DropBear · 2020. 9. 11. · RE_PROD_0012 Version2 Page 2 of 22 Date Issue 28/07/2020 . RedEarth...

DropBear_UserManual

RE_PROD_0012 Version2 of 22 Date Issue 28/07/2020

DropBear Home Battery System – On and Off-grid

Selectronic-Fronius with Lithium Batteries (Single Phase)

User Manual

DropBear_UserManual


RedEarth Energy Storage Ltd 15 Fienta Place Darra QLD 4076 Australia Tel: 1800 733 637 Email: [email protected] Web: www.redearth.energy

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.redearth.energy/

DropBear_UserManual


Shutdown and Safety Procedures

WARNING: Working inside the DropBear system is restricted to qualified personnel.

Installers must be qualified electricians with CEC accreditation for Solar and Battery.

WARNING: Lithium Battery hazard

The DropBear must only be installed by suitably qualified personnel. Many of the procedures covered in the INSTALLATION sections of this manual have inherent risks. Whilst the DropBear is designed to be safe, including residual current device and double insulated cables, the voltages connected or generated by the equipment are hazardous and potentially fatal.

It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure the installation and all the wiring is carried out according to all safety standards that are applicable to the installation. The wiring diagrams and installation instructions are given as a guide only and compliance to appropriate standards is the responsibility of the installer.

From 1st February 2020, Non-Selectronic Accredited Integrators can obtain a 10 year SP PRO Warranty by adding a Select.Live with new SP PRO installations.

In our efforts towards constant product enhancement, this document is subject to change at any time. Please visit www.redearth.energy and download the appropriate and latest version manual.


DropBear_UserManual


Your RedEarth DropBear is an AC coupled ready-to-run energy storage system for On or Off-Grid applications. It comprises of a Fronius Primo Solar MPPT inverter, Selectronic SP Pro Battery inverter, self-managed lithium batteries and is fully assembled and factory tested. It is ready to connect a PV Solar array and generator with either auto or manual start.

The DropBear is designed to be installed indoors or outside in a shaded area against a wall, in a protected environment. A changeover switch is included in case of system failure. In this case the loads can then be run off a generator until the system is operational again.

RedEarth Energy can provide remote monitoring, technical support and service to ensure ongoing operation of your DropBear. You can also access remote monitoring to view your consumption online.

DropBear installations require the electrical connection of:

• The customers load – there are dedicated terminals inside the unit to connect to.

• Two arrays of PV solar panels which can be installed with different orientations.

• Generator - there are dedicated power, auto-start and battery charger terminals inside the unit to connect to.

• Monitoring - The installer will need to connect the system to the internet via LAN cable or 4G SIM-card. The details on how to set this up are explained in the INSTALLATION - MONITORING section of the Installation manual.

Note: The DropBear is not designed to act as a main switch board for the premises, as it does not include space for additional main & customer circuit breakers or RCDs. The MEN link and Earth connection need to be placed at the premises as required.

About DropBear

DropBear_UserManual


Overview

DropBear Weight: 205kg without any Lithium batteries (42kg per battery) Dimensions: 200.5 H x 131.4 W x 65.6 D [cm]

DropBear Minimum Clearance Dimensions: 210 cm H x 166.7 cm W x 117.4 cm D

DropBear_UserManual


The Inside

The DropBear has two separate areas, one for the batteries and the other for the switches, electronic equipment. Each section has a key-lockable door.

The top enclosure contains the-electronic equipment, switches and AC connection terminals.

The “AC Breakers” window shown below contains all the AC protective and isolation points as well as the changeover switch. Each device contains an identification labelled directly above it.

Overview

DropBear_UserManual


The bottom enclosure consists of a robust and perforated base to support full weight of the batteries and front and rear rails to secure the batteries in place.

If purchased without the full capacity of twelve (12) self-managed batteries (PowerPlus Energy’s ECO 4840), you may purchase additional batteries along with the appropriate battery cables from RedEarth Energy Storage.

Overview

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Attached to the top of this chamber there are two fully enclosed battery busbars with the correct number of battery cables required.

The DropBear is tested and commissioned at RedEarth’s headquarters before shipping. All parameters are pre-set for correct operation between the SP Pro inverter, the Fronius and the battery bank.

Some parameters may need to be adjusted during installation (eg. Generator size, maintenance run, etc). Please check DropBear Commissioning section in this manual as well as the Selectronic Manual.

