2nd CT Installation Guide

How to install a second CT to monitor home battery storage systems for integration with the Hypervolt charger

At Hypervolt, we recognize the increasing demand from our valued customers for seamless integration of solar panels and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in commercial applications. As such, we understand the necessity of incorporating a second CT (current transformer) to ensure that the ESS never gets depleted unintentionally during the charging process. This page serves as a definitive guide for both customers and installers, detailing the precise steps for mounting the second CT effectively.

Do not mount the second CT if the house has a hybrid inverter. See the end of this document for more details about these types of systems. The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro can safeguard against hybrid-inverter based ESS depletion with the mandatory single CT used on all Hypervolt charger installations.

Understanding the Installation Process

Placement of the CT: The CT is an AC coupled device and must be affixed to the AC output of the Energy Storage System (ESS). It must be measuring positive current towards the home/charger, as indicated by the arrow on the CT.

Hypervolt currently supports following installation architectures:

  1. Systems with one consumer unit and one ESS

  2. Systems with two consumer units and one ESS

  3. Systems with Multiple ESS

Before proceeding with the installation, it is essential to verify that the chosen ESS supports parallel connection. 

Hypervolt assumes no liability for damage resulting from improper ESS installation.

 

Systems with one consumer unit and one ESS

Battery/Solar with Single Consumer Unit - Hypervolt CTs Map

A diagram showing the 2nd CT placement on a home energy system with a single consumer unit and ESS

Systems with two consumer units and one ESS

Battery/Solar with Dual Consumer Unit - Hypervolt CTs Map

A diagram showing the 2nd CT placement on a home energy system with two consumer units and a single ESS

Systems with more than one ESS

For installations where multiple batteries are connected in parallel, the second CT must be connected at the output of the junction box

Check before that the ESS you purchased can be connected in parallel. Hypervolt is not responsible for any damage caused by incorrect ESS installations 

An example how this might be achieved is shown below:

A diagram showing the 2nd CT placement on a home energy system with multiple linked ESS connected to the same junction box.

Hybrid inverter - panels & ESS DC coupled

Maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs are paramount in the realm of renewable energy integration. One prevailing solution gaining traction is the DC coupling of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and solar panel outputs at the inverter input, often referred to as a hybrid inverter.

This streamlined approach reduces expenses by requiring only one DC/AC rectification process. However, it introduces a challenge: distinguishing between solar panel and ESS contributions to the charger becomes impractical. 

Presently, Hypervolt does not accommodate a secondary current transformer (CT) installation in the presence of hybrid inverters. We are working hard with market leaders to offer customers added value by directly integrating with the power gateways. The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro can safeguard against hybrid-inverter based ESS depletion with just the mandatory CT affixed to the mains.