Specification for “Battery Storage System Intended to
Synchronously Work with Grid Connected and Isolated Mode”
1. Scope
This specification covers the general requirements of the design, manufacture, operation and
testing of Series Battery Inverter with Remote Communication Facility which is a part of the “Battery
Storage System Intended to Synchronously Work with Grid Connected and Isolated Mode”. These
inverters must only be used for Behind the Meter Energy Storage Systems (BTM ESS) which must be
wall mounted and installed indoors.
2. Description
The Series Battery Inverter with Remote Communication Facility is a special type of an inverter used
to supply power to fulfill requirements of a household by being a part of a small scale Behind the
Meter Energy Storage System (BTM ESS) which utilizes a DC battery to store energy. The series
integration inverter model needs micro-grid-like controls integrated into the inverter so that the grid
isolation and solar inverter control strategies are handled by the advanced battery controller.
This system could be implemented by existing solar prosumers by seamlessly integrating their
existing solar inverter to this system by mere addition of the battery storage system and the
inverter. The losses of the converter are minimum as the power flow of the battery converter is
limited to the storage volumes rather than the total consumption. The series battery inverter admits
grid power at one end and supplies the load at the other end by AC/DC/AC conversion. The internal
DC bus is supplemented with the battery storage. The power from the grid and the battery storage
system is mixed at the internal DC bus of the converter.
DC GRID
SOLAR
ISOLATION
AC INVERTER
SWITCH
GRID SUPPLY
CONSUMER
SUPPLY BATTERY AC
INVERTER DC
Figure 1 - Battery Inverter installation system topology – Series Architecture
The inverter must have allocations to connect input and control signals to and from the solar
inverter and grid isolation switch. During a power outage, the inverter must be able to isolate
consumer supply from isolation switch and energize the consumer supply to start the solar inverter.
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3. System Parameters
Nominal Voltage (Vn) 230 V
System Frequency (f) 50 Hz
System highest voltage 244 VAC
Operating voltage range ± 10% of Vn (Adjustable)
Operating frequency range ± 6% of system nominal Frequency (f)
Method of Earthing Effectively Earthed
System fault level 25 kA
4. Service Conditions
Annual average ambient temperature 30 0C
System Highest Voltage 40 0C
System Frequency 50 Hz
Environmental conditions Humid tropical climate with heavily polluted
atmosphere
Operational altitude From M.S.L. to 1900 m above M.S.L.
5. Applicable Standards
The equipment and components supplied shall be in accordance with the latest editions of the
standards specified below and amendments thereof.
Distribution Code of Sri Lanka The Distribution Code of Sri Lanka has been formulated in
terms of the provisions of Clause 18 (c) and 3.1 (c) of the
Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No 20 of 2009 (SLEA 2009)
IEEE 1547-2018 IEEE Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of
Distributed Energy Resources with Associated Electric
Power Systems Interfaces
IEEE 519-2014 IEEE Recommended Practice and Requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems
IEEE 1679-2020 IEEE Recommended Practice for the Characterization and
Evaluation of Energy Storage Technologies in Stationary
Applications
IEC61000-6-1:2016 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-1: Generic
standards - Immunity standard for residential, commercial,
and light-industrial environments
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6. Basic Features
The basic features of Series Battery Inverter with Remote Communication Facility shall meet
following requirements:
a) The battery inverter must be of series converter type which offers DC-AC conversion using a
DC battery supply.
b) The inverter shall be capable of connecting with Lithium-Iron (LiFePO4 ), Lithium-Ion and
Lead Acid battery types.
c) The inverter shall consist of an inbuilt metering capability to meter charging and discharging
currents, power, and battery charge level both DC and AC.
d) The inverter must be programmable to change data logging frequency, operating modes
and other communication related settings.
e) Inverter shall consist of a pluggable communication module to communicate remotely with
utility server through GPRS/ 4G LTE/ NB-IoT.
