Victron energy Quattro 48/5000/70 User manual

Manual
EN
Appendix
Quattro
12 | 5000 | 200 | 2x60 | 120/240V
24 | 5000 | 120 | 2x60 | 120/240V
48 | 5000 | 70 | 2x60 | 120/240V

Copyrights 2008 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 uninterruptable 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
Two AC inputs with integrated transfer switch
The Quattro can be connected to two independent AC sources, for example
shore-side (grid-) power and a generator, or two generators. The Quattro will
automatically connect to the active source.
Figure 1: Block diagram
Accepts several input voltages (See fig 1)
Each AC input can be supplied from:
- A 120/240V split phase source. Phase angle between the two 120V
legs: 180 degrees. Maximum input current: 60A per leg.
- A 120/208V two leg three phase source. Phase angle between the
two 120V legs: 120 degrees. Maximum input current: 60A per leg.
- Two in-phase 120V legs with common neutral. In this case the
phase angle between the two 120V legs is 0 degrees. Maximum
input current: 60A total (otherwise the neutral input would be
overloaded).
- A 120V single phase source. Maximum input current: 60A.

4
The AC inputs can be connected to a different type of supply: one input may
for example be connected to a split phase source, and the other to a single
phase source.
When an AC source is available, the Quattro will feed through the AC to its
output. The output will therefore be equal to the AC input.
When AC is available on both inputs, the Quattro will connect to AC-in-1.
The inverter/charger connects to the neutral and the preferred input leg (L1-1
of input 1 or L1-2 of input 2). Power needed to charge the batteries will
therefore be drawn from L1-1 or L1-2.
The Quattro switches to inverter operation when no AC source is available.
The inverter output is 120V single phase. In Invert mode, the Quattro
connects both output legs (L1 and L2) together (with relay H) to provide
120 VAC to loads on either leg. In invert mode there is no voltage between L1
and L2. Any 240VAC or 208VAC loads will therefore be supplied only when
the Quattro is supplied by a split phase 120/240V or 120/208V source. This
prevents heavy loads such as water heaters or 240V air conditioners from
discharging the battery.
The Quattro provides seamless transfer (no-break functionality) on output L1.
Output L2 connects to the inverter after a short delay.
Note: this product is not suitable for a single phase 230V or 240V supply.
(see section 2.3)
Automatic and uninterruptible switching (on phase L1 only)
In the event of a supply failure or when the generating set is switched off, the
Quattro 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 Quattro highly suitable as an emergency
power system in industrial and telecommunication applications.
Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operation
Up to 6 Quattro’s can operate in parallel. Six units 24/5000/120, for example,
will provide 25kW / 30kVA output power and 720 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 75kW / 90kVA
inverter power and more than 2000A charging capacity.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
For each AC input a maximum current can be set. The Quattro then takes
other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current for charging
purposes.

5
EN Appendix
When AC is present on one of the inputs, the inverter/charger of the Quattro
connects to the preferred input leg (L1-1 or L1-2). PowerControl will therefore
be active on the preferred input leg only.
─L1-1 of input AC-in-1, to which usually a generating set is connected,
can be set to a fixed maximum with DIP switches, with VE.Net or with a
PC, so that the generating set is never overloaded.
─L1-2 of input AC-in-2 can also be set to a fixed maximum. In mobile
applications (ships, vehicles), however, a variable setting by means of a
Multi Control Panel will usually be selected. In this way the maximum
current can be adapted to the available shore current in an extremely
simple manner.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generating set and shore current:
the Quattro ‘co-supply’ feature
The Quattro operates in parallel with the generating set or the grid/shore
connection. A current shortfall is automatically compensated: the Quattro
draws extra power from the battery and helps along.
Solar energy
The Quattro is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used
for building autonomous systems as well as grid-connected systems.
Emergency power or autonomous operation on mains failure
Houses or buildings with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and
power plant (a power-generating central heating boiler) 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 grid-power failure. A
problem in this regard, however, is that a grid connected solar inverter and/or
micro-scale heating and power plants drop out as soon as the mains supply
fails. With a Quattro and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple
manner: the Quattro can replace the grid during a power failure. When
the sustainable energy sources produce more power than needed, the
Quattro will use the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall,
the Quattro will supply additional power from the battery.
Multi-functional relay
The Quattro 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, for example as a starter relay for a generating set.
Programmable with DIP switches, VE.Net panel or personal computer
The Quattro is supplied ready for use. Three options are available for
changing certain settings if desired:
─The most important settings (including parallel operation of up to three
devices and split phase or 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

