Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT

Project ID: P152936
Credit No. 5727-MM

MINI-GRID TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

Operation Manual Ref: Annex 4

DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT,

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND IRRIGATION

31st August 2018 (Rev: 31 Jan 2019)

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AC Alternating Current
BOS Balance of Systems
DRD Department of Rural Development
ELC Electronic Load Controller
ESE Electricity Supply Enterprise
FS Feasibility Study
HH Households
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IECEE IEC System for conformity testing and certification of electrotechnical
equipment and components
IFC International Finance Corporation
IGC Induction Generator Controller
kV Kilovolt
kW Kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt-hour
LED Light Emitting Diode
LV Low voltage (400V)
MoEE Ministry of Electricity and Energy
MV Medium voltage (11-33kV)
MW Megawatt
NEP National Electrification Project
PMO Project Management Office within DRD
Pre-FS Pre-Feasibility Study
PV Photovoltaic
RoR Run-of-River
VEC Village Electrification Committee
Wp Watt-peak

ii
Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Definition of Mini-grid Project ................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Structure of the Technical Specifications ................................................................................... 1

2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTSOF NEP MINI-GRID .................................................. 3

2.1 General Requirements ................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Design parameters ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Operation and Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 4

3 CIVIL WORKS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 5

3.1 Durability: ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Construction Material ................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Metal (coarse aggregate) ............................................................................................................. 5
3.4 Formwork .................................................................................................................................... 5
3.5 Tore steel ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3.6 Mild Steel structural components ............................................................................................... 5

4 POWERHOUSE CONTRUCTION OF A MINI-GRID ............................................... 6

5 CIVIL STRUCTURES OF MINI AND MICRO HYDRO............................................ 7
5.1 Location of components (Site selection): .................................................................................... 7
5.2 Weir and Intake ........................................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Channel ....................................................................................................................................... 8
5.4 Forebay and settling tank ............................................................................................................ 9
5.5 Penstock and supports ............................................................................................................... 10
5.5.1 Design factor ...................................................................................................................... ............. 11
5.6 Tailrace and electro/mechanical foundations ............................................................................ 12

6 POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS .......................................................................... 13

6.1 Quality of electricity in general ................................................................................................ 13
6.2 Electrical system in general ...................................................................................................... 13

7 SOLAR PV MINI-GRID GENERATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS ..................... 16

7.1 Solar PV Modules ..................................................................................................................... 16
7.1.1 Standards and certifications ................................................................................................ ............ 16
7.1.2 General requirements ........................................................................................................ .............. 17
7.2 PV Inverters / battery inverters and MPPT ............................................................................... 18
7.2.1 Standards and certifications ................................................................................................ ..... 18
7.2.2 Labelling and data ................................................................................................................... 19
7.2.3 Guidelines for Inverter Selection............................................................................................ .. 20

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7.3 Batteries .................................................................................................................................... 20
7.3.1 General requirements ............................................................................................................... 20
7.3.2 Standards.................................................................................................................... .............. 21
7.3.3 Design requirements ................................................................................................................ 22
7.3.4 Labelling and data ................................................................................................................... 22
7.4 Data-logging and Monitoring.................................................................................................... 22
7.4.1 Power generation side........................................................................................................ ....... 23
7.4.2 Utility network monitoring (QAF)........................................................................................... 25
7.4.3 Customer .................................................................................................................... .............. 25
7.4.4 Monthly reporting............................................................................................................ ......... 25
7.5 Balance of System (BOS) in solar mini-grid ............................................................................ 26
7.5.1 Cable in Solar PV Mini-grid: .................................................................................................. 26
7.5.2 Mounting structure: ................................................................................................................. 28
7.5.3 Module bonding to array structure .......................................................................................... 29
7.5.4 Distribution boards, bus-bar enclosures, switchgear and fuses ............................................... 29
7.5.5 System grounding.............................................................................................................. ....... 31
7.5.6 System electrical earth ............................................................................................................. 32
7.5.7 Lighting protection design .................................................................................................................. 33
8 GENERATION SYSTEM OF HYDRO MINI-GRID ................................................ 35
8.1 Micro / Mini Hydro Turbines .................................................................................................... 35
8.1.1 Turbine runner material: .......................................................................................................... 35
8.1.2 Adaptor / Manifold .......................................................................................................... ........ 35
8.1.3 Manifold valve ......................................................................................................................... 35
8.1.4 Hydro Turbines ........................................................................................................................ 36
8.1.5 Turbine runner material: .......................................................................................................... 36
8.1.6 Manifold .................................................................................................................................. 36
8.1.7 Manifold valve ........................................................................................................................ 36
8.1.8 Expansion section .................................................................................................................... 37
8.1.9 Turbine casing .............................................................................................................. ........... 37
8.1.10 Bearings and Water seals: …............................................................................................................ 37
8.1.11 Pressure gauge: ................................................................................................................................. 38
8.1.12 Base frame: ....................................................................................................................................... 38
8.1.13 Drive system and couplings: ............................................................................................................ 38
8.1.14 General aspects of hydro generating system: ................................................................................... 38
8.1.15 Tools and special equipment ............................................................................................................ 39
8.2 Generator (Alternator) of hydro mini grid: ............................................................................... 39
8.3 Cable size in Hydro Mini Grid: ................................................................................................. 39

9 BIOMASS AND OTHER MINI-GRIDS GENERATION SYSTEM ……………..... 40

10 DISTRIBUTION LINE AND WIRING OF END USERS ......................................... 41
10.1 MV Distribution line ................................................................................................................. 41
10.2 LV Distribution lines ................................................................................................................ 41
10.2.1 Pole in LV distribution ..................................................................................................... .................41
10.2.2 Wooden pole preparation and treatment – .........................................................................................41
10.2.3 Layout of electricity lines ................................................................................................................. 41
10.2.4 Distribution line diagram: .................................................................................................. ............... 42
10.2.5 Load Balancing in - phase system .................................................................................................... 42
10.2.6 Quality of Electricity: ....................................................................................................................... 42

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 10.2.7 Material of distribution line conductor: .................................................................................... ........ 42
10.2.8 Types of distribution line conductor: ............................................................................................... 43
10.2.9 Span of the LV distribution line poles, ..................................................................................... ........ 43
10.2.10 Distribution line Clearance ............................................................................................................. 43
10.2.11 Insulators: ................................................................................................................. ...................... 43
10.2.12 Stay assembly ............................................................................................................... .................. 44
10.3 Load centers .............................................................................................................................. 44
10.3.1 Clustering .......................................................................................................................................... 44
10.3.2 Distribution board and load points ................................................................................................... 44
10.3.3 House wiring and Appliances ........................................................................................................... 44
10.3.4 Street lighting.................................................................................................................................... 44
10.3.5 House Energy meter and vending machines .................................................................................... 44
10.3.6 Earthing convention: conductor earthing conventions .................................................................... 44
11 Documentation and labelling ....................................................................................... 46
11.1 Documentation .......................................................................................................................... 46
11.2 Labelling SLD and equipment .................................................................................................. 46
11.3 Signage and safety equipment ................................................................................................... 46
11.4 Warranties ................................................................................................................................. 47

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1- Maximum channel velocity of different types of channels ....................................................... 9

Table 2- Penstock Material and design criteria .................................................................................... 11
Table 3- List of minimum electrical parameter to measure ................................................................. 15
Table 4- Metering Equipment and locations .........................................................................................23
Table 5- Pole spacing respect to the pole type ..................................................................................... 43
Table 6- Clearance of distribution line from structures and ground .................................................... 43

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1- Weir cross section .................................................................................................................. 8

Figure 2: Settling and Forebay tank ..................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3: Turbine, manifold and expansion ......................................................................................... 37

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

1 INTRODUCTION
The Off-Grid Component of the National Electrification Project (NEP) is supporting the
development of mini-grids using one or a combination of energy generation technologies for
pre-electrification.

