victron energy 100-240VAC Blue Smart IP65 Charger Instruction Manual

100-240VAC Blue Smart IP65 Charger
Instruction Manual

Safety instructions

WARNING: CAREFULLY READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

• Ensure the area around the battery and charger is properly ventilated

• Do not cover or place any objects on top of the charger.

• Do not place the charger on top of the battery.

• Ensure that there are no sparks or ignition sources near the battery; batteries can emit explosive gasses while being charged.

• Battery acid is corrosive; if battery acid comes into contact with the skin immediately rinse with water.

• Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable or frozen batteries.

• The charger must not be used by children or people who cannot read and understand the instruction manual unless they are under strict supervision of a responsible person to ensure the charger is used safely.Store and use the charger out of the reach of children.

• The charger must be connected in the following order:
  1. Connect the DC cable to the battery terminal that is not connected to the chassis
  2. Connect the remaining DC cable to the chassis, away from the battery and any fuel lines/sources
  3. Connect the AC power cable to a mains power outlet

• After charging, the charger must the disconnected in the following order (reverse of the connection order):
  1. Disconnect the AC power cable from the mains power outlet
  2. Disconnect the DC cable that is connected to the chassis
  3. Disconnect the DC cable connected to the battery terminal

• Connection to the mains supply must be in accordance with local electrical regulations. In case the AC power cable is damaged, contact the manufacturer or a service agent.

• The default charge preset (‘Normal’ mode) and adaptive charge logic is well suited for most common battery types; such as flooded lead-acid, AGM, and Gel. Selection of ‘Li-ion’ charge mode and advanced configuration with user-defined settings is possible using the VictronConnect app and a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet).

• It is possible to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, providing that the combined battery capacity is within the recommended battery capacity limits for the particular charger – see section 8 ‘Technical specifications.

Quick start guide

1. Connect the DC cables to the battery or batteries; ensure that there is a good electrical connection and keep the terminals away from any surrounding objects that could cause a short circuit.
   

2. Connect the AC power cable to a mains power outlet; the ’12V’ (green) and ‘6V’ (yellow) LEDs will briefly illuminate when the blue smart charger is powered up. The battery voltage is automatically detected and set prior to the test stage (based on the voltage of the battery connected); when the ’12V’ (green) or ‘6V’ (yellow) LED is blinking fast, the battery voltage has been automatically set and the charger is in test or bulk stage.
   Note that for severely depleted batteries, automatic battery voltage detection may be incorrect; in this case the battery voltage must be manually set using the VictronConnect app and a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet). If the ’12V’ (green) and ‘6V’ (yellow) LEDs are blinking slow the charger is in standby mode and cannot detect the presence of a battery; in this case the AC mains power source should be disconnected before checking the DC wiring/connections and rectifying the issue.
   If the ‘reverse polarity’ (red) LED is illuminated a reverse polarity DC connection has been detected; in this case the AC mains power source should be disconnected before checking the DC wiring/connections and rectifying the polarity.

3. Configure the charge settings as required for the battery type and capacity; using the VictronConnect app, review and select the appropriate ‘Battery voltage’, ‘Charge preset’ and ‘Maximum charge current’ (standard or low) directly from the settings page – see section 5.2 ‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information. The charger will automatically store the selected settings and recall it for future charge cycles (even after being disconnected from power).
   Note: The default charge preset (‘Normal’ mode) and adaptive charge logic is well suited for most common battery types; such as flooded lead-acid, AGM and Gel. For these battery types, settings configuration with the VictronConnect app may not be necessary.
   

4. When the ’12V’ (green) or ‘6V’ (yellow) LED is blinking slow the charger has moved into absorption stage (bulk stage is complete); the battery will be approximately 80% charged (or >95% for Li-ion batteries) and may be returned into service if required.

5. When the ’12V’ (green) or ‘6V’ (yellow) LED is illuminated the charger has moved into float stage (absorption stage is complete); the battery will be fully (100%) charged and is ready to be returned into service.

