Technical Specification

Installation, Performance and Safety Specifications of

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS}
BESS must, among other things, must : (a) have a guaranteed (useful) capacity between (1) hours (MWh/MW)to
(4) hours (MWh/MW) based on the maximum output of the RES systemand the technology used as defined in
the scheme (b) have a round-trip efficiency of at least 80% at the start of their operation, (c) when in standby
mode, the total energy consumption for any purpose should not exceed 15% of the guaranteed capacity on a
daily basis, (d) achieve a power availability of at least 92%, (e) meet all technical requirements for connection to
the power system, according to the relevant decisions, in accordance with the relevant Regulations, as applicable
at any given time, (f) can participate in frequency support reserve processes, manual and automatic frequency
restoration reserves of the power system, (g) be compatible with standards EN IEC 62933-5-2, NFPA 855, EN IEC
61936-1 or equivalent international or national standards and regulations.

A. Installation specifications

Disclaimer: The following specifications are indicative and may be subject to change in the final
scheme. Specifications provide a basic guideline for implementation to meet specific project needs.
These information ensures that all applicants understand the baseline requirements and can plan
accordingly, though some specifications and situational guidelines may be adjusted by operators
(DSO/TSO) based on the specific project characteristics (i.e. technology used, size of the project etc).

The conditions following do not apply to all systems. The TSO/DSO will provide different conditions
for each system. In the final scheme, these specifications will be omitted, as each project must
consult the TSO/DSO before applying for the scheme to obtain terms based on its specific
characteristics.

1. The PoC (point of connection) of BESS to the Cyprus electrical Transmission System will be
located at the Voltage level (i.e. for HV systems based on capacity) , at the HV bay of an HV/MV
substation, feeding the corresponding HV/MV power transformer.

2. BESS installation yard will be independent from the connecting HV/MV substation, connecting
them to Transmission System, although they can be installed on adjacent areas. In case of adjacent
areas, the substation fence will separate them. BESS yard and substation will have also independent
entries. BESS yard could be fenced together with a renewable energy resource installation.

3. The HV/MV transformer and the primary MV switchgear connecting BESS to Transmission
System will be always located in the HV/MV substation, whereas the secondary MV switchgear and
the MV/LV transformers will be always located in the BESS installation area.

4. The AC and DC auxiliary power needed for BESS installation will be independent from the
auxiliary power of the connecting HV/MV substation. No common low voltage busbars, transformers
or chargers are allowed.

5. Electrical disconnecting switches shall be available at both sides of transformers and PCS
(power conversion system) units, providing safety during maintenance.

6. The earthing grid of the HV/MV substation will be also independent from BESS earthing, unless
the two installations are adjacent. In this case connections between the two earthing systems are
allowed, following approval from the Transmission Operator.

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7. Hazardous live parts of BESS shall be protected to avoid risk of electric shock and arc flash,
including during erection and commissioning. BESS insulation, electric shock protection and earthing
shall follow the provisions of IEC 62933-5-2 and IEC 61936-1. Also, the provisions of IEC 60364 series
shall be followed, especially of IEC 60364 -4 -41. Alternatively, equivalent UL/IEEE standards can be
followed. Resistance measurement of earthing shall be performed after installation, with the earthing
system isolated from installations outside of BESS yard (e.g. isolated from HV/MV substation).

8. A multi-level electrical protection system shall be installed, providing at least over-current

protection, as well as earth-fault detection in isolated (IT) systems or earth-fault protection in earthed
(TN) systems. As far as possible, protection coordination shall be provided and documented. For the
design, erection and commissioning of the electrical system of BESS, the provisions of IEC 62485-2 shall
be followed. Also, the provisions of IEC 60364 series shall be followed, especially of IEC 60364-4-43,
IEC 60364-5-53 and IEC 60364-5-57. Alternatively, equivalent UL/IEEE standards can be followed.

9. ESMS (energy storage management system) of BESS will be independent from the control
and protection system of the HV/MV substation.

10. Clearance and fire-resistant barriers of transformers to other equipment shall follow IEC
61936-1 or equivalent UL/IEEE standards.