6
2.2 Battery charger
Adaptive 4-stage charging characteristics: bulk – absorption – float –
storage
The microprocessor-driven adaptive battery management system can be
adjusted for various types of batteries. The adaptive function automatically
adapts the charging process to battery use.
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 Phoenix charger 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 used: 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 2,2
V/cell (13,2 V for 12 V 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 DC outputs for charging two batteries
The Quattro has two DC outputs, one of which can supply the full output
current. The second output, intended for charging a starter battery, is limited
to 4A and has a slightly lower output voltage.
To increase battery life: temperature compensation
Every Quattro 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 Quattro
has a voltage sense facility so that the battery always receives the correct
charge voltage.
More on batteries and charging
Our book ‘Energy Unlimited’ offers further information on batteries and battery
charging, and is available free of charge at Victron Energy (see
www.victronenergy.com ). For more information on adaptive charging
characteristics, please refer to the ‘Tech Info’ page on our website

7
EN Appendix
2.3 Overview of AC power options
Option 1 (see fig 1)
As explained in section 2.1, the 120/240V Quattro can be connected to the
standard American single phase and split phase AC supplies. When in
inverter mode, however, the two live outputs are connected together to
provide in phase 120 VAC on both lines. The line to line voltage will be zero.
Any 240VAC or 208VAC loads will therefore be supplied only when the
Quattro is supplied by a split phase 120/240V or 120/208V source. This
prevents heavy loads such as 240V water heaters or 240 V air conditioners
from discharging the battery.
The input and output options are summarized below:
Option 1: 120/240V Quattro or Multi
AC source (input) Does system
connect to
AC source?
Power for
battery charging
taken from
Output
120/240V 3wire + ground
(split phase 60Hz)
Yes Preferred 120V
input leg
(L1-1 or L1-2)
120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(output = input)
120/208V 3wire + ground
(three phase two leg
60Hz)
Yes Preferred 120V
input leg
(L1-1 or L1-2)
120/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(output = input)
240V 2 wire + ground
(single phase 60Hz)
No 120V 2 wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
230V 2 wire + ground
(single phase 50Hz)
No 120V 2 wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
208V 2 wire + ground
(single phase 60Hz)
No 120V 2 wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
120V 2 wire + ground
(single phase 60Hz)
Yes (if
connected to
preferred input
leg)
120V input 120V 2 wire +
ground 60Hz
(output = input)
Not available (no input) No 120V 2 wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
PowerControl and PowerAssist functionality will be available on L1-1 and L1-
2
Note: If the requirement is to continue supplying 240V or 208V equipment in
inverter mode, a different system configuration must be chosen: see option 2
and option 3.
Option 2a,b: two stacked units (see fig 2a and 2b)
Option 2a: One alternative is to stack 2 Quattro’s or Multi’s, each supplied by
one 120V leg when a 120/240V or 120/208V AC source is available. The
stacked units will each continue to supply 120V from the battery when there is
no external AC source available. The Quattro’s or Multi’s are capable to
synchronize and connect to both 120/240V and 120/208V AC, whatever is
available. When connected to the AC source, the output will be equal to the

8
input. When operating from battery, the output will either be 120/240V or
120/208V depending on whether the system has been configured to operate
with a 180 degrees or a 120 degrees phase shift.
If only one 120V leg is available at the AC input, one unit will connect to it,
and the other unit will operate on battery power. System output will be
120/240V or 120/208V, depending on configuration. Power from the 120V leg
that is available will be used to charge the battery, compensating for power
taken from the battery by the second unit.
Option 2b: This option, with an additional input 120/240V autotransformer, is
recommended in case connection to 230V or 240V single phase should also
be possible.
Option 2a: Two stacked 120V or 120/240V Quattro’s or Multi’s
AC source (input) Does system
connect to AC
source?
Power for
battery
charging taken
from
Output
120/240V 3wire +
ground
(split phase 60Hz)
Yes Both 120V legs 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(output = input)
120/208V 3wire +
ground
(three phase two
leg 60Hz)
Yes Both 120V legs 120/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(output = input)
240V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
No (neutral not
available, see 2b)
120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
230V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
50Hz)
No (neutral not
available, see 2b)
120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
208V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
No (neutral not
available, see 2b)
120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
120V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
Yes (1 off 2 units
only)
120V input 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(one unit in inverter
mode)
Not available (no
input)
No 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
PowerControl and PowerAssist functionality will be available on both input
phases

9
EN Appendix
Figure 2a: Two stacked 120/240V Quattro’s (option 2a)
Ground cables and interconnection for synchronization not shown
Connection to second AC source not shown.

10
Option 2b: Two stacked 120V or 120/240V Quattro’s or Multi’s with additional
120/240V input autotransformer
AC source (input) Does system
connect to AC
source?
Power for
battery
charging taken
from
Output
120/240V 3wire +
ground
(split phase 60Hz)
Yes (neutral wire
should not be
connected)
240V 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
120/208V 3wire +
ground
(three phase two
leg 60Hz)
Yes (neutral wire
should not be
connected)
208V 104/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(180 degrees split
phase output)
240V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
Yes (neutral comes
from 120/240V
autotransformer
240V 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
230V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
50Hz)
Yes (neutral comes
from 120/240V
autotransformer
230V 115/230V 3wire +
ground 50Hz
208V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
Yes (neutral comes
from 120/240V
autotransformer
208V 104/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
120V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
No 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
Not available (no
input)
No 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
PowerControl and PowerAssist functionality will be available on the single
phase input of the auto transformer

11
EN Appendix
Figure 2b: Two stacked 120/240V Quattro’s with input autotransformer
(option 2b)
Ground cables and interconnection for synchronization not shown
Connection to second AC source not shown.

