RedEarth CopperHead User manual

CopperHead
INTEGRATED BATTERY SYSTEM—ON AND OFF-GRID
Three Phase Model
www.redearth.energy

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
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RedEarth Energy Storage is an Australian-owned and operated manufacturer of energy storage systems
Co-founded by CEO Charlie Walker, CTO Chris Winter, and non-executive director Bruce Ebzery in 2013, RedEarth Energy Storage began as a
start-up doing research and development into battery energy storage systems specifically for the Australian market.
Starting in the off-grid environment with the development of BlackMax, RedEarth has since added on-grid, commercial and industrial, and
residential systems to its suite of products, all designed to be modular and scalable to allow the end-user customer to update their systems
should their needs change.
RedEarth operates with the belief that electricity will be the primary energy source in the future, and that every business and residence can
generate more clean, green electricity than it can consume – meaning they can financially capitalise on their excess solar energy.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................... 3
Safety ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
About Your CopperHead ......................................................................................................................... 5
Dimensions and Clearance/Positioning Information ................................................................................ 6
CopperHead Overview ............................................................................................................................ 7
What is in your CopperHead ............................................................................................................................. 7
CopperHead components and their features ........................................................................................... 9
Battery inverter ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Solar inverter ................................................................................................................................................. 10
By-pass feature ............................................................................................................................................... 10
Battery ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
12-Volt battery charger for the generator starter battery ................................................................................ 11
Generator auto-start ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Generator specifications ................................................................................................................................. 11
How to Operate Your CopperHead ........................................................................................................ 12
Power-up ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Shutdown ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Normal operation ........................................................................................................................................... 13
By-pass operation ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Restart under low battery SOC ........................................................................................................................ 14
Understanding the display on the Selectronics inverter ................................................................................... 15
Air-conditioning .................................................................................................................................... 16
Eight steps to remove/replace a failed unit ..................................................................................................... 17
How to Monitor your CopperHead ........................................................................................................ 18
FAQ’s .................................................................................................................................................... 20
Maintenance and End of Life................................................................................................................. 21
Maintenance schedule .................................................................................................................................... 21
End of life recycling ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Services and Options Available for Your CopperHead ............................................................................ 22