The generation source shall be decided based on assessment of various resources at the potential
site. Candidates include, but are not limited to, solar photovoltaic (PV), micro hydropower,
biomass, wind, diesel or any combination (hybrids) of these technologies. Mini-grids up to one
megawatt (MW) effective generation capacity are eligible for assistance through this program,
and larger systems may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This document outlines the minimum technical specifications that must be followed in
development of mini-grid plants under the NEP framework.

1.1 Definition of Mini-grid Project

A mini-grid is the combination of distribution network and embedded generation facilities;
usually small in capacities, operating at low (distribution) voltage in most cases, which provides
electricity to one or more nearby communities which are isolated from the national grid
network. Common generating sources include solar, hydro, biomass, wind and diesel or hybrid
generators of two of these technologies. Mini-grids typically fall within a few archetypal
operator models: the utility operator model, in which the national or regional electricity utility
is responsible for all mini-grid operations; the private operator model, in which a private entity
plans, builds, manages and operates the mini-grid system; the community-based operator
model, in which local communities own, operate and manage the system and provide all
services for the benefit of its members; and the hybrid operator model, which combine different
aspects of the three aforementioned models1. The NEP mini-grid program supports the private
operator model, the community-based operator model and the hybrid operator model.

1.2 Purpose
These technical guidelines are drafted with the purpose of maintaining acceptable quality
standards of the projects developed under the NEP mini-grid program in order to ensure the
safety and sustainability of projects.

The role of a mini-grid project developer is to ensure that contractors, equipment suppliers and
associated service providers involved in the mini-grid project development provide
components and services which meet or exceed the guidance and standards described in this
document.

1.3 Structure of the Technical Specifications

The technical specifications described here have been classified into four sections for clarity
and ease of reference. In each section, there are sub-sections based on different technologies
predominantly used in Myanmar for mini-grids. Based on the proposals received from village

1
Source: Mini-Grid Policy Toolkit

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

communities and/or project developers, new technologies may be added to this document
whenever it is required.

The main sections of this document are listed below:

• General Requirements
• Civil works
• Power Generation systems
• Distribution system

Departure from specifications: If the developer believes that project can be developed in such
a way so as to perform better and safer than if a strict adherence of this document were followed,
prior approval from the NEP Project Management Office (PMO) at the Department of Rural
Development (DRD) may be sought to depart from these specifications. In the event that a
departure is approved and real-world findings validate the initial claims, a revision for these
specifications may be issued to ensure that the most cost-effective approach is followed for
future projects.

Disclaimer: Whilst the PMO has made every effort to ensure that information presented here
is correct and up-to-date for safe and effective performance of mini-grid projects, all parties
must rely upon their own skills and judgments when making use of this document.

The PMO shall review the technical design and equipment in proposal submissions and shall
reserve the right to modify specifications and/or requirements for any equipment or component
in order to improve reliability, functionality, longevity of a project design or to remove
ambiguity.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTSOF NEP MINI-GRID

2.1 General Requirements
(a) Pre-Feasibility Study (Pre-FS) Proposals and Feasibility Study (FS) Reports should include
all of the technical and non-technical aspects listed in Support Doc. 16: Pre-Feasibility
and Feasibility Study Components. Due attention needs to be given to non-technical
requirements which are usually the most critical in assessing the viability and sustainability
of the mini-grid project.

(b) Technical and operational aspects of the propose mini-grid project must comply with
prevailing statutory requirements at both the Union and State/Regional levels. At the Union
level, the 2014 Electricity Law 2 is the current governing legislation for the off-grid
electricity space.

(c) Prospective developers are required to utilize the standard documents such as demand
assessment forms (Support Doc. 13), instructions on selection of distribution line layout
and design (Support Doc. 7), bills of quantity formats and financial analysis formats
(Support Doc. 8), etc. provided on the DRD website3.

2.2 Design Parameters

(a) The project life is expected to be up to 15 years to satisfy the pre-electrification requirement,
as mandated by the NEP. When assessing the demand and evaluating the financial
performance of a potential mini-grid site, a project period of 15 years should to be taken
into account.

(b) Mini-grids in which the load demand growth is expected to mature slowly or only after
several years must be designed for phased implementation. Such project phasing may
entail installing smaller generation plant initially and designing a second phase as demand
increases. Mini-grid systems designed in a phased manner take full advantage of the
modular and expandable nature of different generation and distribution technologies.

(c) When designing the mini-grid distribution system, alternating current (AC) should be used
irrespective of generation technology or capacity of the system. Voltage, frequency and
other electrical parameters of the AC distribution network should be compatible with that
of the national electricity grid in Myanmar.

(d) Depending on the type and capacity of loads and/or depending on the plant capacity, a
system may require a 11kV medium voltage (MV) network in combination with a low
voltage (LV) network of either single-phase (230V) or three-phase (400V) configuration.
Special care must be exercised in the three-phase mini-grid systems so as to balance the
loads evenly across each phase.

2
Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law no. 44/2014
3
http://drdmyanmar.org/index.php

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

(e) Additional studies such as geological analysis, environmental analysis, hydrological study,
test certificates from suppliers, etc. may be requested from the relevant authority by the
PMO.

2.3 Operation and Maintenance

(a) An Operation and Maintenance manual for the mini-grid system must be provided to the
DRD at the time of project commissioning, along with a clear plan for training of the village
personnel for basic tasks and to ensure safe long-term usage of system. The manual must
include a section on troubleshooting and contact details of equipment suppliers for requisite
repairs and the provision of spare parts.

(b) Full time plant operator is compulsory for the NEP mini-grid project. In addition, Developer
needs to appoint a project manager responsible for the mini-grid project, who is responsible
for the successful operation of the project and needs to communicate with VEC and DRD
regularly.

(c) As the engineering, procurement and construction representative of the mini-grid project,
the developer should also provide applicable warranty certificates from manufactures and
suppliers at the time of project commissioning.

(d) It is recommended that the developer and/or the Village Electrification Committee (VEC)
obtain suitable insurance coverage for the project, taking into account circumstances that
may lead to costly repair or replacement obligations within the project lifetime.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

3 CIVIL WORKS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All civil works developed under the NEP mini-grids program should be in line with the
prevailing national building code: Myanmar National Building Code (Part 1-5):2016.

3.1 Durability
The design life of mini-grid civil structures should be 20 years. Adequate and safe structures
should be achieved while minimizing unnecessary costs for the community and other
stakeholders.

3.2 Construction Material

The following concrete mixtures should be used for their respective purpose as described
below:
- For base (screed) concretes: 1:3:6 (Grade 15)
- For water-bearing structures such as the forebay tank, weir and channel of a hydropower
facility: 1:2:3 (Grade 25)
- For foundations and other structures: 1:2:4 (Grade 20)
3.3 Metal and Coarse Aggregate
Metal used for concrete should be ¾” size. Crushed rock is the preferred aggregate but gravel
is also permitted in case there are no other options.

3.4 Formwork
Concrete formwork should be preferably done with metal sheets or with plywood of minimum
15 mm thickness or with similar wood sheeting. A lubricating layer of concrete form release
agent (typically oil) should be applied before casting with formwork in order to maintain good
quality of surface finish.

3.5 Tor Steel

Tor steel or rebar used for construction should comply with BS 4449-2005 and bends should
comply with BS 8666.

3.6 Mild Steel for Structural Components

All steel sections should conform with BS 4360:1979. For solar systems, the minimum
thickness of steel PV mounting sections should be 6 mm and actual thickness should be
designed based on the loading conditions of the PV panels e.g. gravitational loads, wind loads
and other loads applicable at a particular site location.

All structures made of steel should be galvanized appropriately or wire brushed to prevent
rusting. Wherever galvanization or wire brushing is not possible, two coats of anticorrosive
paint should be applied. Furthermore, it is advisable to sandblast any steel components in
contact with water before painting if they have not been adequately galvanized.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

4 POWERHOUSE CONTRUCTION OF A MINI-GRID

(a) Layout: The mini-grid powerhouse should be located above the maximum 25-year flood
levels as observed by local residents near the site. The floor area of the powerhouse should
be sufficient to safely place the equipment and carry out routine maintenance work
conveniently. Adequate spacing and easy access to the electrical and electromechanical
equipment from all sides should maintained for ease operation and maintenance.

