Specialised electrical design and power system studies initiated for PV + BESS project
- Power Projects has been engaged to deliver comprehensive electrical design services for a large-scale Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Maldives.
• The scope includes detailed electrical power system studies, design calculations, transformer specifications, and lightning protection risk assessment.
• This assignment strengthens Power Projects’ growing presence in supporting islanded and utility-scale renewable energy projects across international markets.
- Project Overview
Power Projects has been selected to provide detailed electrical design services for a Solar PV + BESS project supporting a large infrastructure development in Maldives.
The engagement covers complete electrical design validation, power system studies and risk assessment required for safe, reliable and compliant operation of the PV and energy storage system.
The objective of the assignment is to ensure that the electrical system design meets performance, safety, reliability and availability requirements while complying with applicable international standards and good engineering practice.
- Scope Highlights
Under this engagement, Power Projects will carry out end-to-end electrical design and system studies for the PV + BESS installation.
The scope includes preparation of electrical design reports, detailed calculations and design documentation covering both normal and contingency operating conditions.
The work also addresses system integration challenges typically associated with islanded grids, renewable intermittency and energy storage coordination, ensuring that the design is robust and suitable for long-term operation.
- Electrical Design and Studies Developed to Match International Standards
All electrical studies and design calculations will be developed in line with IEC, IEEE and applicable international standards.
The design approach considers PV generation characteristics, inverter behaviour, BESS operating modes and grid performance requirements.
The final documentation set will be structured to support engineering approvals, procurement activities, construction execution and future operation of the PV + BESS system.
- Technical Scope and Methodology
Power Projects will follow a structured and standards-driven methodology to execute the design services.
4.1 Input Review and Data Validation
All project inputs will be reviewed and validated before analysis:
- PV module, inverter and BESS system parameters
• Load details, feeder data and operating scenarios
• Reference single line diagrams and layouts
• Site conditions, ambient parameters and grounding inputs
Any gaps or inconsistencies will be identified early to avoid rework.
4.2 Electrical Power System Studies and Design Calculations
The electrical design report will include detailed studies such as:
- Overall electrical single line diagram for PV + BESS system
• Load flow analysis for voltage profile, losses and equipment loading
• Short-circuit calculations for minimum and maximum fault levels
• Cable sizing calculations for AC and DC networks
• Protection coordination study and protection setting philosophy
• Power quality assessment
• Insulation coordination study
• Availability and reliability calculations
These studies ensure safe and stable system operation under all operating conditions.
4.3 Earthing and Lightning Protection Studies
To ensure personnel and equipment safety, the scope includes:
- Soil resistivity assessment inputs
• Earthing system design based on IEEE 80
• Step and touch potential analysis
• Lightning risk assessment as per IEC 62305
• Lightning protection zone definition using rolling sphere method
• Lightning mast layout and coverage evaluation
This ensures long-term safety of the installation in harsh coastal conditions.
4.4 Detailed Specifications and Design Deliverables
Power Projects will prepare detailed design deliverables including:
- Transformer specifications covering ratings, vector group, losses, thermal limits and protection
• Design drawings and calculation reports aligned with procurement needs
• Documentation suitable for construction and commissioning stages
4.5 Report Submission and Revisions
As part of the engagement:
- All reports will be submitted in soft-copy format
• Design documents will be issued with up to two revisions
• Clarifications will be supported through online review meetings
• Final documents will be issued in approval-ready format
- Timeline
Despite the integrated scope covering PV generation, energy storage and safety studies, the complete electrical design and study package will be delivered within a 12-week schedule upon receipt of the PO and full input data.
- Supporting Renewable and Islanded Power Systems
PV + BESS projects in islanded grids demand careful electrical design due to limited fault levels, high renewable penetration and operational sensitivity.
Accurate system studies and robust design play a critical role in maintaining reliability and power quality.
Through assignments like this, Power Projects helps project stakeholders:
- Improve system stability and reliability
• Ensure safe integration of PV and energy storage
• Reduce operational risks in islanded networks
• Meet international compliance and approval requirements
• Support smooth construction and commissioning
• Enhance long-term asset performance
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