Multi RS Solar

Besides the usual uninterruptible output (AC-out-1), an auxiliary output (AC-out-2) is available that disconnects its load in the event of battery-only operation. Example: an electric boiler that is allowed to operate only if the AC input is available. There are several applications for AC-out-2.

The product can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the AC input. Therefore a maximum current can be set. The product then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current for charging purposes.

This feature takes the principle of PowerControl to a further dimension allowing the product to supplement the capacity of the alternative source. Where peak power is often required only for a limited period, the product will make sure that insufficient AC input power is immediately compensated for by power from the battery. When the load reduces, the spare power is used to recharge the battery.

The Multi RS can provide throughput of up to 50 A to the loads. The AC input relays are limited to 50 A (Multi RS - 2 tracker), and the inverter can contribute up to 25 A continuous at best conditions (when it gets hotter this figure will be reduced).

This power comes from either the battery and/or the DC PV (the DC PV power also has to go through the inverter before it reaches the AC loads).

All programmable settings and grid-interactive setpoints for this product can be changed with either a mobile phone or computer (Windows requires VE.Direct to USB dongle), using the free VictronConnect software available on the App Store of your device, or www.victronenergy.com.

The product is equipped with a programmable relay. The relay can be programmed for different applications, for example as a starter relay.

The product is equipped with 2 analog/digital input/output ports.

These ports can be used for several purposes. One application is communication with the allow-to-charge and allow-to-discharge BMS controls of a lithium-ion battery.

See appendix.

The ideal solution when the product is part of a hybrid system (AC input, inverter/chargers, storage battery, and alternative energy). The built-in battery monitor can be set to open and close the relay:

Outstanding inverter/charger efficiency - Maximum efficiency of 96%. The inverter is short circuit proof and protected against overheating, whether due to overload or high ambient temperature.

Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) - Especially in case of a clouded sky, when light intensity is changing continuously, a fast MPPT algorithm will improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM charge controllers and by up to 10% compared to slower MPPT controllers.

Advanced Maximum Power Point Detection in case of partial shading conditions - If partial shading occurs, two or more maximum power points may be present on the power-voltage curve. Conventional MPPTs tend to lock to a local MPP, which may not be the optimum MPP. The innovative SmartSolar algorithm will always maximize energy harvest by locking to the optimum MPP.

When external PV inverters are connected to the output of the inverter, excess solar energy is used to recharge the batteries. Once the battery absorption voltage is reached, charge current will reduce by shifting the output frequency higher. This frequency shift is automatic and does not require configuration on the Multi RS Solar, though the AC PV inverter may require additional configuration.

This feature is used for battery over charge protection and solar assist.

The Multi RS Solar does not allow complete charging of the battery from an AC PV inverter to fully 100% State of Charge.

That is a safety precaution to prevent overcharging of the battery when the AC PV output cannot be adjusted quickly enough to prevent a system shutdown, so when charging from AC PV, there is some capacity left in the battery remaining to absorb this surplus.

To complete a full charge from solar, connect PV to the internal MPPT solar charger, or another DC MPPT.

High peak power - The inverter is able to supply a maximum AC output power to a peak 9000W or 50A AC, for 3 seconds. This supports smooth operation for motor start up and other demanding surge loads.

Continuous power output, with solar boost - Continuous output power at 25C t ambient, at 52VDC, is 5300W. When combined with solar power from the built-in MPPT this increases approximately 10% to 5800W.

Isolated PV connections for additional safety - Full galvanic isolation between PV and battery connections provide additional overall system safety.

Temperature Protected - Over-temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.

VE.Direct port and two VE.Can ports

The Multi RS Solar only supports a data connection to a GX device (i.e Cerbo GX) via the VE.Can port, and not the VE.Direct port. The VE.Direct port can be used to connect a GlobalLink 520 for remote data monitoring, or USB to VE.Direct dongle for VictronConnect access on a Windows computer.