You can reach RedEarth Energy Storage Ltd

during business hours on

On 0487 002 451 for Technical Support or

Head Office on 1800 733 637 (+61 7 3279 6707).

Overview

DropBear_UserManual


Battery Inverter

The Selectronic SP Pro operates as an inverter as well as a charger, it will charge the batteries by rectifying AC into DC power as well as invert the batteries DC power into AC usable power. With many operating modes, our most popular is the "Self-Use" configuration. This setting defines the following priority:

Loads -> Battery -> Export All the solar power produced will be prioritized to the loads, the excess will be used to charge the battery and once the battery is full, the solar will be exported to the grid or ramped down in a "off-grid" application. NOTE: In the event of critically low battery charge (SOC), the inverter will use the grid to support the loads until the solar power returns. In a "off-grid" application, the inverter will auto-start the generator or flash an emergency light.

• The Inverter/Charger will control the various energy sources depending on the demand or SOC of the battery.

• The Inverter/Charger efficiently manages and maintains the batteries. • Our intelligent battery management system accurately records the battery state-of-charge

(SOC) ensuring efficient use of the batteries and helps extend service life. • The LED's on the SP Pro indicate the health and operational status of your system. It is

important to be able to understand the key values displayed.

Solar Inverter

The MPPT solar inverter converts the solar arrays DC power into usable AC power. This will then directly power your home appliances first, then charges the battery bank available for later use. In an Off-grid situation, if the system has excess power available, the incoming power from the solar MPPT must be scaled back. The solar MPPT inverter is automatic and proportionally powered down as directed by the battery inverter. This inverters performance can be monitored via the embedded display or the on-line portal.

Internal Components

DropBear_UserManual


ByPass Feature

In the event of a system (battery or PV inverter) failure, the DropBear is fitted with a three-position changeover switch that can operate as a ByPass, supplying power to the loads directly from the generator (or grid).

The changeover switch has three positioning options,1, neutral and 2.

By pushing the switch up into position 1, it will operate in “Normal” mode, meaning that the Battery and PV inverter are operating together and using the generator/grid if available.

By pushing the switch down into position 2, it will operate in “ByPass” mode, meaning that the power will bypass the inverters and “flow” from the generator/grid directly to the loads.

The middle position is a neutral option. In this position all terminals are disconnected, and no power will pass through it.

For more information, check “How to Operate” section in this manual.

Battery

Batteries are a critical part of the Off-Grid system as they store energy generated from the solar panels and fuel powered Generators. This power can then be utilised at times when solar energy is not available. The battery bank has been carefully sized to meet your requirements according to your Load Profile and energy assessment. They do need monitoring and maintenance to guarantee safe operation and service life. The battery can be either a Self-managed lithium ECO from PowerPlus Energy or LG Chem from LG. 12Volt battery Charger

The Blue Smart IP65 Charger is the new state-of-the art battery charger from Victron with built-in Bluetooth offering long life durability, low consumption and high performance.

This device is designed to keep your generator’s battery charged for the event of an “auto-start” is requested, the generator has no issues with the electric start.

Internal Components

DropBear_UserManual


Generator/Grid

Because the DropBear is an off or on grid system, it is possible to connect it to the grid, a generator or both. These options must be specified upon purchase as the electrical design varies with each option. However, retrofitting is also available.

If purchasing separately, inverter-generators are recommended for use with DropBear due to their better power quality. If voltage, frequency or current waveforms of the generator are not of a high enough quality, then it will be rejected by the inverter.

NOTE: Selectronic has the recommendation of a 9.5 kVA generator for the SPMC481 (5kW) and a 14kVA for the SPMC482 (7.5kW).

The following specifications must also be met for a guaranteed compatibility with the inverter.

- Generator waveform THD: < 10%. - Generator Vrms range: 180 ~ 264Vac - Generator voltage crest factor (Vpeak/Vrms): < 1.6 - Generator peak voltage: <380V - Frequency range: 45Hz ~ 55Hz - Frequency slew rate: <0.3Hz/sec

Generator Auto-Start

RedEarth’s DropBear is fitted with terminals that allow the connection of an auto-start generator. The SP Pro is configured to start the generator when the batteries reach a State of Charge (SOC) of 30% and stop when they reach a SOC of 40%. In the event that the generator does not turn on, the batteries will discharge down to 20% and then the inverter will stop outputting power under “LOW SOC fault”.

