HANDBOOK FOR

ENERGY STORAGE
SYSTEMS
ABOUT THE ENERGY MARKET AUTHORITY

The Energy Market Authority (“EMA”) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Our main goals are to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition
in the energy market, and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Through our work, EMA
seeks to forge a progressive energy landscape for sustained growth.

Website: www.ema.gov.sg

Facebook: facebook.com/EnergyMarketAuthority

Instagram: @EMA_Singapore | Twitter: @EMA_Sg

Energy Market Authority

991G Alexandra Road #01-29
Singapore 119975

Republic of Singapore
CONTENT PAGE

Foreword I
Acknowledgements II
Abbreviations and Acronyms II
1. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) 1
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Types of ESS Technologies 3
1.3 Characteristics of ESS 3
1.4 Applications of ESS in Singapore 4
1.4.1 Energy Market Participation 5
1.4.2 Provision of Ancillary Services 5
1.4.3 Consumer Energy Management 6
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) 7
2.1 Introduction 8
2.2 Types of BESS 9
2.3 BESS Sub-Systems 10
3. BESS Regulatory Requirements 11
3.1 Fire Safety Certification 12
3.2 Electrical Installation Licence 12
3.3 Electricity Generation or Wholesaler Licence 13
3.4 Connection to the Power Grid 14
3.5 Market Participation 14
4. Guide to BESS Deployment 15
4.1 Role of a BESS System Integrator 16
4.2 Appointing a BESS System Integrator 16
5. Operation and Maintenance 19
5.1 Operation of BESS 20
5.2 Recommended Inspections 21
6. Conclusion 22
6.1 Energy Future of Singapore 23
Appendices
Appendix A. Design and Installation Checklist 25
Appendix B. Contact Information 27
Appendix C. Examples of ESS Deployments in Singapore 28
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Power output of a 63 kWp solar PV system on a typical day in Singapore 2
Figure 2: Types of ESS Technologies 3
Figure 3: Applications of ESS in Singapore 4
Figure 4: Global BESS deployments 8
Figure 5: Examples of BESS and battery chemistries 9
Figure 6: Image of a Lithium-Ion Battery 9
Figure 7: Model of a typical BESS 10
Figure 8: Screenshots of a BMS [Courtesy of GenPlus Pte Ltd] 20
Figure 9: Self-Regulating Integrated Electricity-Cooling Networks (“IE-CN”)
at the Marina Bay district cooling system [Courtesy of Singapore District Cooling
Pte Ltd] 28
FOREWORD

During the 12th Singapore International Energy Week in 2019, Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Chan
Chun Sing spoke about Singapore’s Energy Story. This was about transcending the challenges of the
energy trilemma - to keep our energy supply affordable, reliable and sustainable. He also announced
that Singapore would set its installed solar capacity target to at least 2 gigawatt-peak by 2030, enough
to power about 350,000 households for a year.

Singapore has limited renewable energy options, and solar remains Singapore’s most viable clean
energy source. However, it is intermittent by nature and its output is affected by environmental and
weather conditions such as cloud cover. To overcome this challenge, we are deploying Energy Storage
Systems (“ESS”) which has the ability to store energy for later use. ESS not only addresses solar
intermittency, but also enhances grid resilience by actively managing mismatches between electricity
supply and demand. As part of the Energy Story, Singapore has put forth a target to deploy 200
megawatts of ESS beyond 2025 to support the increased deployment of solar.

To facilitate ESS adoption in Singapore, EMA has worked with various regulatory agencies and
industry stakeholders to develop this Handbook for Energy Storage Systems. This handbook outlines
various applications for ESS in Singapore, with a focus on Battery ESS (“BESS”) being the dominant
technology for Singapore in the near term. It also serves as a comprehensive guide for those who
wish to install BESS in Singapore.

We hope that this handbook will help readers better understand the opportunities presented by ESS
and encourage the support of ESS deployment in Singapore.

