Victron Phoenix Multiplus Inverter and Charger
There are a number of sinewave inverter/chargers on the market, however the Victron Phoenix Multiplus appears to be unique in the ability to ASSIST the incoming AC power...
Inverter / Charger units basically make AC line type power from battery banks, and recharge those banks from AC power. They operate like an Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), providing AC when it is not available, and using it to charge the batteries (very agressively) when it is. The more sophisticated units monitor the AC current and adjust the charger to avoid overcurrent. There are many brands that do this, including the Xantrex Prosine units.
The Victron Phonenix Multiplus appears to be in a class by itself, as it not only does what the others do, but it ASSISTS the incoming AC power when needed. If the incoming power is limited, such as when running from a generator, a long extension cord or a 15 amp power outlet the inverter can phase to the incoming AC and add current to help out. This assist power comes from the batteries, so the battery bank must have sufficient energy to support the assist power load. This is most practical for short-term overloads such as starting a motor (like an Air Conditioner) or running a short term load like a microwave oven. Note that these limitations are not due to the Multiplus, but instead due to the practical limitations of the battery bank.
This assist feature is very useful in Boondocking (camping away from utilities) as it allows running from a smaller generator. For example, the
Honda EU2000i is a small, lightweight, quiet generator that will put out 1600 continuous watts of sinewave AC. This is enough for all loads in most RVs except the Air Conditioner (A/C) or in some cases the microwave oven. Starting the A/C takes more current, but the EU2000i will generally run it once started. Using the Multiplus will allow the smaller generator to run the A/C, otherwise a much larger and heavier generator would be required for the motor starting current.
The remote control panel available for the Multiplus has a current setting knob that determines how much current the inverter will allow to be drawn from the external source. Beyond this current the Inverter will assist. When operating from the generator this knob is set for the maximum continuous current that the generator can supply. For other sources the setting may be determined by the type of AC plug or the extension cord wire gauge and length.
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AlanB, WB6ZQZ
CategoryRV
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