The Votronic VBCS 60/40/800 Triple HV CI (MPN: 3272) is a compact all-in-one unit for 12-V vehicle electrical systems that combines a B2B charge converter, a mains charger, and an MPPT solar charge controller in a single device. Designed for motorhomes, travel trailers, and specialty vehicles, the VBCS Triple automatically charges the onboard battery while driving, when connected to a 110–230-V AC power source, or via connected solar panels. It provides up to 60 A in B2B mode, 40 A in AC mode, and a solar power output of 60 to 800 Wp. The combination of the three charging sources reduces space requirements as well as installation and wiring effort compared to separate individual components.
Three charging sources for the 12-V onboard battery in a single unit
3-in-1 device combination: B2B charge converter, AC charger, and MPPT solar charge controller
Up to 60 A B2B charging current while driving
Up to 40 A AC charging current for the onboard battery
MPPT solar charge controller for 60–800 Wp module power
Max. 55 V solar open-circuit voltage (Voc) and 26 A solar module current
Suitable for lead-acid, gel, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries
Microprocessor-controlled charging with IU1oU2oU3 charging curve
Compatible with modern alternators, including those in Euro 6 vehicles
Temperature compensation for lead-acid batteries and temperature-dependent protection for LiFePO4 batteries
CI-BUS-compatible for integration into compatible on-board management systems
Connection options for LCD-Charge Control S and VBS2
AES switching output for controlling compatible refrigerators
AC power limit for adjusting mains power consumption
Temperature sensor 825 included
Charging while driving at up to 60 A
The integrated 12 V/12 V B2B charging converter uses energy from the vehicle’s alternator to supply the onboard battery with a regulated charging curve while driving. With the device combination, the maximum charging current to the onboard battery is 60 A. The permissible voltage range for the starter battery or alternator is 10.5 to 16.5 V, and the maximum input current is 82 A. This makes the converter suitable even for vehicles with modern, voltage-regulated alternators. Activation can be triggered via D+ or an ignition signal. Additionally, the maximum input current can be limited to 65 A. According to the manufacturer, current limits of 19 A or 14 A can be set for use with a travel trailer. If the starter battery is weak, the alternator voltage is low, or the starter circuit is under heavy load, the VBCS can reduce its power consumption. This ensures that the vehicle’s electrical balance is maintained.
Mains Charger for Campsites and Shore Power
If a mains connection is available, the VBCS operates as a fully automatic battery charger. The rated operating voltage is 110–230 V AC at 45–65 Hz, with full charging power available within this range. The specified operating voltage range extends from 90 to 270 V AC and, for brief periods of up to five seconds, up to 305 V AC. The maximum power consumption is 700 W. The onboard battery can be charged at a maximum current of 40 A during mains operation. Up to 5 A is additionally available for the starter battery via the integrated charge current distributor. This helps maintain the starter battery’s state of charge during extended grid connection. The AC Power Limit function can be used to reduce grid power consumption. This is particularly relevant, for example, at poorly fused power connections at RV parks or campgrounds. The function can be activated using the device button.
MPPT Solar Charge Controller for up to 800 Wp
The third integrated charging source is an MPPT solar charge controller for solar modules with a total power output of 60 to 800 Wp. The maximum allowable solar module current is 26 A, and the maximum open-circuit voltage is 55 V Voc. The maximum solar charging current is 58 A to the onboard battery and 5 A to the starter battery. The controller automatically searches for the operating point at which the connected solar modules deliver their optimal usable power under the given conditions. This ensures that the available solar energy is used to charge the batteries without the need to install a separate solar charge controller. Excess solar power is used to charge or maintain the charge of the starter battery when the service battery is sufficiently charged.
Multi-stage charging for lead-acid and LiFePO4 batteries
Nine charging programs are available for the onboard battery. Lead-acid, gel, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries are supported. Four characteristic curves are stored for lead-acid batteries and five programs for LiFePO4 batteries. The selection is made on the device based on the battery type and operating conditions. The microprocessor-controlled IU1oU2oU3 charging technology automatically manages the charging process across multiple phases. In addition to the main charging phase, this includes maintenance and regeneration phases, among others. For lead-acid batteries, the included temperature sensor ensures that the charging voltage is adjusted based on temperature. For LiFePO4 batteries, temperature monitoring serves, among other things, to provide protection against low or high battery temperatures. Operation of a LiFePO4 battery requires a suitable battery management system (BMS).
Control, CI-BUS, and Optional Displays
The device combination is CI-BUS-compatible and can therefore be integrated into compatible vehicle and onboard management systems. This allows relevant device data to be provided or specific functions to be controlled. In addition, the device features connections for the optional LCD Charge Control S and VBS2. Another output is provided for an AES refrigerator. When solar output is sufficient, excess solar energy can be used via this signal to power a compatible refrigerator, rather than relying exclusively on gas or 12-V battery power.
Protection and Monitoring Functions
The VBCS Triple monitors various operating conditions and features, among other things, protection mechanisms against overload, overheating, overvoltage, short circuits, and battery malfunction. Additionally, it prevents battery reverse discharge and unintended discharge of the starter battery when the engine is off. The voltage sensor leads enable more accurate measurement of the battery voltage and help account for voltage losses in the connection cables during charge control.
Technical Specifications
Onboard battery: 12 V
Recommended lead-acid battery capacity: 90–560 Ah
Recommended LiFePO4 battery capacity: 90–560 Ah
Starter battery: 12 V, >100 Ah recommended
Nominal AC voltage: 110–230 V AC / 45–65 Hz
Mains operating voltage range: 90–270 V AC
Short-term permissible mains voltage: 305 V AC / 5 s
Max. power consumption from the mains: 700 W
Max. AC charging current for on-board battery: 40 A
Charging current for starter battery via charge current distributor: 5 A
B2B system: 12 V / 12 V
Max. B2B charging current for the onboard battery: 60 A
Starter battery/alternator voltage range: 10.5–16.5 V
Max. B2B input current: 82 A
Adjustable maximum current limit: 65 A
RV current limit: 19 A / 14 A
Solar controller: MPPT
Solar module power: 60–800 Wp
Max. solar module current: 26 A
Max. solar open-circuit voltage (Voc): 55 V
Max. solar charging current for onboard/starter battery: 58 A / 5 A
OK signal output: 12 V / 1 A
Humidity: max. 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
Ambient temperature: -20 to +45 °C
Protection class: IP22X
Weight: 2.9 kg
Dimensions (L × W × H): 256 × 219 × 85 mm
Package Contents
1x Votronic VBCS 60/40/800 Triple HV CI
1x power cord with IEC connector
1x Temperature Sensor 825
1x Installation and Operating Instructions