MR BERNARD NEE
Deputy Chief Executive
Energy Planning and Development Division
Energy Market Authority
Singapore

I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the following organisations for their support and contributions to the
development of this handbook:
1. Durapower Technology (Singapore) Pte Ltd
2. Energy Market Company Pte Ltd
3. GenPlus Pte Ltd
4. Singapore Civil Defence Force
5. SP Group
Cover photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Alternating Current AC
Battery Energy Storage Systems BESS
Battery Management System BMS
Battery Thermal Management System BTMS
Depth of Discharge DOD
Direct Current DC
Electrical Installation EI
Energy Management System EMS
Energy Market Company EMC
Energy Storage Systems ESS
Factory Acceptance Test FAT
Hertz Hz
Intermittent Generation Sources IGS
Kilovolt-amperes kVA
Kilowatt-peak kWp
Licensed Electrical Worker LEW
Market Participant MP
Megawatt MW
Megawatt-hour MWh
Operation and Maintenance O&M
Photovoltaic PV
Power Conversion System PCS
Qualified Person QP
Registered Inspector RI
Singapore Civil Defence Force SCDF
Singapore Tourism Board STB
Site Acceptance Test SAT
SP Power Grid SPPG
SP Services SPS
State-of-Charge SOC
State-of-Health SOH
System Integrator SI

II
ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEMS 01
1. Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

1.1 Introduction

Energy Storage Systems (“ESS”) is a group of systems put together that can store and release energy
as and when required. It is essential in enabling the energy transition to a more sustainable energy
mix by incorporating more renewable energy sources that are intermittent in nature - such as solar
and wind. Such energy sources are also commonly known as intermittent generation sources (“IGS”).

70

60

50
Power output (kW)

40

30

20

10

0
6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00

Figure 1: Power output of a 63 kWp solar PV system on a typical day in Singapore

As shown in Figure 1, the power output of a 63 kilowatt-peak (“kWp”) solar photovoltaic (“PV”)
system deployed in Singapore fluctuates throughout the day. These fluctuations are a result of
Singapore’s tropical weather conditions. For example, extensive cloud cover on rainy days can cause
a significant drop in solar power output. Such variations in solar power output can cause imbalances
in electricity supply and demand and affect the stability of the power grid.

To ensure that the power system remains stable and reliable, power system operators will require
power generators to be more flexible and responsive to address the intermittency from IGS. ESS’s
unique ability to store energy produced at a particular time for later use can help the system respond
to power fluctuations when required. This will help to smoothen the variable power output and
facilitate the integration of IGS into the power grid.

2
1. Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

1.2 Common Types of ESS

Types of ESS Technologies
(Energy Storage System) Technologies

ESS technologies can be classified into five categories based on the form in which energy is stored.

Upper
Reservoir

Mechanical
Turbine/
• Pumped Hydro Energy Storage
Pump Lower • Compressed Air Energy Storage
Reservoir
• Flywheel

Electrochemical
• Lead Acid Battery
• Lithium-Ion Battery
• Flow Battery

Thermal
• Hot-Water Storage
H2O • Molten-Salt Energy Storage
• Phase Change Material Storage

Supercapacitor Electrical
• Supercapacitor
• Superconducting Magnetic
Energy Storage

Chemical
• Hydrogen
• Synthetic Natural Gas

Figure 2: Types of ESS Technologies1

1.3 Characteristics of ESS

ESS is defined by two key characteristics – power capacity in Watt and storage capacity in Watt-
hour. Power capacity measures the instantaneous power output of the ESS whereas energy capacity
measures the maximum amount of energy that can be stored.

Depending on their characteristics, different types of ESS are deployed for different applications.
For example,

i. Flywheel, which spins at high speed ii. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage, which
to store energy as rotational energy, pumps large amount of water to a higher-
is more effective in applications level reservoir, storing as potential energy,
where high-power output is required is more suitable for applications where
for short durations. energy is required for sustained periods.

In comparison, electrochemical ESS such as Lithium-Ion Battery can support a wider range of
applications. Their power and storage capacities are at a more intermediate level which allow for
discharging power at a relatively high output for a reasonable time period.