6. Disconnect the AC power cable from the mains power outlet at any time to stop charging.

Features

a. Bluetooth setup and monitoring (Using VictronConnect) Easily set up, monitor or update the charger firmware using the VictronConnect app and a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet).
b. Multi-stage charge algorithm The multi-stage charge algorithm is specifically engineered to optimize each recharge cycle and charge maintenance over extended periods.
c. Adaptive absorption monitors the battery’s response during initial charging and intelligently determines the appropriate absorption duration for each individual charge cycle. This ensures that the battery is fully recharged regardless of the discharge level or capacity and avoids excessive time at the elevated absorption voltage (that can accelerate battery aging).
d. Temperature compensation Charge voltage is automatically compensated depending on the ambient temperate; this ensures that the battery is charged at the optimal charge voltage regardless of the climate and avoids the need for manual settings adjustments. Temperature compensation is not required and is automatically disabled when in LI-ION charge mode.
e. Durable and safe
i. Engineered to provide years of trouble-free and dependable operation in all usage conditions
ii. Protection against overheating: output current will be reduced if the charger temperature increases to 50°C
iii. Protection against short circuit: If a short circuit condition is detected the ’12V’ (green) and ‘6V’ (orange) LEDs will blink fast
iv. Protection against reverse polarity connection: If the charger is incorrectly connected to a battery with reverse polarity the ‘reverse polarity’ LED will illuminate
v. Protection against ingress of dust and water/liquid
f. Silent operation Charger operation is totally silent: there is no cooling fan or moving parts.
g. Lithium Ion compatible Compatible with Li-ion (LiFePO₄) batteries; when the integrated LI-ION charge mode is selected the charge cycle settings are altered to suit. If the charger is connected to a battery where voltage protection (UVP) has tripped, the blue smart charger range will automatically reset UVP and start charging; many other chargers will not recognize a battery in this state. Warning: Never charge a Li-ion battery when its temperature is below 0°C.
h. Storage stage An additional stage to extend battery life whilst the battery is unused and on continuous charge.
i. Recondition stage An optional stage that can partially recover/reverse lead acid battery degradation due to sulfation; typically caused by inadequate charging or if the battery is left in a deeply discharged state.
j. Low current mode An optional mode that limits the maximum charge current to a significantly reduced level; is recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high current charger.
k. Recovery function The blue smart charger range will attempt to recharge a severely discharged battery (even down to 0V) with low current and then resume normal charging once the battery voltage has risen sufficiently – many other chargers will not recognize a battery in this state.
l. Power supply mode A specific mode to use the charger as a DC power supply; to power equipment at a constant voltage with or without a battery connected.

Operation

4.1. Charge algorithm
The Victron blue smart charger range is intelligent multi-stage battery charger, specifically engineered to optimize each recharge cycle and charge maintenance over extended periods.
The multi-stage charge algorithm includes the individual charge stages described below:

1. Test
   Before the charge cycle commences the battery is tested to determine if it will accept charge, even if the battery is fully discharged (close to 0V open circuit voltage) it may successfully accept charge. The test stage will continue until a charge pulse is able to increase the battery voltage above 12.5V (6.25V for a 6V battery) or 2 minutes have elapsed.
   If there is a clear issue such as reverse polarity connection, a short circuit or if the charger is connected to a higher voltage battery, the battery will be rejected, and an error will be indicated; in this case the AC mains power source should be disconnected before checking the DC wiring/connections and rectifying the issue. A reverse polarity connection will cause the ‘reverse polarity’ LED to be illuminated, all other error states are indicated by the ’12V’ (green) and ‘6V’ (orange) LEDs blinking fast.

2. Bulk
   The battery is charged at maximum charge current until the voltage increases to the configured absorption voltage. The bulk stage duration is dependent on the battery’s level of discharge, the battery capacity and the charge current. Once the bulk stage is complete, the battery will be approximately 80% charged (or >95% for Li-ion batteries) and may be returned into service if required.

