question

mei avatar image
mei asked

How do we Balance Multiple Charging Sources on a Yacht

Yacht Electrical Problems

We have multiple charging sources:

  1. Shore Power: Victron Multiplus 3kVA, 240-12V, 120Amp
  2. Solar Panels: Victron MPPT 150/45, 480W panels
  3. Genset: Direct DC, 200Amp Alternator, Balmar 614 Smart Regulator
  4. Engine: Direct DC, 80 Amp Alternator, Balmar 614 Smart Regulator

We have a Victron BMV712 Smart and a Smartguage to monitor the AGM batteries (765 AmpHr).

These have individual charging systems and we find it difficult to balance the system. Consequentially in the morning when the sun activates the solar panels the MPPT charger thinks it’s in Bulk/Absorb but the Shore Power thinks it’s on float. Some cycling occurs as the MPPT tries to take over.

We have been thinking about the priorities:

  1. When Shore Power is on the MPPT is not required
  2. When the Genset is on the MPPT is not required
  3. When the Engine is on the MPPT is not required


What can we do to balance the system?



Multiplus-IIMPPT Controllersbattery chargingoffgridalternator
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

3 Answers
dc-generators avatar image
dc-generators answered ·

Hello Mei.

You could use some automation to disengage equipment not needed when shore power is connected.

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

mei avatar image
mei answered ·

Thank you for your answer.

However we have found a switch in the Victron App, VEDirect Smart Mppt 150/45, in settings there is CHARGER ENABLED. When you switch it to Disabled we get a dialog box with

"Charger will be disabled and Battery will stop charging. This is intended for maintenance purposes only."

What exactly does this mean? Does it mean we CANNOT Disable the MPPT for a day? or a month?

What is the acceptable duration? What are the consequences if it is switched off?.

PLEASE a little feedback from Victron would be fantastic.


Regards,

Mei



2 comments
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

dc-generators avatar image dc-generators commented ·

If you disable for any duration, all it means is that the MPPT will not charge at all until enabled again.

If you have a different charger when connected to shore power then that will be able to charge in its place.

0 Likes 0 ·
amcarter333 avatar image amcarter333 dc-generators commented ·
It is a common practice among the maintenance professionals in my area to turn the MPPT solar charger/regulator OFF for various amounts of time from 1 hour to 1 or more weeks. This does not appear to harm the MPPT nor anything else.

Did you learn anything useful about balancing multiple charging sources?


0 Likes 0 ·
Michelle Konzack avatar image
Michelle Konzack answered ·

Where is the problem leaving as it is?


If the MPPT switch on in the morning and and load switched on on board, will reduce the power (and electricity bill) from the shore power.

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.