(b) Insulation and ventilation: Window areas of the powerhouse shall be equivalent to at least
10% of the powerhouse floor area to ensure adequate passive ventilation in the absence or
failure of automatic temperature control equipment. All metallic roof sheets must be
insulated from the inside using double size insulation glass wool or similar insulating
material of minimum 25mm thickness. Roof ventilation should be achieved through the use
of whirly-bird passive air extractors and ventilation gaps must be rodent resistant.

(c) Roofing: The minimum height between floor and ceiling should be 3 meters or 10 feet.
Roofing material should be made of fire-resistant materials such as tile or corrugated sheets.
In case of corrugated sheets, the minimum thickness should be 0.47mm. The roof should
be watertight and should extend at least 1 meter or 3 feet over walls to prevent water for
entering through window portals. The power house door shall be designed with adequate
spacing for easy installation and removal of equipment. For safety reasons, the door should
be outward-opening (i.e. able to open from the inside).

(d) An appropriate lifting mechanism such as a gantry crane should be provided for the
convenience of operation and maintenance in case the system components are unwieldy or
otherwise difficult to access safely.

(e) A toolbox including any required specialized tools should be available and upkept with any
consumables needed for routine maintenance. Operation and maintenance log books should
be regularly updated (i.e. on a daily basis) with accurate performance records.

(f) Workers’ room, an extension of the powerhouse, with basic facilities such as
bathroom/washroom and essential living furniture should accompany the powerhouse
design as it is necessary for an operator to be present all the times during normal system
operation.

(g) All exposed trenches such as the cable ways of solar projects and main valve pits of hydro
projects should be covered with checkered steel plates or another suitable cover made of
steel. Wherever it is impossible to cover these trenches, a safety railing should be affixed
during construction.

(h) Fencing & drainage: Proper fencing with foundations suitable for the slope of the land,
drainage system and main gate is compulsory for NEP mini-grid systems.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

5 CIVIL STRUCTURES OF MINI AND MICRO HYDRO

Run-of-River (RoR) hydropower projects with installed capacity of 1 MW are considered under
the NEP mini-grid program. Civil structures in mini- and micro-hydropower (MHP) projects
should be designed in such a way to maximize the utilization of locally available human
resources and material, which can be considered as in-kind contribution of the community
beneficiaries. Large excavations which can potentially affect the environment should be
avoided as much as possible.

5.1 Location of components (Site selection):

(a) A place with shortest river width, with an exposed bedrock or where depth to the
bedrock is minimum along with considerable upstream storage for a project with a
considerable dry season (deep flow duration curve), should be selected as the weir
location.

(b) Intake should be selected such that minimum debris will enter the system during
flooding period.

(c) In case the layout is long, a shorter headrace channel with higher slope connecting to
the settling tank and channel section with mild slope from there to the forebay should
be incorporated for efficient filtering purpose.

(d) Forebay and settling tank (if any), should be located near the natural gulley whenever
possible to facilitate safer and low-cost spillway arrangement of diverting spill water
back to the stream.

5.2 Weir and Intake

(a) Maximum height of weir in mini grid hydro projects should be 2m from the deepest
point in normal case. Upstream inundation area for 100-year flood should be calculated
and presented in the feasibility study. If there is a threat to upstream inhabitants and/or
cultivations, NEP PMO may ask to revise the proposed weir height to safer value.

(b) Construction material of weir can be concrete or rubble and masonry or mixture (rubble
masonry interior jacketed with concrete layer). Selection of material will be based on
the weir height, flowrate and power output of the plant.

(c) Intake should be equipped with a trash rack to prevent clogging; a control gate to
control the water flow to the channel and flood barrier wall to make the control gate
operations possible during high flow periods. Trash rack should have preferably iron
rods or flat irons; welded with a gap decided based on the turbine supplier’s
recommendation; rod orienting upward (vertical) direction without cross bars, making
it easy for the plant personnel to clean efficiently with a rake. It should have a locking
mechanism to prevent unauthorized access. Rod spacing should not be too small which
can cause rapid blockage and resulting an operational problem.

(d) Flood barrier should be designed with consideration of 100-year flood level calculated
with hydrological model.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

(e) Location of the intake, specially the intake gate should be done such that it can be
accessed during high flood period.

(f) Unregulated environmental flow releasing pipe, of which diameter and location
(height from the top of weir) determined by the National Environmental authority or
PMO, must be placed to release environmental flow (Eflow) to safeguard the downstream
ecosystem.

Figure 1- Weir cross section for hydro plant

(g) Flush gate, designed based on the maximum silt load of the stream needs to place at the
lowest point of the weir with a proper controlling mechanism.

(h) Erosion and deepening of downstream riverbed (due to scouring action) of weir and
spillways should be considered in design phase and should be protected with suitable
mechanism/ structures incorporated in weir design.

5.3 Channel
(a) Rectangular concrete channel build with Grade 25 reinforced concrete is the prefer
selection for MHP projects. For extreme case like very low plant capacity with
relatively higher channel length, earth, rubble masonry, cement and mortar channels,
pipe or combination of different types can be considered.

(b) Freeboard allowance of 30% should be kept when designing the channel dimensions.

(c) Maximum channel velocity to avoid erosion, in different types of channel should be
conform to the specifications below. In case of silty water, channel velocity should be
maintained at the minimum velocity of 0.3 m/s to prevent clogging of the channel.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Table 1- Maximum channel velocity of different types of hydro channels

Maximum
Type of channel
velocity (m/s)
Concrete channels with no internal plaster 2
Rubble and masonry channel with smooth
1.8
plaster
Clay channel 1.5
Earth Channel 0.7

(d) Channel crossing and drain outlets underneath should be placed in appropriate
places (e.g. gulley crosses the channel path if it is not being diverted to the channel) at
intervals of at least 20m. This will ensure safe flow of water across the channel (i.e.
transverse flow across channel) from embankment to the river down. Interval of drain
outlets will depend on nature of surface water flow in the project area. Drain outlet can
be an embedded construction to a channel or a pipe line.

5.4 Forebay and settling tank

Purpose of the forebay tank is to provide a constant head (water pressure) to the turbine. In mini
hydro projects under the NEP framework, combined forebay with settling section is advisable,
unless it is necessary to have a separate settling tank, at the midway point of the channel for
layouts with relatively long channel.

(a) Settling Tank section: Settling tank will settle the particles which otherwise could
damage the turbine casing and runner over a period of operation due to wear (abrasion)
and cavitation. MHP projects under NEP should settle and filter particles above 0.3
mm unless the turbine manufactures instructed to filter even finer particles.

(b) In reaction turbines, the manufacture will state the maximum sand particle allowed in
the water and same should be honored to get the cavitation guarantee offered by the
supplier.

(c) Flush gate (sluice gate) and spill way operating manually should be incorporated to
the settling section to flush the silt collected from time to time. In most instances, one
spillway is adequate to cover the safe passage of spill water in settling and forebay
sections.

(d) Trash rack is compulsory in the forebay section and the rod spacing can be decided to
match the weir intake trash rack.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Figure 2: Settling and Forebay tank of hydro plant

Gantry (steel or concrete beam), climbing ladder and handrails should be fixed for the
safety of the operators during the cleaning of the forebay trash rack.

(e) A thumb rule which can be used during reconnaissance study for determining the
height of forebay section is to make it minimum four times of the penstock diameter
to prevent vortex formation in the full flow operation of the turbines. In detailed
engineering design this water height should be selected to be greater than [1.5 x
(Vpenstock)2/20]. V is the velocity of water in the penstock.

(f) Bell mouth (or penstock itself in smaller systems) should be positioned at least 150mm
above the forebay tank floor to prevent silt and small stones from entering the penstock.

(g) Vent pipe with a sufficient diameter should be fixed to the penstock or bell mouth
section to prevent damage due to surge. It will prevent inward collapse of penstock due
to surge pressure.