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
4
Safety
Symbol Explanation
Refer to the operating instructions.
Indicates additional information, emphasized contents or tips that may be helpful.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
Caution, risk of danger.
Do not touch live parts until 10 minutes after disconnection from the power sources.
The wiring diagrams and installation instructions are given as a guide only and compliance to appropriate standards
is the responsibility of the installer. Relevant standards are listed below:
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring rules
AS/NZS 5033:2021 (amdt 1&2) Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
AS/NZS 4509.2:2012 Stand-alone power systems—Design
AS/NZS 1170.2:2011 Structural design actions—Wind actions
AS/NZS1768:2007 Lightning protection
AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 Electrical installations—Selection of cables
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters
AS/NZS 5139:2019 Electrical installations—Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion
equipment
The CopperHead must only be installed by suitably qualified personnel who have read and are familiar
with its operation and hazards.
The battery provided with this system must be charged only by the Selectronics inverter. Do not attempt
to charge the batteries with any other charger device or connect any devices directly to the DC battery
bus unless approved by RedEarth.
In the event of a fire evacuate the area and call emergency services. A dry
agent fire extinguisher should be readily available and used. DO NOT use
water.
Note: MSDS document is provided with the system and can be found at
www.redearth.energy
Do not use a damaged battery. Batteries should only be disposed of at an appropriate recycling centre.
Please contact RedEarth for advice.
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, and other metal objects.
Use tools with insulated handles.
Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.
In our efforts towards constant product enhancement, this document is subject to change at any time.
Please visit http://www.redearth.energy and download the appropriate and latest version manual.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
5
About Your CopperHead
Your RedEarth CopperHead is an Australian-made ready-to-run energy storage system for On or Off-Grid, three-phase
applications.
The system is designed to be easy to install and use. It is assembled and factory tested prior to shipment and requires only
limited programming on-site for standard configurations.
It uses Selectronics SP Pro battery inverters together with RedEarth’s TROPPO 4841 lithium batteries (LFP). As standard it is
combined with Selectronic-certified Fronius inverters making it an AC-coupled system. DC-coupled options with AERL MPPTs are
possible.
It is supplied with everything needed to connect the PV Solar array and a generator
(either 2-wire auto start or manual start), or the grid for grid-connected versions.
The CopperHead is designed to be installed outside in a shaded area. It has an IP54
rating and Is fitted with two replaceable air-conditioners for hotter climates. A
changeover switch is included in case there is a problem with the system. In this
case the loads are run solely off a generator (or the grid) until the system is
operational again.
Remote monitoring is available subject to mobile phone coverage. This uses
RedEarth’s EMU app. Starlink satellite Internet is an option where no mobile
coverage is available.
Monitoring requires you to register your system by scanning the QR code located on your system, with your mobile phone. This
allows you to register your warranty, activate your remote monitoring and then receive ongoing updates from RedEarth.
This is particularly useful if you choose to subscribe to RedEarth’s
remote monitoring service, RedEarth Optimum, which maximises
the value of your system by ensuring you are receiving all the
benefits available to you through our PPP (Private Power Plant)
offers. Contact RedEarth Customer Support for more details.
During factory testing all parameters have been pre-set for
correct operation between the SP Pro inverter, the Fronius solar
inverters and the battery bank. However, some parameters may
need to be adjusted during installation (e.g., generator size,
maintenance run-time, etc).
Note: Selectronics allows more complex installations to be
installed (such as dual phase or high-power grid T-connections).
To Install these, your installer should have experience with
Selectronics and have received training directly from them.
RedEarth primarily supplies and supports our standard
configurations. If they are modified for a particular installation, then the responsibility for these changes passes to the certified
installer.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
6
Dimensions and Clearance/Positioning
Information
CopperHead Dimensions:
151cm H x 291cm W x 123cm D
CopperHead Weight:
1010 kg without Troppo
batteries (each battery is 42.5kg)
CopperHead Minimum
Clearance:
211cm H x 380cm W x 250cm D
This allows for opening of doors
and easy install/removal of
batteries.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
7
CopperHead Overview
What is in your CopperHead
This is an overview of what is in your CopperHead. The front section
contains the inverters, DC Breakers, AC switch gear, communications,
and has 4 x key-lockable doors. The rear section contains the TROPPO
batteries (between 9 and 33 depending on model) and has 3 x key-
lockable doors. The “AC Switchgear” shown below contains all the AC
protective and isolation points as well as the changeover switch. Each
device is labelled for easy identification.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
8
The switch gear in the front-left section is labelled for easy identification as shown below:
The 22.5kW CopperHead (3x7.5kW inverters) requires a minimum of 12 batteries (49.2kWh) up to 33 batteries (135kWh
nominal capacity). Each battery has a capacity of 4.1kWh.
An optional 15kW CopperHead is available (3x5kW inverters) can be provided with a minimum of 9 up to 33 batteries (4.1kWh
per battery), which provides from 36.9kWh to 135.3kWh nominal capacity.
The rear of the enclosure contains three bays of 19inch racks where the batteries are installed. Screws secure the batteries in
place.
NOTE: The CopperHead is usually shipped without the batteries Installed. When installing the batteries distribute them evenly
across the three racks, starting from the top.
Due to the characteristics of RedEarth’s TROPPO lithium battery, it is possible to install additional batteries in your system at a
later date. Please contact RedEarth to purchase extra TROPPO batteries.
The enclosure is pre-wired with battery cables for all 33 batteries via the built-In bus-bar system. This makes adding additional
batteries a simple process of plugging in the spare battery cables into the connectors on top of each battery and adding the
short earth wire that is provided.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
9
CopperHead components and their
features
Battery inverter
The Selectronics SP Pro in your CopperHead operates as both an
inverter as well as a battery charger. It charges the batteries by
rectifying AC power, from the Fronius Solar inverters or
generator/grid, into DC power to charge the batteries. It also
inverts the batteries DC power into AC power to run your loads.
With many operating modes, our most popular is the "Self-Use"
mode. All the solar power produced will be prioritised to the
loads, the excess will be used to charge the battery and once the
battery is full, the solar will be ramped down to match the
remaining loads.
NOTE: In the event of critically low battery state of charge (SOC),
the inverter will use the generator/grid to support the loads until
sufficient solar power returns. In an "off-grid" application, this
means that the inverter will auto-start the generator. It can also
flash an emergency light if only a manual start generator is
installed.
The LEDs on the front of the SP Pro indicate the health and operational status of your system.
Refer to the ‘How to operate your CopperHead’ section for more details.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
10
Solar inverter
RedEarth supplies Selectronics-certified Fronius inverters with the CopperHead.
The solar inverter converts the solar arrays DC power into usable AC power. This
will then directly power your home appliances first; excess power will then
charge your battery.
In an Off-grid installation, if the system has excess solar power available after the
loads are supplied and the batteries are full, then the incoming power from the
Fronius solar inverter is automatically scaled back.
The Fronius inverters performance can be monitored via the embedded display
or via the RedEarth EMU app.
Note: The use of Fronius inverters that are Selectronics-certified allows more
solar panels to be connected to the system (in off-grid applications or if the system is operating in back-up mode) This is because
a 2:1 ration of Fronius inverter rating to Selectronics inverter rating is allowed. If the solar inverter is not Selectronics-certified,
then only a 1:1 ratio is allowed.
By-pass feature
In the event of a system failure, the CopperHead is fitted with a three-position By-pass
switch, which can allow loads to be run directly from the generator (or grid).
The changeover switch has three positioning option: [1], neutral and [2].
In normal operation this switch is in the up position [1], and the Battery and PV inverter
are operating together and using the generator/grid if available.
By putting this switch down into position 2, the CopperHead will operate in “By-pass”
mode, meaning that the power will by-pass the inverters and “flow” from the
generator/grid directly to the loads.
The middle position is a neutral option, and not normally used. In this position all
terminals are disconnected, and no power will pass through the "By-pass" switch.
For more information, refer to the “How to operate your CopperHead” section in this manual.
Battery
Batteries are a critical part of the CopperHead system as they store energy
generated from the solar panels and back-up Generators or the grid. This power is
used when solar energy is not sufficient or available.
The battery bank has been sized to meet your requirements according to your Load
Profile and energy assessment. If your requirements grow it is easy to add
additional batteries in the future. Up to 33 batteries can be added. (33x4.1kWh =
135.3kWh)
The battery used in the CopperHead is RedEarth’s Australian Made Troppo-4841
lithium battery (LFP) with a nominal capacity of 4.1kWh.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
11
12-Volt battery charger for the generator
starter battery
A Victron battery charger is included in the CopperHead and is designed to keep your
generator’s starter battery charged for the event of an “auto-start” is requested.
Generator auto-start
RedEarth’s CopperHead is fitted with terminals that allow the connection of an auto-start
generator that is fitted with 2-wire auto-start capability. The SP Pro is configured to start the generator when the batteries reach
a State of Charge (SOC) as programmed.
If the generator does not turn on (e.g., no fuel or flat starter battery), the batteries will discharge down to 20% and then the
inverter will stop outputting power under “LOW SOC fault”. See the ‘How to operate your CopperHead’ section of this manual.
Generator specifications
The CopperHead can be installed as either an off-grid or on grid system.
These options must be specified upon purchase of the CopperHead as the electrical design varies with each option. However,
retrofitting by a qualified installer is also possible.
If it is an off-grid system then a back-up generator will most likely be installed, ideally with the 2-wire auto-start feature.
RedEarth does not supply generators; however, care is required when selecting a generator for use with your CopperHead. If the
voltage, frequency, or current waveforms of the generator are not of a high enough quality, then it will be rejected by the
Selectronics inverter.
For the SPMC482 (7.5kW), the recommended generator size for 3-phase applications by Selectronic is 42kVA.
The following specifications must also be met for guaranteed compatibility with the Selectronics 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
NOTE:
Care is required when selecting a generator for use with your CopperHead. If the
voltage, frequency, or current waveforms of the generator are not of a high enough quality,
then it will be rejected by the Selectronics inverter.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
12
How to Operate Your CopperHead
Power-up
To power up the system follow the steps below:
1. Turn on all the individual DC battery breakers on each TROPPO battery prior to turning on
the Main Battery Breaker. Wait for approximately 10 seconds. (pre-charging the Selectronics
capacitors)
2. Turn on the Main Battery Breaker.
3. Turn on the PV isolator located under each Fronius.
Before step 4, confirm the Selectronics inverters are powered up but not
inverting (outputting AC power).
4. Starting with the left-most Selectronics inverter, which is the
MASTER inverter, turn them ON by pressing and holding the
“ON” button on the top right-hand-side of the 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.
NOTE: The Power-up and shutdown
procedures are the same, only in the
reverse

