Victron Energy Van/Motorhome Electrical System: 3kVA MultiPlus Setup Guide
Introduction and System Overview
This document outlines the setup and operation of a Victron Energy 3kVA 12V MultiPlus system tailored for vans and motorhomes. It presents three distinct configurations for monitoring and control, all built around a common core of Victron components.
The primary system components include:
- A 3kVA 12V Victron MultiPlus Inverter/Charger.
- Three Victron Lithium SuperPack 12.8V-100Ah HC batteries, providing a total of 300Ah capacity.
- Various monitoring and control devices depending on the chosen setup.
The system is designed to provide reliable 230V AC power and can be charged via multiple sources:
- AC Campsite/Shore Power: The MultiPlus can charge batteries at up to 120 Amps.
- DC Solar Power: A Victron Smart Solar MPPT 100|50 charge controller manages solar input.
- DC Engine Charging: Two Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12|12-30 DC/DC converters can provide up to 60 Amps from the vehicle's engine.
DC loads such as lights and pumps are connected via a DC switch panel and a negative busbar.
Three Monitoring Setups
The document details three specific system configurations, differentiated by their monitoring and control capabilities:
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Simple Version (Drawing BJE-332A)
This setup is designed for users who do not require smart device integration. It features a BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor for comprehensive battery status monitoring (State of Charge, Voltage, Amps, etc.) and a Digital Multi Control (DMC) for adjusting AC input current limits and remotely controlling the MultiPlus (On/Off, Charger Only).
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Smart Version-1 (Drawing BJE-332B)
This version requires a smart phone or tablet for operation. It utilizes a SmartShunt for battery monitoring and a VE.Bus Smart Dongle for MultiPlus control. The SmartShunt provides essential battery data, while the VE.Bus Smart Dongle enables remote monitoring and control of the MultiPlus via Bluetooth using the VictronConnect app, including parameter adjustments and status checks.
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Smart Version-2 (Drawing BJE-332C)
This advanced configuration offers the most comprehensive monitoring and control. It includes a SmartShunt for battery monitoring and a Victron Cerbo GX with a GX Touch 50 display. The Cerbo GX acts as the system's brain, allowing for detailed monitoring of battery status, MultiPlus operation, and other connected devices. It also enables remote monitoring and control via the Victron VRM portal using an internet connection, as well as firmware updates. Tank level monitoring can also be integrated.
Key System Components and Wiring Details
Battery Bank Configuration
The system uses three 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium SuperPack batteries connected in parallel. The positive terminals are fused with 150A ANL fuses and connected to a busbar. The negative terminals are connected to a separate busbar, which then feeds into the shunt (BMV-712 or SmartShunt) before connecting to the Central Negative Busbar.
DC Power Distribution
A central DC distribution point is established using a Victron positive busbar fitted with five modular Mega fuse holders. These are interconnected and provide fused power to the main components:
- Fuse Holder 1: Typically a 100A fuse for the DC switch panel.
- Fuse Holder 2: A 60A fuse for the Smart Solar MPPT 100|50 charge controller output.
- Fuse Holders 3 & 4: 60A fuses for each of the two Orion-Tr Smart 12|12-30 DC/DC converters. These also connect to a shared negative busbar, which includes connections for the engine and starter battery negatives.
- Fuse Holder 5: A 400A fuse for the 3kVA MultiPlus inverter/charger.
It is critical to connect all negative cables to the Central Negative Busbar first. Positive battery cables should be kept as short and of equal length as possible.
Engine System Integration
The starter circuit includes the starter battery, alternator (with its main fuse), and starter motor. The Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC converters receive power from the starter battery positive (via 60A fuses) and their negative inputs connect to the starter motor's negative terminal.
AC Power Management
Incoming AC power from shore or a generator connects via a 16A inlet. This power passes through an AC breaker box, potentially a change-over switch, before reaching the MultiPlus AC IN-1 terminal. The AC IN-1 connection requires protection by a circuit breaker rated at 50A maximum, with appropriate cable sizing recommended based on the power source and cable length.
The MultiPlus provides two AC outputs: AC OUT-1 is a non-break output, always powered when the MultiPlus is active. AC OUT-2 is a switched output that becomes active 2 minutes after AC input is detected. Both outputs require MCB/RCD protection, and cable sizing recommendations are provided.
Important Safety Note: 230V AC is extremely hazardous. Do not touch live parts. Consult a Victron dealer if unsure.
Monitoring and Control Device Connections
BMV-712 Smart: Connects via a shunt. Positive terminals are B1 (from battery busbar via 1A fuse) and B2 (from starter battery positive via 1A fuse for voltage sensing). Negative connects to the shunt's negative terminal.
SmartShunt: Connects via a shunt. Positive terminals are Vbatt+ (from battery busbar via 1A fuse) and Aux (from starter battery positive via 1A fuse for voltage sensing). Negative connects to the shunt's negative terminal.
VE.Bus Smart Dongle: Connects to a VE.Bus port on the MultiPlus. Positive power comes from a 1A fuse on the Victron positive busbar. Negative connects to a small negative busbar.