5.5 Penstock and supports

Purpose of the penstock is to draw water to the turbine from the forebay tank. Penstock path
should be selected such that number of bends are minimum, and length is shortest, making the
construction safe and cost effective.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

(a) Penstock should have constant gradient in each section; i.e. straight from one anchor to
the next. In some projects an air release valve should be fitted to highest point if air is
likely to trapped due to the layout of the penstock.

(b) Material that can be used in MHP projects and design characteristic which should be
followed in selection of different parameters are tabulated in the table below:

Table 2- Penstock Material and design criteria

Maximum
Type of Safety Corrosion
velocity Finishing
penstock factor allowance
(m/s)
Exposed parts to should be
painted to prevent
uPVC 3 3 n/a
deterioration due to
sunshine

<50 kW- two coats of

anticorrosive paint after
Steel 3 3 1.5 mm wire brush
> 50 kW epoxy paint to
150um thickness after
sand blast
Glass
Reinforced 3 3 n/a No painting requires
Pipe (GRP)
Notes-
• Safety factor should be calculated considering total pressure, which is the accumulation of statics
pressure and surge pressure.
• In the events where slow closing flow control valves and/ or jet deflector arrangement are presented,
safety factor of 2 should be considered.

5.5.1 Design factor

(c) For NEP mini grid hydro MHP projects of smaller capacity, uPVC pipes (uPVC Class
E; 1.5 MPa satisfies to BS 3505:1968) can be used as penstocks for heads up to 100m
provided required diameters are available. Depending on the turbine and governor
mechanism proposing, the selection should be checked against the minimum safety
factor stated in table 2 above.

(d) Penstock loss due to internal friction and local losses like, bend losses, contractions
losses, expansion losses etc. calculated for 110% of the rated flow of the plant should
be below 5% of the gross head.

(e) If the steel pipes are fabricated locally, all the pipes should be pressure tested to the
150% of the static pressure of the system.

(f) Penstocks laid above ground should be supported at every 6m intervals with a slide
block or support block. In the event of support blocks, minimum of 120 deg of the
penstock circumference should be firmly in contact to the support block. These supports
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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

and slide blocks can be made with concrete, rubble and masonry; if the height is less
than 2m a combination of concrete and rubble and masonry or steel.

(g) In all bends, an anchor block made of reinforced concrete and/or concrete with 20%
plums and/or rubble and masonry with concrete jacket should constructed to
counterbalance the forces occurs due to cause by change of momentum of water.
Possible penstock failing scenarios like toppling, sliding, sinking/lifting forces should
be considered when sizing the anchor blocks. Annexes 2 and 3 drawings of typical slide
block, anchor block and support block are provided for reference.

(h) Underground steel and PVC penstocks should be buried at least 300mm beneath the
ground and should be on a sand bed. No slide or supports blocks apart from anchor
blocks at the bends are required in underground penstocks. In GRP penstocks, even this
requirement of having anchors at bends can be minimized.

(i) Underground steel penstocks should be painted with epoxy liquid coal tar (bitumen) to
a minimum paint thickness of 150 um.

(j) Thermal expansion and Expansion joints: rubber sheets or tar sheets (graphite
asbestos sheet) of minimum thickness of 3mm must be placed between penstock and
supports to prevent abrasion due to thermal expansion and contraction.

Expansion joints are required in steel penstocks just below anchor blocks and forebay
tank to minimize the stress created due to thermal expansion and contraction.

In case of uPVC penstock pipes, spigot joint can accommodate the thermal
expansions. If glued socket connections are used in over ground uPVC penstocks, at
least one spigot joint is recommended between anchors or expansion joint can also be
used.

5.6 Tailrace and electro/mechanical foundations

(a) Tailrace of NEP hydro project should be constructed with G25 reinforced concrete and
should create a safe passage of water back to the stream. Steps or rock protuberance should
incorporate to break the water speed and to minimize erosion. Whenever possible, tailrace
should be built up to the stream/river to allow safe water exit from the turbine.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

6 POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS

Mini-grid generation system is confined to power generation equipment, controlling/
governing/ monitoring equipment, energy storage equipment if applicable, system safety
equipment and power distribution panels and accessories. Distribution systems are discussed
separately

6.1 Quality of electricity in general

Myanmar has no grid or voltage standards, so mini-grids should follow IEC 60038:2009 (IEC
standard voltages). Irrespective of type of generator, the mini-grid should meet the following
criteria for the electricity supplied to the consumers.

Nominal generating voltage (Vn) - 400/ 230 V

Maximum voltage at distribution bus bar - 110% of Vn

Frequency - 50Hz

6.2 Electrical system in general

(a) Generation voltage of the mini-grid plant can vary depending on the type of generation
source. To transmit or distribute this electricity, it is required to convert this to single
or three phase alternating current (AC) @ 50 Hz. No-load powerhouse voltage can be
set to maximum 110% of the nominal voltage if required to maintain the voltage drop
at the farthest consumer premises.

(b) The power factor should not drop below 0.8 in synchronous generator systems, while
this should not drop below 0.95 in induction generator systems. 0.95 to retain frequency
control. If required, pf correction device must be added to achieve the pf specified
above.
(c) All major equipment such as generators, inverters, solar panels, batteries etc. should
have clear name plate; fitted by manufacture; which displays the manufactures name,
serial and model numbers, date of manufacture wherever required and technical
specification of the components etc.

(d) All electrical installation must comply to standards specifications of British Standards
Institution, Regulation for Electrical Installation issued by Institute of Electrical
Engineers, London (IEE Wiring Regulations) 17th edition or IEC 60364 Electrical
Installations for Buildings.

(e) Power cables which can be copper or aluminum shall comply to IEC60227 and IEC
60502 Power cables with extruded insulation; IEC 60228 Conductors of insulated
cables or BS 6004/BS 6346.

(f) Enclosures of electrical accessories, joint boxes should comply to BS 4662. Live
surfaces and points of cables and other parts should be shielded from human contact.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Proper jointing method which are durable, strong and serving the purpose must be used.
In case of joining conductors with different material, bi-metallic connectors must be
used.

(g) Distribution board in powerhouse: should have appropriately rated isolators, ELCB (or
RCD) and MCB for each line complying with IEC 61008: Residual current operated
circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses
(RCCBs), IEC 60898: Electrical accessories - Circuit-breakers for overcurrent
protection for household and similar installations and/or IEC 60947: Low-voltage
switchgear and control gear, as applicable.

(h) Protection at powerhouse to safeguard end-users: Over and under voltage and frequency
protection should added to control panels at powerhouse if required to safeguard the
users and domestic and industrial equipment and appliances use.

(i) All metal enclosures including casing of electrical generators, casing of turbines, cable
trays etc. and surge protection devices (SPD), Residual current devices (RCD),
lightening arrestors at powerhouse and load points should have earthing system
complying to the relevant part of IEC 60364: Low-voltage electrical installations
standards. Each distribution line starting form powerhouse should have one ELCB with
a maximum leakage current rating of 300 mA.

(j) Copper rod with diameter not less than 35/50 sq.mm or copper strip of dimensions not
less than 20mm x 3mm or Cu conductor of minimum cross section of 25mm2 should
be used as earthing. Earth resistance of 2 Ω (ohm); on dry day, should be maintained at
the powerhouse and consumer points.

(k) Lighting arrestors: lighting protection installation in NEP mini-grid projects should be
comply with IEC 62305: Protection against lightning or British Standards C.P.326
standards. Roof conductor and down conductors shall be soft annealed copper type of
size not less than 20mm width and 3 mm in thickness. In case of bare conductor are is
for distribution line, spark gap type lightening arrestors and associated earthing system
should be installed to cover each 500 m radius of line and end user points.

(l) IT and Control cabling: All the control and IT cables should be appropriately laid and
conform to IEC 11801: Information technology - Generic cabling for customer
premises and IEC 14763-2: Information technology - Implementation and operation of
customer premises cabling standards to ensure proper control and monitoring of system.