1
Electricity Storage Factbook, SBC Energy Institute 2013 3
1. Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

1.4 Applications of ESS in Singapore

ESS can be deployed for several applications, ranging from reducing consumers’ electricity costs,
generating revenue through energy market participation, to provision of ancillary services for the
power grid.

As this handbook provides information on ESS deployment in Singapore, the applications listed below
are specific to Singapore’s power systems.

Energy Market Provision of Consumer Energy

Participation Ancillary Services Management

• Energy Arbitrage • Regulation • Peak Shaving

• Mitigating Intermittency • Reserves • Emergency Power Supply
of IGS
• Demand Side Participation • Defer Assets Upgrade
• Improving Performance
of Gas Turbines

ESS

Office Buildings
Power Plant

Substation
Solar Panels

Electric Car
Charging Stations

Hospital

Housing Estates

Figure 3: Applications of ESS in Singapore

4
1. Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

1.4.1 Energy Market Participation

i. Energy Arbitrage
Owners of ESS can earn additional revenue by buying and storing energy in ESS when electricity
prices are low and discharging and selling energy to the power grid when electricity prices
are high.

ii. Mitigating Intermittency of IGS

ESS can be co-located with IGS to address intermittency by providing localised ramping during
periods of fluctuating output. It can partially or fully absorb the intermittency of the IGS by
charging and discharging accordingly, thus smoothening the fluctuations.

iii. Improving Performance of Gas Turbines

The pairing of ESS with gas turbines can provide more flexible operations which lead to higher
fuel efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and emissions. ESS can be used to provide reserves,
allowing gas turbines to run at a more optimal load to provide for energy.

1.4.2 Provision of Ancillary Services

i. Regulation
Regulation is a service provided by generators to fine-tune frequency variations due to
imbalances between load and the output from generation facilities. It is a frequency-following
service that maintains the system frequency within the allowable range of 50 ± 0.2 Hz. Due to
its rapid response characteristic, ESS can be deployed as a regulation resource to cover the
second-to-second variations.

ii. Reserves
Reserves are generation capacity that can be drawn upon when there is an unforeseen disruption
of supply. Following a loss in generation, reserves are required and ESS can be deployed as a
stand-by generator in the power system to arrest the fall in system frequency.

In Singapore, there are two types of reserves categorised by their response time.

a. Primary Reserve b. Contingency Reserve

A reserve class that can be called A reserve class that can be called
upon within a 9-second response upon within a 10-minute response
time and sustained for an additional time and sustained for at least
9 minutes and 51 seconds. 30 minutes.

5
1. Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

iii. Demand Side Participation

In the event of imbalances between electricity demand and supply, consumers are able to
participate in Demand Side Participation programmes to reduce their load. ESS, when charged,
can act as a power source and in turn reduce load from the grid.

There are two types of Demand Side Participation Programmes in Singapore today.

a. Demand Response b. Interruptible Load

Programme Scheme
The programme allows consumers The scheme allows consumers
to participate in the National to participate in the reserves
Electricity Market of Singapore market by curtailing electricity
through reducing electricity demand voluntarily as a substitute
demand via demand-side bidding for reserves. If scheduled, the
in exchange for a share of the consumer would be paid the
system-wide benefits as a result prevailing market price for
of their actions. reserves.

1.4.3 Consumer Energy Management

i. Peak Shaving
ESS can reduce consumers’ overall electricity costs by storing energy during off-peak periods
when electricity prices are low for later use when the electricity prices are high during the peak
periods.

ii. Emergency Power Supply

ESS can act as a source of emergency power supply when there is a power outage. This
is essential for places such as data centres or hospitals where power supply is constantly
needed. They can also act as transitional power supply as diesel generators are ramped up
during the outage.

iii. Defer Assets Upgrade

ESS can defer the cost of upgrading existing transformers and substations by meeting short-
term peak load demand. In certain circumstances, this may be more cost-effective than
building new infrastructure.

6
BATTERY ENERGY
STORAGE SYSTEMS 02
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

2.1 Introduction

Battery ESS (“BESS”) is an electrochemical ESS where stored chemical energy can be converted
to electrical energy when required. It is usually deployed in modularised container and has less
geographical restrictions when compared to other types of ESS. For example, Pumped Hydro Energy
Storage is limited to geographic areas with height variations and large water bodies, while Compressed
Air Energy Storage typically requires underground caverns.