3. Absorption
   The battery is charged at the configured absorption voltage, with the charge current slowly decreasing as the battery approaches full charge. The default absorption stage duration is adaptive and intelligently varied depending on the battery’s level of discharge – this is determined from the duration of the bulk charge stage. Adaptive absorption stage duration can vary between a minimum of 30 minutes, up to a maximum limit of 8 hours (or as configured) for a deeply discharged battery. Alternatively, fixed absorption duration can be selected; fixed absorption duration is the automatic default when Li-ion mode is selected.
   The absorption stage can also be ended early based on the tail current condition (if enabled), which is when the charge current drops below the tail current threshold.

4. Recondition
   The battery voltage is attempted to be increased to the configured recondition voltage, while the charger output current is regulated to 8% of the nominal charge current (for example – 1.2A maximum for a 15A charger). Recondition is an optional charge stage for lead acid batteries and not recommended for regular/cyclic use – use only if required, as unnecessary or overuse will reduce battery life due to excessive gassing.
   The higher charge voltage during reconditioning stage can partially recover/reverse battery degradation due to sulfation, typically caused by inadequate charging or if the battery is left in a deeply discharged state for an extended period (if performed in time).
   The recondition stage may also be applied to flooded batteries occasionally to equalize individual cell voltages and prevent acid stratification. Recondition stage is terminated as soon as the battery voltage increases to the configured recondition voltage or after a maximum duration of 1 hour (or as configured). Note that in certain conditions it is possible for the recondition state to end before the configured recondition voltage is achieved, such as when the charger is simultaneously powering loads
   if the battery was not fully charged before recondition stage commenced, if the recondition duration is too short (set to less than one hour) or if the charger output current is insufficient in proportion to the capacity of the battery/battery bank.

5. Float
   The battery voltage is maintained at the configured float voltage to prevent discharge. Once float stage is commenced the battery is fully charged and ready for use. The float stage duration is also adaptive and varied between 4 to 8 hours depending on the duration of the absorption charge stage, at which point the charger determines the battery to be in the storage stage.

6.   Storage
   The battery voltage is maintained at the configured storage voltage, which is slightly reduced compared to the float voltage to minimize gassing and extend battery life whilst the battery is unused and on continuous charge.

7. Refresh
   To refresh the battery and prevent slow self-discharge while in storage stage over an extended period, a 1-hour absorption charge will automatically occur every 7 days (or as configured).

The three indicator LEDs can be used to determine the charger state; refer to the table below:

4.2. Temperature compensation
The Victron blue smart charger range will automatically compensate the configured charge voltage based on ambient temperature (except for Li-ion mode or if manually disabled).
The optimal charge voltage of a lead acid battery varies inversely with battery temperature; automatic temperature-based charge voltage compensation avoids the need for special charge voltage settings in hot or cold environments.
During power up the charger will measure its internal temperature and use that temperature as the reference for temperature compensation, however, the initial temperature measurement is limited to 25°C as it’s unknown if the charger is still warm from earlier operation. Since the charger generates some heat during operation, the internal temperature measurement is only used dynamically if the internal temperature measurement is considered reliable; when the charge current has decreased to a low/negligible level and adequate time has elapsed for the charger’s temperature to stabilize.
The configured charge voltage is related to a nominal temperature of 25°C and linear temperature compensation occurs between the limits of 6°C and 50°C based on the default temperature compensation coefficient of -16.2mV/°C (-32.4mV/°C for 24V chargers / -8.1mV/°C for 6V chargers) or as configured. The temperature compensation coefficient is specified in mV/°C and applies to the entire battery/battery bank (not per battery