11. Requirements regarding emission and immunity EMC levels shall follow IEC 61000-6-2, IEC
61000 -6-4 or equivalent UL/IEEE standards.

12. All equipment of BESS (converters, transformers, battery modules) shall be type and routine
tested, following the relevant IEC equipment standards and IEC 62933-5-2. Alternatively, they can
follow equivalent UL/IEEE standards.

13. During commissioning, the specified by manufacturer initial charging and initial
discharge/charge cycle shall be performed, in order to achieve guaranteed energy capacity, prolong
battery lifetime and set correctly the SoC (state of charge) measurement.

B. Performance specifications

I. General

1. BESS will be able to provide/absorb maximum export/import active power at PoC, at outdoor
temperature range between -10°C and 45°C. At high temperatures, solar radiation at noon of 1000 W/
m2 shall be considered. At low temperatures, snow and ice conditions shall be considered.

2. All performance requirements i.e. below mentioned guaranteed energy capacity, maximum
export/import active power, efficiency requirements, standby energy consumption requirements and
monitored operational period requirements will be referred to PoC.

3. The mentioned below reference conditions are meant only for declaration of performance
values, not as actual operating conditions. The necessary corrections will be implemented to the
measured performance values, in case of variations from reference conditions. Also, the mentioned
below standby mode is meant as reference for declaration of standby energy consumption, not as
obligation to operate that way. Definition of terms regarding BESS can be found in IEC 62933 -1,
additionally to below mentioned ones.

4. Maximum export active power of BESS is the maximum continuous active power at PoC, that
BESS will be contracted to provide during discharge to the Transmission or Distribution System, at

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nominal voltage. Maximum import active power of BESS is the maximum continuous active power at
PoC, that BESS will be contracted to absorb during charge from the Transmission System, at nominal
voltage.

5. The guaranteed energy capacity of BESS is the total energy that BESS will be contracted to be
able to provide at PoC during discharge, using maximum export active power from SoC 100% to SoC
0% (DoD100%). The nominal discharge time will vary from 1-3 hours min based on different
technologies as indicated in the scheme.

6. During standby operating mode, with no charging or discharging of batteries, BESS shall be
able to receive (and deliver) maximum import (and export) power at PoC without any intentional delay
(meaning with sub-second delay) upon request. All frequency and voltage control functions will be
active during this mode.

II. Round-Trip Efficiency

1. The round-trip efficiency (RTE) of BESS at PoC shall be higher or equal to 80%.

2. RTE will be given at BoL (beginning of life), meaning right after commissioning and energization
of BESS. Charge and discharge will be performed with maximum import and export active power,
respectively and unity power factor.

3. RTE will include all essential loads of BESS installation, including battery cooling system and all
necessary HVAC systems for any part of the installation, emergency lighting of BESS area, BMS (battery
management system) and ESMS operation.

4. RTE will include all transformer and converter losses. Maximum import/export power and
unity power factor will be retained at PoC at nominal voltage, as a reference condition, during the
whole charge/discharge cycle.

5. RTE will be calculated with DoD (depth of discharge) 100%, meaning for one cycle with SoC
from 0% to 100% and then back to 0%.

6. Outdoor temperature will be taken at 25°C and solar radiation at 600 W/ m2 as a reference
condition.

Ill. Standby Energy Consumption. Self-Discharge

1. The standby energy consumption of BESS at PoC shall be lower or equal to 0.15*C/day (C is
guaranteed energy capacity).

2. Standby energy consumption will include all essential auxiliary loads during standby state, as
in (I) above, as a reference condition. Thermal conditioning of batteries will follow manufacturer's
specifications. Batteries and PCS will be kept in a readiness/ active state, ready to supply maximum
export power within one second. This means that the thermal conditioning system will keep the
batteries at recommended temperature and the PCS will have the electronic valves energized (not
blocked).

3. Standby energy consumption will be given at 100% SoC and it will also include the energy
needed to recharge the batteries to this level, due to self-discharge.

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4. Outdoor temperature will be taken at 35°C and solar radiation at 800 W/ m2 as a reference
condition.

IV. Availability

1. The yearly equivalent availability factor (EAF) of BESS installation at PoC shall be above or equal
to 92% (charged/standby) during the first 10 years of operation. EAF will be calculated as a 2-year
mean value, for each one of the five 2-year successive periods of the 10-year operation, based on
actual data.

