RedEarth BlackMax User manual

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 1 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
BlackMax
Off-grid Battery System
User Manual

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 2 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
WARNING: Do not open system, operating on the inside of the BlackMax system is restricted
to qualified personnel (electricians with CEC accreditation for Solar and Battery).
WARNING: Lithium Battery Hazard
Many of the procedures covered in the Installation manual have inherent risks. Whilst
the BlackMax is designed to be electrically safe, including residual current device and
double insulated cables, the voltages connected or generated by the equipment are
hazardous and potentially fatal.
Shutdown and safety procedures
The BlackMax must only be commissioned by suitably qualified personnel.
It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure the operation and all the wiring is
carried out in accordance with all safety standards 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.
Damaged battery
Do not use a damaged battery. Batteries should only be disposed of at an appropriate recycling
centre. Please contact RedEarth for advice.
Fire
In the event of fire, evacuate the area and call
emergency services. A dry agent fire
extinguisher should be readily available and
used. DO NOT use water. Toxic gas may be
produced if the battery catches fire.
Note: MSDS document is provided with the
system and also can be found at
www.redearth.energy
This document is subject to change at any time, please visit www.redearth.energy to
access the latest version.

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 3 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
RedEarth’s BlackMax battery system is a all in one, ready-to-run energy storage system for off-
grid applications. It consists of a RedEarth 3.6kVA hybrid inverter and up to three (3) self-
managed lithium batteries (12.4kWh total). It is fully assembled, factory tested and requires no
programming.
It is ready to connect to a PV Solar array and a generator (either auto or manual start)
The BlackMax system is designed to be installed either inside or outside, ideally on a flat surface
and in a shaded area against a wall.
RedEarth Energy Storage provides the opption to install remote monitoring service to ensure
ongoing operation of the BlackMax battery system.
A typical complete installation of the BlackMax, will require the electrical connection of:
•The customers load – via external
GPO and/or hardwiring.
•The array of PV solar panels – via
MC4 conectors on the side of the
unit.
•Generator – via external GPO or
hardwiring.
If remote monitoring is requested the
installer will need to verify that the
internet/monitoring is operational. In this
case. If the customer does not have
internet and the installation site has
mobile coverage RedEarth can provide a
SIM-card based monitoring solution
Note: The BlackMax 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 in place at the premises as required.
About BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 4 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
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Dimension & Clearance
BlackMax Weight: 176kg with 3x Troppo batteries (42kg per battery)
Or: 114kg with 2 Pylontech batteries (32kg per battery)
Dimensions w/ door and lid closed: 1028 H x 750 W x 475 D [mm]
BlackMax Minimum Clearance
According to AS/NZS 5139
BlackMax Fully Open
1433 H x 750 W x 1106 D [mm]

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 5 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
The BlackMax can be divided into four areas. The AC, the DC, the inverter, and the battery area.
With two access points available, use the lid for the batteries and the front door for the switches
and electronic equipment. Below is explained how to access and what to expect in each area.
The Top:
A clear weather proof cover on the lid allows viewing of
the display, if interaction is needed, the cover can be
easily lifted by releasing the two screws and the clip tab
from the front and held in a vertical position with the
help of rear hinges.
For a full shutdown procedure, access to the batteries
is required. This is also done via the lid as it can pivot
on the rear hinges and sit in a vertical position.
Note: Refer to the Installation Manual for more
information on how to lift the lid.
Once the lid is open, clear and direct access is
available to the batteries
The Door:
The second access is made by the front door. To open it,
the two key locks must be turned clockwise with the help
of the key. These items are shown in the picture to the
right.
The AC Side:
Looking at the AC side of the BlackMax on the left-hand side
(LHS), you will find the items shown in the picture to the right.
•Vent;
•AC Breakers;
•15A INLET power point for the generator (a 15 Amp
lead is required);
•15A OUTLET power point (the 15A lead will not fit);
•Handle
•Openings for hardwired connections.
Overview