Low SOC Shutdown:

The SP Pro has a safety feature that determines a low battery cut-off. When this level (low voltage) is reached, the inverter will turn off under “low battery fault” and will need to be turned back on manually. See “How to Operate -> Restart” section on how to bring the system back to operation

Internal Components

DropBear_UserManual


Temperature Sensor

A temperature activated relay is positioned on the rear panel behind the top part of the Selectronic inverter as shown in the picture. This relay is connected to the four (4) fans on the roof and will turn them on once the set temperature is reached. The dial is set to activate between the temperatures of 35⁰ and 40⁰ Celsius.

Internal Components

DropBear_UserManual


Power-up

To power-up the unit you must follow the steps below.

1. Turn on individual battery breakers.

This will charge up the capacitors inside the inverters. The LED on the three inverters will flash and beep. Wait for approximately 10 seconds.

2. Turn on the Main Battery Breaker. 3. Turn on the PV isolator located under the Fronius Primo.

Before step 4, the inverters are powered but not turned on (outputting AC power).

4. Turn ON the Selectronic

To turn the inverter on you must press and hold the “ON” button on the top left-hand-side of the Master inverter.

5. Turn on all AC circuit breakers.

Shutdown

The following shutdown procedure should be followed. This procedure is also displayed on a sticker placed between the inverters.

How to Power-up / Shutdown my DropBear

NOTE: The Power-up and shutdown procedures are the same, only in the reverse order.

DropBear_UserManual


Normal Operation

Normal operation assumes the SP Pro will use the Fronius (solar power) to charge the batteries and supply the loads during the day, use the battery during the night and use the generator when needed. When this type of operation is desired, this is what the AC breakers must look like after performing Step 5 of Power-up Procedure (see How to Power-up/shutdown my DropBear).

ByPass Operation

In the event of maintenance or failure of the SP Pro and/or the Fronius and there is no power output from the system, you can configure the system to operate in ByPass mode. This will allow the generator to provide power directly to the loads.

To use this mode, the system must be set to the following configuration:

1. Turn OFF all the AC breakers. 2. Turn OFF Main Battery Breaker and individual battery breakers. 3. Turn changeover switch from position 1 to position 2. 4. Turn ON generator AC breaker and Main Switch Out. 5. Manually start generator.

By doing this, the generator will provide power directly to the loads.

How to Operate

DropBear_UserManual


Restart under low SOC

This procedure must be taken when the SP Pro has stopped inverting (providing 230V) but is still turned on (has lights on the front display).

As mentioned previously in “Low SOC Shutdown”, when the SP Pro identifies the batteries at a low SOC, it will stop producing 230V to avoid too deeply discharging the batteries and therefore damaging them.

To restart the SP Pro, you must:

1. Turn OFF the Main Switch Out. 2. Press the ON button on the SP PRO (this will change the state of the inverter from “fault” to

“idle”). 3. Press the ON button once again (this will change the state of the inverter from “idle” to

“inverting”). 4. Wait for the Fronius to start producing power and charge the batteries to a safe level (at

least 3 lights on the battery gauge). 5. Turn ON the Main Switch Out.

How to Operate

DropBear_UserManual


Maintenance Schedule

Weekly

Check component operating lights are normal

Monthly

Clean inside the enclosure of dust, vermin or obstructions Ensure safety labels/instructions remain visible Clean air filter with vacuum or soft brush Clean outside of enclosure soft brush or damp cloth

Bi-annually

Clean solar panel surfaces to ensure optimal performance.

Annually

Visually inspect for loose cables or connections near inverter Clear any vegetation or overgrowth over the solar panels Inspect conditions of solar panels, cables, array frame for damage or corrosion

End of Life Recycling

Please contact RedEarth Energy Storage to arrange recycling of your battery.

Maintenance and End of Life

DropBear_UserManual


The DropBear can be monitored online through the SwitchDin platform.

SwitchDin has developed a droplet (router) that enables the management and orchestration of solar, battery storage and electrical loads to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and maximise benefits to the owner and the utility. This droplet can be found in the Comms area of the DropBear (right of the AC breakers).

Monitoring

Registering

1. OPTIONAL: During testing and commissioning, RedEarth will setup an account for the end user and send out the following invitation.