The compact nature of BESS allows for high scalability and versatile deployment. Examples of utility-
scale BESS deployments in other jurisdictions are given below:

Rokkasho, Japan
34 MW/204 MWh Sodium-Sulfur Battery
by NGK Insulators

California, USA
2 MW/8 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery b y
Sumitomo Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric

Hornsdale, Australia
100 MW/129 MWh Lithium-Ion Battery b y Tesla

Figure 4: Global BESS deployments

8
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

2.2 Types of BESS

Flow Battery Lead Acid Lithium-Ion Nickel-based Sodium

Redox/Hybrid Battery Battery Battery Battery

• Vanadium • Polysulfide- • Sealed Lead • Lithium Cobalt Oxide • Nickel-Cadmium • Sodium-

Bromine Acid • Lithium Iron • Nickel-Metal Nickel-Chloride
• Zinc-Bromine • Valve Regulated Phosphate Hydride • Sodium-Sulfur
Lead Acid • Lithium Manganese
Iron Phosphate
• Lithium Manganese
Oxide
• Lithium Nickel Cobalt
Aluminium Oxide
• Lithium Nickel
Manganese Cobalt
Oxide
• Lithium Titanate

Figure 5: Examples of BESS and battery chemistries2

There are different types of BESS and battery chemistries available in the market. Each has its own
unique advantages and disadvantages. In the near term, Lithium-Ion Battery is likely to continue to
dominate the market given its cost, energy density and relatively faster response time. The price
curve of a Lithium-Ion Battery is largely driven by the development of batteries in electric vehicles,
and consumer electronics such as laptops and mobile phones.

Figure 6: Image of a Lithium-Ion Battery

2
Handbook on Battery Energy Storage System, Asian Development Bank 2018

9
2. Battery Energy Storage Systems Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

2.3 BESS Sub-Systems

A BESS typically consists of three sub-systems, namely:

i) Battery System which includes Battery Rack, Battery Management System (“BMS”) and Battery
Thermal Management System (“BTMS”);
ii) Power Conversion System (“PCS”); and
iii) Energy Management System (“EMS”).

Power Conversion System

The PCS converts alternating current (“AC”)
Battery Rack
to direct current (“DC”), and vice versa, to
The Battery Rack is made up of several battery allow power flow between the BESS and the grid.
cells and modules connected in series or parallel.

Battery Thermal
Management System
The BTMS removes excess heat
Figure 7: Model of a typical BESS generation through a heat exchanger
(e.g. air-cooling or liquid-cooling) to
keep the temperature of the battery
within the optimum limits and
Energy Management System prevent overheating.

The EMS monitors, controls and optimises the overall power flow and
distribution of the BESS based on the identified applications.

Battery Management System

The BMS protects the battery from harmful o p e r at io n a nd m a x i m i se s
i t s l i f e s p a n by constantly monitoring the battery’s parameters such as
voltage, current, temperature, State-of- Charge 3 (“ SOC”) and State-of-
Health 4 ( “ S O H ” ), a n d e n s u r i n g t h ey a r e w i t h i n operating specifications.

3
State-of-Charge measures the available capacity as a percentage of the maximum capacity.
4
State-of-Health measures the performance and conditions of the battery in comparison to a new battery.

10
BESS REGULATORY
REQUIREMENTS 03
3. BESS Regulatory Requirements Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

3.1 Fire Safety Certification

Thermal runaway occurs when excessive heat is generated and accumulated within the battery. This
can happen due to poor system design or mishandling, leading to the build-up of heat and flammable
gas such as hydrogen.

Under the Fire Safety Act, the owner of the BESS has to engage a Qualified Person (“QP”) who is a
registered architect or professional engineer. The appointed QP is required to seek SCDF’s approval
on the plan for fire safety works before the installation of BESS.