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 6 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
The AC breakers are behind the weather-proof cover. These can be accessed by releasing the
two screws and the pulling the clip tab, this window will then lift and allow access to the Generator
Input Breaker (MCB), the Generator Usage Meter (AC), the Power Point (RCBO) and Power
Output (MCB).
The DC Side:
Looking at the DC side of the BlackMax (right-hand side) you
will find the items shown in the picture to the right.
Just like the AC side, by releasing the two screws and the
clips on the bottom of the window, you will have access to the
BATTERY SYSTEM D.C. ISOLATOR.
Below, is the SOLAR D.C. ISOLATOR that can be operated
by tuning the dial 90⁰ to the left or right.
The Base:
With its R2D2-like “feet”, the BlackMax has a very sturdy
base and allows the ventilation inlet to be in the base of the
unit.
The House (optional)
If the BlackMax is hardwired into a Switchboard, it should be connected
via one single pole breaker. This breaker will isolate the unit along with all
solar, battery and generator power.
Overview
Air Flow

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 7 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
RedEarth – Power Conversion Equipment (PCE)
The Sure Power by RedEarth offers a complete inverter and
a solar charge controller in one attractive, compact package.
This inverter is certified to IEC62109-1 and -2 and carries the
CE mark.
It is listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list which
means that when solar panels are installed by a CEC certified
installer, the government rebates can be claimed.
Emergency Power Feature: The Sure Power will generate
power from the solar panels even if the battery is flat/not
connected. This means that power is available ONLY if the
sun is shining on the solar panels. If a cloud should come
over, the power will drop out.
Lithium 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 sized to meet your requirements according to your Load Profile and
energy assessment.
The self managed LFP battery with internal BMS offers you a safe lithium option for any solution
that requires reliability, ease of use and a product that outperforms others.
Built to the highest quality standards,
incorporating components of exceptional
reliability and durability, our Australian
manufactured Troppo Series are engineered
to outperform and outlast its competitors.
What is in my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 8 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
Temperature Sensor
A temperature activated relay is positioned on the top left-hand side of the
rear panel as shown in the picture. This relay is connected to the fan also on
the rear and will turn them on once the set temperature is reached. In factory,
the dial is set to activate at approximately 30⁰ Celsius.
Fan
To help keep the inside of the BlackMax at an adequate temperature, a 230V
fan – activated by the temperature sensor – will push out the hot air and fresh air will come in
through the vents on the base.
Generator (External)
Because the BlackMax is an off-grid system, it is highly
recommended to purchase the unit with one of our
recommended generators e.g. Honda EU22i. However,
if purchasing separately, inverter-generators are
recommended for use with BlackMax 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: Some low-cost generators do not provide
sufficient power quality to be accepted by the BlackMax
and therefore not charge the batteries. Generators that
produce poor power quality will damaged devices over time.
Refer to the Installation Manual for minimum generator specification.
What is in my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 9 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
To turn on the unit you must follow the steps below:
1 Switch ON the BATTERY SYSTEM D.C. ISOLATOR (#4), found on the RHS of the unit;
2 Switch ON the SOLAR D.C. ISOLATOR (#3), found on the RHS of the unit;
3 Turn ON all AC circuit breakers (#2), found on the LHS of the unit;
4 Press the “On/Off” button (#1) on the display, found on the lid of the unit;
The shutdown procedure is the reverse of the “turn on” procedure and is shown below. This
procedure can be found on the unit.
1 Press the “On/Off” button (#1) on the display, found on the lid of the unit;
2 Turn OFF all AC circuit breakers (#2), found on the LHS of the unit;
3 Switch OFF the SOLAR D.C. ISOLATOR (#3), found on the RHS of the unit;
4 Switch on the BATTERY SYSTEM D.C. ISOLATOR (#4), found on the RHS of the unit;
The battery breaker on top of each battery does not have to be turned off if the BATTERY
SYSTEM D.C.ISOLATOR is already off. However, we do recommend turning them off for long
term storage (up to 6 months) or during transportation.
After 6 months the system should be restarted to top up the batteries (e.g. via the generator).
How to Turn ON / Shutdown my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 10 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
The BlackMax is setup to provide power in the most efficient way possible.
The priorities set on this system are to power the loads from the PV (solar) first, then the
Generator and finally the battery.
To understand this, imagine if in the middle of the day, the
generator is turned on and some appliances are running
(loads). The PV will provide power to the loads. If that is not
enough, the generator (if available) will provide the rest. If
that is still not enough, the battery will provide the rest.
As an off-grid system it is very important to get the maximum amount of “free” energy into the
batteries before the sun goes down. Batteries are only charged with the “excess” power. This
means that all the solar (and generator) power produced will go to the loads first and only the
excess will go into the batteries.
NOTE: If required to charge the batteries as quick as possible, switch off the Power Point and
Power OUT breakers (this will turn off all appliances connected to the BlackMax), turn on the
generator and the PV. This will take all the power from the generator and PV, and “push” it all into
the batteries.
How BlackMax Operates
PRIORITY – (SUB)
Solar – Utility (Generator) – Battery

