Victron energy MultiPlus 12/3000/120 - 50 User manual

Manual
EN
Appendix
MultiPlus
12 | 3000 | 120 – 50 | 120V
24 | 3000 | 70 – 50 | 120V

Copyrights 2007 Victron Energy B.V.
All Rights Reserved
This publication or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, by any method,
for any purpose.
For conditions of use and permission to use this manual for publication in other than
the English language, contact Victron Energy B.V.
VICTRON ENERGY B.V. MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING
THESE VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS AND MAKES SUCH VICTRON ENERGY
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE SOLELY ON AN “AS IS” BASIS.
IN NO EVENT SHALL VICTRON ENERGY B.V. BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR
SPECIAL, COLLATERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF PURCHASE OR USE OF THESE
VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS. THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY TO
VICTRON ENERGY B.V., REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VICTRON ENERGY PRODUCTS
DESCRIBED HERE IN.
Victron Energy B.V. reserves the right to revise and improve its products as it sees fit.
This publication describes the state of this product at the time of its publication and
may not reflect the product at all times in the future

1
EN Appendix
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
In general
Please read the documentation supplied with this product first, so that you are
familiar with the safety signs en directions before using the product.
This product is designed and tested in accordance with international standards. The
equipment should be used for the designated application only.
WARNING: DANGER OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
The product is used in combination with a permanent energy source (battery). Even
if the equipment is switched off, a dangerous electrical voltage can occur at the input
and/or output terminals. Always switch the AC power off and disconnect the battery
before performing maintenance.
The product contains no internal user-serviceable parts. Do not remove the front
panel and do not put the product into operation unless all panels are fitted. All
maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel.
Never use the product at sites where gas or dust explosions could occur. 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.
WARNING: do not lift heavy objects unassisted.
Installation
Read the installation instructions before commencing installation activities.
This product is a safety class I device (supplied with a ground terminal for safety
purposes). Its AC input and/or output terminals must be provided with
uninterruptible grounding for safety purposes. An additional grounding point is
located on the outside of the product. If it can be assumed that the grounding
protection is damaged, the product should be taken out of operation and prevented
from accidentally being put into operation again; contact qualified maintenance
personnel.
Ensure that the connection cables are provided with fuses and circuit breakers. Never
replace a protective device by a component of a different type. Refer to the manual for
the correct part.
Check before switching the device on whether the available voltage source conforms
to the configuration settings of the product as described in the manual.
Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct operating conditions. Never
operate it in a wet or dusty environment.
Ensure that there is always sufficient free space around the product for ventilation,
and that ventilation openings are not blocked.

2
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.
Transport and storage
On storage or transport of the product, ensure that the mains supply and battery leads
are disconnected.
No liability can be accepted for damage in transit if the equipment is not transported in
its original packaging.
Store the product in a dry environment; the storage temperature should range from –
20°C to 60°C.
Refer to the battery manufacturer's manual for information on transport, storage,
charging, recharging and disposal of the battery.

3
EN Appendix
2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 In general
The basis of the MultiPlus is an extremely powerful sine inverter, battery charger
and automatic switch in a compact casing.
The MultiPlus features the following additional, often unique characteristics:
Automatic and uninterruptible switching
In the event of a supply failure or when the generating set is switched off, the
MultiPlus will switch over to inverter operation and take over the supply of the
connected devices. This is done so quickly that operation of computers and other
electronic devices is not disturbed (Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS
functionality). This makes the MultiPlus highly suitable as an emergency power
system in industrial and telecommunication applications.
Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operation
Up to 6 MultiPlus units can operate in parallel. Six units 24/3000/70, for example, will
provide 15kW / 18kVA output power and 420 Amps charging capacity.
Three phase and split phase capability
Three units can be configured for three-phase or split phase output. But that’s not all:
up to 6 sets of three units can be parallel connected to provide 45kW / 54kVA inverter
power and more than 1000A charging capacity.
Split phase options
Two units can be stacked to provide 120-0-120V, and additional units can be
paralleled up to a total of 6 units per phase, to supply up to 30kW / 36kVA of split
phase power.
Alternatively, a split phase AC source can be obtained by connecting our
autotransformer (see data sheet on www.victronenergy.com) to an ‘European’ inverter
programmed to supply 240V / 60Hz.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
The MultiPlus can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the
shore connection or generator set. Therefore a maximum current can be set. The
MultiPlus then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current
for charging purposes.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generator and shore current: the MultiPlus
“co-supply” feature
This feature takes the principle of PowerControl to a further dimension allowing the
MultiPlus to supplement the capacity of the alternative source. Where peak power is
so often required only for a limited period, the MultiPlus will make sure that insufficient
shore or generator power is immediately compensated for by power from the battery.
When the load reduces, the spare power is used to recharge the battery.
This unique feature offers a definitive solution for the ‘shore current problem’:
electric tools, dish washers, washing machines, electric cooking etc. can all run
on 16A shore current, or even less. In addition, a smaller generator can be
installed.