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
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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 batteries during the night and use the generator/grid when needed.
To use this mode, the CopperHead switches must be set as follows, and shown in the image below:
1. Turn ON individual battery breakers on top of each Troppo-4841 battery and battery system DC isolator.
2. Turn ON the Main Switch OUT and Generator AC breaker.
3. Turn By-pass switch UP to position I.
4. Turn ON all AC Breakers.
In normal operation mode the switches are set as shown in the images below.
By-pass operation
In the event of maintenance on the CopperHead or failure of the SP Pro and/or the Fronius resulting in no power output from
the CopperHead, you can configure the system to operate in By-pass mode. This allows the generator (or grid if connected) to
provide power directly to the loads.
To use this mode, the CopperHead switches must be set as follows, and shown in the image below:
1. Turn OFF all AC Breakers.
2. Leave ON generator AC breaker and Main Switch Out.
3. Turn By-pass switch DOWN to position II.
4. Turn OFF individual battery breakers on top of each Troppo-4841 battery and battery system DC isolator.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
14
By doing this, the generator (or grid, if it is connected) will provide power directly to the loads.
Restart under low battery SOC
This procedure must be followed 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 inverter determines that the batteries are at a too low SOC,
it will stop producing 230V to avoid too deeply discharging the batteries. If this does occur the Troppo-4841 batteries will go into
a self-protection mode. Contact RedEarth Tech support to restart your batteries.
To restart the SP Pro, you must:
1. Turn OFF the Main AC Switch of the CopperHead that is supplying the loads (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 AC Switch (Main Switch OUT) of the CopperHead that is supplying the loads. Your System
should start operating normally again.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
15
Understanding the
display on the
Selectronics inverter

