Victron Energy System Wiring Diagram and Component Overview
System Architecture
This document outlines a comprehensive power system designed by Victron Energy, integrating various components for efficient energy management, storage, and distribution. The diagram illustrates the interconnections between battery management, solar charging, AC power conversion, and system monitoring.
Core System Components
VE.Bus BMS NG
The VE.Bus BMS NG serves as the primary Battery Management System for the lithium battery bank. It communicates with other Victron components via the VE.Bus protocol. Key features include:
- Communication: Connects via VE.Bus to Cerbo GX and MultiPlus.
- Power Input: Receives system power.
- Signals: Manages pre-alarm, load disconnect, and charge disconnect signals.
- Grounding: Features no direct BMS negative connection to prevent ground loops; ground is established through the VE.Bus UTP cable.
Cerbo GX
The Cerbo GX acts as the central hub for system monitoring and control. It integrates data from various sources and provides a unified interface.
- Connectivity:
- VE.Bus connection to VE.Bus BMS NG.
- VE.Direct connections to SmartSolar MPPT and BMV-712 Smart.
- Ethernet port for network connectivity (e.g., VRM Portal).
- Connection to GX Touch 50 display.
GX Touch 50
A user-friendly touch screen display that connects to the Cerbo GX, providing local monitoring and configuration capabilities for the entire system.
MultiPlus 1600VA/12V DC/230V AC Inverter/Charger
This unit converts DC battery power to 230V AC and can also charge batteries from an AC source. It is a key component for providing AC power to loads.
- Functionality: Inverter, charger, and PowerAssist capabilities.
- VE.Bus Communication: Connects to VE.Bus BMS NG and Cerbo GX.
- DC Connection: Connects to the main DC positive and negative busbars.
- AC Connection: Feeds the AC distribution panel.
- PowerAssist: Can supplement output power by 1.3 kW.
Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30 DC/DC Charger
This non-isolated DC/DC charger is used to charge the starter battery from the main DC system or alternator.
- Function: Charges the 12V starter battery.
- Connections: Links to the starter battery and the alternator system (via starter positive and ignition).
- Control: Features a charge relay (K1).
Energy Storage
Lithium Battery Bank
The primary energy storage consists of two Victron Energy NG-LiFePO4 12.8V-150Ah lithium batteries connected in parallel. These provide high capacity and efficient energy storage.
- Connection: Positive terminals to the main DC positive busbar; negative terminals pass through the BMV shunt to the central negative busbar.
- Cable Management: Emphasis is placed on keeping positive and negative battery cables of equal length for optimal performance.
Starter Battery
A standard 12V-100Ah battery is used for starting the engine and powering essential vehicle electronics.
- Connections: Linked to the Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC charger and the vehicle's alternator.
Charging and Monitoring Systems
SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 100/30
This solar charge controller efficiently converts solar energy into usable power for the battery bank.
- Function: Maximizes solar energy harvest.
- PV Connection: Connects to the PV Array via a PV Breaker and Isolator.
- Battery Connection: Connects to the main DC busbars.
- System Integration: Communicates with the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct.
BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor
Provides detailed monitoring of the battery bank's state of charge, voltage, current, and power.
- Shunt: Mounted directly on the central negative busbar for accurate current measurement.
- System Integration: Connects to the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct.
- Ancillary Connections: Includes connections for pre-alarm and auxiliary power.
Smart BatteryProtect 220
This device protects DC loads from over-discharge by disconnecting them when the battery voltage falls below a safe level.
- Function: Load disconnection based on battery voltage.
- Connections: Placed between the DC distribution and loads, with connections for pre-alarm and auxiliary power.
Power Distribution and Protection
DC Distribution
The DC distribution system includes a main positive busbar and a central negative busbar, facilitating the connection of various components and providing protection.
- Busbars: Main Positive Busbar and Central Negative Busbar.
- Protection Devices: Features fuses such as ANL, MEGA, and Class-T (e.g., 175A), as well as thermal circuit breakers (e.g., 40A, 60A).
- Circuit Connections: Dedicated connections for BMS (2A fuse), BMV (1A fuse), MPPT, loads, and battery banks.
AC Distribution
The AC distribution panel manages AC power from the Multiplus and shore power.
- Protection: Equipped with MCB/RCD units for safety.
- Loads: Includes circuits for 'No Break load-1' and 'No Break load-2', and a 'Small Geyser'.
- Shore Power: Features a 230V Shore Power Connection, with a recommendation for an Isolation Transformer or Galvanic Isolator.
Main Switches
Three main switches (Main Switch-1, Main Switch-2, Main Switch-3) are incorporated to isolate major DC circuits for maintenance or safety.
VE.Bus Mains Detector
This unit, integrated within the AC distribution box, detects the presence of AC mains power and communicates this status to the VE.Bus BMS NG.
Engine System Integration
Alternator
A 12V-80A Alternator is part of the engine system, providing charging current to the starter battery and potentially the main DC system via the Orion-Tr Smart charger.
- Connections: Linked to the starter motor and the Orion-Tr Smart DC/DC charger.
Important Notes and Warnings
Cable Management
Critical Note: "KEEP POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES ALL AT THE SAME LENGTH !" and "KEEP NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES ALL AT THE SAME LENGTH !" for the lithium battery bank. This ensures balanced charging and discharging.
Grounding Principles
- The primary case ground of inverter/chargers (e.g., Multiplus) must connect to the Central Negative Busbar of the DC system.
- When operating in inverter mode, the Neutral output of an inverter/charger must be connected to ground to ensure proper GFCI/RCD functionality.
- For split-phase supplies, the Neutral must also be grounded.
230V Safety Warning
WARNING: 230 VOLT IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. DO NOT TOUCH ANY LIVE WIRED PARTS OF THE INSTALLATION! WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VICTRON DEALER !
MultiPlus Recommendations
- AC Output Cable/Breaker Size: Recommended for PowerAssist operation, with an Earth leakage device or combi MCB/RCD on the output. Cable size must be adjusted accordingly.
- DC Cable/Fuse Size: Recommendations provided (e.g., 50SQmm for 0-5m cable length, 200A internal fuse size). Cable length is defined as the total distance between battery and Multiplus connections.
- AC Input Cable/Breaker Size: AC IN must be protected by a circuit breaker rated at 16A max or less, adjusted based on the connected power source.