System Components and Architecture
The system is built around a central battery bank managed by a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) and controlled by a comprehensive monitoring and control unit. Charging is provided by solar and/or engine alternator, with AC power managed by an inverter/charger.
Battery Bank
- Primary Batteries: Two Victron Lithium 12.8V-200Ah NG-LiFePO4 batteries are configured in parallel to provide substantial energy storage.
Battery Management System (BMS)
- Lynx Smart BMS NG: This unit manages the charging and discharging of the Lithium NG batteries, ensuring their safety and longevity. It communicates with the central control unit via VE.Can.
- Connections: Features connections for BMS cables, VE.Can, and other control signals like ATC, ATD, RELAY, and REMOTE.
Central Control and Monitoring
- Cerbo GX: The core of the system, acting as the central hub for monitoring and controlling all connected Victron components. It receives data via VE.Bus, VE.Can, and VE.Direct communication protocols.
- GX Touch 50: A user-friendly touchscreen interface that connects to the Cerbo GX, providing real-time system status and control capabilities.
Charging Sources
- Solar Charging:
- SmartSolar MPPT 100/50: A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller optimizes solar energy harvesting from a connected solar array (PV). It communicates with the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct.
- PV Breaker/Isolator: Installed between the solar array and the MPPT for safety and isolation.
- Alternator Charging:
- Orion-XS 12/12-50A DC-DC Battery Charger: Connects to the vehicle's alternator (12V-150A) and starter motor. It efficiently charges the auxiliary battery bank and communicates with the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct.
- Connections: Includes terminals for alternator (B-, D+, B+), starter motor, and remote control.
- AC Input (Shore Power / Generator):
- MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120V Inverter/Charger: This versatile unit serves as an inverter, battery charger, and AC power manager. It can accept AC input from shore power or a generator.
- Functionality: It charges the batteries when AC power is available and provides AC power to loads. It can also invert DC battery power to AC when no AC input is present.
- AC Outputs: Features AC OUT-1 and AC OUT-2, supporting split-phase 120/240V AC output for various loads, with options for "No Break" and "Switched" loads.
- AC Input: Designed for 120V/240V/60Hz AC sources, requiring appropriate circuit protection (e.g., 50A max breaker).
- Communication: Connects to the Cerbo GX via VE.Bus.
- Isolation Transformer: Recommended to be inserted between the shore power connection and the MultiPlus-II for galvanic isolation and surge protection.
Load Distribution
- DC Loads: Connected via the Lynx Distributor and distributed through positive and negative busbars. Specific DC loads include "Load 1" through "Load 5", "Spare", "Engine", and "MPPT".
- AC Loads: Connected to the MultiPlus-II's AC OUT-1 and AC OUT-2. These outputs are configured for split-phase 120/240V AC supply, catering to different load types (e.g., 120V L1, 120V L2, 240V L1-L2).
Protection and Safety Devices
- Smart Battery Protect 220 (SBP 220): Used for load or charge disconnect, controlled by the BMS. It has input and output terminals for power and a control input (H-contact).
- Fuses: Various fuses are used for component protection, including small fuses for the BMS, alarms (PRE-ALARM PIEZO BUZZER), and control circuits (e.g., 12 Volt 30mA).
- Circuit Breakers: Thermal circuit breakers (e.g., 60 AMPERE) are used for DC load protection. AC input and output circuits require appropriate MCBs/RCDs.
- Main Switches: Main Switch-1, Main Switch-2, and Main Switch-3 are incorporated for system isolation.
Wiring and Cable Management
- Color Coding: Red wires typically denote positive DC connections, blue wires denote negative DC connections, and green wires often indicate data or control signals.
- Cable Length: A critical note emphasizes keeping positive and negative battery cables as short as possible and of equal length to minimize voltage drop and ensure balanced charging/discharging.
Important Information and Safety Guidelines
- Battery Management: Victron Lithium NG batteries require their charge and discharge cycles to be controlled by the BMS and Cerbo GX, utilizing features like DVCC for solar chargers and ATC wire control for the Orion-XS.
- Inverter Mode Grounding: When the MultiPlus-II operates in inverter mode, its AC output neutral must be connected to ground to ensure proper functioning of GFCI or RCD devices. For split-phase supplies, the neutral also requires grounding. The primary case ground connection of the inverter/charger must be connected to the central negative busbar of the DC system, using a cable of identical size to the DC negative connection.
- MultiPlus-II AC Output Configuration:
- AC OUT-1: Supports PowerAssist, adding up to 3kW to the output load of L1. Requires appropriate earth leakage devices and cable sizing for each 120V leg and 240V.
- AC OUT-2: Available only when AC IN power is present. Supports up to 50A (or 35A for early batches with serial numbers starting HQ2107; 50A for HQ2114 and higher). Requires similar earth leakage protection and cable sizing.
- MultiPlus-II DC Cable Sizing: Recommendations vary by cable length (0-5m: 4 x AWG 1/0; 5-10m: 4 x AWG 2/0). Cable size should double in closed conduits. These recommendations exclude other system loads, which must also be considered for main battery, fuse, and switch cables. The main fuse size should be 400A.
- MultiPlus-II AC Input Protection: The AC input must be protected by a circuit breaker rated at 50A maximum, adjusted based on the connected power source.
- General Safety Warning: 120 & 240 VOLT AC IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS!!! DO NOT TOUCH ANY LIVE WIRED PARTS OF THE INSTALLATION!!! WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VICTRON DEALER!!!
- Battery Charging: Before charging, read instructions. For indoor use only. Disconnect supply before making/breaking connections. Prevent flames and sparks, ensure adequate ventilation during charging. Charge lead-acid or Li-Ion batteries only.
- Smart Battery Protect Programming: The SBP 220 must be programmed for Li-Ion mode-C and 12 Volt, either via the device itself or a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet.
- Lynx Distributor Configuration: Refer to the manual for proper dip switch configuration settings.
- Orion-XS Configuration: Several configuration options are possible; consult the Orion-XS manual for installation-specific choices.
System Diagram Summary
The diagram illustrates the flow of power and data between the following key components:
- Battery Bank: Two 12.8V-200Ah Lithium NG batteries.
- BMS: Lynx Smart BMS NG managing the battery bank.
- Control: Cerbo GX and GX Touch 50 for system monitoring and control.
- Charging: SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 (solar), Orion-XS 12/12-50A (alternator), and MultiPlus-II (AC input).
- Inversion/AC Output: MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 providing 120/240V AC power to various loads.
- Protection: Smart Battery Protect 220, fuses, and circuit breakers are integrated for safety.
- Distribution: Lynx Distributor and busbars manage DC power distribution.
The system is designed for flexibility, allowing integration with solar arrays, vehicle alternators, shore power, and generators, all managed centrally for optimal performance and safety.