4.3. Commencing a new charge cycle
A new charge cycle will commence when:

1. The bulk stage is complete and the current output increases to the maximum charge current for four seconds (due to a simultaneously connected load)
2. If the re-bulk current is configured; the current output exceeds the re-bulk current in the float or storage stage for four seconds (due to a simultaneously connected load)
3. . VictronConnect is used to select a new charge mode or change the function from ‘Power Supply’ to ‘Charger’ mode
4. The AC supply has been disconnected and reconnected

Note: In the event that the DC cables are disconnected/isolated from the battery and/or load while the charger is powered by the AC supply, it is recommended to allow 5 seconds for the charger to reinitialize before the DC cables are reconnected and a new charge cycle is commenced.

4.4. Estimating charge time
A lead acid battery is at approximately 80% state of charge (SOC) when the bulk charge stage is completed.
The bulk stage duration Tbulk can be calculated as Tbulk = Ah / I, where I is the charge current (excluding any loads) and Ah is the depleted battery capacity below 80% SOC. An absorption period Tab of up to 8 hours may be required to fully recharge a deeply discharged battery.
For example, the charge time of a fully discharged 100Ah battery when charged with a 10A charger to approximately 80% SOC is Tbulk = 100/10 = 10 hours. Including an absorption duration of Tabs = 8 hours, the total estimated charge time would be Ttotal = Tbulk + Tabs = 10 + 8 = 18 hours. A Li-ion battery is more than 95% charged at the end of the bulk stage and reaches 100% charge after approximately 30 minutes of absorption charge.

Setup

5.1. Overview
There are 3 easily selectable integrated charge modes that are suitable for most common battery types, as well as an optional recondition stage that can be included (except for Li-ion mode). Any settings made are stored and will not be lost when the charger is disconnected from mains power or the battery.
5.1.1. Charge voltage
By simply selecting the appropriate charge mode for the battery type being charged, (refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations) the voltage settings for each charge stage will be altered according to the table below:

Temperature Compensation: Charge voltage is automatically compensated depending on ambient temperature (except for Li-ion mode or if manually disabled) – see section4.2 ‘Temperature compensation for more information. The desired charge mode can be selected using the VictronConnect app – see section 5.2 ‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information.
5.1.2. Recondition mode
If enabled the recondition stage is included in the charge cycle; use only if required as a corrective/maintenance action – see section 4.1 ‘Recondition’ for more information. Recondition mode can be enabled and disabled using the VictronConnect app – see section 5.2 ‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information.
5.1.3. Low current mode
If enabled the charge current is continuously limited to a significantly reduced level (varies per model – refer to specifications) compared to the nominal charge current. Low current mode is recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high current charger, for example some lead acid batteries can overheat if charged with a current that exceeds 0.3C (more than 30% of the battery capacity in Ah). Low current mode can be enabled and disabled using the VictronConnect app – see section 5.2 ‘Using VictronConnect’ for more information.
5.2. Using VictronConnect
With the Blue Smart IP65 Charger range, selection of an integrated charge mode and other general settings must be made with a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet); using the VictronConnect app.
For further details about the VictonConnect app refer to the online user manual: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/victronconnect:start

a. Download and install the VictronConnect app. The VictronConnect app can be downloaded from the following locations:
i. Android – Google Play Store
ii. iOS/Mac – Apple App Store
b. Enable Bluetooth on the mobile phone or tablet (if not already enabled).
c. Open the VictronConnect app and look for the blue smart charger in the LOCAL page, if it doesn’t automatically appear perform a scan for devices in range by selecting the ‘scan’ button (round orange button with circular arrow) in the bottom right corner.
d. Select the blue smart charger from the local device list.

e. During initial connection a ‘Bluetooth pairing request’ prompt will appear requesting the Bluetooth PIN code; enter the default PIN code 000000.

f. Access the settings menu by selecting the ‘setting’ icon (gear) in the top right corner.

g. Select the required ‘Battery voltage’, ‘Charge preset’, and the ‘Maximum charge current’ (standard or low) directly from the settings list.