(m) Monitoring and controlling: Irrespective of the technology used, following electrical
parameters should be monitored at powerhouse control panels.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Table 3- List of minimum electrical parameter to measure

Number
Electrical parameter/ panel meter Single phase Three phases
Frequency/ Frequency meter 1 No. 1 No.
Voltage/ Voltmeter (village) 1 No. 3 Nos.
Voltage/ Voltmeter (ballast) Depend on ballast partitions
Amperage/ Ammeter (village) 1 No. 3 Nos.
Amperage/ Ammeter (ballast) 1 No. 3 No.
Energy/ Energy meter (kWh) 1 No. 1 No.
Power factor One phase Each phase

(n) Labels and Diagrams: All electrical components should have labels describing their
function, in English and Myanmar language. Block diagram which shows overall
system and single line diagram (circuit diagrams) for each panel and controllers should
be included. Illustrated Warning signs in Myanmar language should be fixed at all
places which poses a threat for operators, community and/or end users.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

7 SOLAR PV MINI-GRID GENERATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Solar based mini-grids offer opportunity for standardized approach to design and
implementation which is less dependent on site-specific resources than other mini-grid
technologies. The standardized approach can enable a more rapid development process and
roll-out. However, there are specific design considerations which are critical to ensuring viable
and sustainable mini-grid operation.

However, key considerations most critical to viability of solar-based mini-grids are

• Assessment of the load demand characteristics, especially: initial uptake, load growth
and allowances for growth, seasonality of loads, day time loads versus nighttime loads.
• Variability of solar resource from day to day, and seasonally
• Solar mini-grid configuration options best suited to match load characteristics with
resource characteristics.

In general, solar mini-grids for rural villages will always comprise of at least the following
components, also illustrated in figure below.

• Distribution network
• Storage batteries
• DC-AC inverter or power conditioner for providing useful power to the loads
• Solar arrays
o DC-coupled charging batteries directly, or,
o AC-coupled providing power direct to AC day-time loads, and optionally
charging battery through the bi-directional inverter charger
• Optional back-up diesel generator
• Water supply arrangement for regular cleaning of PV arrays.

Solar PV or Solar PV Hybrid Mini-grids must follow IEC 62257, Recommendations for Small
Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification, which provides guiding
principles for design and other system characteristics of such systems.

7.1 Solar PV Modules

Solar modules in NEP mini-grid projects can be polycrystalline, monocrystalline or thin film.
In one project, modules from same category with same rating should be installed.

7.1.1 Standards and certifications

All PV modules shall be certified to conform to the following minimum standards.

(a) Compulsory Standards: Solar modules shall conform to the following standards form
the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC).

• IEC 61215 Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design

qualification and type approval.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• IEC 61730 Photovoltaic (PV) modules safety qualification – Requirements for

construction and requirement for testing.

(b) Recommended standards: In special case of salty environment (installation near the
sea), additional standard of IEC 61701 Salt mist corrosion testing of photovoltaic
modules should satisfy.

(c) Laboratory accreditation: Solar PV Modules must be tested by laboratory in

accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. Manufacturer of modules accredited by ISO and
should have an EN-ISO certificate, JCRC-ISPRA 503, PV-GAP, UL listing 1703, NEC
2008 compliant or equivalent quality type approval from an internationally accredited
laboratory.

(d) For the delivery of the solar modules the transport standard IEC 62759-1: Photovoltaic
(PV) modules - Transportation testing - Part 1: Transportation and shipping of module
package units (or equivalent) must be fulfilled.

(e) Warranties: All PV modules installed in the NEP mini-grid should have following
product warranty levels.

• Manufacturing warranty (material and workmanship): must have ten-year

warranty on physical manufacture of module itself, i.e. the frame, encapsulant,
glass, module junction box etc.
• Power output warranty: twelve years 90% and 25 years 80% output warranty.
(f) Mini-grid project Developer should be responsible for on-site warranty - i.e.
transporting back and forth and get the modules repaired or replaced in case such a
claim is required.

7.1.2 General requirements

(a) Minimum Module rating: individual module should preferably rate over 250 Wp.

(b) Temperature coefficient rated power of -0.45%/°C or lower.

(c) Modules should be able to withstand wind load of 5,400 Pa.

(d) Bypass diodes should be installed in each module to prevent hot-spots in modules,
which occur often because of partial shading of modules. The NEP mini-grid project
developer shall ensure that every module in a series string of more than 24V nominal
voltage, shall include bypass diodes in the module terminal-connection box. The diodes
should be replaceable without replacing the module or module junction-box.

(e) Modular junction box, cable and Connector: should have water and dust tight
junction (IP65) box mounted at the back of the panel with minimum of 1 m ;4 mm2
output cables connected with male and female (quick) connectors.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

(f) Label of PV panel: label of the PV module should have the following details. Name of
the manufactures and website; model number, serial number, peak current, peak
voltage, power rating of panel at standards test condition; open circuit voltage, short
circuit current.

(g) Developer should provide I-V curve with the Feasibility at AM 1.5 and STC,
Temperature coefficients dV/dT, dI/dT, etc

7.2 PV Inverters / battery inverters and MPPT

Distribution grid is a main component of mini-grid which distinguishes mini-grid from an
isolated home power generation. Inverters in solar PV mini-grid will convert Direct Current
(DC) power produced in PV arrays or stored in batteries to Alternating Current (AC) to
distribute efficiently direct to loads. Some PV arrays may charge batteries directly. PV mini-
grids rely on sophisticated electronic control components to operate silently and efficiently.
This section addresses these main components which are functionally described below:

• PV inverter: converts solar DC power directly to AC electricity which can be

supplied directly to the distribution network for consumption. Arrays electrically
connected this way are commonly referred to AC-coupled solar arrays.
• Charge controller MPPT: converts solar power into DC energy comparable with
charging batteries directly. Charge controllers are used to connect DC coupled solar
arrays.
• Bi-directional inverter or battery inverter: supplies energy from the battery to the
AC distribution network as needed, and conversely can charge DC batteries from the
AC distribution network or AC-coupled solar arrays.

7.2.1 Standards and certifications

(a) Safety standards: Inverters and electronics used for mini-grids are required to meet
minimum safety standard set by

• IEC 62109-1 (Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems –
Part 1: General Requirements).
• IEC 62109-2 (Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems
- Part 2: Particular requirements for inverters
• European Union (CE) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL 1741) for compliance

(b) Particular standards for PV inverters which must comply with the following or similar
• IEC 61727: Photovoltaic (PV) systems – Characteristics of the utility interface
• IEC 62116: Test procedure of islanding prevention measures for utility
interconnected photovoltaic inverters
• DIN VDE 126-1-1 or VDE 126 or similar (frequency and voltage disconnection
limits) Automatic disconnection device between grid parallel power generating
system and the public low voltage grid

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• G83/1-1, EA Engineering Recommendation G83/1-1: Amendment 1-June 2008,

Recommendation for the connection of small-scale embedded generators (up to 16 A
per phase) in parallel with the public low-voltage distribution networks.
• AS 4777.2-2005: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters– invert
requirements:
• EN 50438, Requirements for the connection of micro-generators in parallel with
public low-voltage distribution networks
• UL1741, Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment
for Use with Distributed Energy Resources
• IEEE 1547: Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power
Systems
• IEC 61683: Photovoltaic System-Power Conditioners - Procedure for Measuring
Efficiency
• IEC 61000-4-2: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Testing and measurement
techniques – electrostatic discharge immunity test
• IEC 61000-4-3: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Testing and measurement
techniques - radiated, radio frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test
• IEC 61000-6-2; IEC 61000-6-4; Electromagnetic compatibility

(c) Particular standards for Bi-directional Battery inverters must in addition comply with
comply with
• IEC 61000-3-2, IEC 61000-3-3, IEC 61000-6-1, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-63:
Electromagnetic compatibility,
• IEC 60335-2-29: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 229:
Particular requirements for battery chargers

(d) Particular standards for MPPT/ Charge controllers

• IEC 61683: Photovoltaic System-Power Conditioners - Procedure for Measuring
Efficiency

(e) Warranties of inverters: Manufacturing and Performance warranty: must have five-
year warranty period and mini-grid project developer should be responsible for transporting
back and forth and get the inverter repaired or replaced in case such a claim is required.
7.2.2 Labelling and data
Each inverter device must be labelled with the minimum information:
o Manufacturer name and model
o Serial number
o Input and output voltage and rated power
o Battery type compatibility (if applicable lead-acid and type (OPzV etc.), or
Li-ion and type (LiCoO2 LCO, LMO, NMC, LFP, NCA, LTO)]

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

The supplier is required to provide for each conversion device offered the following data:
o System rating (kW/kVA) with temperature de-rating curves/tables o Input Voltage
(DC) range
o Output Voltage (AC)
o Efficiency versus Power output graph, for various input voltages o
Certificates and compatibility with country standards applicable o Warranty
o Product brochure
7.2.3 Guidelines for Inverter Selection
(a) Inverter should produce output electricity to match the quality requirement stated in 7.1
in this document.