2. The calculation of EAF shall be based on IEEE 762 definitions and types, adapted for BESS as
necessary. As mentioned in the above standard, besides the forced outages or derating, any derating
due to environmental conditions, as well as any derating or outage due to planned maintenance, will
affect the availability value.

V. Monitored Operational Period

1. BESS capacity will be augmented, so that the minimum required guaranteed energy capacity
will be retained during the first 10 years of operation. Energy capacity and RTE will be measured at the
end of each one of the five 2-yearsuccessive periods of the first 10-year operation period. BESS
capacity shall not fall below minimum required guaranteed energy capacity at Bol at any of the above
measurements.

2. There shall be enough free space on the BESS installation yard for the capacity augmentation,
following calculations and guidelines from the manufacturer. There shall be free space for installation
during the 10-year period for at least 20% additional capacity, calculated on the guaranteed energy
capacity of BESS. Additionally to available free space, it is permitted to install initially the necessary
additional capacity, above the minimum needed (1-3 MWh/MW), provided that no other capacity
augmentation will be need ed during the 10-year period, following calculations of the manufacturer.

3. RTE shall also not fall below 75% at the end of the 10-year period. RTE limit values at the end
of each 2- year period shall be distributed linearly between the Bol values stated in par. B.11 and the
10-year values stated in the present paragraph. RTE shall not fall below the corresponding limit
value, at the end of any of the five 2-year periods.

C. Safety specifications

The below mentioned safety requirements are applied to outdoor, modular installation of BESS, using
Li-ion batteries in walk-in or non-walk-in containers (outdoor metallic enclosures). Different types of
batteries and installations shall have equivalent requirements. Other safety requirements, not
mentioned here, as well as additional definitions, will follow the provisions of NFPA 855, IEC 62933-5-
2, IEC 62485-5, IEC 62619, IEC 63056, IEC 62281, IEC 62477-1, IEC 61936-1, IEC 60364-5-57 or
equivalent UL/IEEE standards.

I. General

1. Each battery module or rack, which is transported from factory to installation site as a unit,
shall contain an impact sensor in its package. The battery modules transport packages pass the safety

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tests foreseen in UN 38.3, as well as IEC 62281, IEC 63056 or equivalent UL/IEEE standards. Battery
modules stressed by heavy impact shall not be installed on site, without prior thorough testing.

2. Design and bracing of all equipment and structures (battery racks, fire-protection, etc.) shall
be earthquake-proof according to IEC 60068-3-3, with horizontal ground acceleration (zero period
acceleration - ZPA) of 3.55 m/ s2 and vertical of 1.78 m/ s2• Power circuits and control system circuits,
including monitoring, shall remain functional after a seismic event.

3. If there is a flooding risk in BESS installation, the containers shall be installed on an elevated
steel or concrete base, above the flooding level.

4. The containers shall be weatherproof, protected against corrosion according to the

environment corrosivity and the distance to seashore. Their painting shall be at least for environment
corrosivity C3 (medium) and it shall have durability H (high), following ISO 12944-1, -2, -5.

5. Operation and maintenance, emergency response and fire response manuals shall be available
in the local central control room, following the requirements of IEC 62933-5-2. The personal protection
equipment (PPE) required for normal and emergency tasks shall be also available on site.

6. A sign shall be located near the access door of all battery containers, including electrical hazard
icon and stating the type of battery technology, the used fire suppression agent and that occupancy
only for inspection and maintenance is allowed. Also signs on every approach direction, readable from
30m away of BESS installation yard, shall state the presence of "Li-ion battery storage system" in
Cyprus.

II. Safety Distances

1. Distance between BESS containers shall be 1m at least, but at the side having access doors the
distance shall be 3m at least. BESS containers shall have walls with 1-h fire resistance. Alternatively,
BESS containers without fire-resistant walls shall be located at least 6m to other containers. At any
case, distance between the building or container housing the BESS central control room and other
BESS containers shall be 6m at least. Battery containers (metallic enclosures) installed in contact to
each other, having in total up to 100m2 footprint, can be regarded as one container.