Once the works are completed in accordance with SCDF’s requirements, the owner will need to
engage a Registered Inspector (“RI”) to inspect and certify the fire safety works. With the Inspection
Certificate issued by the RI, the QP can then apply for the Fire Safety Certificate through SCDF, on
behalf of the owner.

The application procedures for the Fire Safety Certificate are available at SCDF’s website. If the QP/
owner wishes to seek any clarifications, he/she can arrange a consultation with SCDF.

3.2 Electrical Installation Licence

Under the Electricity Act, an Electrical Installation (“EI”) Licence is required for all non-domestic
electrical installation with approved load exceeding 45 kilovolt-amperes (“kVA”). It is a requirement
for owners of electrical installations to appoint a Licensed Electrical Worker5 (“LEW”) to take charge
of their electrical installations.

The EI Licence will be issued to owners to operate their electrical installation after the appointed
LEW has inspected, checked and certified the fitness of the electrical installation under his charge.

If the owner has an existing EI Licence and the BESS is to be connected as part of the current
electrical installation, the BESS shall be covered under the same EI Licence issued to the owner.
The appointed LEW will have to update the single-line diagram on EMA’s ELISE website.

More information is available in EMA’s Handbook: Application of Electrical Installation Licence.

5
A licensed electrical worker is a person who is technically competent in carrying out electrical work and licensed by EMA to carry out electrical
work. LEWs and their contact particulars can be found on EMA’s ELISE website.

12
3. BESS Regulatory Requirements Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

3.3 Electricity Generation or Wholesaler Licence

Under EMA’s current regulatory framework, the type of licence required by the BESS, where one unit
of BESS is defined as one or more batteries connected to a single PCS, is dependent on the name-
plate rating of the BESS. It is determined based on the lower of:

a. The aggregate of the batteries’ installed capacity; or

b. The AC capacity of its PCS.

i. Any person who owns a BESS that is either directly or indirectly connected to the grid will be
required to be licensed under an Electricity Generation Licence, or Wholesaler Licence, based
on the following:

Name-plate rating per unit Less than 1 MW or more but less than
10 MW or more
of BESS 1 MW 10 MW

Type of Electricity Generation

Exempted Wholesaler Licence Generation Licence
Licence Required

For multiple units of BESS, each unit having its own PCS and connected to the same grid connection
point, the licensing requirement will be based on the name-plate rating of each unit of BESS.

ii. For BESS that is paired with IG S6 (i.e. sharing the same PCS/inverter), such a setup will be
considered as a single generating unit with name-plate capacity determined as the lower of:

a. The aggregate installed capacity of BESS and IGS; or

b. The AC capacity of the shared PCS/inverter.

Application for the Electricity Generation Licence or Wholesaler Licence can be made via the
GoBusiness Licensing Portal on EMA’s website.

6
Where the AC electricity output of an IGS and a BESS is through separate inverters and PCSs, which are connected in parallel at the same grid
connection point, the licensing requirement for the IGS and BESS will be assessed individually.

13
3. BESS Regulatory Requirements Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

3.4 Connection to the Power Grid

The connection of the BESS to the power grid for all new or existing installations will require the
appointed LEW to complete an online application form and submit the relevant documents to SP
Services (“SPS”) via SP’s eBusiness Portal. Thereafter, the LEW will need to consult SP PowerGrid
(“SPPG”) on the connection schemes and technical requirements.

As part of the submission, the appointed LEW is required to submit installation details, such as the
type of BESS, name-plate capacity, application and installation location. The details collected will
be recorded in a registry maintained by SPPG which will be used to track BESS installations, and
assess the level of BESS in the system and its impact on the grid. This is important for the purpose
of ensuring power system stability, both at the localised and system level. The LEW is required to
inform SPPG before they disconnect or retrofit any grid-connected BESS installations. This ensures
that information in the BESS Registry is kept up to date.

More information is available in SP Group’s Handbook: How to Apply for Electricity Connection.

BESS’s installation will follow the existing requirements in Transmission Code and Metering Code
which are published at EMA’s website.

3.5 Market Participation

Under the existing Market Rules, the BESS is required to be registered with EMC as a Market
Participant (“MP”)7 if the owner wishes to participate in the wholesale market and provide ancillary
services.