5.3. Bluetooth
5.3.1. Changing the PIN code
To prevent an unauthorized Bluetooth connection, it is highly recommended to change the default PIN code.
To change the Bluetooth PIN code:
a. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000)
b. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots).

c. Open the ‘Product info’ page by selecting ‘Product info’.

d. Beside ‘Pin code’ select ‘CHANGE’ to open the ‘Change PIN code’ window.

e. Enter the current and new PIN code (twice), then select OK; avoid using an obvious PIN code that is easy for someone else to guess, such as 111111 or 123456.

5.3.2. Resetting the PIN code
If the PIN code is forgotten or lost, it can be easily reset to the default 000000 using the VictronConnect app.
Using VictronConnect
To reset the Bluetooth PIN code:

1. Locate the blue smart charger in the LOCAL page and select the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots) on the right side of the description.

2. Select ‘Reset PIN code’ from the pop-up prompt.

3. Enter the PUK code and select ‘OK’. The PUK code is located on a label stuck to the back of the blue smart charger.

During this procedure:
a. The PIN code is reset to default (000000)
b. Any active Bluetooth connections are disconnected
c. All Bluetooth pairing information is cleared
Subsequently, before attempting to re-connect it’s also necessary to remove/clear the blue smart charger Bluetooth pairing information from any devices (mobile phones or tablets) that were previously paired.

5.3.3. Disabling Bluetooth
It is possible to totally disable Bluetooth communication if desired. Typically, there is no need to disable Bluetooth since unauthorized access is protected with a PIN code, but certain situations may warrant it for an even higher level of security.
There are two options available:
Option #1: Enabled for 30 seconds
This option allows a Bluetooth connection to made within the first 30 seconds after a power-up; enabling a firmware update to be completed or Bluetooth to be re-enabled. If  o Bluetooth connection is made within the first 30 seconds, then Bluetooth is disabled thereafter.

To disable Bluetooth:
a. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
b. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots).

c. Open the ‘Product info’ page by selecting ‘Product info’.

d. In the ‘Bluetooth’ section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Enabled for 30 seconds’.

e. Tick the checkbox and then select ‘OK’ as confirmation.

f. Bluetooth will now be disabled, except for 30 second after every power-up.

Option #2: Disabled (Permanent and Irreversible)
Note: This option will permanently disable Bluetooth; use with extreme caution, as this procedure is irreversible.

To disable Bluetooth permanently

a. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
b. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots).

c. Open the ‘Product info’ page by selecting ‘Product info’.

d. In the ‘Bluetooth’ section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Disabled’.

e. If you are sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth, tick the checkbox and then select ‘OK’.

f. A four-digit code is provided to avoid Bluetooth being permanently disabled accidentally, if you are sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth enter the code, then select ‘OK’. This is the last chance to abort; after Bluetooth has been permanently disabled it is irreversible and cannot be re- enabled later.

g. Bluetooth will now be be permanently disabled.

5.3.4. Re-enabling Bluetooth
If Bluetooth was disabled using option #2 ‘Disabled’, this is irreversible, and Bluetooth cannot be re-enabled. If Bluetooth was disabled using option #1 ‘Enabled for 30  seconds, it is possible to re-enable Bluetooth.

To re-enable Bluetooth:
a. Disconnect AC power and perform a new power-up.
b. Within the first 30 seconds after power-up (before Bluetooth is disabled), complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
c. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots).

d. Open the ‘Product info’ page by selecting ‘Product info’.

e. In the ‘Bluetooth’ section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Enabled’.

f. Bluetooth will now be re-enabled.

During this procedure:
a. Bluetooth is re-enabled
b. The PIN code is reset to default (000000)
c. Any active Bluetooth connections are disconnected
d. All Bluetooth pairing information is cleared
Subsequently, before attempting to re-connect it’s also necessary to remove/clear the blue smart charger Bluetooth pairing information from any devices (mobile phones or tablets) that were previously paired.

