for 30 second after power-up.
Option #2: Disabled (Permanent and Irreversable)
This option will permanently disable Bluetooth; use with extreme caution, as this option is
irreversible.
To disable Bluetooth permanently:
i. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the
current PIN code set.
ii. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the
'device options' icon (three vertical dots).

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iii. Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
iv. In the 'Bluetooth' section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Disabled’.
v. If you are sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth, select ‘OK’.
vi. A four-digit code is provided to avoid Bluetooth being permantly disabled accidently, if you are
sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth enter the code, then select ‘OK’. This is
the last chance to abort; after Bluetooth has been permanently diabled it is irreversable and
cannot be re-enabled later.

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vii. Bluetooth will now be permanently disabled.
d) Re-enabling Bluetooth
If Bluetooth was disabled using option #2 ‘Disabled’, this is irreversible, and Bluetooth cannot be
re-enabled.
If Bluetooth was disabled using option #1 ‘Enabled for 30 seconds’, it is possible to re-enable
Bluetooth.
To re-enable Bluetooth:
i. Disconnect AC power and perform a new power-up.
ii. Within the first 30 seconds after power-up (before Bluetooth is disabled), complete initial
Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN
code set.
iii. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner,
then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
iv. Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
v. In the 'Bluetooth' section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select
‘Enabled’.