Cerbo GX: Connects to a VE.Bus port on the MultiPlus. Positive power from a 1A fuse on the Victron positive busbar. Negative connects to the small negative busbar. It also connects to the GX Touch 50 display via HDMI and USB. VE.Direct cables connect it to the SmartShunt and Smart Solar MPPT.
GX Touch 50: Connects to the Cerbo GX via HDMI and USB.
Solar Integration
The Smart Solar MPPT 100|50 receives power from the solar array via a PV breaker/isolator. Its DC output connects to the second Mega fuse holder (60A) and its VE.Direct port connects to the Cerbo GX (in Smart Version-2).
Software Settings and System Management
It is recommended to keep all Victron devices updated with the latest firmware. The VictronConnect app is the primary tool for setting up, monitoring, and updating most devices, including the Smart Shunt, BMV-712 Smart, VE.Bus Smart Dongle, Smart Solar MPPT, and Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC chargers. The Cerbo GX can be updated via internet or microSD/USB. The MultiPlus can be configured using the MK3-USB interface with VEConfigure software or the VictronConnect App.
The Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) portal and app allow for remote system monitoring and management via an internet connection, providing valuable insights and alarm notifications.
Practical Advice and Maintenance
Wiring Calculations: For precise cable sizing, Victron recommends using the "Cable Calc" tool within the Victron Toolkit app, available for Android and iPhone users.
Wiring Resources: The "Wiring Unlimited" book, available for download from the Victron website, provides comprehensive guidance on electrical wiring for such systems.
Long-Term Parking: To prevent battery drain, set the MultiPlus to "charger only" mode. Solar panels can help maintain battery charge when parked in sunlight.
Winterizing: Ensure batteries are fully charged before storage. Switch off the MultiPlus and main switch. Periodically check battery status. A Victron maintenance charger can be used for winter storage, monitored via the VRM app/website.
Victron Equipment List
| Victron Part Description | Part No. | Amount | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Monitor BMV-712 Smart | BAM030712000 (R) | 1 | |
| Battery switch on/off 275A | VBS127010010 | 1 | |
| Blue Sea ANL Pre-Main fuse holders for the SuperPack HC Li batteries | 5005 | 3 | |
| Blue Sea ANL 150A Main fuse | 5127 | 3 | |
| Blue Sea Mini Busbar - 5 Gang with Cover | 2314 | 1 | |
| Breaker box PV with DC breaker isolator for solar Array | 1 | Order from your Victron dealer | |
| Breaker box MultiPlus AC OUT-1 & AC OUT-2 | 1 | Order from your Victron dealer | |
| Breaker box MultiPlus AC Shore power Input and AC Generator power Input | 1 | Order from your Victron dealer | |
| Busbar 600A 4P + cover | VBB160040010 | 2 | |
| Busbar 600A 8P + cover | VBB160080010 | 1 | |
| Busbar to connect 5 Modular fuse holders for Mega-fuse CIP100200100 (500 A) | CIP100400060 | 1 | |
| Change Over Switch between AC Shore and AC Generator power with Off position, routing AC power to MultiPlus AC IN-1 (if needed) | 1 | Order from your Victron dealer | |
| Cerbo GX | BPP900450100 | 1 | |
| Digital Multi Control 200/200A GX | DMC000200010R | 1 | |
| Dual Terminal Stud M8-linked set (1 red/1 black) | VBB413020010 | 1 Set of 2 | |
| Fuse holder 2AG or 5x20mm by Little Fuse including fuses if needed | 150 series | 7 | Order on line or from your Victron dealer |
| Fuse holder for MEGA-fuse (Orion Tr inputs) | CIP000100001 | 2 | |
| GX Touch 50 Display | BPP900455050 | 1 | |
| Lithium SuperPack Batteries 12,8V/100Ah High current HC | BAT512110710 | 3 | |
| MEGA-fuse 60A/32V (package of 5 pcs) | CIP136060010 | 1 | |
| MEGA-fuse 100A/32V (package of 5 pcs) | CIP136100010 | 1 | |
| MEGA-fuse 400A/32V (package of 5 pcs) | CIP136400010 | 1 | |
| Modular fuse holder for Mega-fuse (1 till 5) | CIP100200100 | 5 | |
| MultiPlus 12/3000/120-16 230V | PMP122300001 | 1 | |
| Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A non Isolated DC-DC charger | ORI121236140 | 2 | |
| Power Inlet 16A stainless steel with cover | SHP 301602000 | 1 | |
| Power Cord 15m 16A for shore power inlet | SHP 302501500 | 1 | |
| SmartShunt 500A/50mV | SHU050150050 | 1 | |
| SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 | SCC110050210 | 1 | |
| VE.Bus cables: from Multiplus to: Cerbo or VE.Bus Smart Dongle or Digital Multi Control and from Cerbo to DMC | 0 | Cable lengths not known | |
| VE.Bus Smart dongle | ASS030537010 | 1 | |
| VE.Direct cables: from MPPT to Cerbo, from Smart Shunt to Cerbo. | 0 | Cable lengths not known |