6.1 General Requirements of inverter
Main functionality DC-AC conversion
Remote monitoring system Pluggable communication module to communicate with
remote server
Warranty 5 Years minimum
Communication Interfaces Ethernet / WLAN / RS485 / Serial
Types of operating modes Grid-isolated mode (outage mitigation)
Grid connected mode -Scenario based programmable Battery
charging-discharging (Peak shaving, High-TOU energy
mitigation) ,
Reactive Power Supply to the Grid
6.2 Technical requirements of inverter
AC Connection
Rated power Several models ranging from 2 – 5 kW
Nominal AC voltage / AC voltage range 230 V / 10%
AC grid frequency / range 50 Hz / -6% to +4%
Adjustable displacement power factor specify
Connection phases 1
Minimum Battery to grid efficiency 95%
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion of 3%
AC connection at rated conditions
Electromagnetic compatibility IEC61000-6-1/2/3 or equivalent
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Battery Details
Battery type Externally connected
Type of batteries acceptable Li-ion / Li-Iron (LiFePO4)/ Lead-Acid
DC voltage range Specify
Minimum Charge – discharge rates Specify
acceptable by inverter
Protection
AC short circuit current capability Yes
Earth Fault monitoring Yes
Over-under voltage Yes
Over current Yes
Surge protection for DC and AC Yes
Incorrect battery polarity Yes
Protection class / surge category I / IV
Measuring and datalogging
Parameters to be recorded at a Inverter power output, current, and voltage
configurable frequency with timestamp (maximum, minimum, standard deviation, and
average during logging period), battery voltage,
current, indication on battery charging / full /
discharge / fault
Data logging frequency Adjustable (1, 10, 15, 60 minutes)
Data logging duration Maximum 3 months for 15-minute interval
Parameters to be accumulated Total energy generation, and energy exported to the
grid
6.3 Mechanical and other requirements of the system
Operating temperature range in battery -5°C to +60°C
operation
Max. installation height above MSL 2000 m
Self-consumption standby / self-consumption < 10 W (without supply for batteries or grid
with no load switching unit)
Cooling method Forced convection / Natural convection
IP rating IP 65
Earthing Mechanism Specify
Maximum relative humidity 100%
Mounting Wall mounted
Battery and Inverter packaging Inverter and battery must be separate
modular entities.
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6.4 Communication of the system
Behind the meter communication
Communication protocols Modbus / Serial (Custom protocol)
Communication ports RS485 / Ethernet / Wi-Fi / Serial-TTL / Serial-USB
Output signals MPPT disable / enable signal to solar inverter
Grid isolation signal to the breaker
Communication data Logging data, battery
Inverter to Utility Communication
Communication modem type Plug-and-play (Serial)
Communication technology GPRS / 4G LTE / NB-IoT (If the modem is equipped with
any other technology except GPRS, it should be capable
of falling back to GPRS where coverage for other types of
technologies is not available)
Communication modem approvals Type Approval of Telecommunication Regulatory
Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL)
Optional backup communication Wi-Fi (Via a home Wi-Fi connection that has internet
method access)
Data to be sent to server All logged data must be sent to server every 15 minutes.
Programmable Parameters Remote server communication settings (IP, Port, APN
etc.)
Settings storing All communication settings must be obtained from the
inverter.
6.5 Software required
6.5.1 Local device configuration software
A software is required to configure the inverter on-site using a local communication method
(RS485 / Ethernet / Wi-Fi / Serial-TTL / Serial-USB).
Items to be configured:
• Datalogging frequency
• Charge discharge rates
• Timetable for inverter operating modes (as in 6.2)
• Internal clock
• Local communication port settings
• Password changing
• User access level changing
• Remote server communication settings (IP, Port, APN etc.)
6.5.2 Utility data collection, monitoring and controlling system
For BTM ESS monitoring and controlling (Dealing with operational modes), a head end server-
side solution shall be developed by the supplier. This must be done after consulting with the IT
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infrastructure engineers of utilities (CEB and LECO). ALMC shall handle negotiations with utilities
on behalf of the supplier to integrate the head-end system with the utility ERP systems. The
utility shall be provided the ability to remotely access the BTM ESS controller and change
settings, monitor parameters and control functionalities.
7. Quality Assurance
The manufacturer shall possess ISO 9001:2015 or latest Quality Assurance Certification for the
manufacture of inverters. The bidder shall furnish a copy of the ISO certificate certified as true copy
of the original by the manufacturer, along with the offer.
8. Additional Requirements
8.1 Packaging
Each ESS inverter shall be encased in a synthetic foam packing to prevent damage due to rough
handling. Each packing shall indicate the Type, Rating and Serial Nos. of the inverter.
