Victron Energy Phoenix Smart IP43 Battery Charger
Document Revision: Rev 11 10/2020
Product Overview
The Victron Energy Phoenix Smart IP43 Battery Charger is a high-efficiency, intelligent battery charging solution designed for various battery types, including lead-acid and lithium-ion. It offers advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive battery management, and multiple output versions.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables setup, monitoring, and updates via smartphone or tablet. Supports PIN protection for secure access.
- VE.Direct Connection: Allows wired connection to devices like Color Control, Venus GX, or PCs.
- Programmable Relay: Can be programmed for alarm activation or other events, requiring AC power.
- High Efficiency: Up to 94% efficiency, generating less heat than industry standards. Very low standby power consumption (<1W).
- Sustainable, Safe, and Silent: Features low thermal load, overheat protection (reduces current at 60°C), and natural convection cooling (no fan).
- Temperature Compensated Charging: Automatically adjusts charging voltage based on battery temperature.
- Adaptive Battery Management: Optimizes charging for lead-acid batteries through multi-stage charging (Bulk, Absorption, Float/Storage) and limits the absorption phase to reduce corrosion.
- Storage Mode: Reduces float voltage for batteries connected long-term to minimize corrosion.
- Reconditioning (Wiederherstellung): An optional mode for lead-acid batteries to reverse sulfation by charging at a low current and higher voltage. Use sparingly for VRLA types.
- Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4) Support: Features a dedicated charging algorithm. Sensitive to temperature; includes low-temperature cutoff (5°C) with optional temperature sensors.
- Remote On/Off: Control the charger via remote connections (e.g., shorting pins).
- Alarm LED: Indicates errors with a red light; status LEDs provide blink codes for specific faults.
- Automatic Voltage Compensation: Compensates for voltage drop in DC cables by adjusting output voltage based on charge current.
- Three (3) Output Versions: Integrated battery isolator with three isolated outputs for charging multiple batteries independently.
Installation
- Install vertically on a non-flammable surface with the power terminal block facing downwards.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 cm above and below the unit for optimal cooling.
- Install near the battery, but never directly above it to prevent damage from battery gassing.
- Use flexible, multi-strand copper cables for connections.
- Ensure internal temperature compensation is accurate; significant temperature differences between the battery and charger can shorten battery life.
Quick Guide
- Connect the battery charger to the battery/batteries.
- Connect the charger to the wall outlet using the AC cable. All LEDs will illuminate briefly, followed by status LEDs indicating the charger's state. The charger defaults to Normal and Constant Current mode.
- Press the MODE button to select a different charging algorithm if needed. The charger remembers the selected mode. The RECONDITION LED will light up and blink when reconditioning is active.
- Press and hold the MODE button for 3 seconds to enter LOW mode, which limits the maximum output current to 50% of the rated output. Press and hold again for 3 seconds to exit LOW mode.
- The ABSORPTION LED indicates the battery is approximately 80% charged and ready for use.
- The FLOAT or STORAGE LED illuminates when the battery is fully charged.
- Charging can be interrupted at any time by disconnecting the power supply to the charger.
Charging Algorithms
Battery Selection
The charger's algorithm must match the connected battery type. Available modes include NORMAL, HIGH, LI-ION, and USER-DEFINED.
| MODE | ABS V | FLOAT V | STORAGE V | RECONDITION Max V@% of Inom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | 14.4 | 13.8 | 13.2 | 16.2@8%, 1h max |
| HIGH | 14.7 | 13.8 | 13.2 | 16.5@8%, 1h max |
| LI-ION | 14.2 | 13.5 | 13.5 | Not applicable |
For 24V chargers, multiply all voltage values by 2.
- NORMAL (14.4V): Recommended for Flooded, Gel, and AGM batteries.
- HIGH (14.7V): Recommended for Calcium, Optima, and Odyssey batteries.
- LI-ION (14.2V): Recommended for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
- USER-DEFINED: For other battery types, set according to manufacturer recommendations.
Intelligent 7-Stage Charging Algorithm (Lead-Acid)
- BULK: Charges the battery at maximum current until constant voltage is reached (approx. 80% charged).
- ABS (Constant Voltage): Charges at a constant voltage with decreasing current until fully charged. The duration varies based on battery state.
- RECONDITION: Optional for NORMAL and HIGH modes. Charges at low current and higher voltage for up to 1 hour to reverse sulfation.
- FLOAT: Maintains a full charge at a constant voltage.
- STORAGE: Maintains charge at a lower voltage to limit gassing and corrosion.
- READY: Battery is fully charged (FLOAT or STORAGE LED illuminated).
- ACTUALIZE: Periodically refreshes the battery with a short constant voltage charge to prevent self-discharge.
Lithium-Ion Batteries (LiFePO4)
Uses a specialized algorithm. Select LI-ION mode. Low-temperature cutoff (5°C) can be enabled with compatible temperature sensors. Some lithium batteries with built-in BMS may also shut down charging due to cell voltage or temperature issues.
