Smart alternator compatibility
Vehicle manufacturers are now introducing smart ECU (Engine Control Unit) controlled alternators to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Smart alternators deliver a variable output voltage and are shut down when they’re not needed. The converter has an engine-running detection mechanism. This prevents the converter from discharging the starter battery when the alternator does not supply power. See section 5 of this manual for more details.
Separation of the starter battery and the service battery
The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger separates the starter and service batteries when the engine is not running.
Extensive electronic protection
Over-temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.
• Overload protected.
• Short circuit protected.
• Connector over-temperature protection.
Adaptive three-step charging
The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger is configured for a three-step charging process:
Bulk – Absorption – Float.
Bulk
During this stage, the controller delivers as much charge current as possible to rapidly recharge the batteries.
Absorption
The controller switches to constant voltage mode when the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage setting. For lead acid batteries, it is important that the absorption time is kept short during shallow discharges to prevent overcharging of the battery. After a deep discharge, the absorption time is automatically increased to make sure that the battery is completely recharged. For lithium batteries, absorption time is fixed, default 2 hours. The fixed or adaptive mode can be chosen in the battery settings, and the minimum absorption time for the adaptive or fixed absorption time mode is adjustable via VictronConnect.
Float
During this stage, float voltage is applied to the battery to maintain it in a fully charged state. When the battery voltage drops substantially below this level due to a high load, for example, for at least 1 minute, a new charge cycle will be triggered.
Flexible charge algorithm
Programmable charge algorithm and eight preprogrammed battery settings. Configurable with VictronConnect.
Adaptive absorption time
Automatically calculates the proper absorption time. Configurable with VictronConnect.
Configuring and monitoring
Bluetooth Smart built-in: the wireless solution to set up, monitor and update the controller using Apple and Android smartphones, tablets or other devices. Several parameters can be customized with the VictronConnect App. The VictronConnect App can be downloaded from: https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software
Use the VictronConnect manual – to get the most out of the VictronConnect App when connected to an Orion Smart.
Input voltage lock-out
Shut down if the input voltage drops below the lock-out value and restart when the input voltage increases above the restart value. Configurable with VictronConnect.
Remote on/off
Use the remote function to enable and disable the charger remotely with the remote on/off connector or the VictronConnect App. Typical use cases include a user-operated hard-wired switch and automatic control by, for example, a Battery Management System.
