Smart Buck-Boost 50A (700W) DC-DC Charger - Non-Isolated

The Smart BuckBoost DC-DC Charger can be used as a battery charger or as a power supply with a wide input and output voltage range. In charger mode, the four-stage charge algorithm will increase battery life by properly charging the battery.

Especially in the case of vehicles with a Euro 5 or 6 smart alternator, which often supplies too low charging voltage even with the engine running or in the event of a voltage drop over long cables, controlled charging is crucial.

Controlled charging also protects the alternator in lithium systems from overloading, as the low impedance of lithium batteries results in a high alternator current.

In power supply mode, the output voltage remains stable regardless of the applied load or fluctuating input voltage (within the specified range). The output voltage is fully adjustable and remains independent of the input voltage, thanks to the automatic buck-boost control. This control also guarantees that the current will never exceed the set value, even when the input voltage is higher than the output voltage.

The Smart BuckBoost can be set to only supply power when the engine is running. This is possible thanks to the integrated engine shutdown detection. This eliminates the need to adjust in-vehicle wiring or add an engine detection sensor to determine if charging can start. It also prevents the voltage on board the vehicle from getting too low. In addition to this detection, the Smart BuckBoost can also be forced on via the remote on/off port.

The Smart BuckBoost is fully programmed and monitored using the VictronConnect App. This also includes remote access via VictronConnect-Remote (VC-R) when connected to a GX device (requires a GX device connection to the VRM Portal) via the integrated VE.Direct port, monitoring via the GX Remote Console or from a PC, Apple computer with macOS, or Android device in conjunction with a VE.Direct to USB interface and VictronConnect. Discover all setting and monitoring options in the Setup & monitoring with VictronConnect [15] chapter and the VictronConnect manual.

In the Box

Smart Buck-Boost 50A (700W) non-isolated DC-DC Charger 12/12-50 with terminal block for remote on/off connection  

Features

Smart Alternator Compatibility

It is common for vehicle manufacturers to install "smart" ECU (Engine Control Unit) controlled alternators to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Smart alternators provide variable output voltage and shut down when not needed. The Smart BuckBoost has an integrated mechanism that detects whether the engine is running (engine shutdown detection), so the charger is only activated when the alternator is supplying power. This ensures that the charger only draws power when the alternator supplies power.

Separation of the Starter Battery and the Service Battery

The Smart BuckBoost separates the starter battery from the service battery.

Comprehensive Electronic Protection

The charger is protected against overtemperature (bottom plate >90 °C) by reducing the output power when the maximum product temperature is reached.

• Protected against overload
• Protected against short circuit
• Protected against excessive temperatures

Adaptive charging in four stages

The Smart BuckBoost is configured by default for a three-stage charging process.

Bulk — Absorption — Float — Storage

Bulk - During this phase, the Smart BuckBoost supplies as much charging current as possible to quickly charge the batteries.

Absorption - When the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage setting, the charger switches to constant voltage aka absorption mode. For lead-acid batteries, it is important that the absorption time is kept short during superficial discharges to avoid overcharging the battery. After a deep discharge, the absorption time is automatically increased to ensure that the battery is fully charged again. For lithium batteries, the absorption time is fixed, 2 hours by default. Fixed or adjustable modes can be selected via the battery settings.

Float - During this phase, the battery is charged with a trickle charge voltage to keep it in a fully charged state. When the battery voltage drops far below this level, for example, due to a high load for at least 1 minute, a new charge cycle is activated.

Storage - The battery voltage is maintained at the configured storage voltage, which is slightly reduced comp

Flexible Charge Algorithm

The Smart BuckBoost has fully programmable charge algorithms and eight pre-programmed battery settings. Configurable with VictronConnect.

Adaptive Absorption Time

In adaptive absorption time mode, the correct absorption time is calculated automatically. Configurable with VictronConnect.

Repeated Absorption

To refresh the battery and prevent slow self-discharge while in the storage stage over an extended period, a 1-hour absorption charge will automatically occur every 7 days (or as configured).

Temperature-Compensated Charging

The optimum charge voltage of a lead-acid battery is inversely proportional to temperature. The Smart BuckBoost DC-DC Charger measures the ambient temperature at the start of the charging phase and compensates for the temperature during charging. The temperature is measured again when the battery charger is in low current mode during absorption or storage. Special settings for a cold or warm environment are therefore not required.

Adjustable Charge Current

The charge current is adjustable with a minimum step size of 0.1A. Configurable with VictronConnect.

Low-Temperature Shutdown

Prevents damage to lithium batteries by turning off the charger at low temperatures. Configurable with VictronConnect.

Input Voltage Lock-Out

Shut down the charger when the input voltage falls below the lock-out value and restart when the input voltage rises above the restart value. Configurable with VictronConnect.

Remote On/Off

The inverter can be switched on and off remotely via the remote on/off connector or the VictronConnect App. Typical applications include a wired switch or a lithium battery with a Battery Management System (BMS) that has an ATC (allowed to charge) output.

VE.Direct

Monitor and control (on/off) the Smart BuckBoost via a wired connection from a GX device such as the Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX, or use a PC, Apple computer (requires macOS), or Android device in conjunction with VictronConnect via a wired VE.Direct connection.

Configuration and Monitoring via VictronConnect App and Bluetooth

Built-in Bluetooth Smart: the wireless solution to change settings, monitor activities, and update software using Apple and Android smartphones, tablets, or other devices. Various parameters can be adjusted and monitored with the VictronConnect App.

This also includes Instant Readout, which displays the most important data of the Smart BuckBoost (and other smart products) on the Device list page without the need to connect to the product. This includes visual notifications of warnings, alarms, and errors that enable diagnostics at a glance. 

VictronConnect is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. See the VictronConnect manual to get the most out of the VictronConnect app when connected to a Victron smart product.

Waterproof

The Smart BuckBoost complies with an ingress protection rating of IP65; this means the product is dust-tight and protected against heavy rain.

Silent

The heat is dissipated through natural convection, eliminating the need for a noisy cooling fan. 

Specifications:

• Input Voltage Range: 9-17V
• Output Voltage Adjust Range: 10-17V
• Output Voltage Tolerance: +/- 0.25% (max)
• Output Voltage Noise: 10mV rms
• Input and Output Current Setting Range: 1 - 50A
• Maximum Constant Short-Circuit Current: 50A
• Continuous Output Power up to 40 °C: 700W
• Maximum Efficiency: 98.5%
• No-Load Current Consumption: < 100mA
• Standby Current Consumption: < 1.5mA

Communication Ports Specifications:

• Bluetooth Smart: Yes
• VE.Direct: Yes

Other Specifications:

• Operating Temperature Range: -20 to +60 °C (derating 1.5% per °C above 40 °C)
• Protection Category: IP65
• DC Connection: Screw terminals
• Maximum Cable Cross Section: 25mm² AWG4
• Weight: 0.330kg (0.73 lb)
• Dimensions h x w x d: 137.3 x 123.1 x 40mm (5.4 x 4.85 x 1.6 inch)

Standards

• Safety: IEC 62477-1
• Emission: IEC 61000-6-3, EN 55014-1
• Immunity: IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-1, EN 55014-2
• Automotive Directive: ECE R10-5