RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

A brief on the standard procedures for Performance Monitoring of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)  that are to be followed for regular maintenance and to increase the life span of the system based on Indian and international best practices: 🔍  Standard Performance Monitoring Procedures for BESS 1. Battery Management System (BMS) Monitoring Continuous tracking  of: Voltage (cell/module level) Current (charge/discharge) Temperature State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) Thermal runaway indicators Alarms and auto-shutdown  if parameters exceed OEM-defined thresholds 2. Power Conversion System (PCS) Monitoring Fully automated and unattended operation Monitors: Grid synchronization AC/DC conversion efficiency Fault diagnostics and self-protection features 3. Predictive Maintenance Uses  real-time data analytics  to detect early signs of component degradation o...

The  standard testing and safety procedures for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India  are currently being formalized under the  Draft Central Electricity Authority (CEA) (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025 .  These draft regulations outline comprehensive safety, monitoring, and operational standards for BESS installations. Here's a summary of the key provisions: 🔧  Core Safety and Testing Requirements for BESS 1. System Design & Fault Tolerance BESS must be designed with  two-fault tolerance , ensuring safe operation or shutdown even after two independent faults (e.g., overcharge, short circuit) 2. Battery Management System (BMS) Must continuously monitor: Voltage Temperature Current Thermal runaway Should trigger alarms and  automatic shutdown  if parameters exceed OEM limits 3. Power Conversion System (PCS) ...

Short-Term Energy Storage Systems (STES)  are designed to store energy for  minutes to a few hours , typically  less than 6 hours . These systems are crucial for  grid balancing ,  frequency regulation , and  bridging short gaps  in energy supply and demand. ⚡ Key Characteristics of STES Fast response time  (milliseconds to seconds). High efficiency  (often >90%). Used for short-duration applications  like peak shaving, load shifting, and backup power. Common in renewable integration  to smooth out fluctuations from solar and wind. 🔋 Main Technologies in STES Lithium-Ion Batteries Most widely used. High energy density and efficiency. Suitable for residential, commercial, and grid-scale use. Lifespan: ~10 years. Supercapacitors (Ultracapacitors) Extremely fast charge/discharge cycles. Low energy density but high power density. Ideal for...

As the world accelerates toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, two technologies have emerged as frontrunners in the race to decarbonize transportation and energy systems:  hydrogen fuel cells  and  battery electric systems . Both offer compelling advantages and face significant challenges. But which of these will ultimately power the future? This article explores the technological, economic, environmental, and infrastructural dimensions of hydrogen and battery technologies, offering a comprehensive comparison to help understand their roles in shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape. The Basics: How Do They Work? Battery Electric Systems Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) use  lithium-ion batteries  to store electricity, which powers an electric motor. These batteries are charged via the electrical grid, either at home or through public charging stations. The process is direct and efficient, with energy conversion rates reaching up to  90...

Here’s a detailed comparison between  DG Sets  and  Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)  for backup applications in renewable energy projects: Aspects/ Parameters for Comprasion DG Sets Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Capital Cost Lower initial cost Higher initial cost Operating Cost High due to fuel and maintenance Low operating cost Fuel Requirement Diesel or other fossil fuels No fuel required Emissions High CO₂ and NOₓ emissions Zero emissions during operation Noise Pollution High noise levels Silent operation Reliability Reliable but fuel-dependent Highly reliable with proper design Scalability Limited scalability Highly scalable Response Time ...

EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) is a refundable security deposit submitted by bidders during tendering to demonstrate their seriousness and financial commitment to execute the contract if awarded. It acts as a safeguard for the tendering authority against non-serious or defaulting bidders. 🔹 Different Forms of EMD EMD can be submitted in various forms: Demand Draft (DD) Bank Guarantee (BG) Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) Online Transfer (RTGS/NEFT/UPI) Insurance Surety Bonds (in select tenders) 🔹 Validity of EMD The validity of EMD must match or exceed the bid validity period specified in the tender. If the EMD is insufficient in amount or duration, the bid is disqualified. Typically, EMD is valid for 90 to 180 days depending on the tender. 🔹 Usage in Power Sector Tenders In power sector tenders (including BESS, solar, wind, hydrogen): EMD ensures only serious bidders participate. It is forfeited if th...

In the  industrial and commercial segments in India , the key requirements for deploying  Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)  are shaped by operational needs, regulatory standards, and integration challenges. Here's a summary based on expert insights and guidelines Key Requirements for BESS in Industrial & Commercial Segments 1. Usage Definition & System Design Discharge Duration : Must align with operational needs (e.g., peak shaving, backup power). C-Rates : Determines how quickly the battery can be charged/discharged. Lifecycle Expectations : Systems should be sized to meet performance targets over their expected lifespan. 2. Safety & Compliance Standards Must adhere to international and Indian standards such as: UL9540  (Safety of Energy Storage Systems) IEEE 1547  (Interconnection standards) NEC 706/480  (National Electrical Code) IEC 62933  (General r...

[🇮🇳]  India: A Policy-Driven Push for BESS India has developed a comprehensive framework to promote BESS adoption, especially for grid-scale applications: Key National Policies and Guidelines National Framework for Promoting Energy Storage Systems (2023): Defines BESS as a critical grid asset and outlines its role in generation, transmission, and distribution. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme: ₹5,400 crore allocated to support 4,000 MWh of BESS capacity under Phase 1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: ₹18,100 crore for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery manufacturing. Energy Storage Obligation (ESO): Mandates DISCOMs to procure a portion of power from storage sources under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). Waiver of Inter-State Transmission Charges: For BESS projects co-located with renewable energy. Battery Waste Management Rules (2022): Ensures safe disposal and recycling of batt...

Introduction India’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift. With over 50% of its installed power capacity now coming from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its 2030 target—the country is rapidly embracing renewable energy. However, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power presents significant challenges to grid reliability and energy dispatch. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical solution to these challenges, and government-led tenders are playing a pivotal role in accelerating their adoption. Why Grid-Scale Energy Storage Is Essential India’s peak power demand surpassed 250 GW in 2024 and continues to rise. To maintain grid stability while integrating increasing volumes of renewable energy, robust energy storage solutions are essential. BESS enables: Load balancing  during peak and off-peak hours Frequency regulation  and grid stability Renewable energy dispatchability , ensuring power a...