Victron energy SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 User manual

Manual
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Manuel
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Anleitung
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Manual
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Appendix
SmartSolar charge controllers
MPPT 100/30 MPPT 100/50

1
EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
1. General Description
1.1 PV voltage up to 100V
The charge controller is able to charge a lower nominal-voltage
battery from a higher nominal voltage PV array.
The controller will automatically adjust to a 12 or 24V nominal
battery voltage.
1.2 Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
Especially in case of a clouded sky, when light intensity is
changing continuously, an ultra fast MPPT controller will
improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM charge
controllers and by up to 10% compared to slower MPPT
controllers.
1.3 Advanced Maximum Power Point Detection in case of
partial shading conditions
If partial shading occurs, two or more maximum power points
may be present on the power-voltage curve.
Conventional MPPTs tend to lock to a local MPP, which may not
be the optimum MPP.
The innovative SmartSolar algorithm will always maximize
energy harvest by locking to the optimum MPP.
1.4 Outstanding conversion efficiency
No cooling fan. Maximum efficiency exceeds 98%. Full output
current up to 40°C (104°F).
1.5 Extensive electronic protection
Over-temperature protection and power derating when
temperature is high.
PV short circuit and PV reverse polarity protection.
PV reverse current protection.
1.6 Internal temperature sensor
Compensates absorption and float charge voltages for
temperature.
1.7 Automatic battery voltage recognition
The controller will automatically adjust itself to a 12V or a 24V
system one time only.
If a different system voltage is required at a later stage, it must be
changed manually, for example with the Bluetooth app.

2
1.8 Flexible charge algorithm
Fully programmable charge algorithm, and eight preprogrammed
algorithms, selectable with a rotary switch.
1.9 Adaptive three step charging
The Controller is configured for a three step charging process:
Bulk – Absorption – Float.
1.9.1. Bulk
During this stage the controller delivers as much charge current
as possible to rapidly recharge the batteries.
1.9.2. Absorption
When the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage setting,
the controller switches to constant voltage mode.
When only shallow discharges occur the absorption time is kept
short in order to prevent overcharging of the battery. After a deep
discharge the absorption time is automatically increased to make
sure that the battery is completely recharged. Additionally, the
absorption period is also ended when the charge current
decreases to less than 2A.
1.9.3. Float
During this stage, float voltage is applied to the battery to
maintain it in a fully charged state.
When the battery voltage drops below float voltage during at least
1 minute a new charge cycle will be triggered.
1.9.4. Equalization
See section 3.8
1.10 Remote on-off
The MPPT 100/50 can be controlled remotely by a VE.Direct non
inverting remote on-off cable (ASS030550300). An input HIGH
(Vi > 8V) will switch the controller on, and an input LOW (Vi < 2V,
or free floating) will switch the controller off.
Application example: on/off control by a VE.Bus BMS when
charging Li-ion batteries.

3
EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
1.11 Configuring and monitoring
- Bluetooth Smart (built-in): connect to a smartphone or tablet
running iOS or Android.
- Use the VE.Direct to USB cable (ASS030530000) to connect
to a PC, a smartphone with Android and USB On-The-Go
support (requires additional USB OTG cable).
- Use a VE.Direct to VE.Direct cable to connect to a MPPT
Control, a Color Control panel or a Venus GX.
Several parameters can be customized with the VictronConnect
app.
The VictronConnect app can be downloaded from
http://www.victronenergy.nl/support-and-downloads/software/
Use the manual – VictronConnect - MPPT Solar Charge
Controllers – to get the most out of the VictronConnect App
when it’s connected to a MPPT Solar Charge Controller:
http://www.victronenergy.com/live/victronconnect:mppt-
solarchargers
MPPT Control Color Control
Venus GX