(b) PV Inverters should have at least one maximum power point trackers (MPPT). If the
mini-grid capacity above 25 kW; multi string i.e. Inverter with multiple MPPTs is
preferred.

(c) In general, modular and expandable inverters / bi-directional inverter units are
preferred, which can be used in multiples in parallel to increase power. Centralized
systems which are not expandable to account for future load growth are not preferred.

(d) PV Inverter or charge controller should be able to handle 125% of array short circuit
current.

(e) Efficiency of PV inverter should be above 95% over 75% of the power range.
Efficiency of bi-directional inverter should be more than 90% over 75% of the power
range.

(f) Total harmonic distortion should be below 3%.

(g) Inverter should have protection for incorrect polarity; over temperature and excessive
DC voltage.

(h) Inverters located inside the powerhouse should operate between -25°C to 60°C with
derating and should have an Ingress Protection rating of at least IP 54.

7.3 Batteries
7.3.1 General requirements
(a) Batteries of the following types are allowed for the NEP solar mini-grid projects:
• Lead-acid: the following are acceptable:

o OPzV: deep cycle tubular gel valve regulated (VRLA)

o OPzS: deep cycle tubular flooded electrolyte battery

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• Li-iron batteries: The following are acceptable o Lithium Iron

Phosphate: LFP or Li-Fe-phosphate
o The following may be acceptable subject to meeting all certification
criteria;
 Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide: NMC (NCM, CMN, CNM, MNC,
MCN similar with different metal combinations))
 Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide: NCA or Li-aluminum
 Lithium Titanate: LTO or Li-titanate

o The following are not generally acceptable

 Lithium Cobalt Oxide: LCO or Li- cobalt
 Lithium Manganese Oxide: LMO or Li-manganese
(b) Expected cycle life of the batteries shall be as follows when tested to the life-cycle
test standards below:
• lead-acid OPzV or OPzS: not less 1,500 Cycle @ 70 % DOD
• Li-ion LFP with Cycle performance: not less 3,000 Cycle @ 80 % DOD

7.3.2 Standards
(a) The standards Cycle life of lead acid batteries:
• IEC 60896-21 and 22 Ed 1(2004); Stationary lead-acid batteries - General
requirements and test methods: Valve regulated types (clauses 6.13 and 6.17)
• IEC 61427-1 (Secondary cells and batteries for renewable energy storage -
General requirements and methods of test - Part 1: Photovoltaic off-grid
application
(b) The safety standard for Valve Regulated lead acid batteries:
• IEC 60896-21 and 22 Ed 1(2004); Stationary lead-acid batteries - General
requirements and test methods: Valve regulated types
• IEC 61056-1 (2012): General purpose lead-acid batteries (valve-regulated
types) - Part 1: General requirements, functional characteristics - Methods of
test.
(c) Standards for Cycle life endurance for li-ion batteries:
• IEC 61960; Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes – Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications
OR
• IEC 62620; Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes. Secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial
applications

(d) Safety standard for lithium-ion cells and batteries:

• IEC 62619; Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes. Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and 7 batteries, for
use in industrial applications

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

7.3.3 Design requirements

(a) Battery autonomy: when calculating the required storage an autonomy of about 1 day
of mature nighttime load demand should be considered if the configuration has a diesel
backup generator i.e. hybrid system solar PV with diesel genset. In general battery
autonomy will be optimized using simulation software.
(b) Batteries shall be suitable for operation at 35oC, and safe up to 45oC without risk of
thermal runaway. Derating of battery capacity, performance and cycle life for high
temperature conditions, lower charge voltage conditions etc., is to be carefully
considered.
(c) In general, lower voltage battery banks (48V) are preferable due to their modularity,
expandability, safety and compatibility with wider range of electronic components due
to standardized voltage.
(d) High voltage battery banks (>48V and with multiple cells in series) shall include
additional safety protections, as well as any necessary battery management system for
cell monitoring / state-of-cell supervision. High-voltage lead-acid battery banks shall
be ensured with necessary routine equalization.
(e) Warranties: All batteries to be warranted to at least 5 years under the operational
conditions on site, to 80% of original rated capacity.
7.3.4 Labelling and data
Each battery/cell shall be engraved with the supply date

For each battery type, the battery must be labeled indicating at minimum o Manufacturer,
Model Number, Voltage and Capacity. o Type of the battery [lead-acid and type (OPzV
etc), or Li-ion and type (LiCoO2 LCO,
LMO, NMC, LFP, NCA, LTO)] o
Battery Voltage, Battery Capacity@C20

The supplier is required to provide for each Battery type the following general data
o Battery discharge performance versus Temperature
o Battery cycle life versus depth of discharge
o Battery cycle life versus battery temperature
o Product brochure
o Warranty information
The supplier is required to provide for each Battery type the following test data
o Battery discharge performance curves at C10 and C50, at a minimum
o Safety test compliance against IEC 60896-2 for VRLA batteries
o Battery cycling curves against IEC 60896-11 or IEC 60896-2, or against IEC 61427.

7.4 Data-logging and Monitoring

Solar mini-grid system data-logging and monitoring shall cover the following aspects:
• Power generation side

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• Utility network (Quality Assurance Framework)

• Customer metering
• Regular monthly reporting
7.4.1 Power generation side
Generation plant monitoring system, logging, functionality and remote access are described
below.

System Parameters such as solar PV electricity generated, diesel genset generation and run
hours, battery voltage and SoC, and energy sent-out from powerhouse, at a minimum shall be
recorded hourly with automated data logging equipment. This shall be retained in hourly data
format, but also cumulated into daily, weekly and monthly reports.

The logging system shall have capability to upload to internet via mobile carrier or other means.
Connection to internet for data upload must occur at least once per month to transfer if no
mobile network in available at site. All of the data for the previous month must be uploaded
but a more frequent upload interval is preferred.

A live-interactive online system which can see individual components is natural preferred (i.e.
each PV inverter, each battery inverter, each battery bank).

Time of occurrence and duration of service interruption events (power failures) to be logged
(either automatically or manually) and reported monthly;

The monitoring system must conform to

• IEC 61724 Ed 1: PV System Performance Monitoring Guidelines for measurement,

data exchange and analysis
• IEC 61557: Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V a.c. and
1500 V d.c. - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures
except electricity metering equipment that complies with IEC 62053-21, IEC 62053-22
and IEC 62053-23

All of the above shall be summarized into monthly performance report for the site.

Multiple meters must be installed in such a manner that all generation and outgoing energy is
effectively monitored for clear understanding of system performance.

Table 4- Metering Equipment and locations

Metering Point Type of Accuracy IEC Standard

meter Class
DC output of Charge DC Energy 0.5 or 1
controller (if installed) Meter Accuracy
Class

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

AC output of PV Inverter AC Energy 0.5 or 1 IEC 62053-22 or IEC 6205321

(if installed) Meter Accuracy and IEC 62052-11
Class
Genset output (if AC Energy 0.5 or 1 IEC 62053-22 or IEC 6205321
installed) Meter Accuracy and IEC 62052-11
Class
Outgoing Feeders AC Energy 0.5 or 1 IEC 62053-22 or IEC 6205321
Meter Accuracy and IEC 62052-11
Class
Biomass generation AC Energy 0.5 or 1 IEC 62053-22 or IEC 6205321
Meter Accuracy and IEC 62052-11
Class
Hydro generation AC Energy 0.5 or 1 IEC 62053-22 or IEC 6205321
Meter Accuracy and IEC 62052-11
Class
Meters conforming to IEC 62056 - the DLMS/COSEM suite: smart metering standardization
framework are preferred.