2. Around the complete BESS installation but inside of the fence of BESS, an access road shall
exist with at least 5m width, for access of fire-fighting vehicles. At least one side of each container of
the installation shall lay on a 5m width road. The 5m roads of BESS installation shall be used as escape
routes also and they shall have emergency lighting. The roads shall have fire hydrants for fire-fighting
use.

3. BESS yard of installation, inside of the fence, shall be free of any combustible vegetation.

4. Battery containers in a BESS installation shall have at least 30m distance from any other
occupied buildings or storing spaces of combustible materials, excluding the ones associated with the
BESS installation itself and the connecting HV/MV substation.

5. The containers housing batteries, PCS or transformers shall not be occupied during normal
operation, only for maintenance reasons. Local central control systems of BESS shall be housed on a
different container, located at least 3m from other containers. The exit of the operation container shall
be to a 5m width road, not facing any other container.

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6. A safety data sheet (SDS) for all included hazardous materials shall be posted within sight of
the disconnecting switch in every battery container and in the local central control room of BESS.

Ill. Constructional Safety Measures

1. All air ingress openings of all containers shall have dust filters installed.

2. Battery containers shall be constructed so that no debris, shrapnel or pressure waves are
ejected in case of a battery module explosion. Deflagration pressure reliefs (vents) shall be
incorporated, not being directed towards walkways and roads.

3. Each Li-ion battery module shall incorporate a pressure relief, preventing explosion. The
battery module type shall pass the mechanical, electrical and thermal "reasonably foreseeable misuse"
tests, as well the other safety tests foreseen in IEC 62619 and IEC 63056 or equivalent UL/IEEE
standards.

4. The battery racks type shall pass the safety tests foreseen in IEC 63056 or equivalent UL/IEEE
standards, including reverse connection of a module on it during erection (if modules are erected on
site).

5. Each battery container shall have a central power disconnecting switch, installed near the
access door. Each battery rack shall also have a power disconnecting switch, installed on the rack. The
switches shall be electrically and manually operated. Auxiliary power shall not be disconnected
through these switches.

6. BMS will continuously monitor the temperature, voltage and current of each module. It will
control charging/ discharging to prevent the above values reaching outside of safe limits. However, in
case of overheating, BMS will send an alarm to the central control point of BESS and it will isolate the
battery rack, containing the affected module, through tripping of the rack switch. In case of higher
overheating and thermal runaway, BMS will isolate the entire battery container, housing the affected
module, through tripping ofthe container switch. The above-mentioned protective functions of BMS
shall be housed within each battery container. Failure of communication between BMS subsystems
shall not lead to hazardous situation. The BMS type shall pass the relevant tests for the above-
mentioned functions foreseen in IEC 62619, IEC 63056 or equivalent UL/IEEE standards.

7. In case of maloperation of above mentioned BMS monitoring and protection functions, the
affected container shall be isolated through tripping of its power switch. Same will happen in case of
fire alarm energization in the container.

IV. Fire Protection

1. All containers, including all transformers, shall have automatic fire alarm and fire suppression
system. Automatic energization of fire suppression system by fire alarm shall be applied.

2. In battery containers, fire alarm system shall include off-gas detectors and signals from BMS.
Off-gas detectors shall be sensitive to some or all of the gases released from Li-ion modules under
thermal runaway (H2, CO, CO2, hydrocarbons). Activation of both overheating alarm from BMS and of
an off-gas detector shall be necessary for energization of fire suppression system. Energization of fire
suppression system shall follow an evacuation time, in case of walk-in containers. Also emergency

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ventilation can be energized by fire alarm, but not if a flooding fire suppression system is installed and
energized.

3. An external fire alarm beacon will be installed on each battery container. Audible alarm shall
be also available in BESS installation. Both will be automatically energized by fire alarm system.

4. Fire suppression system shall be of water sprinkler type, suitable for electrical fires. The fire-
fighting water density shall be at least 12.2 mm/min, meaning at least 12.2 lt/min per each m2 of
container area.