4
Programmable relay
The MultiPlus is equipped with a multi-functional relay that by default is programmed
as an alarm relay. The relay can be programmed for all kinds of other applications
however, for example to start a generator.
Programmable with DIP switches, VE.Net panel or personal computer
The MultiPlus is supplied ready for use. Three features are available for changing
certain settings if desired:
- The most important settings (including parallel operation of up to three devices and
3-phase operation) can be changed in a very simple manner, using DIP switches.
- All settings, with exception of the multi-functional relay, can be changed with a
VE.Net panel.
- All settings can be changed with a PC and free of charge software, downloadable
from our website www.victronenergy.com
2.2 Battery charger
Adaptive 4-stage charge characteristic: bulk – absorption – float – storage
The MultiPlus features a microprocessor controlled ‘adaptive’ battery management
system that can be preset to suit different types of batteries. The ‘adaptive’ feature will
automatically optimise the process relative to the way the battery is being used.
The right amount of charge: variable absorption time
When only shallow discharges occur (a yacht connected to shore power for example)
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.
Preventing damage due to excessive gassing: the BatterySafe mode
If, in order to quickly charge a battery, a high charge current in combination with a
high absorption voltage has been chosen, the MultiPlus will prevent damage due to
excessive gassing by automatically limiting the rate of voltage increase once the
gassing voltage has been reached
Less maintenance and aging when the battery is not in use: the Storage mode
The storage mode kicks in whenever the battery has not been subjected to discharge
during 24 hours. In the storage mode float voltage is reduced to 2,2V/cell (13,2V for
12V battery) to minimise gassing and corrosion of the positive plates. Once a week
the voltage is raised back to the absorption level to ‘equalize’ the battery. This feature
prevents stratification of the electrolyte and sulphation, a major cause of early battery
failure.

5
EN Appendix
Two outputs to charge 2 battery banks
The MultiPlus features two outputs, of which one can carry the full output current.
The second output, limited to approximately 4 A and with a slightly lower output
voltage, is intended to top up a starter battery.
To increase battery life: temperature compensation
Every MultiPlus comes with a battery temperature sensor. When connected, charge
voltage will automatically decrease with increasing battery temperature. This
feature is especially recommended for sealed batteries and/or when important
fluctuations of battery temperature are expected.
Battery voltage sense
In order to compensate for voltage loss due to cable resistance the MultiPlus is
provided with a voltage sense facility so that the battery always receives the correct
charge voltage.
Learn more about batteries and battery charging
To learn more about batteries and charging batteries, please refer to our book ‘Energy
Unlimited’ (available free of charge from Victron Energy and downloadable from
www.victronenergy.com). For more information about adaptive charging please look
under Technical Information on our website.

6
3. OPERATION
3.1 On/Off/Charger Only Switch
When switched to "on", the product is fully functional. The inverter will come into
operation and the LED "inverter on" will light up.
An AC voltage connected to the "AC in" terminal will be switched through to the "AC
out" terminal, if within specifications. The inverter will switch off, the "mains on" LED
will light up and the charger commences charging. The "bulk", "absorption" or "float"
LEDs will light up, depending on the charger mode.
If the voltage at the "AC-in" terminal is not within specifications, the inverter will switch
on.
When the switch is switched to "charger only", only the battery charger of the
MultiPlus will operate (if mains voltage is present). In this mode input voltage also is
switched through to the "AC out" terminal.
NOTE: When only the charger function is required, ensure that the switch is switched
to "charger only". This prevents the inverter from being switched on if the mains
voltage is lost, thus preventing your batteries from running flat.
3.2 Remote control
Remote control is possible with a 3-way switch or with a Phoenix Multi Control panel.
The Phoenix Multi Control panel has a simple rotary knob with which the maximum
current of the AC input can be set: see PowerControl and PowerAssist in Section 2.
3.3 Equalisation and forced absorption
3.3.1 Equalisation
Traction batteries may require regular equalisation charging. In the equalisation
mode, the MultiPlus will charge with increased voltage for one hour (1V above the
absorption voltage for a 12V battery, 2V for a 24V battery). The charging current is
then limited to 1/4 of the set value. The “bulk” and “absorption” LEDs flash
intermittently.
Equalisation mode supplies a higher charging voltage than most DC consuming
devices can cope with. These devices must be disconnected before additional
charging takes place.
3.3.2 Forced absorption
Under certain circumstances, it can be desirable to charge the battery for a fixed time
at absorption voltage level. In Forced Absorption mode, the MultiPlus will charge at
the normal absorption voltage level during the set maximum absorption time. The
“absorption” LED lights.

