Victron Easysolar 5kVA question

Solarfun4jim · Jan 7, 2020

@Justin Laureltec / anyone

If a Victron 5kVA Easysolar system is connected to a 48v300Ah lifepo4 battery bank, but is powered down for the winter, is there likely to be any inrush current damage when powering it back up? Is this handled internally as it is an all in one unit or else, are other measures required to safely energise capacitors etc? I'm not clued up enough to ascertain from the data sheet.

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-EasySolar-with-Color-Control-EN.pdf

Justin Laureltec · Jan 7, 2020

@Solarfun4jim so long as the batteries are not physically disconnected via add-on battery switch, removal of wiring or fuses/etc, then the caps won't (significantly) drain out while the unit is switched off. It's only when the batteries are fully disconnected that the caps fully drain out and then the inrush current becomes a factor.
If you do physically disconnect the batteries for storage, then yes the caps will drain out, but it's not a particular issue really... these systems are built to handle their own inrush current. Precharge circuits aren't included, sold, or recommended by Victron because the systems are designed to be able to handle the occasional charging of the internal caps... it only becomes an issue when it's a frequent occurrence, which you don't really see in a typical installation.
Bottom line: in your case, you don't need to be worried about it. If you were disconnecting/reconnecting the batteries every few days, then I'd recommend a precharge circuit for you, but the usual once-or-twice a year for storage/maintenance is well within the design specs for these devices.

Solarfun4jim · Jan 7, 2020

Justin Laureltec said:
@Solarfun4jim so long as the batteries are not physically disconnected via add-on battery switch, removal of wiring or fuses/etc, then the caps won't (significantly) drain out while the unit is switched off. It's only when the batteries are fully disconnected that the caps fully drain out and then the inrush current becomes a factor.
If you do physically disconnect the batteries for storage, then yes the caps will drain out, but it's not a particular issue really... these systems are built to handle their own inrush current. Precharge circuits aren't included, sold, or recommended by Victron because the systems are designed to be able to handle the occasional charging of the internal caps... it only becomes an issue when it's a frequent occurrence, which you don't really see in a typical installation.
Bottom line: in your case, you don't need to be worried about it. If you were disconnecting/reconnecting the batteries every few days, then I'd recommend a precharge circuit for you, but the usual once-or-twice a year for storage/maintenance is well within the design specs for these devices.

@Justin Laureltec
Brilliant Justin...many thanks for your input. I'm assuming, you might still get a spark at the battery terminal or disconnection switch(if using physical disconnection)

Solarfun4jim · Jan 8, 2020

@Justin Laureltec

.. post removed due to realising errors in diagram

Solarfun4jim · Jan 8, 2020

@Justin Laureltec

Justin, when powering down an Easysolar 5kVA unit, must you disconnect the panels first, or can you simply throw the main power/breaker switch on the unit, without any damage?
I'm thinking of situation in middle of full charging and if someone unfamiliar with the setup, threw the main switch in emergency situation....what would be the likely outcome? Any damage within?
Thanks

Victron Easysolar 5kVA question

Solarfun4jim

Solar seduced :-)

Justin Laureltec

Bay Marine Supply Tech Support Manager

Solarfun4jim

Solar seduced :-)

Solarfun4jim

Solar seduced :-)

Solarfun4jim

Solar seduced :-)

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