UK/EU Split Phase 230V/460V Multiplus II ESS Setup

Hello Victron community.

Has anyone implemented or have experience of installing a Multiplus ESS Setup in UK/EU on a 230V/460V split phase grid supply arrangement, 3 wire 2 phase, where phases are 180degree apart.

Is it possible to have an arrangement with single battery bank and a Multiplus II on each phase operating with ESS assistant.

Grid Parallel operation only G99 & G100 export limitation will be enabled. Backup or Island mode not essential.

Have a remote rural site with this type of grid supply and would like to install solar PV, wind and battery storage, however keen on a single system solution with single monitoring and management as opposed to implementing two typical single phase setups that would be standalone, so generation can be accessed from on either phase on demand.

I see in there is a configuration option for split phase 180Degrees in the VEConfigure, however questioning is this designed only for the US 115/230V? And wondering will it work with 230V Multiplus models?

Any guidance welcomed. Thank you for your help.

As far as I’m aware, the UK or the EU does NOT operate a split phase 180 degree system, there are 3 phases that are 120 degrees separated. This gives phase to neutral of 235V and phase to phase of 401V. 460V is NOT used.
If you need to implement 2 inverters as a single system, then you can either parallel them, or install them as 2 legs of a 3 phase system. The 180 option is purely intended for the US market.

Thanks Mike.

Some photos.

Its an older type system that was implemented long ago in rural parts of the UK, however still used in some places where higher power is needed where single phase is inadequate and 3-phase not available.

Getting an upgrade to 3-phase in these areas won’t happen anytime soon as the entire overhead HV transmission lines to include the 3rd wire needed for 3-phase would need placed costing £Ms, plus replacement of all the transformers etc.

Site has its own dedicated 50KVA split phase transformer off what I gather is off a 11kV HV line, with 2 live wires and shared neutral to the incomer and polyphase utility meter. 2 x 100A fuses are fitted.

Measuring across the two lives L1 and L2 with a meter typically reads about 485Vac, with each single phase to neutral being around 240V.

I have exactly the same situation to address. As you say 240/480 split phase is common in rural areas, it’s combined with single phase 11kV so changing it is prohibitively expensive.

It would be good to chat further

That’s incorrect Mike. We have 3 phase as you describe, but also split phase in rural areas.

Thanks for your post, and good to hear from someone else with same challenges on the split phase

Yes certianly do get in contact, would be good to chat. Kind regards Ryan

I tracked you down & messaged your colleague Robert on WhatsApp. He’s passing my details on but here they are :

Richard Landen
Renewable Energy Specialist

Isambard Ltd

Mobile: +44 797 474 0854
WhatsApp: +44 797 474 0854
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/richard-landen-71932730

Hello @PeakShaving and @Isambard,

Coming to you from rural Western Australia and wanted to ask the same question as we are in a similar situation, we also have 240/480v Split phase and would love to hear further from you guys if you manage to get anywhere with this.

Thanks for your time,

Hello @StormTrooper5560 interesting to hear that split phase 240/480ac exists far away from the UK too!

Yes some progress has made on this.

Have setup 2 x 230V MPIIs and configured as 180Deg, which programmed successfully and result is 460V Phase-Phase is created in island /off-grid operation which works perfectly.

Haven’t tested connecting to grid as don’t have split phase supply, and also further testing needed to see how it would work in ESS mode, grid parallel with identifying what energy meters etc to use.

However a good indication that a result can be achieved.

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