Victron energy BMV-600S Manuel page 8

2 FULL SETUP AND USAGE DETAILS: INTRODUCTION
2.1 Victron Energy battery monitor basics
The BMV Precision Battery Monitor is a device that monitors your
battery status. It constantly measures battery voltage and battery
current. It uses this information to calculate the actual state of charge
of the battery.
The BMV is also equipped with a potential free contact. This can be
used to automatically start and stop a generator, or signal alarm
conditions.
2.2 Why should I monitor my battery?
Batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, mostly to store
energy for later use. But much energy is stored in the battery? No one
can tell by just looking at it.
The lifetime of batteries depends on many factors. Battery life gets
reduced by under-charging, over-charging, excessively deep
discharges, discharges which go too fast, and a too high ambient
temperature. By monitoring the battery with an advanced battery
monitor like the BMV, important feedback is given to the user so that
remedial measures can be taken when necessary. This way, by
extending battery life, the BMV will quickly pay for itself.
2.3 How does the BMV work?
The main function of the BMV is to follow and indicate the state of
charge of a battery, in particular to prevent unexpected total discharge.
The BMV continuously measures the current flow in and out of the
battery. Integration of this current over time (which, if the current is a
fixed amount of Amps, boils down to multiplying current and time)
gives the net amount of Ah added or removed.
For example: a discharge current of 10 A during 2 hours will take
10 x 2 = 20 Ah from the battery.
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