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2. Safety instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - This manual contains
important instructions that shall be followed during
installation and maintenance.
 Please read this manual carefully before the product is
installed and put into use.
 This product is designed and tested in accordance with
international standards. The equipment should be used for
the designated application only.
 Install the product in a heatproof environment. Ensure
therefore that there are no chemicals, plastic parts, curtains or
other textiles, etc. in the immediate vicinity of the equipment.
 Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct operating
conditions. Never operate it in a wet environment.
 Never use the product at sites where gas or dust explosions
could occur.
 Ensure that there is always sufficient free space around the
product for ventilation.
 Refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the
battery to ensure that the battery is suitable for use with this
product. The battery manufacturer's safety instructions should
always be observed.
 Protect the solar modules from direct light during
installation, e.g. cover them.
 Never touch uninsulated cable ends.
 Use only insulated tools.
 Connections must always be made in the sequence described
in section 3.5.
 The installer of the product must provide a means for cable
strain relief to prevent the transmission of stress to the
connections.
 In addition to this manual, the system operation or service
manual must include a battery maintance manual applicable
to the type of batteries used.
Danger of explosion from sparking
Danger of electric shock

5
EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
3. Installation
WARNING: DC (PV) INPUT NOT ISOLATED FROM BATTERY
CIRCUIT.
CAUTION: FOR PROPER TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
THE AMBIENT CONDITION FOR CHARGER AND BATTERY
MUST BE WITHIN 5°C,
3.1. General
 Mount vertically on a non-flammable substrate, with the power
terminals facing downwards.
 Mount close to the battery, but never directly above the
battery (in order to prevent damage due to gassing of the
battery).
 Improper internal temperature compensation (e.g. ambient
condition battery and charger not within 5°C) can lead to
reduced battery lifetime.
We recommend installing the Smart Battery Sense option if
larger temperature differences or extreme ambient
temperature conditions are expected.
 Battery installation must be done in accordance with the
storage battery rules of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
 The battery and PV connections must be guarded against
inadvertent contact (e.g. install in an enclosure or install the
optional WireBox M).
3.2 Grounding
 Battery grounding: the charger can be installed in a positive or
negative grounded system.
Note: apply a single ground connection (preferably close to the
battery) to prevent malfunctioning of the system.
 Chassis grounding: A separate earth path for the chassis
ground is permitted because it is isolated from the positive and
negative terminal.
 The USA National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the use of an
external ground fault protection device (GFPD). These MPPT
chargers do not have internal ground fault protection. The system
electrical negative
should be bonded through a GFPD to earth ground at one (and
only one) location.
 The charger must not be connected with grounded PV arrays
(one ground connection only)

6
WARNING: WHEN A GROUND FAULT IS INDICATED,
BATTERY TERMINALS AND CONNECTED CIRCUITS MAY BE
UNGROUNDED AND HAZARDOUS.
3.3 PV configuration
(also see the MPPT Excel sheet on
our website)
 Provide a means to disconnect all current-carrying conductors
of a photovoltaic power source from all other conductors in a
building or other structure.
 A switch, circuit breaker, or other device, either ac or dc, shall
not be installed in a grounded conductor if operation of that
switch, circuit breaker, or other device leaves the grounded
conductor in an ungrounded state while the system remains
energized.
 The controller will operate only if the PV voltage exceeds
battery voltage (Vbat).
 PV voltage must exceed Vbat + 5V for the controller to start.
Thereafter minimum PV voltage is Vbat + 1V.
 Maximum open circuit PV voltage: 100V.
For example:
12V battery and mono- or polycristalline panels
 Minimum number of cells in series: 36 (12V panel).
 Recommended number of cells for highest controller efficiency:
72 (2x 12V panel in series or 1x 24V panel).
 Maximum: 144 cells (4x 12V or 2x 24V panel in series).
24V battery and mono- or polycristalline panels
 Minimum number of cells in series: 72 (2x 12V panel in series
or 1x 24V panel).
 Maximum: 144 cells.
Remark: at low temperature the open circuit voltage of a 144 cell
solar array may exceed 100V, depending on local conditions and
cell specifications. In that case the number of cells in series must
be reduced.
3.4 Cable connection sequence (see figure 1)
First: connect the battery.
Second: connect the solar array (when connected with reverse
polarity, the controller will heat up but will not charge the battery).

