BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controllers

Understanding Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

The diagram illustrates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). The upper curve shows output current (I) versus output voltage (V) for a solar panel. The point labeled 'Pmax' represents the Maximum Power Point (MPP), where the product of I and V is maximized. The lower curve shows output power (P = I x V) as a function of output voltage (V). It indicates that for a PWM controller, the solar panel's output voltage is close to the battery voltage and lower than Vmp, whereas an MPPT controller optimizes to the Vmp to achieve maximum power.

Key Concept: MPPT controllers maximize the power harvested from a solar array by dynamically adjusting the panel's operating voltage to match the Maximum Power Point (MPP).

Feature Highlights Common to All Models

• Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
• Advanced Maximum Power Point Detection in case of partial shading conditions.
• Outstanding conversion efficiency.
• Natural convection cooling.
• Automatic battery voltage recognition.
• Flexible charge algorithm.
• Over temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.

Sizing Options

• Suitable for a variety of battery voltages: Most models connect to 12, 24, and 48V batteries; some models are limited to 12/24V or only 48V batteries.
• Charge current ratings from 10A up to 100A.
• Maximum PV array Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) voltages ranging from 75V up to 250V.
• Multiple chargers can be used in parallel for large systems. Models with a VE.Can communication port are recommended for such configurations.

PV Terminal Options

• TR: One positive and one negative screw terminal.
• MC4: 3 pairs of paralleled MC4 connectors.

Bluetooth Options

• SmartSolar models feature built-in Bluetooth.
• BlueSolar models do not have Bluetooth but can be retrofitted by connecting the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. This provides an advantage as the product is not accessible via Bluetooth when the dongle is disconnected. Bluetooth can be disabled on SmartSolar models.

Display and Connectivity Options

• VictronConnect Application: Connects via Bluetooth or the VE.Direct-USB interface.
• MPPT Control: Connects to all models via a VE.Direct cable.
• SmartSolar Control Display: Plugs directly into the housing of larger models.
• GX Device: For advanced monitoring and control.
• VRM Website: Accessible with a GX monitoring device.

Communication Ports

• VE.Direct: Available on all models.
• VE.Direct and VE.Can: Available on limited models. VE.Can is particularly suitable for systems with multiple solar chargers, allowing them to be daisy-chained using a single RJ45 cable.

Temperature Sensor Options

• Internal: Integrated sensor in all models.
• External: Via the Smart Battery Sense accessory (SmartSolar models only).

Load Output Options

• Physical Output: Available on 10A, 15A, and 20A models.
• Virtual Output: Configured via the VE.Direct TX digital output cable, controllable with a BatteryProtect or a solid-state relay.

Remote Enabling and Disabling

• Larger units feature standard Victron remote on/off terminals.
• Models without onboard remote terminals can be controlled remotely using the VE.Direct non-inverting remote on/off cable (ASS030550310). Note that this cable occupies the VE.Direct port.

Firmware Update Options

• Local Updates: Via the VictronConnect Application (Bluetooth or USB-VE.Direct interface).
• Remote Updates: Via the VRM website when connected to a GX device.

Optional Accessories

• VictronConnect Application: Free download for configuration and monitoring.
• Wire Boxes: For terminal protection and organization.
• Control and Display Panels: MPPT Control or SmartSolar Control for local interface.
• GX Monitoring Devices: Such as CCGX, Venus GX, or Octo GX for system management.
• Data Cables: VE.Direct cable, RJ45 Cable (for VE.Can models), USB-VE.Direct interface.
• External Control Cables: TX cable, non-inverting cable for remote control.
• Bluetooth Dongle: For retrofitting Bluetooth to non-SmartSolar models.

Victron Energy B.V. | De Paal 35 | 1351 JG Almere | The Netherlands

General phone: +31 (0)36 535 97 00 | E-mail: sales@victronenergy.com

www.victronenergy.com