5.4. System reset
It is possible to perform a full system reset to restore all charger/battery- related settings to their default value; using the VictronConnect app. Note that this does not reset any Bluetooth-related settings, such as the PIN code or pairing information.

To perform a system reset:
a. Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000).
b. Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots).

c. Open the ‘restore device’ page by selecting ‘Reset to defaults.

d. Select ‘YES’ to reset all settings to factory defaults.

Monitoring

The charger operation and recharge statistics can be closely monitored live or post-charging with a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) using the ictronConnect app. There are 3 different overview screens available (STATUS, GRAPH and HISTORY), each displaying different monitoring or historical data; spanning back over the last 40 charge cycles. The desired screen can be selected by either selecting the window title or by swiping across between screens.

6.1. Status screen
The STATUS screen is the main overview screen; it displays the battery voltage, the charge current and the active charge stage. This data will update continuously and in real-time as the charge cycle progresses.

6.2. Graph screen
The GRAPH screen provides an easy-to-understand graphical representation of each charge stage with respect to battery voltage and charge current. The active charge stage is also highlighted and stated below, along with a brief explanation.

6.3. History screen
The HISTORY screen is a very powerful reference as it contains historical usage data over the charger’s lifetime and detailed statistics for the last 40 charge cycles (even if the charge cycle is only partially completed).

By selecting the full-screen view the data is displayed in landscape view with significantly more days visible at the same time.

a. Charge cycle statistics
i. Cycle Overview
Expandable bar chart showing the time spent in each charging stage and the charge capacity provided (in Ah) during each charging stage
ii. Status
Confirms if the charge cycle was successfully completed or if it was ended early/interrupted for some reason, including the reason/cause
iii. Elapsed
The elapsed/total charge cycle time
iv. Charge
Total capacity provided during the recharge stages (Bulk and Absorption)
v. Maintain
Total capacity provided during the charge maintenance stages (Float, Storage and Refresh)
vi. Type
The charge cycle mode used; either a ‘Built-in preset’ or a custom ‘Userdefined’ configuration
vii. Start
Battery voltage when charging commences
viii. Vend
Battery voltage when charging is complete (end of absorption stage)
ix. Error
Displays if any errors occurred during the charge cycle, including the error number and description

b.Charger lifetime statistics
i. Operation time
The total operation time over the lifetime of the charger
ii. Charged Ah
The total charge capacity provided over the lifetime of the charger
iii. Cycles started
The total charge cycles started over the lifetime of the charger
iv. Cycles completed
The total charge cycles completed over the lifetime of the charger
v. Cycles completed %
The percentage of charge cycles completed over the lifetime of the charger
vi. Number of power-ups
The number of times the charger has been powered up over the lifetime of the charger
vii. Number of deep discharges
The number of times the charger has recharged a deeply discharged battery over the lifetime of the charger

Advanced Configuration

In specific use cases where the integrated charge modes are not suitable/ideal for the battery type being charged or the battery manufacturer recommends specific charge parameters and fine-tuning is desired, advanced configuration is possible with a Bluetooth-enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) using the VictronConnect app. For most common battery types, advanced configuration is not required or recommended; the integrated charge modes and adaptive charge logic are typically suitable and perform very well.?

7.1. Advanced settings
The advanced settings menu enables specific configuration of charge parameters and user-defined settings to be saved and easily loaded.

To access the ‘advanced settings’ menu:
a. Access the ‘settings’ menu by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner.

b. Enable the ‘Advanced settings’ switch, then select ‘OK’.

c. Open the ‘advanced settings’ menu by selecting ‘Advanced battery settings’.

In order to edit/configure ‘advanced settings:
a. Select the ‘Battery preset’ dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘User defined.

b. ‘User defined’ configuration will now be enabled.

