Autonics Aptivolt Firmware Update Manual
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Autonics Aptivolt Firmware Update Manual

Autonics Aptivolt Firmware Update Manual

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Aptivolt Installation Manual
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  • Page 1 Aptivolt Installation Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Definitions Testing Solar Installation Planning External Logic Input and Output Understanding the AptiRail™ MicroGrid Connecting a VAS45 module Strategic Considerations Tactical Considerations Existing Conditions 1.3.1 Decisions about source and battery priorities Adding the VAS45 1.3.2 Siting the DIN rails 4.2.1 Power Wiring 1.3.3 Thermal considerations 4.2.2 Auxiliary Wiring...

  • Page 3: Definitions

    Definitions A Series In this manual we use some names in a specific way to describe various components of an AptiVolt A series installation. These The series is denoted by the 2nd letter in the part number so are: VAR20, VAS45 and VAS11 are all part of the A series. An X denotes that it will operate with any series modules.

  • Page 4: Installation Planning

    The key component in AptiVolt’s charging method is the use of a microgrid and AptiVolt’s particular implementation is called the AptiRail®. For all modules designed for charging, the AptiRail provides a common power access bus and the essential feature is that: •...

  • Page 5: Strategic Considerations

    Looking at the data-sheet for the AptiVolt modules placed in the overall physical space. suggests that to meet all the needs a collection of 5...
  • Page 6 Regulators having only a short wire directly to their battery. The intention of the above example was to show the flexibility and adaptability of the AptiVolt system and its Fig 3 AptiVolt modules in one block potential to save wire and the time to install.

  • Page 7: Tactical Considerations

    – you cannot have different priorities for each of the two inputs. If you insist The AptiVolt system includes the ability to set priorities. that the mains charger, for example, which is managed...

  • Page 8: Thermal Considerations

    Placing the DIN rails 1.3.4 Visibility of the displays Every AptiVolt module needs to be mounted on a length Every module has LEDs to show it is performing as well of DIN rail. On boats this should be of stainless steel as for setting it up at installation time.
  • Page 9 Ordering Once you have done the placing plan you can order all the parts. • In some markets kits are available which offer excellent value • Each VAR20 comes with a VAS00 temperature sensor • Each VAR20, VAS11 and VAS45 comes with 2 AptiRail links but you may need to order more either long ones or short ones.

  • Page 10: Wiring Type And Thickness

    The power connections for AptiVolt A series modules are capable of securing wires up to 6mm But that is unlikely in a charging arrangement – for...

  • Page 11: Fixing The Din Rail And Adding Modules

    Fig 6 The installation begins with the DIN rail. Then the first module which can slide along the rail. On the right is a typical block of 4 AptiVolt modules: 2 VAR20s, a VAS45 and a VAS11.

  • Page 12: Adding Aptirail

    Adding AptiRail Now you can connect the AptiRail by fitting the busbars. 4 modules will need 3 sets of busbars. Put the outer pairs in first and then the inner pair so that the bars lie flat when two are on the same screw. The lock washers and nuts are then placed back and tightened hard.

  • Page 13: Aptiloop Wiring

    The AptiVolt rather than doing it later especially in a distributed system may do that and includes some overvoltage placement.

  • Page 14: Connecting Var20 And Vas11 Modules

    This way, an accidental turning off does not suddenly unload an alternator which might cause the alternator and the AptiVolt modules some problems – although we have installed a measure of protection it is best not rely on this.

  • Page 15: Testing

    Each VAR20 is capable of using a battery temperature Solar probe to modulate its output voltage according to the needs of the selected battery chemistry. Each VAR20 is Finally connect the solar panels. It is preferable to wire supplied with the VAS00 sensor. If you do not fit it the panel power equally between the two inputs.

  • Page 16: External Logic Input And Output

    External Logic Input and Output The function of these 3 connections is as follows: 1 - Ground. This is the same as battery 0V and the -ve AptiVolt modules have a connector at the top shown in AptiRail bus. Fig 10.