To register as a MP, interested parties are required to submit relevant documents to EMC. The
application procedures for MP registration are set out in the Market Administration Market Manual
– Registration and Authorisation. MPs are to comply with the Market Rules.

7
For contestable consumers with embedded ESS capacity below 10 MW who participate only in the energy market, they can register under the
Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS) with SP Services and be paid at prevailing half-hourly average nodal prices.

14
GUIDE TO
BESS DEPLOYMENT 04
4. Guide to BESS Deployment Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

4.1 Role of a BESS System Integrator

To deploy a BESS, the owner can engage a BESS System Integrator (“SI”). The appointed SI will be
responsible for the following:

• Design and install the BESS, • Ensure the Factory Acceptance • Conduct regular inspections
which includes integration of Test (“FAT”) and Site Acceptance and maintenance works after
hardware and software. Test (“SAT”) are conducted to commissioning.
detect any possible faults.

4.2 Appointing a BESS System Integrator

Those who wish to deploy a BESS through engaging a BESS SI may wish to take note of the
recommended procedures8.

STEP 1 Gathering Preliminary Design Requirements

Before appointing a SI, the owner shall identify the applications for the BESS
and compile a list of design requirements such as the load profiles of the facility,
installation site layout, ambient conditions, etc.

STEP 2 Battery Chemistry and Sizing of the BESS

The preliminary design requirements shall be provided to potential SIs for their
recommendations on the appropriate battery chemistry and the optimal sizing of
BESS. Alternatively, the owner can engage an external consultant to conduct the
analysis.

STEP 3 Selection of SI
Selecting bids submitted by SIs for the BESS’s engineering, procurement and
construction processes is typically done through a tendering process which
considers the following factors:

i. Experience and Track Record

The experience and track record of the SI and the battery manufacturer
play an important role in the selection of bids. Owners are encouraged to
review the battery performance in terms of specifications, safety and
testing certification standards. Examples of standards include:
• IEC 62619 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-
acid electrolytes – Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and
batteries, for use in industrial applications;
• UL 9540A Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation
in Battery Energy Storage Systems.

8
Please refer to Appendix A. Design and Installation Checklist for more details.
16
4. Guide to BESS Deployment Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

ii. Design of BESS

The proposed BESS can either be a turnkey solution or a customised design. The owner shall
evaluate and ensure that the proposed BESS is designed to fulfil his/her requirements. Some of
the key parameters include the operating cycles, round trip efficiency, degradation per year, etc.

In addition, it is also important to include safety measures in the design of BESS to mitigate
fire risks and electrical hazards. Some safety measures include:

Adhering to Singapore’s Electrical Deploying fire detection systems such

Energy Storage Technical Reference. as sensors to monitor temperature and
humidity, smoke and gas detectors to
detect build-up of gas.

Deploying additional fire suppression Having a reliable BMS for early detection
systems (e.g. powder extinguisher). of overvoltage or high temperature.

Having an effective BTMS to remove Adopting protection methods to

excess heat. prevent short circuit, overvoltage and
over current.

17
4. Guide to BESS Deployment Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

iii. Cost
The total cost for the BESS stated in the bids shall include equipment cost (i.e. hardware &
software), installation cost, maintenance cost, etc.

iv. Warranty
Depending on its applications, a BESS is typically designed to last for more than 10 years, with
two levels of coverage:

a. System Warranty which b. Product Warranty which
warrants the workmanship warrants the respective
of the BESS’s installation to equipment parts.
ensure the performance of
the BESS.

However, the details of the warranty can vary widely depending on the battery chemistries,
manufacturers, operating ambient conditions, charging-discharging characteristics such as cycle
life, C-rate9 or Depth of Discharge10 (“DOD”), etc. For example, the warranty period tends to
be lower if the C-rate is higher.

v. Maintenance Service and Support

Regular maintenance of the BESS, including software updates, is essential to maximise its
lifespan. Based on individual needs, the SI can provide scheduled and/or unscheduled maintenance.
As part of the maintenance package, the owner can request for the inclusion of the cost of repairs
and replacement parts.