The settings in the ‘advanced menu’ (with ‘expert mode’ disabled) include:
a. Battery voltage
The ‘Battery voltage’ dropdown allows selection from the following options:
i. Auto
The battery voltage is automatically detected and set prior to the test stage (based on the voltage of the battery connected). Note that for severely depleted batteries, automatic battery voltage detection may be incorrect; in this case the battery voltage must be manually set.
ii. 6V
Manual selection for charging 6V batteries/systems
iii. 12V
Manual selection for charging 12V batteries/systems

b. Battery preset
The ‘Battery preset’ dropdown allows selection from the following options:
i. Built-in preset
Selection of a standard integrated pre-set (same as the general settings menu)
ii. User defined
Reselection of the last ‘user defined’ charge settings
iii. Select preset
Selection from an extended range of integrated battery charging pre-sets, including new user defined charging pre-sets
iv. Create preset
A new charging preset to be created and saved from user-defined settings
v. Edit presets
An existing preset to be edited and saved

c. Maximum charge current
The maximum charge current setting allows selection between the standard (full current) or a significantly reduced charge current limit (varies per model – refer to specifications), same as through the general settings menu.
d. Charge voltage
The charge voltage settings enable the voltage setpoint for each charge stage to be independently configured and some charge stages (recondition and float) to be disabled or enabled. The charge voltage setpoint for the following charge stages can be configured:
i. Absorption
ii. Float
iii. Storage
iv. Recondition

e. Voltage compensation
i. Temperature Compensation
The temperature compensation setting enables the charge voltage temperature compensation coefficient to be configured, or temperature compensation to be totally disabled (such as for Li-ion batteries). The temperature compensation coefficient is specified in mV/°C and applies to the entire battery/battery bank (not per battery cell).

7.2. Expert mode settings
Expert mode expands the advanced settings menu even further to include more specialized configuration settings.

To access the ‘expert mode’ menu:
a. Open the ‘advanced setting’ menu and enable ‘user defined’ configuration – see section 7.1 ‘Advanced settings for instructions.
b. Enable the ‘Expert mode’ switch, then select ‘OK’.

c. The ‘Expert mode’ menu (extension of the ‘advanced settings’ menu) will now be enabled.

The ADDITIONAL settings in the ‘advanced menu’ with ‘expert mode’ enabled include:
a. Charge voltage
i. BatterySafe
The BatterySafe setting allows the BatterySafe voltage control to be enabled or disabled. When BatterySafe is enabled, the rate of battery voltage increase during bulk stage is automatically restricted to a safe level. In cases where the battery voltage would otherwise increase at a faster rate, the charge current is consequently reduced to prevent excessive gassing.

b. Bulk
i. Bulk time limit
The bulk time limit setting restricts the maximum time the charger can spend in the bulk stage as a protection measure since the absorption voltage should have been achieved by this time. If the bulk time limit is satisfied the charger will move directly to the float stage.
ii. Re-bulk current
The re-bulk current setting is the charge current limit that will trigger a new charge cycle if exceeded during the float or storage stage, causing the charger to move back into the bulk charge stage.
Note that even when the re-bulk setting is disabled, re-bulk will still occur if the charge current is maintained at the maximum charge current for 4 seconds.

c. Absorption
i. Adaptive duration
The adaptive duration setting allows selection between an adaptive absorption time (calculated based on the bulk time/level of discharge) or a fixed absorption time.
ii. Maximum absorption time / Absorption time:
The maximum absorption time/absorption time setting enables the maximum adaptive absorption time or the fixed absorption time to be configured (depending if adaptive or fixed absorption time is selected). Note that regardless if adaptive or fixed absorption time is selected, the absorption phase can end early based on the tail current setting (if enabled).
iii. Tail current
The tail current setting enables the absorption stage to be ended early based on the charge current. If the charge current drops below the tail current threshold for one minute, the absorption stage will immediately end and the charger will move to the float or storage stage.
iv. Repeated absorption
The repeated absorption time setting enables the elapsed time between each automatic refresh charge cycle (1h absorption stage) to be configured.

d. Recondition
i. Recondition stop mode
The recondition stop mode setting allows selection between the recondition stage being ended upon the battery voltage reaching the recondition stage voltage setpoint or a fixed time period.
ii. Maximum recondition duration
The recondition time setting enables the maximum to recondition time or the fixed recondition time to be configured (depending on the recondition stop mode selected).

