Victron energy Phoenix MultiPlus 24/3000/70 User manual

MANUAL
Phoenix MultiPlus
Con VE.Bus
12/3000/120
24/3000/70
48/3000/35
Remark:
DIP switch functionality has changed.
Parallel and 3-phase systems can be now configured with DIP
switches.
EN NL F D E Appendix

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 NL FR DE ES 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 NL FR DE ES 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. The maximum alternating current that can be
switched is 16A or30A, depending on model.
Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operation
Up to 6 Multi’s can operate in parallel. Six units 24/3000/70, for example, will provide
15kW / 18kVA output power and 420 Amps charging capacity.
Three phase capability
Three units can be configured for three-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.
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’:
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.
Solar energy
The MultiPlus is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used in
autonomous systems as well as grid connected systems.

4
Autonomous operation when the grid fails
Houses or buildings with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and power
plant or other sustainable energy sources have a potential autonomous energy supply
which can be used for powering essential equipment (central heating pumps,
refrigerators, deep freeze units, Internet connections, etc.) during a power failure. A
problem is however that grid connected sustainable energy sources drop out as soon
as the grid fails. With a MultiPlus and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple
manner: the MultiPlus can replace the grid during a power failure. When the
sustainable energy sources produce more power than needed, the MultiPlus will use
the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall, the MultiPlus will supply
additional power from the battery.
Multi-functional 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 as a starter relay for a generator.
Programmable with DIP switches, VE.Net panel or personal computer
The Phoenix Inverter 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.

5
EN NL FR DE ES Appendix
Preventing damage due to excessive gassing: the BatterySafe mode (see fig. 2
below)
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 (see the charge curve between 14,4V and 15,0V in
fig. 2 below).
Less maintenance and aging when the battery is not in use: the Storage mode
(see fig. 1 & 2 below)
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.
Two outputs to charge 2 battery banks
The MultiPlus features 2 outputs, of which 1 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 rejected, the inverter will switch on.
When the switch is switched to "charger only", only the battery charger of the Phoenix
Multi 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 require regular additional 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 NL FR DE ES 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.
NOTE: Switching from “on” to “charger only” and vice versa, as described below, must
be done quickly. The switch must be turned such that the intermediate position is
'skipped', as it were. If the switch concerned 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 in
particular. When using the remote panel, this is less critical.
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'). Set the switch to “charger
only”, “on” and “charger only” in rapid succession. NOTE: the switching
operation itself must be done quickly, but the time between switching must
lie between 1/2 second and 2 seconds.
3. The “bulk”, “absorption” and “float” LEDs will now flash five times.
Subsequently, the “bulk”, “absorption” and “float” LEDs will each light for 2
seconds.
4. If switch is set to “on” while the “bulk” LED lights, the charger will be put into
equalisation operation.
5. If switch is set to “on” while the “absorption” LED lights, the charger will be
put into forced absorption operation.
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.

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 NL FR DE ES Appendix
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 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 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 NL FR DE ES 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 NL FR DE ES Appendix
4. Installation
This product may only be installed by a qualified electrical engineer.
4.1 Contents of the box
•Phoenix MultiPlus.
•Manual.
•Suspension bracket
•Temperature sensor
•Warning sticker for battery charging
•Four fixing screws
•Fuse
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 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.

14
4.3 Requirements
•Philips screwdriver (PH2) for removing the front.
•Flat screwdriver (0.6x3.5) for connecting the AC leads.
•Isolated box spanner (13 mm) for securing the terminal nuts and the fuse.
•Two battery cables including battery terminals and cable ends.
•Three-wire cable.
4.4 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 cross section (mm
2
)
0 – 5 m 90 50 35
5 – 10 m 120 90 70
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: the + (red) on the right and the - (black) on the left,
see Appendix 0.
•Reverse polarity connection (+ to – and – to +) will cause the “reversed polarity”
LED next to the terminal nuts to light up.
•Disconnect the cables and reconnect them correctly if the “reversed polarity" LED
is illuminated.
•Tighten the connections after positioning the fastening items supplied with the
product.
•Position the Mega fuse from the connection bag in position F4 and secure it,
using the fastening items supplied with the product.
•Secure the nuts tightly in order to reduce the contact resistance as much as
possible.

15
EN NL FR DE ES Appendix
4.5 Connection of the AC cabling
This is a Safety Class I product (supplied with a protective grounding
terminal). Uninterruptible protective grounding must be provided at the
AC input and/or output terminals and/or chassis grounding point
located externally on the product. See the following instructions:
The MultiPlus: the output neutral wire will automatically be bonded to
the chassis (with the output ground relay, see appendix) when no
external AC source is available (backfeed / safety relay open and product
runnig in inverter mode, see appendix).When an external AC source is
provided, the ground relay opens before closure of the backfeed / safety
relay. Once closed, the backfeed / safety relay ensures that the neutral to
ground bond is provided by the external AC source. This is to ensure
proper functioning of a GFCI to be installed in the AC output of the
Multi/MultiPlus.
- In a fixed (for example terrestrial) installation an uninterrupted chassis
ground may be provided by the AC input ground wire.
- In case of a mobile installation (connection to input AC with a shore power
cord), the ground connection is lost when the shore power cord is
unplugged. In this case the chassis of the product or the on - board section
of the input ground wire must be connected to the frame (of the vehicle) or
the ground plate or hull (of a boat).
- Marine applications: due to the potential for galvanic corrosion it is in
general not acceptable to connect the shore side ground to the ground
plate or hull of the boat. The proper and safe solution is to install an
isolation transformer.
The terminal block can be found on the printed circuit board, see Appendix 0. The
shore or mains cable must be connected to the Multi with the aid of a three-wire cable.
Use a three-wire cable with a flexible core and a cross section of 2.5 or 4 mm²
Procedure
Proceed as follows to connect the AC cables:
•The AC output cable can be connected directly to the terminal block "AC-out".
From left to right: “PE” (earth), “N” (neutral) and “L” (phase).
•The AC input cable can be connected to the terminal block “AC–in”.
From left to right: “PE” (earth), “N” (neutral) and “L” (phase).
4.6 Optional Connections
A number of optional connections are possible:
4.6.1 Second Battery
The MultiPlus has a connection for charging a starter battery. For connection see
Appendix 0.