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 11 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
As mentioned in the Turn on/Shutdown procedure, the BlackMax has a
few breakers (RCB and RCBO) that must be operated correctly in order to
provide power.
Following the same steps as the Turn on procedure, the individual and
battery system breakers have printed on the handle a “I” or a “O” which
can be interpreted as “ON” and “OFF” respectively.
The Solar PV Isolator is a rotary switch that can be turned ON by rotating
the red handle clockwise to the horizontal position. Or OFF, counter-
clockwise to the vertical position.
The AC breakers also have a “I” and “O” on the
handle to identify if the breaker is on or off.
For the generator’s power to reach the inverter, the
“Generator Input” breaker must be turned on. Once
turned on, the Generator Usage Meter will light up
and show the Voltage, current and Power
consumption.
There are 3 breakers related to providing power to
the loads. The first is the “INVERTER ISOLATOR”,
this will disconnect the inverter output power. Then
the power can go either to “POWER OUTPUT plug”
and to the external power point or to the “Power OUT”
and to the hardwired loads.The “Power OUT” acts as
a main switch for the system.
If the generator is to overload the inverter, there is an internal tripping
mechanism that will protect itself. If this happens, a button on the bottom
side of the inverter must be pressed to allow power from the generator.
How to Operate

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 12 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
Maintenance Schedule
Weekly
Check component operating lights are normal
Monthly
Clean inside the enclosure for exessive 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
Servicing of batteries should be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable
about batteries and the required precautions.
When replacing batteries, replace with the same type and number of batteries.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire, batteries may explode
Do not open or damage batteries. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin and eyes.
It may be toxic.
A battery can present a risk of electrical shock and high short-circuit current. The
following precautions should be observed when working on batteries:
Remove watches, rings or other metal objects
Use tools with insulated handles
Wear rubber gloves and boots
Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
CAUTION:

BlackMax – User Manual
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OPTION 1- On the Display:
The SurePower display in the lid is designed to be as user-frendly as possible. With icons
repesenting different stages of the power and arrows to indicate the direction of power flow. Below
you will find a few pictures illustrating some of the most common situations. A detailed explanation
of the display icons can be found in the SurePower Quick Start Guide included with your system.
Day Time – Solar power charging
battery and powering the loads
Day Time – Solar power helping
the battery to power the loads
Night Time – Battery powering the
loads
Night Time – Generator powering
the loads and charging battery
How to Monitor my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 14 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
OPTION 2 – Remote monitoring via RedEarth’s Portal (Optional Component)
The BlackMax can be monitored online through the SwitchDin platform. If this option is available,
follow the steps below to register and sign-in to your account.
Registering
1. 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/accounts/sign-in?profile=redearth and log in
to view your system.
Monitoring
Once signed in, you will see the following page.
1. If you haven’t received this email from us, please email [e-mail]
with the following information:
1. full name, address, unit’s serial number with subject: Setup online monitoring
How to Monitor my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
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Overview Tab
LIVE DATA - Illustrates the movement of PV production, battery power, generator and load
all in Real Time.
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 BlackMax system and
updated to this profile.
SOC - This graph shows the State Of Charge (SOC)of the battery for today as a
percentage value.
SO FAR TODAY – This section has three charts. Two of these are doughnut charts and
relate to Production (PV) and Consumption (Loads). The third shows power values from solar,
load, generator and battery over time.
In this example the solar PV is producing 0.77kW of power, there is 0.05kW of load and solar PV is charging the
battery with 0.54kW. The battery is providing 0kW to the loads.
In the example above, 0.75kWh energy was produced from solar. 0.05kWh of it was “exported”
to the Loads and 0.71kWh was stored in the battery. Of the 0.05kWh “exported” (consumption),
0.05kWh came from the PV and 0kWh came from the battery.
How to Monitor my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 16 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
Performance Tab
The performance tab can be customised to see several historical data about the system.
If the “Battery Power” is a positive value (above the zero line) then it is in a charging state. If this is
a negative value (below zero the line), then it is discharging.
Live Tab
The Live Tab displays all the live readings of data in numerical form from the connected devices.
Users Tab
This tab shows the users who can view this system. This will include you, the customer, and the
RedEarth team 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 [e-mail] or call us on 1800
733 637.
How to Monitor my BlackMax

