Victron energy Quattro 12/5000/200 User's Manual & Installation Manual page 3

2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 In general
The basis of the Quattro is an extremely powerful sine inverter, battery charger and automatic switch in a compact casing.
The Quattro features the following additional, often unique characteristics:
Two AC inputs; integrated switch-over system between shore voltage and generating set
The Quattro features two AC inputs (AC-in-1 and AC-in-2) for connecting two independent voltage sources. For example, two
generating sets, or a mains supply and a generating set. The Quattro automatically selects the input where voltage is present.
If voltage is present on both inputs, the Quattro selects the AC-in-1 input, to which normally the generating set is connected.
Two AC outputs
Besides the usual uninterruptable output, a second output is available that disconnects its load in the event of battery operation.
Example: an electrical boiler that is allowed to operate only if the generating set is running or shore voltage is available.
Automatic and uninterruptable switching
In the event of a supply failure or when the generating set is switched off, the Quattro will switch over to inverter operation and take
over the supply of the connected devices. This is done so quickly that operation of computers and other electronic devices is not
disturbed (Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS functionality). This makes the Quattro highly suitable as an emergency power system
in industrial and telecommunication applications. The maximum alternating current that can be switched is 30A.
PowerControl – maximum use of limited shore current
The Quattro can supply a huge charging current. This implies heavy loading of the shore connection or generating set. For both AC
inputs, therefore, a maximum current can be set. The Quattro then takes other power users into account, and only uses 'surplus'
current for charging purposes.
Input AC-in-1, to which usually a generating set is connected, can be set to a fixed maximum with DIP switches, with VE.Net or
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with a PC, so that the generating set is never overloaded.
Input AC-in-2 can also be set to a fixed maximum. In mobile applications (ships, vehicles), however, a variable setting by means
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of a Phoenix Multi Control Panel will usually be selected. In this way the maximum current can be adapted to the available shore
current in an extremely simple manner.
PowerAssist – Extended use of your generating set and shore current: the Quattro "co-supply" feature
The Quattro operates in parallel with the generating set or the shore connection. A current shortfall is automatically compensated: the
Quattro draws extra power from the battery and helps along. A current surplus is used to recharge the battery.
This unique feature offers a definitive solution for the 'shore current problem': dish washers, washing machines, electric
cooking etc. can all run on 16A shore current, or even less. In addition, a smaller generating set can be installed.
Solar energy
The Quattro is extremely suitable for solar energy applications. It can be used for building autonomous systems as well as mains-
coupled systems. (The Quattro is unable to return current to the mains, but can operate in conjunction with a mains-coupled solar
converter to enable both autonomous operation as well as returning energy to the mains).
Emergency power or autonomous operation on mains failure
Houses or buildings provided with solar panels or a combined micro-scale heating and power plant (a power-generating central
heating boiler) or other sustainable energy sources have a potential autonomous energy supply which can be used for powering
essential equipment (central heating pumps, refrigerators, deep freeze units, Internet connections, etc.) during a power failure. A
problem in this regard, however, is that mains-coupled solar panels and/or micro-scale heating and power plants drop out as soon as
the mains supply fails. With a Quattro and batteries, this problem can be solved in a simple manner: the Quattro can replace the
mains supply during a power failure. When the sustainable energy sources produce more power than necessary, the Quattro will
use the surplus to charge the batteries; in the event of a shortfall, the Quattro will supply additional power from its battery energy
resources.
Multi-functional relay
The Quattro is equipped with a multi-functional relay, that by default is programmed as an alarm relay. The relay can be programmed
for all kinds of other applications however, for example as a starter relay for a generating set.
Programmable with DIP switches, VE.Net panel or personal computer
The Quattro is supplied ready for use. Three features are available for changing certain settings if desired:
The most important settings (including parallel operation of up to three devices and 3-phase operation) can be changed in a very
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simple manner, using Quattro DIP switches.
All settings can be changed with a VE.Net panel or a PC.
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