Victron MPPT Charge Controller Configuration

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Introduction

  • Solar Charging station for Tiny House school project
  • 12V 7AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) AGM battery to supply power for Tiny House projects (e.g. water heat pump, temperature sensors, XBee communications, 4W 5V Heat pad for winter heating)
  • Battery voltage will be used to monitor State of Charge (SoC)
  • Victron Bluetooth Smart Dongle will be used to configure the MPPT Solar Charge controller and also monitor battery performance.

Absorption, Float and Equalization voltage for a 12V Seal Lead Acid Battery

The absorption, float, and equalization voltage settings for charging a 12V Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery using a Victron MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller can vary depending on the specific model of the battery and the manufacturer's recommendations. However, I can provide you with some general guidelines:

  • Absorption Voltage (Bulk Charge Voltage): The absorption voltage is the voltage at which the charger operates during the bulk charging phase. For most 12V SLA batteries, an absorption voltage between 14.4V and 14.7V is typical. However, it's crucial to check the manufacturer's specifications for your specific battery as some may have different requirements.
  • Float Voltage: The float voltage is the voltage at which the charger operates once the battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging. For 12V SLA batteries, a float voltage of around 13.5V to 13.8V is common. Again, consult the battery manufacturer's documentation for precise values.
  • Equalization Voltage: Equalization charging is a periodic process used to desulfate the battery and ensure all cells are equally charged. Not all SLA batteries require equalization, so it's essential to check your battery's specifications. If equalization is recommended, a voltage between 15.0V and 15.5V is typical, but this should be done cautiously and infrequently, following the manufacturer's guidelines.

Please note that these are general voltage ranges, and the ideal values can vary depending on factors like the specific battery chemistry (e.g., AGM, gel cell, flooded), temperature conditions, and the charger's capabilities. To ensure you're using the correct voltage settings and to prevent overcharging or undercharging, always consult your battery's datasheet or the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, some Victron MPPT charge controllers may have built-in battery voltage settings or compatibility with Victron's battery monitor systems, which can help automate the charging process for your specific battery.

Solar Charging System

  • Solar charger setup for Tiny House project.
  • 12V AGM Battery 7AH
  • Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100 | 20 (no blue tooth)
  • Victron Solar Panel 20 Watts 12V Poly crystalline (400mm x 350 mm x 25mm). Series 4a
  • Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle. Not required if the MPPT unit has inbuilt Bluetooth.
  • Noark Circuit breaker 360Vdc 32A 2 Pole (Springers Solar) - used to isolate the solar PV Panels
  • 5A 3AG Inline Fuse Holder Standard Duty (Jaycar) - used on the positive terminal of the battery

Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100 | 20 Specification

The Victron MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller 100 | 20 is a solar charge controller designed for charging 12V or 24V battery systems using energy from solar panels. Let's break down its specifications:

  • Model: Victron MPPT 100 | 20
  • Voltage Compatibility: This charge controller is compatible with both 12V and 24V battery systems. It can automatically detect the system voltage.
  • Maximum PV Input Voltage: The maximum photovoltaic (PV) input voltage is the highest voltage that the charge controller can handle from the solar panels. For the MPPT 100 | 20, the maximum PV input voltage is 100V DC.
  • Maximum Charge Current: The maximum charge current is the maximum current (in amps) that the charge controller can deliver to the battery. In this case, it's 20A, which means it can deliver up to 20 amps of current to charge your batteries.
  • Maximum PV Power: This is the maximum power (in watts) that the charge controller can handle from the solar panels. It's calculated by multiplying the maximum PV input voltage by the maximum charge current. In this case, it's 100V x 20A = 2000W (2kW).
  • Battery Compatibility: The charge controller is compatible with various types of batteries, including lead-acid, lithium, and more. It offers programmable charging profiles to suit different battery chemistries and requirements.
  • MPPT Technology: MPPT technology is used to maximize the efficiency of energy conversion from the solar panels to the battery. It continuously tracks the maximum power point of the solar panels to extract the most energy, even in varying light conditions.
  • Efficiency: The MPPT 100 | 20 offers high efficiency in energy conversion, typically exceeding 98%.
  • Temperature Compensation: It features temperature compensation, which adjusts the charging voltage based on the battery's temperature to optimize charging performance.
  • Protection Features: Victron charge controllers come with a range of protection features, including over-temperature protection, short-circuit protection, overcurrent protection, and reverse polarity protection.
  • Remote Monitoring: Victron offers the option to monitor and configure the charge controller remotely using the VictronConnect app or a GX device.
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