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
16
Air-conditioning
Your CopperHead is fitted with two air-conditioning units on the left and right-side doors to ensure that it is running at optimal
temperature which reduces the risk of overheating and premature failure, meaning that just like the serpent it is named after, it
will continue to operate where most others would perish. It has been intentionally designed with two units, this reduces the
strain on any one unit, and acts as a contingency in the unlikely event of a failure of one unit.
Below is an overview of the display located on the inside of the left and right-side doors. It is programmed and tested in the
factory for optimal operation.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
17
Eight steps to remove/replace a failed unit
In the event that the air-conditioning unit fails, it has been designed to be easily replaced as outlined below:
1. Cut the cable ties that attach the cable to the roof inside the CopperHead.
2. Unplug the cable from the power point.
3. Knock out the pins on the top and bottom hinges.
4. Remove the door.
5. Put new door in place.
6. Reinsert the pins in the top and bottom hinges.
7. Plug the cable from the air-con into the power point.
8. Use cable ties to secure the excess cable to the roof inside the CopperHead.
NOTE: Due to the weight, it is recommended that the above
procedure
is carried out by at least two persons
.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
18
How to Monitor your
CopperHead
Monitoring your system is done via RedEarth’s EMU app.
To setup monitoring follow the steps below.
Scan the QR code sticker attached on your system. It looks like this:
Scanning the code will take you to the RedEarth customer portal.
Entering the information requested and registering your warranty will help you to get the most from your investment in your
CopperHead as well as RedEarth’s PPP.

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
19
After completing the warranty registration, you can easily create an account on the RedEarth EMU app with the same email and
start viewing your system straight away.
If you have any issues email supp[email protected] or call RedEarth tech support number (details in footer below).
Click on the Google Play or App Store icons to
download the RedEarth EMU app.
Create your account and RedEarth will immediately
send a confirmation email to your email account.
Now you are good to go!

CopperHead | User Manual Jan 2023
RedEarth Energy Storage
For sales enquiries contact sales@redearth.energy
For technical support: support@redearth.energy
15 Fienta Place, Darra BRISBANE QLD 4076 | 1800 733 637 | www.redearth.energy
20
FAQ’s
Q: What should I do when my CopperHead turns off?
A: 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.
Q: What happens if my batteries go flat?
A: Follow the “Restart under low SOC” procedure in this manual.
Q: My Fronius (PV inverter) is showing “State 307”. What does this mean?
A: 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.
Q: My Generator is turning on too frequently and/or staying on for too long. What does this mean?
A: 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.
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