Multi RS

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 Multi RS then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current for charging purposes.

This feature is an extension of PowerControl by allowing the Multi RS to supplement the capacity of the available AC input power source. Where peak power is often required only for a limited time period, the Multi RS will make sure that insufficient AC input power is immediately compensated for by power from the battery. When the AC load reduces, the available AC input power is used to recharge the battery. 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).

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

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 user programmable relay. The relay can be programmed for different applications, for example a low voltage alarm relay.

The product is equipped with 2 analog/digital inputs and a programmable relay.

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.

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.

When external PV inverters are connected to the AC output of the Multi RS, excess solar energy recharges the batteries. Once battery absorption voltage is reached, the Multi RS automatically increases its output frequency in order to reduce charge power from the PV inverter (no configuration needed). The f_stop frequency is 53.2Hz. However, the AC PV inverter might require additional configuration.

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

The Multi RS cannot completely charge the battery to a 100% State of Charge using an external AC PV inverter.

This is a safety measure to avoid overcharging the battery when rapid adjustments of the AC PV output are not possible, preventing a system shutdown. As a result, there will always be some capacity left in the battery to absorb any surplus power.

To complete a full charge from solar power, connect an external DC coupled 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 startup and other demanding surge loads.

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

The battery terminals are galvanically isolated from the AC terminals.

VE.Direct port and two VE.Can ports

The Multi RS 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 LCD back-lit display shows operational information including battery levels, 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 a compatible AC supply connected to the AC input, or an AC PV grid inverter connected to the AC output. The maximum total battery charging current is 100A.

If an additional PV grid inverter is connected (max. 5000W) the maximum total battery charging current is still limited to 100A. The maximum charging current of 100A is reduced if the battery voltage goes above 60V. A custom maximum charge current value (up to 100A) can also be defined by the installer using VictronConnect. If using a PV grid inverter, it will only charge the battery to ~95%.

The maximum charge current from AC sources depends upon the input voltages, the battery current and ambient temperature. For example, at 230V AC input, 57.6V battery voltage and 25°C the maximum charge current will be 88A. See Limitations section for a more detailed graph.Limitations

The charger algorithm 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 the SmallBMS-NG with Victron Li batteries for this functionality to protect the batteries with the Multi RS.

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

Parallel units are not supported

The Multi RS does not support units in parallel. 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 is able to charge the batteries from 2 sources, AC input, and AC output with an AC PV inverter.

There is an additional AC current limit that restricts the inverter current to 25A (AC) after approx. 4 minutes, so it is possible to start-up bigger loads

The maximum charging power from an AC supply is 5000W at 230Vac. Increasing the AC voltage will slightly increase this power limit, and decreasing the AC voltage will decrease it.

This is a MAXIMUM theoretical charging current, and additional limitations such as ambient temperature and airflow will also reduce real world output.

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.