7
EN Appendix
3.3.3 Activating equalisation or forced absorption
The MultiPlus can be put into both these states from the remote panel as well as
with the front panel switch, provided that all switches (front, remote and panel) are
set to “on” and no switches are set to “charger only”.
In order to put the MultiPlus in this state, the procedure below should be followed.
If the switch is not in the required position after following this procedure, it can be
switched over quickly once. This will not change the charging state.
NOTE: Switching from “on” to “charger only” and back, as described below, must
be done quickly. The switch must be toggled such that the intermediate position is
'skipped', as it were. If the switch remains in the “off” position even for a short time,
the device may be turned off. In that case, the procedure must be restarted at step 1.
A certain degree of familiarisation is required when using the front switch. When using
the remote panel, this is less critical.
Procedure:
1. Check whether all switches (i.e. front switch, remote switch or remote panel switch if present)
are in the “on” position.
2. Activating equalisation or forced absorption is only meaningful if the normal charging cycle is
completed (charger is in 'Float').
3. To activate:
a. Switch rapidly from “on” to “charger only” and leave the switch in this position for ½ to 2
seconds.
b. Switch rapidly back from “charger only” to “on” and leave the switch in this position for ½ to 2
seconds.
c. Switch once more rapidly from “on” to “charger only” and leave the switch in this position.
4. On the MultiPlus (and, if connected, on the MultiControl panel) the three LEDs “Bulk”,
“Absorption” and “Float” will now flash 5 times.
5. Subsequently, the LEDs “Bulk”, “Absorption” and “Float” will each light during 2 seconds.
a. If the switch is set to “on” while the “Bulk” LED lights, the charger will switch to equalisation.
b. If the switch is set to “on” while the “Absorption” LED lights, the charger will switch to forced
absorption.
c. If the switch is set to “on” after the three LED sequence has finished, the charger will switch to
“Float”.
d. If the switch is has not been moved, the MultiPlus will remain in ‘charger only’ mode and switch
to “Float”.

8
3.4 LED Indications
LED off
LED flashes
LED illuminated
Inverter
Charger inverter
The inverter is on and supplies
power to the load.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
Absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float
temperature
Charger inverter
The nominal output of the
inverter is exceeded. The
“overload” LED flashes
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The inverter is switched off due
to overload or short circuit.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float
temperature

9
EN Appendix
Charger inverter
The inverter has switched off
due to low battery voltage.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float
temperature
Charger inverter
The battery is almost fully
exhausted.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The internal temperature is
reaching a critical level.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float
temperature
Charger inverter
The inverter has switched off
due to the electronics
temperature being too high.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature

10
Charger inverter -If the LEDs are flashing
alternately, the battery is nearly
exhausted and the nominal
output is exceeded.
-If "overload" and "low battery"
flash simultaneously, the ripple
voltage on the battery
terminals is too high.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The inverter switched off due
to excess ripple voltage on the
battery terminals.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Battery Charger
Charger inverter
The AC input voltage is
switched through and the
charger operates in bulk mode.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The mains voltage is switched
through and the charger is on.
The set absorption voltage,
however, has not yet been
reached. (BatterySafe mode)
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature

11
EN Appendix
Charger inverter
The mains voltage is switched
through and the charger
operates in absorption mode.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The mains voltage is switched
through and the charger
operates in float mode.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
Float temperature
Charger inverter
The mains voltage is switched
through and the charger
operates in equalize mode.
mains on
on
inverter on
Bulk
overload
off
absorption
low battery
charger
only
Float temperature

12
Special Indications
PowerControl
charger inverter
The AC input is switched
through. The AC output
current is equal to the preset
maximum input current. The
charge current is reduced to 0.
mains on
on
inverter on
bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
float temperature
Power Assist
charger inverter
The AC input is switched
through but the load requires
more current than the preset
maximum input current. The
inverter is switched on to
supply the required additional
current.
mains on
on
inverter on
bulk overload
off
absorption low battery
charger
only
float temperature

13
EN Appendix
4. Installation
4.2 Location
The product must be installed in a dry and well-ventilated area, as close as possible
to the batteries. There should be a clear space of at least 10 cm (4 inch) around the
appliance for cooling.
Excessively high ambient temperature will result in the following:
Reduced service life.
Reduced charging current.
Reduced peak capacity, or shutdown of the inverter.
Never position the appliance directly above the batteries.
The MultiPlus is suitable for wall mounting. For mounting purposes, a hook and two
holes are provided at the back of the casing (see appendix G). The device can be
fitted either horizontally or vertically. For optimal cooling, vertical fitting is preferred.
The interior of the product must remain accessible after installation.
Try and keep the distance between the product and the battery to a minimum in order
to minimize cable voltage losses.
For safety purposes, this product should be installed in a heat-resistant
environment. You should prevent the presence of e.g. chemicals, synthetic
components, curtains or other textiles, etc., in the immediate vicinity.
This product may only be installed by a qualified electrical engineer.