Device Display

A 4 line LCD back-lit display shows operational information including battery levels, solar yield, and system icons.

User I/O connector:                                                                          

Bluetooth Smart built-in

The wireless solution to set-up, monitor and update the controller using Apple and Android smartphones, tablets or other compatible devices.

Configuring and monitoring with VictronConnect

Configure with the VictronConnect app. Available for iOS, Android devices, as well as macOS and Windows computers. A VE.Direct to USB accessory is required for Windows systems; enter VictronConnect in the search box on our website and see the VictronConnect download page for details.

The batteries can be charged by solar energy using the built-in MPPT solar controller, a compatible AC supply connected to the AC input, or an AC PV grid inverter connected to the AC output. The built-in MPPT has a power limit of 6000 W total - 3000 W per tracker. If an additional PV grid inverter is connected (max 5000W), the maximum total charging current is limited to 100A. The maximum charging current of 100A is reduced if battery voltage goes above 60V. A custom maximum charge current value can also be defined by the installer in VictronConnect. If using a PV grid inverter, it will only charge the battery to ~95%.

The charger algorithm is the same as for the BlueSolar MPPT solar controllers. This provides built-in battery preset parameters, and allows for expert mode to define additional charging parameters.

Adaptive three step charging

The Charge Controller is configured for a three step charging process: Bulk – Absorption – Float.

A regular equalization charge can also be programmed.

Bulk- During this stage the controller delivers as much charge current as possible to rapidly recharge the batteries.

Absorption - When the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage setting, the controller switches to constant voltage mode. When only shallow discharges occur the absorption time is kept short in order to prevent overcharging of the battery. After a deep discharge the absorption time is automatically increased to make sure that the battery is completely recharged.

Additionally, the absorption period is also ended when the charge current decreases to less than 2A.

Float - During this stage, float voltage is applied to the battery to maintain a fully charged state.

Optional external voltage and temperature sensor

Wired connections are available for battery voltage and temperature sensing. The Solar Charger uses these measurements to optimize its charge parameters. The accuracy of the data it transmits will improve battery charging efficiency, and prolong battery life.

The Smart Battery Sense and other VE.Smart networking features are not currently supported.

Remote on-off input

Remote L functions as ‘allow to charge’ in case lithium battery is selected and remote H functions as ‘allow to discharge’. Use smallBMS for the RS with Victron lithium batteries.

Programmable relay

Can be programmed (with a smartphone) to open or close on an alarm, or other events.

Full ESS is not supported

The Multi RS Solar does not yet support all grid codes, and therefore does not yet fully support ESS in all installations. See ESS features topic for more details.

Note: For off-grid operation, and for preventing grid or generator feed in, the ESS mode should be set to "Keep Batteries Charged".

Assistants and advanced controls are not supported

The Multi RS Solar will not support VE.Configure assistants programming. Customisation and controls are currently limited to what is displayed in the Multi RS Solar settings in VictronConnect. You can use the Multi RS Solar demo mode in VictronConnect to see what features are currently available. We expect additional similar control functionality to be added over time.

Parallel units are not supported

The Multi RS Solar does not support synchronising AC output sine waves between parallel units. It is not yet known if the current hardware revision will be able to support parallel configurations via a firmware update in the future.

Maximum charging power limitations

The Multi RS Solar dual tracker can charge the batteries from 3 sources; AC input, DC Solar MPPT, and AC output with AC PV inverter.

The maximum charge current will vary depending on the battery voltage, and the AC input voltage.

For example, a normal output current variation range is 100A at 48VDC/180VAC to 67A at 60VDC/180VAC.

It is normal behaviour that output may reduce below these maximum charge current specifications due to ambient temperature and airflow.

AC2 output is not programmable or relay controlled

AC2 output is internally hard wired to the AC input. There is no internal relay contact switch that is able to disconnect, or reconnect it via programming. There is also no delay from when the AC input is connected to when it flows through to the AC2 output.