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 17 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
1. “I lost power!” What should I do?
R: The most likely reason for this is that the battery has reached the low SOC limit and has
stopped inverting (producing 230V). In this situation, turn the system off, start the generator, turn
your BlackMax on again as recommended in the “Shutdown and Start-up” procedure in this
manual. HOWEVER, be sure to leave the Power OUT breaker turned off. This will allow all the
power generated to go directly to the battery and not to the load. Let the batteries charge for 15
minutes and then turn on the main breaker.
NOTE: You can turn the main breaker on again but be careful not to use more than is being
produced. This will lead to draining the batteries even more and possibly damaging them.
If you do not have a generator, then wait until there is PV power available. The inverter will
automatically recharge the battery and turn back on once the battery is at a safe level.
2. What happens if my batteries go flat (no lights on the battery itself)?
R: This will happen if the BlackMax is re-started and the battery not immediately charged. Contact
RedEarth’s technical support on 1800 733 637.
NOTE: This system will still work in Emergency Power Mode – meaning that limited power will be
available when the solar panel are in sunlight.
3. My Generator is not charging the batteries. What does this mean?
R: The first and most obvious thing to check in this situation is that the Power IN breaker is turned
on. If so, the power produced by the generator might not be within the inverter’s acceptable range.
Look at the generator requirements in Attachment C of the installation manual. Some cheap
generators do not produce power of sufficient quality to charge the batteries, even though they can
still run simple loads like fans and heaters. Another possibility is that the generator is supplying
power to the loads and there is not enough to recharge the batteries. Try turning off the Power
OUT breaker for a while and see if the batteries are now taking charge.
4. How do I know if the battery is full/empty?
Because the Troppo batteries don’t interact/communicate with the inverter, the SOC is a
calculation based on voltage parameters. What this means is that the SOC is not always accurate.
The best way of estimating
the SOC of the batteries is by
analysing the Voltage. In the
example on the right, if the
battery has about 53V, the
SOC is neat to 100% (blue
arrow). Or, if at 48V, the
SOC is below 6% (red
arrow).
With a range between 64 and
45 Volts, identify the SOC
according to Appendix A in this manual.
FAQ’s

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 18 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
RedEarth can provide several options for the BlackMax that will help you optimize power
consumption and monitoring benefits.
•Membership of the RedEarth Customer Community
•Additional batteries for system expansion
•Remote and ongoing monitoring option
•Miscellaneous spare parts (including indicator lights for Generator start)
•BlackMax Power Kit: PV panels, racking and pre-terminated PV cables
•Generator with 2-wire auto start
•Generator backup kit (for on-grid applications)
Services and options available from RedEarth
RedEarth’s Monitoring and Customer Community Monitoring
Visit us in Brisbane

BlackMax – User Manual
RE_PROD_0006 Version 3 Page 19 of 19 Issue Date 23/03/2021
Battery curves:
Appendix - A