9
C-rate measures the rate of discharge relative to the maximum capacity.
10
Depth of Discharge measures the capacity that has been discharged as a percentage of the maximum capacity.

18
OPERATION
AND MAINTENANCE 05
5. Operation and Maintenance Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

5.1 Operation of BESS

Prior to the handover of BESS, the SI shall conduct basic operation and maintenance (“O&M”) training
for the owner and his/her operator. This is to be supplemented with an O&M manual to cover the
specification of the BESS, software manual, troubleshooting instructions and warranty information.

As the BESS will be controlled by the EMS, minimal operating procedures are required. The BESS
operator shall monitor the performance of the BESS and check regularly for any error messages to
ensure safe operation. This can be done via a monitoring software provided by the SI as part of the
BMS. Typically, the monitoring software will record the various parameters such as power, current,
SOC, cell voltage differences and temperature.

Figure 8: Screenshots of a BMS [Courtesy of GenPlus Pte Ltd]

When the BESS is not in operation for an extended period, it is recommended for the BESS operator
to store the battery in a cool and ventilated environment, and to recharge and discharge the battery
regularly to prevent the degradation of battery cells.

20
5. Operation and Maintenance Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

5.2 Recommended Inspections

The following table provides some common inspections for the BESS (i.e. non-exhaustive) as
recommended by SI. For more details, the operator can refer to the O&M manual and/or to consult
his/her SI.

Components Recommended Checks:

Battery System • Battery modules for any abnormal cell behavior (e.g. smell)
• BMS for any error messages
• Ventilation fan for any impeded airflow
• Electrolyte leakages or water ingress
• Worn-out or damaged cables connecting to the battery modules

Liquid Cooling BTMS • Sufficient coolant or refrigerant

• Worn-out or damaged water hose

PCS • Terminal connections for burnt marks, hot spots and loose connections
• Water ingress
• System parameters (e.g. AC voltages, operating temperature) to ensure they are
within appropriate range

Cabling • Cables for discoloration, wear and tear

• Cable terminals for burnt marks, hot spots or loose connections

Earthing • Earthing cable for discoloration, wear and tear

• Earthing cable terminals for burnt marks, hot spots or loose connections
• Continuity of the earthing cable

21
CONCLUSION
06
6. Conclusion Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

6.1 Energy Future of Singapore

As Singapore progresses towards a cleaner and more efficient energy future, ESS is an important
asset that can provide multiple benefits such as supporting higher penetration of IGS in our power
grid and contributing to grid stability. It plays a vital role to meet Singapore’s 2030 solar target.

Photo Courtesy of STB

Against the backdrop of a growing interest in BESS due to its favourable characteristics, EMA
has developed this handbook to support and facilitate the deployment of ESS in Singapore. With
your continued support, we will continue to update this handbook as ESS technologies, policy and
regulatory frameworks evolve. EMA welcomes feedback and suggestion for future editions.

23
APPENDICES
Appendices Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

Appendix A. Design and Installation Checklist

You may refer to the following checklist11 once you have decided to install BESS in your premises.

No. Design and Installation Checklist Check Box

1. Define needs and applications.

2. Set your budget.

3. Select a location and perform a site survey for available space.

4. Compile a preliminary list of design requirements.

Select a SI. The appointed SI can recommend the appropriate battery chemistry and sizing
5.
of BESS. He/she will be responsible for the overall design and installation of the BESS.

Engage a LEW. The appointed LEW will be responsible for the design and implementation
6.
of the connection of your BESS to the electrical installation and/or power grid.

7. SI and/or LEW to select a PCS which meets the requirement for grid connection.

SI and/or LEW to ensure grounding protection is provided and sufficient breaker capacity
8.
at the switch box.

9. SI and/or LEW to determine if Lightning Protection System is needed for outdoor BESS.

Engage a QP to ensure BESS is designed according to SCDF’s requirements. The appointed

10.
QP will be responsible for the fire safety works.

QP to ensure the building structure or outdoor is safe for BESS deployment:

11. i. Load bearing of the floor.
ii. Fire escape route is properly planned.