  • Page 17: Connecting A Vas45 Module

    Connecting the VAS45 module Existing Conditions Fig 11 shows a common installation before an AptiVolt system is added. It will include all the wiring to connect an alternator to the engine battery and the diagram shows the placement of a Blocking Diode if one is fitted. The figure also shows the auxiliary wiring to power the alternator Field.
  • Page 18 Adding the VAS45 Fig 12 shows the recommended wiring to add the VAS45 and the details of each component are in the following sections. Fig 12 VAS45 wiring with IGN and BAT options...

  • Page 19: Power Wiring

    Such alternators require the addition of the purple wire shown in Fig 11. Others may also need the wiring shown in Orange. If those connections exist before AptiVolt is fitted then Fig 12 shows how to maintain the signals when AptiVolt is added.

  • Page 20: Additional Details

    4.2.3 Additional details There will be a + output from the alternator which will go the lead which will be terminated in the + input of a VAS45. The -ve output is often the chassis of the alternator and you will need to identify it and secure the lead for -ve to it.

  • Page 21: Module Settings

    Manual settings can be made using the key shown in Fig 14 in reference to the State Diagrams shown in Figs 17, 18 and 19. All Autonnic modules in the AptiVolt range have operational interaction. In general interaction is needed only for:...
  • Page 22 Each module has options which can be set using the front-panel button in the lower right-hand corner of the display. The display will change so as to assist the set- During operation a fault might occur. This is likely to be due to overheating or over current.
  • Page 23 For the VAR20 the LEDs show the current in Amps and The 5 LEDs are brightness modulated to allow it has an additional LED to show if it is in Boost Charge interpretation of currents in a continuous manner. mode. The intention is that a glance at the panels will show which battery is being charged and by how much and where that power is coming from.

  • Page 24: Vas11

    5.2 VAS11 We suggest that you use the power setting on the VAS11 which is just below the output of the installed panels. In this way the panel power is most highly resolved on the LEDs. We recommend using the 80W setting if you have 80W or less and 120W for between 80W and 120W and the 240W setting for...
  • Page 25 VAR45 The setting of a VAS45 is more easily done using a mains charger source. Set up the priority as high. The VAS11 is always the highest and keeping the VAS45 on a high setting means its output voltage will be lower which is slightly preferable.

  • Page 26: Var20

    5.4 VAR20 The priorities are how you are using the batteries; most common choices are high for the engine battery and medium for the boat battery. Low can be for the fridge battery or the bow- thruster VAR20s. The chemistry settings will need to correspond to the battery type.
  • Page 27 The table below, in Fig 20, shows the battery chemistry setting values against the setting number represented by the LED position during the set-up process. All values are for operation at 25ºC which the VAR20 will use in the absence of a temperature probe. If the VAR20 detects that a probe is connected it will use the sensed value and modify the table at the rate of approximately -10mV/ºC .

  • Page 28: Aptiloop

    6 AptiLoop What it is How it works The AptiVolt range includes communications. We have invented a special inductive loop serial network with its Each module contains an inductive core and so does the own protocol for easy installation and called it AptiLoop.

  • Page 29: The Commands

    These are fully detailed in the Document ‘Aptivolt Interface Protocol’ which is available either by email from AFE is a request for a fault code if the module is in the Autonnic or can be downloaded from the AptiVolt page fault state. on the Autonnic.com website.
  • Page 30 and hardware and software revisions. The computer then has a constantly maintained table of all the parameters for all modules connected to the It is important to give the module the address you AptiLoop. want it to have before placing it in a AptiLoop with other modules.

  • Page 31: Product Safety And Liability Warnings

    All connections must be fitted with means of the appropriate rating to disconnect. WARNING - NAVIGATION HAZARD The AptiVolt Battery Management System is designed to assist in maintaining the batteries in your yacht. It is not designed to totally replace conventional seamanship...
  • Page 32 For further advice and technical support contact: +44-162-186 9460 Email info@autonnic.com Autonnic Research Ltd Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE United Kingdom AptiVolt Manual A series May 23 - Version 3...

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