12
Option 3: Quattro or Multi with additional autotransformer (see fig 3)
The other alternative is to use a ‘European’ 230V/240V Quattro or Multi. The
unit will connect to 240V or 208V. The output when operating on battery can
be set to 240V or 208V single phase. An additional autotransformer will be
needed to convert 240V single phase to 120/240V split phase if 120V loads
also need to be supplied. (Remark: a 208V output cannot be transformed to
120/208V with an 120/240V auto transformer) The internal output grounding
relay must be disabled and replaced by an external grounding relay that will
ground the neutral of the 120/240V auto transformer when operating on
battery. Victron Energy does provide 120/240V autotransformers with in-built
neutral to ground relay.
Advantages of this configuration:
- Only one inverter/charger needed.
- Severe load imbalance between the two output legs is acceptable if
the autotransformer is adequately sized.
Option 3: ‘European’ Quattro or Multi with additional 120/240V output
autotransformer
AC source (input) Does system
connect to AC
source?
Power for
battery
charging taken
from
Output from
autotransformer
120/240V 3wire +
ground
(split phase 60Hz)
Yes (neutral wire
should not be
connected)
240V 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(180 degrees split
phase output)
120/208V 3wire +
ground
(three phase two
leg 60Hz)
Yes (neutral wire
should not be
connected)
208V 104/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(180 degrees split
phase output)
240V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
Yes 240V 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
230V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
50Hz)
Yes 230V 115/230V 3wire +
ground 50Hz
208V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
Yes 208V 104/208V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
120V 2 wire +
ground
(single phase
60Hz)
No 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
Not available (no
input)
No 120/240V 3wire +
ground 60Hz
(inverter mode)
PowerControl and PowerAssist functionality will be available on the single
phase input

13
EN Appendix
Figure 3: ‘European’ Quattro or Multi with additional 120/240V output
autotransformer (option 3)
Ground cables and not shown
Connection to second AC source not shown.

14
3. Operation
3.1 “On / stand by / charger only” switch
When the switch is switched to “on”, full device operation is initiated.
The inverter will turn on, and the “inverter on” LED will light.
120VAC applied to L1-1 or L1-2 (see fig 1) will be switched through to the AC
output connection. The inverter is switched off, the “mains on” LED will light
and charger operation will be initiated. Depending on the applicable charging
mode at that time, the “bulk”, “absorption” or “float” LED will light.
If the voltage on both AC-in connections is rejected, the inverter will be
switched on.
If the switch is set to “charger only”, the inverter will not turn on in the event of
AC supply failure. Thus the batteries will not be discharged by the inverter.
3.2 Remote control
Remote control is possible with a simple 3-way switch or with a Multi Control
panel.
The Multi Control panel has a simple rotary knob with which the maximum
current of the AC-in-2 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 Quattro 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 Quattro
will charge at the normal absorption voltage level during the set maximum
absorption time. The “absorption” LED lights.
3.3.3 Activating equalisation or forced absorption
The Compact can be put into both these states from the remote panel as well
as with the front panel switch, provided that all switches (on the unit, and
possibly a remote switch or the switch on the Multi Control panel) are set to
“on”.

15
EN Appendix
NOTE: Switching from “on” to “charger only” and vice versa, 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 on the Compact in particular. 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 C the three LEDs “Inverter”, “Charger” and
“Alarm” will now flash 5 times.
If a MultiControl panel is connected, on the panel the LEDs “bulk”,
“absorption” and “float” will also flash 5 times.
5. Subsequently, on the MultiPlus C the LEDs “Inverter”, “Charger and
“Alarm” will each light during 2 seconds.
If a MultiControl panel is connected, on the panel the LEDs “bulk”,
“absorption” and “float” will also each light during 2 seconds.
6. a. If the switch on the MultiPlus C is set to “on” while the “Inverter”
LED lights, the charger will switch to equalisation.
Similarly, if the switch on the MultiControl panel is set to “on” while
the “bulk” LED lights, the charger will switch to equalisation.
b. If the switch on the MultiPlus C is set to “on” while the “Charger”
LED lights, the charger will switch to forced absorption.
Similarly, if the switch on the MultiControl panel is set to “on” while
the “absorption” LED lights, the charger will switch to forced
absorption.
c. If the switch on the MultiPlus C is set to “on” after the three LED
sequence has finished, the charger will switch to “float”.
Similarly, if the switch on the MultiControl panel 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 C will remain
in ‘charger only’ mode and switch to “float”.

16
3.4 LED indications and their meaning
LED off
LED flashes
LED lights
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 power 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