12. LEW to apply Electrical Installation Licence or update single-line diagram.

13. QP to schedule a consultation with SCDF and submit Plan Approval for fire safety works.

14. SI to ensure FAT is conducted to detect any fault.

15. LEW to apply for Electricity Connection.

Preparation of site for the arrival of BESS equipment

16.
(e.g. battery, racks, container, PCS).

During assembly and installation of BESS, LEW to ensure

17. i. System is installed by qualified installers.
ii. PCS is set for anti-island mode.
iii. Cables are properly connected, secured and routed.

18. Engage a RI to inspect and certify the fire safety works.

19. QP to apply for Fire Safety Certificate.

20. Apply for Electricity Generation or Wholesaler Licence where applicable.

11
Please note that the list is non-exhaustive and is subject to changes.

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Appendices Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

No. Design and Installation Checklist Check Box

21. Register as MP if the BESS would be providing market services.

22. SI and/or LEW to ensure continuity and insulation tests are conducted.

SI to conduct SAT and compare results with the FAT results. Contact battery supplier
23.
immediately if there is any abnormal operation.

24. Completion of testing and system commissioning by SI.

25. SI to conduct system training of operators.

26. Proper system, documentation/manual handover to owners.

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Appendices Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

Appendix B. Contact Information

Electricity Generation or Wholersaler Licence Energy Market Authority (EMA)

Economic Regulation & Licensing Department
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 6835 8000

Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs) Energy Market Authority (EMA)

Electricity Inspectorate Branch
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 6835 8060

Connection to the Power Grid SP Services Ltd (SPS)

Electrical Installation Section
Email: installspgroup.com.sg
Tel: 6916 7200

SP PowerGrid (SPPG)
Asset Management & Projects Department
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 6916 8888

Fire Safety Certificate Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

SCDF QP Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1800-2865555

Electricity Market Rules, Market Registration Energy Market Company (EMC)

Process, and Market Charges
Market Administration Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 6779 3000

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Appendices Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

Appendix C. Examples of ESS Deployments in Singapore

Figure 9: Self-Regulating Integrated Electricity-Cooling Networks (“IE-CN”) at the Marina Bay district cooling system [Courtesy of
Singapore District Cooling Pte Ltd]

Awarded by EMA under the Smart Grid Grant Call II (2014), Singapore District Cooling and the
Institute for Infocomm Research developed a hybrid 400 kW/400 kWh Lithium-Ion battery with
Thermal Energy Storage (i.e. ice tanks). The IE-CN is able to lower the district cooling network’s
electricity costs of producing chilled water by up to 38% and mitigate fluctuations in electricity demand
to maintain grid stability. In recognition of its outstanding R&D efforts, this project was awarded the
Merit Award under the Minister for National Development’s R&D Awards 2019.

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Appendices Handbook for Energy Storage Systems

Virtual Power Plant

EMA and Sembcorp awarded a grant to Nanyang
Technological University to develop Singapore’s first Virtual
Power Plant, which looks to control and manage distributed
solar photovoltaics and ESS across Singapore. Electricity
produced from these energy resources at end users’
premises can be coordinated intelligently like a “single utility-
scale power station”.

ESS Test-bed
In Oct 2017, EMA and SP Group jointly awarded Singapore’s
first grid-level ESS Test-bed to evaluate the performance
of Lithium-Ion ESS for different grid applications under
Singapore’s hot, humid and urbanised environment. A 2.4
MW/2.4 MWh Lithium-Ion ESS was deployed in a substation
as Singapore’s first utility-scale ESS. Insights from this
Test-bed helped to establish the standards and guidelines
associated with the deployment of ESS, and shaped the
policy and regulation framework required to facilitate the
introduction of ESS into the electricity market.

Distributed ESS
Awarded under EMA’s Energy Storage Grant Call in 2016,
the project team, consisting of Nanyang Technological
University, Panasonic and Sunseap, developed a cost-
effective Distributed ESS. It connects Lithium-Ion Battery at
multiple sites under a centralised control system to manage
fluctuating output of IGS.

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DISCLAIMER:

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