2. Description
2.1. General
The basis of the Quattro is an extremely powerful sine inverter, battery charger and automatic switch in a compact casing. The Quattro features the following additional, often unique characteristics:
Two AC inputs; integrated switch-over system between shore voltage and generating set
The Quattro features two AC inputs (AC-in-1 and AC-in-2) for connecting two independent voltage sources. For example, two generator sets, or a mains supply and a generator set. The Quattro automatically selects the input where voltage is present. If voltage is present on both inputs, the Quattro selects the AC-in-1 input, to which normally the generating set is connected.
Two AC outputs
Besides the usual uninterruptable output (AC-out-1), an auxiliary output (AC-out-2) is available that disconnects its load in the event of battery operation. Example: an electric boiler that is allowed to operate only if the genset is running or shore power is available.
Automatic and uninterruptible switching
In the event of a supply failure or when the genset is switched off, the Quattro will switch over to inverter operation and take over the supply of the connected devices. This is done so quickly that operation of computers and other electronic devices is not disturbed (Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS functionality). This makes the Quattro highly suitable as an emergency power system in industrial and telecommunication applications.
Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operation
Up to six Quattro units can operate in parallel. Six units 48/10000/140, for example, will provide 54 kW / 60 kVA output power and 840 Amps charging capacity.
Three phase capability
Three units can be configured for three-phase output. But that’s not all: up to 6 sets of three units can be parallel connected to provide 162 kW / 180 kVA inverter power and more than 2500 A charging capacity.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
The Quattro can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the shore connection or generating set. For both AC inputs, therefore, a maximum current can be set. The Quattro then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus' current for charging purposes.
Input AC-in-1, to which usually a generating set is connected, can be set to a fixed maximum with DIP switches, with VE.Net or with a PC, so that the generating set is never overloaded.
Input AC-in-2 can also be set to a fixed maximum. In mobile applications (ships, vehicles), however, a variable setting by means of a Multi Control Panel will usually be selected. In this way the maximum current can be adapted to the available shore current in an extremely simple manner.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generating set and shore current: the Quattro “co-supply” feature
The Quattro operates in parallel with the generating set or the shore connection. A current shortfall is automatically compensated: the Quattro draws extra power from the battery and helps along. A current surplus is used to recharge the battery.
Three programmable relays
The Quattro is equipped with 3 programmable relays. The relays can be programmed for all kinds of other applications however, for example as a starter relay for a generating set.
Two programmable analog/digital input/output ports
The Quattro is equipped with 2 analog/digital input/output ports. These ports can be used for several purposes. One application is communication with the BMS of a lithium-ion battery.
Frequency shift
When solar inverters are connected to the output of a Quattro, the excess solar energy is used to recharge the batteries. Once the absorption voltage is reached, the Quattro will shut down the solar inverter by shifting the output frequency 1 Hz (from 50 Hz to 51 Hz for example). Once battery voltage has dropped slightly, the frequency returns to normal and the solar inverters will restart.
Built-in Battery Monitor (optional)
The ideal solution when a Quattro is part of a hybrid system (diesel generator, inverter/chargers, storage battery, and alternative energy). The built-in battery monitor can be set to start and stop the generator:
Start at a preset % discharge level, and/or
start (with a preset delay) at a preset battery voltage, and/or
start (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.
Stop at a preset battery voltage, or
stop (with a preset delay) after the bulk charge phase has been completed, and/or
stop (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.
Solar energy
The Quattro is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used for building autonomous systems as well as mains-coupled systems.
Emergency power or autonomous operation on mains failure
Houses or buildings provided with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and power plant (a power-generating central heating boiler) or other sustainable energy sources have a potential autonomous energy supply which can be used for powering essential equipment (central heating pumps, refrigerators, deep freeze units, Internet connections, etc.) during a power failure. A problem in this regard, however, is that mains-coupled solar panels and/or micro-scale heating and power plants drop out as soon as the mains supply fails. With a Quattro and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple manner: the Quattro can replace the mains supply during a power failure. When the sustainable energy sources produce more power than necessary, the Quattro will use the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall, the Quattro will supply additional power from its battery energy resources.
Programmable with DIP switches, VE.Net panel or personal computer
The Quattro is supplied ready for use. Three features are available for changing certain settings if desired:
The most important settings (including parallel operation of up to three devices and 3-phase operation) can be changed in a very simple manner, using Quattro DIP switches.
All settings, with exception of the multi-functional relay, can be changed with a VE.Net panel.
All settings can be changed with a PC and VE Configuration tools software. This can be downloaded free of charge from our website www.victronenergy.com
2.2. Battery charger
Adaptive 4-stage charging characteristics: bulk – absorption – float – storage
The microprocessor-driven adaptive battery management system can be adjusted for various types of batteries. The adaptive function automatically adapts the charging process to battery use.
The right amount of charge: variable absorption time
In the event of slight battery discharge, absorption is kept short to prevent overcharging and excessive gas formation. After deep discharging, the absorption time is automatically extended in order to fully charge the battery.
Preventing damage due to excessive gassing: the BatterySafe mode
If, in order to quickly charge a battery, a high charge current in combination with a high absorption voltage has been chosen, damage due to excessive gassing will be prevented by automatically limiting the rate of voltage increase once the gassing voltage has been reached.
Less maintenance and aging when the battery is not in use: the Storage mode
The Storage mode kicks in whenever the battery has not been subjected to discharge during 24 hours. In the Storage mode float voltage is reduced to 2,2 V/cell (13,2 V for 12 V battery) to minimise gassing and corrosion of the positive plates. Once a week the voltage is raised back to the absorption level to “equalize” the battery. This feature prevents stratification of the electrolyte and sulphation, a major cause of early battery failure.
Two DC outputs for charging two batteries
The main DC terminal can supply the full output current. The second output, intended for charging a starter battery, is limited to 4 A and has a slightly lower output voltage.
Increasing service life of the battery: temperature compensation
The battery temperature sensor serves to reduce charging voltage when battery temperature rises. This is particularly important for maintenance-free batteries, which could otherwise dry out by overcharging.
Note
The temperature sensor is not supplied with 48V models.
It can be ordered separately. Order number: ASS000001000
Battery voltage sense: the correct charge voltage
Voltage loss due to cable resistance can be compensated by using the voltage sense facility to measure voltage directly on the DC bus or on the battery terminals.
More on batteries and charging
Our book “Energy Unlimited” offers further information on batteries and battery charging, and is available free of charge on our website. For more information on adaptive charging, please also refer to the General Technical Information our website.
2.3. Self consumption - solar energy storage systems
When the Quattro is used in a configuration in which it will feed back energy to the grid it is required to enable grid code compliance by selecting the grid code country setting with the VEConfigure tool. This way the Quattro can comply to the local rules.
Once set, a password will be required to disable grid code compliance or change grid code related parameters.
If the local grid code is not supported by the Quattro an external certified interface device should be used to connect the Quattro to the grid.
The Quattro can also be used as a bidirectional inverter operating parallel to the grid, integrated into a customer designed system (PLC or other) that takes care of the control-loop and grid measurement, see https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ess:start
Note
Special note for Australian customers: IEC62109.1 certification and CEC approval for off-grid use does NOT imply approval for grid-interactive installations.
Additional certification to IEC 62109.2 and AS 4777.2.2020 are required before grid-interactive systems can be implemented. Please check Clean Energy Council website for current approvals.