5. Alternatively, an aerosol or gas flooding agent fire suppression system can be installed in the
battery containers. Before energization of the system, all access doors and openings shall automatically
close and the ventilation stopped, allowing egress of air only through pressure reliefs (vents). After fire
extinguishing, access doors and openings will remain locked, until flooding agent and smoke is
removed through manual energization of ventilation. The manual ventilation energization point shall
be located remotely from the battery containers and marked accordingly.

6. The battery cell and module type, as well as the battery rack and container type, as they will
be installed, shall undergo a fire and explosion test (large-scale fire test) according to UL 9540A (cell,
module, unit and installation levels). Reviewing of the test report shall verify that the design and the
fire protection measures applied, up to the battery container level, are adequate to address a fire
caused by battery thermal runaway.

7. Regardless of the fire suppression type, a permanent, reliable water supply shall be installed.
If this is not possible or if the permanent supply cannot sustain the water flow needed, a water tank
made from fireproof material shall be installed, having capacity of at least 20 m3 of water.

8. Regardless of the fire suppression type, if the battery modules are deluged with water by the
fire-fighting personnel, they shall not short-circuit. Their power connections, as installed in the
containers, shall be designed appropriately.

9. Before BESS installation, the owner shall submit to the local Fire Agency office the appropriate
fire response manual from BESS manufacturer. Also the following information shall be submitted:
location of BESS on map with coordinates, battery technology (Li-ion), guaranteed energy capacity of
BESS, number of battery containers and the energy capacity of each, number of battery modules in
each container and the energy capacity of each module, SDS of all hazardous material, description of
the fire-alarm and the fire-suppression system, including the type of fire-suppression media used,
permanent water supply connection or alternatively, the reasons why permanent water supply
connection is not possible and the volume of local water tank, layout drawing of BESS installation,
depicting the location of battery containers and their access doors, fire resistance rating of container
walls, the roads for fire-fighting vehicles access, the locations of fire-fighting hydrants and of the water
tank.

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 Check List

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF MAIN EQUIPMENT

The tenderers must fill all the tables below. Where reference to technical documents is
required, datasheets, manuals and/or certificates must be submitted with the Tender

1.1. Power Transformers (if applicable)

Will be defined by TSO/DSO accordingly.

1.2. BESS

Reference to technical
Compliance
No. Requirement datasheets, manuals or
(Yes/No)
certificates
1. Battery Technology: Lithium Ion LFP
2. Integration: DC or AC coupled
BESS shall be provided in
prefabricated containers specially
designed for battery storage
3.
solutions, fully assembled and
tested in factory-controlled
conditions.
The container construction shall
allow for access to all internal
equipment and devices for
unobstructive inspection,
maintenance and repair. The
container exterior shall be
galvanized and varnished with
4.
polyurethane enamel for protection
against local weather conditions.
The walls and roof should contain a
rigid fire‐proof polyurethane foam
filling, to achieve water resistance
and high efficiency thermal
insulation.
BESS system shall be of modular
5.
type.
The cooling system along with the
BMS must always keep the BESS
6.
within its optimal and nominal
operating conditions, considering

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 the external ambient conditions, for
maximizing performance and life
HVAC system must be intergraded
for active cooling of the BESS.
Homogeneous temperature
7. distribution across all cells and
modules is required to ensure long
life of the system. HVAC system
should be redundant.
BESS requires a complete and
integrated protection system that
includes:
a. A gas detection system is
employed to shut down faulty cells,
activate a ventilation system and
sound local and remote alarms
8.
b. An appropriate and capable
automatic fire suppression system
is installed and connected to the fire
detection system
c. Roof mounted blast panels
and pressure relief vent to be
installed.
AC and DC protections. AC and DC
9.
isolation.
Capacity: ≥ ΧΧΧ MWh per MW
installed per technology
10.
according to the
scheme./category
C-rate ≤ based on a minimum ΧΧΧ
11.
hours of discharge (0.5C)
BESS shall be capable for at
least one (1) cycle/day, during the
12. guaranteed cyclic lifetime (7300
complete charge/discharge
cycles).
Chronological lifetime: Minimum
10‐years with no replacement of
13. any major component
technologies (based on 1
complete daily cycle)
Cyclic lifetime: Able to match the
14. minimum chronological lifetime
(based on 1 complete daily cycle)
Acceptable Performance
Degradation – Energy Storage
15.
Capacity: <20 % over required
chronological/cycle lifetime

