Victron SmartSolar 75/15 Controller

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Ink

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I've just fitted one of these to replace a Photonicuniverse PWM controller which had the capacity to charge two battery banks.

The new Victron has capacity to charge a "load". What do you use the load for in common usage?

Regards
Ink
 
Ink said:
I've just fitted one of these to replace a Photonicuniverse PWM controller which had the capacity to charge two battery banks.

The new Victron has capacity to charge a "load". What do you use the load for in common usage?

Regards
Ink
Click to expand...
Something like an anchor light
 
Ink said:
I've just fitted one of these to replace a Photonicuniverse PWM controller which had the capacity to charge two battery banks.

The new Victron has capacity to charge a "load". What do you use the load for in common usage?

Regards
Ink
Click to expand...
I have the same controller. I don't think it is designed for charging two battery banks.

There is a load output connection but this should not be connected to charge another bank.

I am intending to modify our wiring for the refrigerator so it is connected to the load output.

This will mean that should I forget to turn off the fridge or if insufficient solar being generated the fridge will turn off at a predetermined level and the batteries will be protected from over discharge.
You can chose to do the same for any of your unessential electrical items. A second candidate would be our diesel Warm air heater.

I have not yet found out if you can adjust the battery voltage load setting cut off or if it is a default setting.
 
It won't power an inverter. Not sure why but the circuit protection doesn't like inverter loads as I found out after an hour of head scratching.
I had intended to use it to power non essential loads but in the end I didn't use it at all.
 
You can modify the LOAD output characteristics by using a jumper across the pins. Disconnect range from 11.1v or 11.8v; reconnect from 11.8 to 14v (for 12v systems).

The max current for the LOAD socket is 15A.
 
The Victron Bluesolar PWM Duo Charge charges two batteries. It has a liquid crystal display with three yellow buttons below and no Load output.
The single battery charger has no liquid crystal display or buttons but does have the Load output.
 
Ink said:
The new Victron has capacity to charge a "load". What do you use the load for in common usage?
Click to expand...
I have mine set up so the "load" output switches on at 13.9v (I think) - ie when there's definitely surplus power to go around. The switched output is distributed around the boat, and drives a number of small 12v computer fans. This keeps the boat aired and dry.
 
So if I led a (fused) cable to USB sockets or cigarette type socket I could encourage the kids and grandkids to charge their phones and tablets from there without fear?

This wouldn't go anywhere near the domestic bank?

Ink
 
Ink said:
So if I led a (fused) cable to USB sockets or cigarette type socket I could encourage the kids and grandkids to charge their phones and tablets from there without fear?

This wouldn't go anywhere near the domestic bank?

Ink
Click to expand...
Yes - they would only charge when there's a good dollop of sunshine about, and the main banks are full. Whether your progeny would be happy with that (esp if they don't know whether or not they're charging) I couldn't say.

I've remembered one thing I like about my fans. I can hear when the batteries are full. It's a very reassuring sound. If I don't hear the fans on a sunny day, I start to worry.
 
Black Sheep said:
Yes - they would only charge when there's a good dollop of sunshine about, and the main banks are full. Whether your progeny would be happy with that (esp if they don't know whether or not they're charging) I couldn't say.

I've remembered one thing I like about my fans. I can hear when the batteries are full. It's a very reassuring sound. If I don't hear the fans on a sunny day, I start to worry.
Click to expand...
?
 
sarabande said:
You can modify the LOAD output characteristics by using a jumper across the pins. Disconnect range from 11.1v or 11.8v; reconnect from 11.8 to 14v (for 12v systems).

The max current for the LOAD socket is 15A.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info that was one of this weeks jobs. I can do it whilst stuck in Peel waiting for the wind to go back to the South!
 
Ink said:
So if I led a (fused) cable to USB sockets or cigarette type socket I could encourage the kids and grandkids to charge their phones and tablets from there without fear?
This wouldn't go anywhere near the domestic bank?
Ink
Click to expand...

The power is still coming from the domestic bank, it just cuts off when battery voltage drops to preset level.
 
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