Charger, Victron, BlueSmart IP65 12V 15A, (1)

VictronConnect: configure and monitor A Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet or other devices can be used to monitor, change settings, and to update the charger whenever new software features become available. Intelligent charge algorithm Phoenix Smart chargers have all the Victron features which help ensure long battery life and optimal charging: Adaptive 5-stage charge algorithm: bulk – absorption – recondition – float – storage. The Phoenix Smart Charger features our well-known ‘adaptive’ battery management system which can be preset for different types of batteries. The ‘adaptive’ feature automatically optimises the charging process according to the way the battery is being used. BatterySafe: when selecting a high charge-current for rapid recharging, Phoenix Smart Charger protects your battery from ‘gassing’ (and resultant loss of electrolyte) by automatically limiting the rate of voltage increase once the gassing voltage has been reached. You can see the difference in the two graphs below. The left graph shows a normal sequence, without BatterySafe. The right graph shows the sequence with BatterySafe. Notice the white arrows. The difference is the reduced speed of voltage-rise – once 14.4V has been reached. Storage mode: when batteries are left ‘on charge’ but idle for long periods they can be damaged by overcharging. The positive plates corrode – which accelerates ageing. Also, the electrolyte will gradually boil off into gas leaving the cell dry and no longer able to function. To prevent that, Victron chargers enter ‘Storage mode’ whenever the battery has been idle for 24 hours. In Storage mode, the charging voltage is reduced to 13.2V (for a 12V battery) – well below the gassing voltage. This charge voltage, however, will be increased to (usually) 14.4V for one hour per week, in order to prevent sulphation, and stratification (whereby the electrolyte becomes more concentrated at the bottom and more dilute at the top).