8.2 Marking of meter, Identification and Labeling
Every inverter shall be provided with a name plate incorporating the inverter serial number and the
terminals shall also be marked. Every inverter shall be indelibly marked with a diagram of
connections and contact points.
The serial number (which will be intimated at the time of placing the order), the country of origin
and year (and or) of manufacture, warranty and make shall also be marked on the unit.
8.3 Technical Literature
Technical Literature including datasheet shall be in English language. Other technical literature that
is required are: installation guide, calibration and maintenance, user manuals shall be supplied with
each set of inverters and they shall be descriptive and self-explanatory, complete with necessary
connection diagrams and drawings.
8.4 Guaranteed Lifespan
Lifespan of the inverter and the communication modules must be at least 10 years.
8.5 Warranty
Manufacturer shall provide five (05) years warranty for the inverters from the date of FOB dispatch
of the items to the purchaser. Manufacturer should sign a warranty agreement with ALMC for the
manufactured models for the specified number of years from date of dispatch. When the inverters
or communication modules become defective within first two years of warranty those shall be
replaced free of charge. The inverters and communication modules which become defective after
two years and during the warranty period, shall be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Manufacturer shall honor the conditions in the warranty agreement accordingly.
8.6 Performance Reports/Certificates
Bidders may furnish performance reports/certificates obtained from electricity supply authorities
outside the country of manufacture to whom the bidder has supplied inverters / UPS / ESS of similar
type/model during the last five years.
The above certificates/reports shall indicate the name of purchaser, “model” of the meter, year of
purchase, quantity purchased, and the performance of the meters in the field. ALMC reserves the
right to communicate with electricity supply authorities who have issued performance certificates
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with regard to the performance of the inverters / UPS / ESS and the authenticity of the performance
certificate issued by them. The contact person and contact details of those utilities such as email /
Fax / Telephone numbers shall be furnished by the bidder in his offer.
9. Sample
One sample of the proposed inverter system with communication module with the requirements
stated in Technical Features section (6) shall be submitted. Local configuration software (6.5.1)
should be furnished with the offer. The remote headend system (6.5.2) shall be demonstrated by
the supplier at the Proof-of-concept stage.
The sample of the successful supplier will be retained, and the samples of unsuccessful bidders will
be returned after the technical evaluation stage.
10. Inspection and testing
10.1 Type test
The supplier must perform a type test in accordance with XXXXXXXXXX and furnish with the offer.
The type test certificates should clearly indicate the relevant standard, items concerned, showing
manufacturers identity, type number / catalogue number and basic technical parameters.
Test certificates referred to shall be from an accredited independent testing laboratory acceptable
by ALMC. Proof of accreditation by a national / international authority shall be forwarded with the
offer. Test reports shall be complete including all pages as issued by the testing authority. Type test
reports shall be in English language. Parts of test reports shall not be acceptable.
10.2 Routine Test
Routine tests must be done on all individual products. Supplier must indicate the routine tests that
must be carried out, procedure of conducting each routine test, equipment required, and staff
competencies required for performing the routine tests. Technical assistance must be provided by
supplier to perform all routine tests at ALMC factory.
11.Information to be furnished with the offer
a) Duly filled and signed schedule of Technical Requirements and Guaranteed Technical
Particulars (Annex A)
b) A comprehensive catalog describing the equipment and indicating the model number
c) Literature describing the operational features of the equipment
d) Constructional features materials used for components and relevant technical literature as
per clause 12.
e) Complete dimensional drawings
f) Documents to prove manufacturing experience in accordance with Error! Reference source
not found..
g) Details of the information indicated in the nameplate of inverter as indicated in clause 8.2
h) ISO 9001:2015 Quality Assurance Certificate as per clause 7
i) Type test certificates in accordance with clause 10.1
j) Documents required to obtain type approval from TRCSL for Communication modem as per
clause 6.4
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12.Technical literature and drawings
Technical Literature in English Language on the installation, calibration and maintenance shall be
supplied with the bid and they shall be descriptive, self-explanatory, and complete with necessary
connection diagrams and drawings.
13.Annexes
Annex A – Schedule of Technical Particulars
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Annex A
Manufacturers Guaranteed Technical Particulars
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