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EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
3.5 Configuration of the controller
Fully programmable charge algorithm (see the software page on
our website) and eight preprogrammed charge algorithms,
selectable with a rotary switch:
Note 1: divide all values by two in case of a 12V system.
Note 2: equalize normally off, see sect. 3.8.1 to activate
(do not equalize VRLA Gel and AGM batteries)
Note 3: any setting change performed with Bluetooth or via VE.Direct will
override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will override prior
settings made with Bluetooth or VE.Direct.
Pos Suggested battery type Absorption
V
Float
V
Equalize
V
@%I
nom
dV/dT
mV/°C
0
Gel Victron long life (OPzV)
Gel exide A600 (OPzV)
Gel MK
28,2 27,6 31,8
@8% -32
1
Gel Victron deep discharge
Gel Exide A200
AGM Victron deep discharge
Stationary tubular plate
(OPzS)
28,6 27,6 32,2
@8% -32
2
Default setting
Gel Victron deep discharge
Gel Exide A200
AGM Victron deep discharge
Stationary tubular plate
(OPzS)
28,8 27,6 32,4
@8% -32
3
AGM spiral cell
Stationary tubular plate
(OPzS)
Rolls AGM
29,4 27,6 33,0
@8% -32
4
PzS tubular plate traction
batteries or
OPzS batteries
29,8 27,6 33,4
@25%
-32
5
PzS tubular plate traction
batteries or
OPzS batteries
30,2 27,6 33,8
@25%
-32
6
PzS tubular plate traction
batteries or
OPzS batteries
30,6 27,6 34,2
@25%
-32
7
Lithium Iron Phosphate
(LiFePo
4
) batteries
28,4 27,0 n.a. 0

8
On all models with software version V 1.12 or higher a binary
LED code helps determining the position of the rotary switch.
After changing the position of the rotary switch, the LEDs will
blink during 4 seconds as follows:
Thereafter, normal indication resumes, as described below.
Remark: the blink function is enabled only when PV power is
present on the input of the controller.
3.6 LEDs
LED indication:
 permanent on
 blinking
 off
Regular operation
LEDs Bulk Absorption Float
Bulk (*1)
  
Absorption
  
Automatic equalisation
  
Float
  
Note (*1): The bulk LED will blink briefly every 3 seconds when
the system is powered but there is insufficient power to start
charging.
Fault situations
LEDs Bulk Absorption Float
Charger temperature too high
  
Charger over-current
  
Charger or PV over-voltage
  
Internal error (*2)
  
Note (*2): E.g. calibration and/or settings data lost, current sensor
issue.
Switch
position
LED
Bulk
LED
Abs
LED
Float
Blink
frequency
0 1 1 1 Fast
1 0 0 1 Slow
2 0 1 0 Slow
3 0 1 1 Slow
4 1 0 0 Slow
5 1 0 1 Slow
6 1 1 0 Slow
7 1 1 1 Slow

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EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
3.7 Battery charging information
The charge controller starts a new charge cycle every morning,
when the sun starts shining.
Default setting:
The maximum duration of the absorption period is determined
by the battery voltage measured just before the solar charger
starts up in the morning:
Battery voltage Vb (@start-
up) Maximum absorption time
Vb < 23,8V 6h
23,8V < Vb < 24,4V 4h
24,4V < Vb < 25,2V 2h
Vb > 25,2V 1h
(divide voltages by 2 for a 12V system)
If the absorption period is interrupted due to a cloud or due to a
power hungry load, the absorption process will resume when
absorption voltage is reached again later on the day, until the
absorption period has been completed.
The absorption period also ends when the output current of the
solar charger drops to less than 2Amps, not because of low
solar array output but because the battery is fully charged (tail
current cut off).
This algorithm prevents over charge of the battery due to daily
absorption charging when the system operates without load or
with a small load.
User defined algorithm:
Any setting change performed with Bluetooth or via VE.Direct will
override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will
override prior settings made with Bluetooth or VE.Direct.

