Product Manual

3.7. VE.Direct port
The VE.Direct port is used to communicate with the solar charger. It can be used for several purposes:
• To connect to a monitoring device, such as a GX device or the GlobalLink.
• To connect with the VictronConnect App.
• For external control.
Special cables or interfaces are needed to connect to this port:
• VE.Direct cable - used to connect to a GX device or the GlobalLink.
• VE.Direct to USB interface - used to connect via USB to the VictronConnect App.
• VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle - used to connect via Bluetooth to the VictronConnect App.
• VE.Direct TX digital output cable - used for streetlight control or to create a virtual load output.
• VE.Direct non inverting remote on/off cable - used to remotely switch the solar charger on or off.
3.8. Battery charging
3.8.1. Adaptive 3-stage battery charging
The solar charger is a 3-stage charger. The charge stages are: Bulk – Absorption – Float.
Bulk
During the bulk stage the solar charger delivers the maximum charge current, to rapidly charge the batteries. During this stage
the battery voltage will slowly increase. Once the battery voltage has reached the set absorption voltage, the bulk stage stops and
the absorption stage will commence.
Absorption
During the absorption stage the solar charger has switched to constant voltage mode. The current flowing to the battery will
gradually decrease. Once the current has dropped below 2A (tail current), the absorption stage stops and the float stage will
commence.
When only shallow discharges occur the absorption time is kept short. This to prevent overcharging of the battery. But if the
battery was deeply discharged, the absorption time is automatically increased, to make sure that the battery is fully recharged.
Float
During the float stage the voltage is reduced and batteries full charged state is maintained.
A storage stage is not needed for a solar charger, unlike is the case for an AC charger, since at night there is
no solar power, so battery charging will stop.
3.8.2. Flexible charge algorithm
The VictronConnect App allows selection of 8 pre-set charge algorithms, or alternatively the charge algorithm is fully
programmable. The charge voltages, stage duration and the charge current can be customized.
In addition to this, 8 pre-programmed algorithms can be set with a rotary switch.
3.8.3. Equalization charging
Some lead-acid battery types need a periodic equalization charge. During equalization the charge voltage will be increased above
the regular charge voltages to achieve cell balancing.
If an equalization charge is required it can be enabled using the VictronConnect App.
3.9. Temperature sensing
Temperature sensing allows for temperature compensated charging. The absorption and float charge voltages are adjusted based
on either the battery temperature (accessory needed) or otherwise on the solar charger internal temperature.
Temperature compensated battery charging is needed when charging lead-acid batteries in hot or cold environments.
The temperature compensation can be enabled or disabled in the solar charger settings and the amount of compensation, the
compensation coefficient (mV/°C), is adjustable.
3.9.1. Internal temperature sensor
The solar charger has a built-in internal temperature sensor.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 6 Features