Standards

IEC 62052-11: Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) - Particular requirements - Part 11:
Electromechanical meters for active energy (classes 0,5, 1and 2)

IEC 62053-21: Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) - Particular requirements - Part 21: Static
meters for active energy (classes 1 and 2)

IEC 62053-22: Electricity metering equipment (a.c.) - Particular Requirements - Part 22:
Static meters for active energy (classes 0,2 S and 0,5 S)

Note: More meters may be required and must be installed if multiple interface of generation or
outgoing point exist in the system, it is the responsibility of developer to install meters such
that a complete energy balance is effectively monitored.

Installation of household meters: household energy meters needs to have the ability to see at
least the remaining balance available & energy usage. Energy meter is expected to be installed
inside the house (or other load point) but if it is installed in the service pole due to any reason,
interface with display should be given to each load points to see the above minimum information
on their electricity usage and to facilitate the recharging, if applicable.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

7.4.2 Utility network monitoring (QAF)

The developer agrees that monitoring of the distribution network according to the Quality
Assurance Framework for Mini-grids *QAF)4 shall be granted on request by DRD, and the
developer shall facilitate such access on monitoring.

QAF is a recently established framework monitoring of the “level-of-service” promised versus

that delivered in the field – a kind of “truth in advertising” compliance approach. Key variables
include: (i) power quality, (ii) power availability and (iii) power reliability, with many sub
variables – all aligned with the more widely known Multi-Tier Framework (MTF) for energy
access. QAF is purely output-based, which requires considerable measurement and reporting,
over a period of years.

Time of occurrence and duration of service interruption events (power failures) to be logged
(preferably automatically or manually) and reported monthly.

7.4.3 Customer
Consumer level consumption data including average daily Watt-Hour consumption and peak
power demand (Watts or Amps) to be measured and recorded for inclusion in monthly
reporting. This shall cover individual usage and payments, as well as groups of consumers as
per monthly reporting.

7.4.4 Monthly reporting

System performance reporting on a monthly basis to DRD shall cover the following aspects,
and standard spreadsheet report shall be used.

• kWh generated by solar, total solar insolation

• kWh generated by diesel, diesel run hours, diesel liters used, diesel engine starts
• kWh sold, to each consumer category (households, PEU, Community, streetlights, own
usage)
• Qty customers in each consumer category (households, PEU, Community, streetlights)
• Typical total load profile for that month, and for each consumer category (kWh in each
hour).
• Hours of no supply and fault report.
• Social issues reported and resolved.

All records are for inclusion in monthly reporting format for the same is described
separately.

4
Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids, NREL, US DoE and Global
Leap (2016): https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/67374.pdf

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

7.5 Balance of System in solar mini-grid

Variety of other components such as DC/AC Cables, disconnectors/isolators, protection
devices, mounting structures, combiner boxes and monitoring devices are usually called as
balance of systems (BOS) in PV industry.

The Switches/Circuit Breakers /Connectors used must comply with IEC 60947 part I, II, III:
Low-voltage switchgear and control gear - ALL PARTS and EN 50521.

All the Junction Boxes /Enclosures for Inverters/Charge Controllers/Luminaries must have
ingress Protection of IP 54(for outdoor)/ IP 21(for indoor) as per IEC 60529: Degrees of
protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) standards.

SPD should be installed on both AC and DC side conforming to IEC 61643-11: Low-voltage
surge protective devices - Part 11: Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power
systems - Requirements and test methods.

7.5.1 Cable in Solar PV Mini-grid:

7.5.1.1 General
All external wiring, cabling, insulation material and junction boxes must be UV-resistant and
terminals protected against dust and moisture.

The wiring installation shall be both physically robust against bumping and tugging, and
electrically robust. All wiring and connectors should have a design lifetime of 20 years.

Double insulation (i.e. insulation comprising both basic and supplementary insulation, and
appropriate barriers and separation of parts must be applied to all systems with an open circuit
voltage of more than 120VDC Class II insulation on the DC part of PV system, even if less
than 120VDC is strongly recommended.

7.5.1.2 Wiring losses

Wire gauges shall be selected to minimize energy losses or system performance problems
through wire degradation. Wire shall be derated for climatic conditions.
Source circuit losses shall be limited to 1.5% loss in general and includes each of:
• Array to Array DB:
• DC-DB to DC busbar:
• Battery to DC busbar
• Inverter AC DB to Main AC DB

7.5.1.3 Wiring Standards

Cables use for NEP mini-grid which can be copper or aluminum, should comply to IEC 60227:
Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V and IEC
60502: Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1
kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV); relevant part of IEC 60228: Conductors of

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

insulated cables or BS 6004/BS 6346. PVC insulated cables for working voltage up to and
including 1100 V and UV resistant for outdoor installation should be used wherever required.

PV1-F double-insulated cable UV resistant cable is to be used for high voltage DC PV arrays,
Flexible DC copper wiring of 4/6mm2 should use for inter-array cabling, up to
inverter/combiner box conforming to:

Relevant part of IEC 60332: Tests on electric and optical fiber cables under fire conditions,
IEC 60216-1: Electrical insulating materials - Thermal endurance properties

IEC 60811-403: Electric and optical fiber cables - Test methods for non-metallic materials -

Part 403: Miscellaneous tests - Ozone resistance test on cross-linked compounds

IEC 60228: Conductors of insulated cables

IEC 61034 I, II: Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions IEC
60754: Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables

DC cable of appropriate size should be used for interconnecting all equipment at site including
but not limited to batteries, inverter, combiner box etc. to ensure AC and DC losses to less than
2% respectively. Calculations of the current rating of the cables should be according to IEC
60287: Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating

7.5.1.4 Wiring installation

Every core of cable shall be identifiable by color and/or lettering/numbering at its terminations.
In the special case where there is no possibility of confusion, e.g. where cables are pre-fitted
with purpose made polarized plug and socket connectors (+,-), then additional cable
color/alphanumeric identification may be omitted.

All wiring must be neatly done and secured by means of appropriate fasteners at regular
intervals.

Wiring lengths shall be sufficiently looped to allow ease of connection and disconnection in
the case of component replacement, and for maintenance.

Any wiring connections whether internal, external, high voltage or low voltage shall be inside
accessible junction boxes. No visible connections. The double insulation nature of the cables
shall be maintained.

Conductor lugs should be used to terminate all DC wiring. Lugs and connectors should be
crimped or soldered, and mechanically and electrically sound. No connections shall be made
using terminal blocks. DC connections shall be ferruled. All DC electrical connections to be
treated with corrosion inhibiting paste, substantially equivalent to DENSAL paste.

7.5.1.5 Under-ground wiring requirement

All external cabling which is routed underground, shall use approved Steel-wire-armoured
(SWA) cable. All underground cabling shall be buried at 0.6m below ground level and labelled
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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

at each end. Cables crossing roads or driveways shall be protected by steel pipes buried in the
ground. Any underground cable interconnections shall be approved water-tight corrosion
resistant types.

7.5.1.6 Certification of powerhouse and generation plant wiring

All AC and DC wiring shall be as per the requirements of the electricity standards of Myanmar,
being British Standards.
7.5.2 Mounting structure:
Mounting structure used for the solar panels should be made of corrosion resistant material
such as aluminum alloy or: hot dip galvanized steels (Hot dip galvanized: ≥ 80-micron
galvanization thickness). Minimum thickness of the structural material which is used for
mounting structure should be 2mm. Bolts, nuts, fasteners, panel mounting clamps including
joining the sections of structure should be with galvanized or stainless-steel bolts (Stainless
steel SS 304) or by welding.

