Which External Battery Charger can talk to Venus system?

DIY
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1

Did Victron ever produce an AC external battery charger? Something that can integrate with and talk to the Venus system?

2

I am surprised you didn’t find this until now on Victron Energy website…

3

Hi @Logic28,

Victron has 3 external AC battery chargers which can communicate to a GX device.

Skylla-i IP21

Smart IP43 Charger

Skylla IP65

They are limited to 12V and 24V applications.

There is a common question for 48V models, but for those you need to use a MultiPlus or Quattro for now - maybe some day.

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4

I did and I also viewed the new model presentation video last week but they all seem to be 12/24v apart from the Skylla-TG and their prices are higher than purchasing another MP2.
I was thinking of something more along the lines of the Smart IP43 but for 48V

5

Thanks, Stewart, I was thinking of something more along the lines of the Smart IP43 but for 48V, smaller and more economical, I run two MP2s in parallel but, as I discover, I can only use them for charging when in grid mode whereas I want to stay off-grid and slow charge from a small generator when the PV is in poor sunlight. For the price of a Skylla-TG, I can almost purchase two MP2s.

6

Right, the economics of scale mean you almost get the inverter for free because we can build so many 48V Multis, compared to a very similar bill of materials for just the charger.

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7

Indeed…
Transformer and high current rectifying diodes for a charger.
But instead of high current diodes, use high power FETs that also have inside high power diodes.
And the price difference between diodes and FETs is negligible compared with the other components.
But now the current can flow in the other direction as well.
And, voila, an inverter has been born… :wink: :smile:

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