7.3. Power supply function
The Victron blue smart charger range are also suitable for use as a DC power supply, to power equipment without a battery connected (or while also connected to a battery). While it’s still possible to use the charger as a power supply without changing any settings, a dedicated ‘Power supply’ mode exists for this purpose/usage. If the charger will be sed as a power supply, it is recommended to activate ‘Power supply’ mode, as it will disable the internal charge logic and provide a constant DC supply voltage.

To activate power supply mode:
a. Access the ‘settings’ menu by selecting the ‘settings’ icon (gear) in the top right corner.

b. Select the ‘Function’ dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Power supply’ mode.

c. ‘Power supply’ mode will now be enabled; once activated the 12V (green) and 6V (orange) LEDs will be illuminated.

d. If required, adjust the desired output voltage and/or enable/disable low current mode.

To return the charger back to normal use as a battery charger, access the settings menu and in the ‘Function’ drop-down menu select ‘Charger’ mode again.
Note: In the event that the DC cables are disconnected/isolated from the battery and/or load while the charger is powered by the AC supply, it is necessary to allow 5 seconds for the charger to reinitialize before the DC cables are reconnected. The charger should not be used to directly power fast switching loads in power supply mode (without a battery); similarly, a minimum delay of 5 seconds is also required between load switching (on/off) events.

Technical Specifications

14.7V
Li-ion: 7.1V | 14.2V
**Charge voltage – Float| Normal: 6.9V | 13.8V High: 6.9V | 13.8V
Li-ion: Disabled
****Charge voltage – Storage| Normal: 6.6V | 13.2V High: 6.6V | 13.2V
Li-ion: 6.75V | 13.5V
Max output current – Normal mode| 1.1A
Max output current – Low current mode| 0.5A
Max battery capacity (recommended)| 32Ah
Max battery capacity – Maintenance only| 300Ah
****Min battery capacity – Normal mode| Lead-acid: 4Ah
Lithium: 2Ah
****Min battery capacity – Low current mode| Lead-acid: 1.2Ah
Lithium: 1Ah
Temperature compensation (lead-acid only)| 8mV/°C | 16mV/°C
Charge algorithm| 7-stage adaptive
Power supply mode| Yes
Back current drain| 0.1Ah/month (140uA)
Protection| Reverse polarity, output short circuit, over temperature
Operating temperature| -30 to +50°C (full rated output up to 30°C)
Humidity (non-condensing)| Max 95%
Bluetooth Power| -4dBm
Bluetooth Frequency| 2402 – 2480MHz
Enclosure
Battery connection| 1.5m red and black cable
AC connection| 1.5m cable with CEE 7/16 or AS/NZS 3112 plug
Protection category| IP65 (splash and dust proof)
Weight| 0.4kg
Dimensions (h x w x d)| 38 x 64 x 153mm
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
Automotive**| E4-10R

Warranty

This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in this product and lasts for five years from the date of the original purchase of this product. The customer must return the product together with the receipt of purchase to the point of purchase. This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from alteration, modification, improper or unreasonable use or misuse, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire, improper packing, lightning, power surges, or other cts of nature. This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting from repairs attempted by anyone unauthorized by Victron energy to make such repairs.  Victron Energy is not liable for any consequential damages arising from the use of this product. The maximum liability of Victron Energy under his limited warranty shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the product.

Appendix

10.1. Enclosure Dimensions

Dimension Drawing – IP65 Smart Charger

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