User-Programmable Algorithm
Custom charging algorithms can be programmed via Bluetooth or VE.Direct interface.
When a Load is Connected to the Battery
Charging continues if the load current is less than the charger's output current. Reconditioning is not possible when a load is connected.
Starting a New Charge Cycle
A new cycle begins if the charger is in Float/Storage and load current increases significantly, if the MODE button is pressed, or if the power supply is cycled.
Charge Time Calculation
For lead-acid batteries, approximately 80% charge is achieved at the start of the absorption phase. The time (T) to reach 80% charge can be calculated as T = Ah / I (where I is the net charge current). A full absorption phase of up to 8 hours may be needed for 100% charge. Lithium-ion batteries reach ~95% at the start of absorption and require about 30 minutes of constant voltage charging.
Using as a Power Supply
The charger can function as a power supply when no battery is connected. The output voltage can be adjusted via Bluetooth or VE.Direct. The BULK, ABSORPTION, FLOAT, and STORAGE LEDs will remain illuminated. The charger will not respond to remote on/off signals in this mode.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 12V, 2 Outputs (12/30(1+1), 12/50(1+1)) | 12V, 3 Outputs (12/30(3), 12/50(3)) | 24V, 2 Outputs (24/16(1+1), 24/25(1+1)) | 24V, 3 Outputs (24/16(3), 24/25(3)) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 230 VAC (Range 210 - 250 V) | |||
| Frequency | 45-65 Hz | |||
| Power Factor | 0.7 | |||
| Return Current | AC disconnected: < 0.1 mA; AC connected & remote off: < 6 mA | |||
| No-Load Power Consumption | 1 W | |||
| Efficiency | 12/30: 94% 12/50: 92% | 12/30: 94% 12/50: 92% | 94% | 94% |
| Charging Voltage "Constant Voltage" | Normal: 14.4 V High: 14.7 V Li-ion: 14.2 V | Normal: 14.4 V High: 14.7 V Li-ion: 14.2 V | Normal: 28.8 V High: 29.4 V Li-ion: 28.4 V | Normal: 28.8 V High: 29.4 V Li-ion: 28.4 V |
| Charging Voltage "Float" | Normal: 13.8 V High: 13.8 V Li-ion: 13.5 V | Normal: 13.8 V High: 13.8 V Li-ion: 13.5 V | Normal: 27.6 V High: 27.6 V Li-ion: 27.0 V | Normal: 27.6 V High: 27.6 V Li-ion: 27.0 V |
| Storage Mode Voltage | Normal: 13.2 V High: 13.2 V Li-ion: 13.5 V | Normal: 13.2 V High: 13.2 V Li-ion: 13.5 V | Normal: 26.4 V High: 26.4 V Li-ion: 27.0 V | Normal: 26.4 V High: 26.4 V Li-ion: 27.0 V |
| Fully Programmable | Yes, via Bluetooth and/or VE.Direct | |||
| Home Battery Charge Current | 30 / 50 A | 30 / 50 A | 16 / 25 A | 16 / 25 A |
| Low Current Mode | 15 / 25 A | 15 / 25 A | 8 / 12.5 A | 8 / 12.5 A |
| Starter Battery Charge Current | 3 A (for 1+1 output models only) | - | ||
| Charging Algorithm | 7-stage adaptive (3-stage adaptive for Li-ion) | |||
| Battery Capacity | 150-300 Ah (30 A-Version) 250-500 Ah (50 A-Version) | 150-300 Ah (30 A-Version) 250-500 Ah (50 A-Version) | 80-160 Ah (16 A-Version) 125-250 Ah (25 A-Version) | 80-160 Ah (16 A-Version) 125-250 Ah (25 A-Version) |
| Number of Battery Connections | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Protection | Reverse polarity (fuse), output short circuit, over-temperature | |||
| Use as Power Supply | Yes, output voltage adjustable via Bluetooth and/or VE.Direct | |||
| Operating Temperature Range | -20 to 60 °C (0 - 140 °F) Derates linearly to 20% at 60°C for rated output current up to 40°C | |||
| Humidity (non-condensing) | Max 95% | |||
| Relay (Programmable) | DC output: 5 A up to 28 VDC | |||
| HOUSING | ||||
| Material & Color | Aluminum (blue RAL 5012) | |||
| Battery Terminals | Screw terminals 16 mm² (AWG6) | |||
| AC Connection | IEC 320 C14 inlet with holder (Country-specific power cord must be ordered separately.) | |||
| Protection Class | IP43 (Electronic components), IP22 (Terminal area) | |||
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight (kg / lbs) | 3.5 kg |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 180 x 249 x 100 mm (7.1 x 9.8 x 4.0 inches) |
| STANDARDS | |
| Safety | EN 60335-1, EN 60335-2-29 |
| Emission | EN 55014-1, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-3-2 |
| Immunity | EN 55014-2, EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-3-3 |
| Vibration | IEC68-2-6:10-150Hz/1.0G |
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