Victron SmartSolar Controller - Single Battery Bank Connecti

[Alpina]

Went to install the Victron Smart Solar Controller 100/20 today and noticed that there was only one input for battery charging.

Victron makes a BlueSolar PWM Duo controller that will charge two different battery bank similar to the controller that came with the boat. I don’t know what PWM stands for. I know the the MPPT controllers are more efficient.

If I connect the MPPT controller to the house bank, will the engine battery charge after the house bank is full? Would it work vice-versa?

Franco

2019 Ranger R29 CB


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[scross]

Yes, connect the output from the Victron MPPT controller to the house bank. Make sure there is an inline fuse or breaker between the two connections.
Once the house bank is full then the ACR will “kick in” and let the charge go to the engine and thruster/windlass batteries. The house bank of batteries normally gets depleted more often than the other two battery banks so charging the house bank first prevents the house bank from getting too depleted.
Not a technical explanation but that’s how I visualize it.

 

[Alpina]

Yes, connect the output from the Victron MPPT controller to the house bank. Make sure there is an inline fuse or breaker between the two connections.
Once the house bank is full then the ACR will “kick in” and let the charge go to the engine and thruster/windlass batteries. The house bank of batteries normally gets depleted more often than the other two battery banks so charging the house bank first prevents the house bank from getting too depleted.
Not a technical explanation but that’s how I visualize it.

What size fuse? It’s a 20A controller.


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[Submariner]

The R27-OB came with 30 amp fuses already installed near the battery for the PWM controller. There were 2 sets of leads, one to the house, the other to the engine battery.

Since the engine leads I would no be using, as the MPPT controller only outputs to a single battery bank, I pulled the 30 amp fuse from the engine battery to the PWM controller.

The MPPT to the house bank I verified had a 30 amp fuse, and I left that alone. I reused all the existing wire when I upgraded to the MPPT 100/30 Victron.


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[scross]

See this thread for a lot more info.
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9821&hilit=DIY+solar+rack
Based on what Ed installed, I chose the same type 30 Amp resetting breaker he used. That’s 1.5 times the rated output of the controller. My controller is also rated at 20 Amps out max.
https://www.bluesea.com/products/7136/1 ... _Mount_30A

Here’s a photo of mine installed.
gallery2.php?g2_itemId=70847

 

[Cutwater28GG]

also install the victron battery sense bluetooth module on the house battery to tell the controller the actual volts at the battery. will ensure voltage drops down the cable are overcome

 

[serpa4]

+1 on the victron battery sense bluetooth module
Nice and cheap also.