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3.8 Automatic equalization
Automatic equalization is default set to ‘OFF’. With the Victron
Connect app (see sect 1.10) this setting can be configured with a
number between 1 (every day) and 250 (once every 250 days).
When automatic equalization is active, the absorption charge will
be followed by a voltage limited constant current period. The
current is limited to 8% of the bulk current for the factory default
battery type, and to 25% of the bulk current for a user defined
battery type. The bulk current is the rated charger current unless
a lower maximum current setting has been chosen.
In case of all VRLA batteries and some flooded batteries
(algorithm number 0, 1, 2 or 3) automatic equalization ends when
the voltage limit maxV has been reached, or after t = (absorption
time)/8, whichever comes first.
For all tubular plate batteries and the user defined battery type
automatic equalization ends after t = (absorption time)/2.
When automatic equalisation is not completely finished within one
day, it will not resume the next day, and the next equalisation
session will take place as determined by the day interval.

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EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
4. Troubleshooting
Problem Possible cause Solution
Charger does not
function
Reversed PV connection Connect PV correctly
Reverse battery
connection
Non replacable fuse
blown.
Return to VE for repair
The battery is not fully
charged
A bad battery connection Check battery
connection
Cable losses too high Use cables with larger
cross section
Large ambient
temperature difference
between charger and
battery (T
ambient_chrg
>
T
ambient_batt
)
Make sure that
ambient conditions
are equal for charger
and battery
Only for a 24V system:
wrong system voltage
chosen (12V instead of
24V) by the charge
controller
Set the controller
manually to 24V (see
section 1.11)
The battery is being
overcharged
A battery cell is defect Replace battery
Large ambient
temperature difference
between charger and
battery (T
ambient_chrg
<
T
ambient_batt
)
Make sure that
ambient conditions
are equal for charger
and battery

12
5. Specifications
SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 100/30 MPPT 100/50
Battery voltage 12/24V Auto Select
Rated charge current 30A 50A
Nominal PV power, 12V 1a,b) 440W 700W
Nominal PV power, 24V 1a,b) 880W 1400W
Maximum PV open circuit voltage 100V 100V
Max. PV short circuit current 2) 35A 60A
Maximum efficiency 98% 98%
Self-consumption 10 mA
Charge voltage 'absorption' Default setting: 14,4V / 28,8V (adjustable)
Charge voltage ‘equalization’ 3) Default setting: 16,2V / 28,8V (adjustable)
Charge voltage 'float' Default setting: 13,8V / 27,6V (adjustable)
Charge algorithm multi-stage adaptive (eight preprogrammed
algorithms) or user defined algrithm
Temperature compensation -16 mV / °C resp. -32 mV / °C
Protection
Battery reverse polarity (fuse, not user
accessible)
Output short circuit, Over temperature
Operating temperature -30 to +60°C (full rated output up to 40°C)
Humidity 95%, non-condensing
Maximum altitude 5000m (full rated output up to 2000m)
Environmental condition Indoor type 1, unconditioned
Pollution degree PD3
Data communication port
Bluetooth and VE.Direct
See the data communication white paper on
our website
ENCLOSURE
Colour Blue (RAL 5012)
Power terminals 16 mm² / AWG6
Protection category IP43 (electronic components),
IP22 (connection area)
Weight 1,3 kg
Dimensions (h x w x d) 130 x 186 x 70 mm
STANDARDS
Safety EN/IEC 62109-1, UL 1741, CSA C22.2
1a) If more PV power is connected, the controller will limit input power.
1b) The PV voltage must exceed Vbat + 5V for the controller to start.
Thereafter the minimum PV voltage is Vbat + 1V.
2) A higher sort circuit current may damage the controller in case of reverse
polarity connection of the PV array.
3) Default setting: OFF

EN NL FR DE ES SE Appendix
Figure 1: Power connections