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 External ambient temperature: ‐
16.
10oC to +50oC
External ambient relative humidity:
17.
0% to 100%
18. Installation: Outdoor
DC to AC Round trip cycle
19.
efficiency ≥ 80%
BESS Manufacturer Ability:
• must hold a quality
Assurance certificate ISO
20.
9001:2015 or equivalent, regarding
the manufacture and sales of utility
scale storage equipment
IEC 62133, Secondary cells and
21. batteries containing alkaline or
other non-acid electrolytes – Safety
IEC 61427-1:2013: Secondary cells
and batteries for renewable energy
22. storage - General requirements and
methods of test - Part 1:
Photovoltaic off-grid application
23. CE marking
NFPA 855, IEC 62933, IEC 62477-
24.
1:2012

1.3. BMS
Reference to technical
Compliance
No. Requirement datasheets, manuals or
(Yes/No)
certificates
Real‐time monitoring battery
operation: voltage, current, State of
1.
Charge (SoC), temperature and
running status
2. SoC estimation
Battery health information regarding
the remaining capacity as a
3. percentage related to the nominal
capacity as well as other battery
health relevant information
Monitor battery safety: over‐charge,
4. over‐discharge; over‐heating, real‐
time monitoring of battery status

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 Self‐test and self‐diagnosis, fault
5.
isolation and hierarchical isolation.
Managing battery for a longer life,
maintaining the battery SoC within
6. specified limits. If the BMS detects
any abnormal conditions, it shuts
the battery down.
Prevent damage to the battery cells
7. from over-charging and over-
discharging
Able to fully integrate with the EMS
in order to implement appropriate
management strategies based on
user condition. For example, the
BESS shall be able to receive
commands from the EMS related to
the required mode of operation (e.g.
8. required charged/discharged
power/energy etc.). Nevertheless, in
case the EMS requires abnormal
battery operation then the BMS
shall keep the BESS within the
manufacturer’s recommended limits
and maintain maximum battery
health.
Able to fully integrate with the
9. existing RES park monitoring
software
Monitor leakage current to ensure
10. electrical system safe and reliable
operation
Communication protocol based on
11. IEC 61850 and/or Modbus TCP/IP,
depending on the EMS solution

1.4. EMS
Reference to technical
Compliance
No. Requirement datasheets, manuals or
(Yes/No)
certificates
The monitoring and control shall be
accomplished through an internet
portal by using a standard web
1. browser and/or via an executable
software. This shall allow access to
the data from anywhere given the
availability of internet access.

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 At least one (1) day ahead
forecasting of both the on-site
Renewable Energy/Power
2.
Generation and Energy
Consumption and Power Demand
in a 30-min resolution
Capability of the following daily
operation modes by controlling the
BESS operation(Applies mainly
for net-billing):
• Self-consumption
maximization (i.e., minimizing the
grid-import energy)
3.
• Tariff optimization (i.e.,
scheduling battery optimization
based on the daily electricity tariffs
and maximizing the daily economic
benefit)
• Peak load shaving
• Load levelling
Adjust the real-time power flow, due
4. to forecasting errors and any
equipment/communication loss
The following minimum information
shall be offered, in both raw data
and user-friendly graphs:
• Active, reactive and
apparent power as well as energy
imported and exported from and to
the grid
• BESS charged/discharged
energy and power
• BESS SoC
• Active, reactive and
5.
apparent powers as well as energy
of the RES park, imported and
exported from and to the grid
• Active, reactive and
apparent powers as well as energy
of each future equipment connected
to the EMS
• Weather information from
the closest weather station (RES
park’s weather station may also be
used)
Export capability of the above data
6.
to Excel
Ability to store historical data, log
files and status, in at least 1-min
7.
resolution, during its whole
operation period

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 Ability to expand and integrate with
future equipment (e.g., switchgear,
electrical loads etc.) under widely
8.
used communication standards and
protocols such as IEC 61850, and
Modbus TCP/IP
Acquisition, pre‐processing and
9.
display of measured values
10. Operational metering
11. Sequence of event recording (SOE)

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