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sjones avatar image
sjones asked

Loud hum from Victron Multiplus 12/3000/120

We have a solar system in our Airstream trailer installed by an AM Solar dealer. Lately after we get to our next site and hook up to shore power, there is a loud hum coming from the Victron Multiplus 12/3000/120 inverter as it works to top off the batteries. The hum only lasts for a short while and stops once the system achieves "absorption" I think.

Any ideas of what I can check and whether or not this is something serious?

Thanks

MultiPlus Quattro Inverter Charger
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Jesse avatar image Jesse commented ·

I'm getting a similar hum in a new 12/1600/70 multiplus (about 200Hz?) as absorption completes and it persists while in float with low currents (2-3 amps) into the battery so it's not actually doing anything.

There's no resonance, mine's still sitting on carpet while I test it out. Its too noisy, I'd have to disable battery charging most of the time.

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1 Answer
Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) avatar image
Daniël Boekel (Victron Energy Staff) answered ·

Hi @sjones

You could try to lower the charge current.

Usually when a unit makes too much noise, its because it's mounted on a panel that is not rigid enough and resonates with the unit's vibrations.

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sjones avatar image sjones commented ·

Thanks Daniel. The unit is mounted to the floor of my Airstream travel trailer. The floor is quite rigid, so that is not a possibility.

How would I lower the charge current? All equipment is made by Victron.

As mentioned, the vibration/noise is only when shore power is first connected. After a few minutes it fades out.

Thanks,

Steve

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kai avatar image kai ♦ sjones commented ·

Re: charge current, you'll need to use the VEConfig software with a MK2 or MK3 interface hooked into the multiplus.

Resonance issues can be solved in a number of ways - increase stiffness/weight is one method, soft mounting to "soak up" the vibration is another. Unless you have a specialist on hand to advise, imo its a case of trying different solutions until one sticks - its likely to be very dependent on the physical geometry of the mounting location, mounting orientation and how the mounting location is connected to underlying structures.

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