2. General Description
The MPPT RS is a solar charge controller intended to operate with a PV voltage of between 65-450V and designed to charge a 48V battery bank.
2.1. Features
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.
Outstanding conversion efficiency
Maximum efficiency of 96%. Full output current up to 40°C (104°F).
Flexible charge algorithm
Fully programmable charge algorithm, and eight preprogrammed battery presets.
Extensive electronic protection
Over-temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.
Isolated PV connections for additional safety
Full galvanic isolation between PV and battery connections provide additional overall system safety.
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.
2.2. Interfacing and Communications
VE.Direct port and two VE.Can ports
Either communications port type can be used for a wired data connection to a GX device (e.g. Cerbo GX, Color Control GX) PC or other devices. Note that only one port can be used at a time.
Device Display
A 4 line LCD back-lit display shows operational information including battery levels, solar yield, and system icons.
User I/O connector:
Aux 1, 2 input
Programmable relay
Battery voltage sense (Vsense)
Battery temperature sense (Tsense)
Remote H & Remote L - Configurable
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.
2.3. Setup options
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.