14
4.2 Connection of battery cables
In order to utilize the full capacity of the product, batteries with sufficient capacity and
battery cables with sufficient cross section should be used. See table.
12/3000/120 24/3000/70 48/3000/35
Recommended battery capacity (Ah) 400–1200 200–700 100–400
Recommended DC fuse 400A 300A 125A
Recommended cross section (mm
2
)
per + and - connection terminal
0 – 5 m 2x 50 mm
2
50 mm
2
35 mm
2
5 – 10 m 2x 70 mm
2
2x 50 mm
2
2x 35 mm
2
* ‘2x’ means two positive and two negative cables.
Remark: Internal resistance is the important factor when working with low capacity
batteries. Please consult your supplier or the relevant sections of our book “Energy
Unlimited”, downloadable from our website.
Procedure
Proceed as follows to connect the battery cables:
Use an insulated box spanner in order to avoid shorting the battery.
Avoid shorting the battery cables.
- Undo the four screws at the front of the enclosure and remove the front panel.
- Connect the battery cables: see Appendix A.
- Tighten the nuts well for minimal contact resistance.

15
EN Appendix
4.3 Connection of the AC cabling
The MultiPlus is a safety class I product (supplied with a ground
terminal for safety purposes). Its AC input and/or output terminals
and/or grounding point on the outside of the product must be
provided with an uninterruptible grounding point for safety
purposes.
The MultiPlus is provided with a ground relay (relay H, see appendix B)
that automatically connects the Neutral output to the chassis if no
external AC supply is available. If an external AC supply is provided,
the ground relay H will open before the input safety relay closes. This
ensures the correct operation of an earth leakage circuit breaker that is
connected to the output.
In a fixed installation, an uninterruptable grounding can be secured by
means of the grounding wire of the AC input. Otherwise the casing
must be grounded.
In a mobile installation (for example, with a shore current plug),
interrupting the shore connection will simultaneously disconnect the
grounding connection. In that case, the casing must be connected to
the chassis (of the vehicle) or to the hull or grounding plate (of the
boat).
In case of a boat, direct connection to the shore ground is not
recommended because of potential galvanic corrosion. The solution to
this is using an isolation transformer.
The terminal blocks can be found on the printed circuit board, see appendix A. The
shore or mains cable must be connected to the MultiPlus with the aid of a three-wire
cable.
- The AC input cable can be connected to the terminal block “AC–in”.
The AC input must be protected by a fuse or magnetic circuit breaker rated at
50A or less, and cable cross-section must be sized accordingly. If the input AC
supply is rated at a lower value, the fuse or magnetic circuit breaker should be down
sized accordingly.
- The AC output cable can be connected directly to the terminal block "AC-out".
With its PowerAssist feature the MultiPlus can add up to 5kVA (that is
3000 / 120 = 25A) to the output during periods of peak power requirement. Together
with a maximum input current of 50A this means that the output can supply up to
50 + 25 = 75A.
An earth leakage circuit breaker and a fuse or circuit breaker rated to support
the expected load must be included in series with the output, and cable cross-
section must be sized accordingly. The maximum rating of the fuse or circuit
breaker is 75A.

16
4.4 Optional Connections
A number of optional connections are possible(see appendix A)
4.4.1 Second Battery
The MultiPlus has a connection for charging a starter battery.
4.4.2 Voltage Sense
Two sense wires may be connected to compensate possible battery cable losses
during charging. Use wires of at least 0.75mm
2
.
4.4.3 Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor supplied with the product may be used for temperature-
compensated charging. The sensor is isolated and must be mounted on the batteries
minus pole.
4.4.4 Remote Control
The product can be remotely controlled in two ways.
With an external switch. Operates only if the switch on the MultiPlus is set to “on”.
With a Multi Control panel (connected to one of the two RJ48 sockets). Operates only
if the switch on the MultiPlus is set to “on”.
Only one remote control can be connected, i.e. either a switch or a remote control
panel.
4.4.5. Programmable relay
The MultiPlus is equipped with a multi-functional relay that by default is programmed
as an alarm relay. The relay can be programmed for all kinds of other applications
however, for example to start a generator (VEConfigure software needed).