2. Click on the link to create an account.

3. In a web browser, visit https://app.switchdin.com/ and Sign in to view your system.

Monitor My DropBear

1. If you haven’t received this email from us, please email [email protected] with the following information:

Full name, address, unit serial number with subject: Setup online monitoring

https://app.switchdin.com/

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DropBear_UserManual


How to monitor my system?

Once signed in, you will see the following page.

Overview Tab

LIVE DATA - Illustrates the movement of power at this given moment, in terms of PV production, battery power, grid and load.

WEATHER - Displays the current weather at the location of the system, time of day when solar is available, wind speed and humidity.

SYSTEM STATUS - Shows the last time data was collected from the SwtichDin droplet and updated to this profile.

SOC - This graph shows the state of charge of the battery for today as a percentage value.

SO FAR TODAY – This section has three graphs. Two of these are doughnut graphs and relate to Production (PV) and Consumption (Loads). The third graph shows power values from solar, load, grid and battery over time.

Monitor My DropBear

Battery State of Charge (SOC)

In this example, the solar PV is producing 22.94kW of power, there is 17.04kW of load and solar PV is exporting 5.9kW to the grid. The battery power is 0kW.

Power flow between solar, grid, load and battery, in kW

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Performance Tab

The performance tab can be customised to see several historical data about the system.

NOTE: If the “Grid Power” is a positive value (above the zero line) then the system is buys power from the grid. If this is a negative value (below zero the line), then the system is selling power to the grid.

NOTE: If the “Battery Power” is a positive value (above the zero line) then the in a charging state. If this is a negative value (below zero the line), then it’s discharging.

Live Tab

The Live Tab displays all the live readings of data in numerical form from the connected devices.

In the example on the previous page, 123.61kWh energy was produced from solar. 21.09kWh of it was exported to the grid and 102.52kWh was consumed by the loads and 0W was stored in the battery. 123.61kWh energy was produced from solar. 21.09kWh of it was exported to the grid and 102.52kWh was consumed by the loads and 0W was stored in the battery.

Monitor My DropBear

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Users Tab

This tab shows the users who can view this system. This will include you, the customer, and staff involved in monitoring your system.

Alert Tab

The alert tab shows any errors or warnings received about the system. You will also receive an email if an alert occurs.

Further Questions

For further questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]

Monitor My DropBear

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DropBear_UserManual


1. What should I do when my DropBear turns off?

The most likely reason for this is that the inverter has reached the “low SOC” limit and has stopped inverting (producing 230V). In this situation, follow the “Restart under low SOC” procedure under “How to Operate” in this manual. If this is not the case, please turn the system off and then on again as recommended by the “Shutdown and Start-up” procedure in this manual.

2. What happens if my batteries go flat?

Follow the “Restart under low SOC” procedure in this manual.

3. My Fronius (PV inverter) is showing “State 307”. What does this mean?

This fault is rectified automatically. Due to the low level of insolation (sunlight) early in the morning and in the evening, the STATE codes 306 (LOW PV OUTPUT) and 307 LOW PV VOLTAGE) are displayed routinely at these times of day. These STATE codes do not indicate any kind of fault.

4. My Generator is turning on too frequently and/or staying on for too long. What does this mean?

The generator should only turn on when the battery reaches the low SOC level. If this level is reached frequently, this could mean that the loads are too large compared to the battery size. We recommend either reviewing your loads or contacting RedEarth for more energy storage.

FAQ’s

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RedEarth can provide several options for the DropBear • Additional batteries for system expansion. • Extended warranty options. • Miscellaneous spare parts (including indicator lights for Generator start). • Solar kits with combiner boxes, PV panels, racking and pre-terminated PV cables. • Diesel Generator with 2-wire auto start. • Generator backup kit (for on-grid applications). • Ongoing remote monitoring – RedEarth Protect service.

Contact RedEarth Energy Storage Pty Ltd

Tel: 1800 733 637 or +61 7 3279 6707

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.redearth.energy

Options available from RedEarth

mailto:[email protected]


DropBear · 2020. 9. 11. · RE_PROD_0012 Version2 Page 2 of 22 Date Issue 28/07/2020 . RedEarth...

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Transcript of DropBear · 2020. 9. 11. · RE_PROD_0012 Version2 Page 2 of 22 Date Issue 28/07/2020 . RedEarth...