Reduce Current Draw Demand for Charging Batteries

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Ken Davis asked Feb 19, '24

Reduce Current Draw Demand for Charging Batteries

I have a Cerbo GX controller on my Airstream trailer that allows me to charge and manage my batteries and my power inverter and my solar installation.

My truck has an 2,000 watt inverter so in a pinch I can actually use that to charge the battery. The trouble is the when the batteries are low they draw about 2,200 watts to charge which trips the breaker on my inverter.

Is there a way I can limit the draw current for charging the batteries to be something less than 2,000 watts. 1,500 or even 1,000 watts would be optimal as the batteries would still charge in a fairly short amount of time.

charge current limit

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Modifications Space

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Answer 1 · 2024-02-19T05:28:46Z

JohnC answered · Feb 19 at 05:28 AM

Hi @Ken Davis

You don't give much info on the kit you're using, presumably a Multiplus or Quattro. You can tell those how much ac current to accept via the Cerbo..

This is a 230V Multi set for 10A ac. There's a lower limit that applies, but you should be ok, even if you're 120V ac.

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Ken Davis commented · Feb 24 at 12:47 AM

Yes, mine is a Multiplus. However, when I try to adjust the screen you mention I get the error saying that this setting is disabled by remote. What's the easiest way for me to enable this?

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JohnC ♦ Ken Davis commented · Feb 24 at 03:25 AM

@Ken Davis

You'll need to download VEConfigure to a pc. See victron website. If you don't have internet you'll also need a MK3 to usb adaptor. All that for one tickbox..

If you sometimes use a genset, tick Dynamic Current Limiter too (it's like a soft-start for gensets).

The lowest Input Current Limit you'll be able to set on your Multi is 7.5A.

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Answer 2 · 2024-02-19T05:34:28Z

nickdb answered · Feb 19 at 05:34 AM

The multi's also have a DC charge limit, which you can restrict via victron connect or veconfigure (requires a mk3 adapter or remote VRM access). This only limits the charge from the inverter and does not affect other DC sources.

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