In case of a welding structure, galvanization should be done after the fabrication work. All
aluminum shall be anodized any damage shall be treated. Any contact between unlike materials
shall be avoided by using insulation between any aluminum and galvanized sections. Any
surface damage to galvanizing shall be treated with approved cold-galvanizing treatments. Life
of the mounting structure to be 20 years.

The structure assembly shall accommodate such cable trucking and any array junction boxes
as may be required to meet the specification requirements for module interconnection in similar
corrosion resistant materials.

• Mounting structure needs to be designed to withstand wind speed of 25 m/s.

• Orientation of the panels should be facing true south and tilting 15-25 0 from
horizon.
• Location of the PV array should not have shading from 6 am to 6 pm throughout
the year.
This mounting structure should be fixed to reinforced concrete foundations; deigned
based on loads (self-weight, wind load etc.) and bearing capacity of the soil. Foundation
should have a footing of 1 m SQ; minimum 300mm thickness and shaft of minimum
underground depth of 300mm for dens gravel or medium dense sand and gravel with
bearing capacity of (200-600) kN/m2 as per BS 8004; code of practice for foundations.

(a) Cleaning of PV panels: in the event where solar panels are mounted at a height where
a person cannot access safely for cleaning purpose, a gantry which can be permanently
fixed to ground or movable is required to include to the design.

(b) DC/AC Isolator, rated to suite the system should be installed between PV combiner
box and inverter. Suitable AC isolator is requiring after the inverter. They must follow
the appropriate standards mentioned above.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

7.5.3 Module bonding to array structure

PV module frames and array structures shall be properly earthed. Each array and module must
be earthed. For ease of installation and testing, the best practice approach for earthing modules
together is to use separate earth frame flange grounding using stainless bolts, onto earth
conductors providing earth continuity.

• Examples of acceptable bonding for non-coastal environments:

o Use stainless steel mounting bolts for arrays to frame, with serrated washers to
ensure good contact through galvanization (if galvanized steel) or aluminum oxide
layer (if aluminum). o Separate earth bonding cables with lugs (left)
• For corrosive coastal environment, separate earth frame flange grounding using
stainless bolts, onto earth conductors providing earth continuity.

Notes

1 Modules to face equator as

aligned with roof

2 Space left for access for cleaning

5
3
4
2
1

1) Lay-in Lug 2) Bolt 3) Serrated washer 4) Washer 5) Nut

Note that the following methods are NOT considered acceptable in the corrosive salt
environment.

• Lugged cable between each module and array frame, with array frames providing earth
continuity: Combination of copper crimp lug, aluminum and zinc plated "tek" screws
are not acceptable
• Rely on metallic contact between module clamps and frames to provide earth contact,
with array structure providing earth continuity: Contact may be lost over time due to
corrosion
• Special earth clamps “bite” in to each module providing earth contact onto array
structure, with array structure providing earth continuity: Contact may be lost over time
due to corrosion
7.5.4 Distribution boards, bus-bar enclosures, switchgear and fuses
The general requirement for system configuration and enclosures is non-prescriptive. This
section elaborates on the various enclosures and switchgear recommendations.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• Array junction box (typically on roof area or on array structure)

• Array DB (typically in powerhouse)
• DC DB / DC Busbar
• Battery bank with fuse
• Inverter AC DB
• Main AC DB or cluster box

All enclosures shall include standard din-rail mounting for breakers, isolators and meters.
Enclosures to be surface mount, with bottom cable entries, (with receptacle for module DC
connectors inlet and outlet) and gland seals. All unused slots to be blanked off to prevent access.
All external enclosures to be IP65. All DB’s and individual components within DB’s to be
clearly labeled. All external enclosures shall be made of corrosion resistant material.

Enclosures to be either dedicated either for AC or DC use. Mixed use enclosures are not
allowed unless there is clear physical separation between AC and DC compartments with
requisite labelling.

7.5.4.1 Array junction box

Usually located on the array structure, Array Junction Box is used to combine PV arrays. It
contains an isolating switch for each sub-array as specified, and on outgoing switch. These
shall be double pole circuit breakers rated for DC operation.

All junction boxes shall be rated to IP65 and Class II. Any junction boxes used externally shall
have bottom entry panel receptacles for string connector connections - glands/, and with drip
loop installed externally. They shall be located to facilitate inspections with sufficiently long
wiring loops internally.

7.5.4.2 Array DB
Usually located within the powerhouse, Array DB isolates high voltage DC-coupled arrays
from their respective DC MPPT charge controllers.

Array DB would also optionally isolate any AC-coupled DC arrays from grid tie inverter inputs,
if these inverters were located indoors. For array structure mounted grid-tie inverters this is not
necessary, or they would have in-built switch-gear.

Switches in Array DB to be double pole circuit breakers rated for DC operation.

7.5.4.3 DC DB / DC Busbar
DC Busbar Enclosure is required in systems with large battery banks and multiple parallel DC
coupled arrays and MPPT’s, and /or multiple parallel AC-DC battery chargers or parallel
DCAC inverters. The DC busbar provides safe and protected interface between the batteries
and these paralleled devices. The following are requirements for protection:

• Busbar rated for maximum current of all electronic devices

• Suitably rated 2 pole isolator for each electronic device. These are preferably CB not
fuses.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• Battery bank isolator for each battery bank, for both positive and negative poles and
negative. CB preferred, rated to maximum discharge capacity of battery or to enable
single battery bank to interface with all electronic devices. • Labelling of each
component as necessary • Safety covers.

7.5.4.4 Battery bank with fuse

In general batteries shall be installed within protective enclosures or entirely separated battery
room. Battery inter-cell connectors shall be supplied with the battery, and they shall be
professional quality, corrosion resistant. In case of batteries in the open in the power house,
then all terminals shall be un-exposed and behind covers.

All battery banks that are not physically inside the DC Busbar Enclosure shall have separate
battery fuses or circuit breakers on both positive and negative terminals, close to battery, to
protect against cable short circuits.

Each battery/cell shall be labelled with a unique number numbered from negative to positive.
Appropriate danger/caution signage shall be put in place, especially in the case of high voltage
banks (greater than 48Vdc).

7.5.4.5 Inverter AC DB
The inverter AC-CB is for paralleling of outputs of grid-tie inverters, and usually located inside
the powerhouse. The inverter AC DB shall normally contain the following
• AC over-current CB from each inverter, either 2 pole or 4 pole.
• Busbar of relevant rating and poles
• Outgoing overcurrent CB
7.5.4.6 Main AC DB or multi-cluster box
The purpose of this DB is to interconnect all AC connected devices. Typical inputs and outputs
include:
• Outgoing feeders to the load
• Feeder with CB from grid tie inverters (inverter AC DB)
• Feeders to each DC-AC inverter (off-grid inverters)
• Feeders with CB to each AC-DC charger (or bi-directional inverter charger
• Generator set change-over switch or interface panel, allowing parallel diesel generator
operation with inverter/chargers, or complete change-over to generator supply only to
load.
• Relevant lighting protection devices
• Metering and logging devices for power generation side.

7.5.5 System grounding

7.5.5.1 Array frame earthing

The array structures requires grounding. The systems shall be provided with a separate array
ground where the PV array metal structure and the roof structure if metal are connected to an
earth electrode via insulated stranded copper earth wire 16 mm2 minimum) using the shortest

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practical direct route downwards that directs the cable away from sensitive electronic
equipment and shall not enter the building. In cases where the array structure is separate from
a metal roof, insulated stranded copper earth wire is connected to both the array and the roof
structure and terminated at the same earth electrode. The maximum allowable earth cable
resistance between array frame and earth electrode shall be 1.7 Ohms. See earth electrode for
its requirements.

7.5.5.2 System equipotential bonding

Equipment bonding shall be used to tie together casings of all equipment and enclosures,
including all electronic equipment casings (inverters, chargers, MPPT, genset), array DB, AC
DB, DC DB, DC busbars and DC enclosures, with minimum 6 mm2 earth cable, and connected
via an insulated stranded copper earth wire (10 mm2 minimum) to their own earth electrode.
The maximum allowed bonding resistance (between the metal parts of the devices and metal
parts of the consumer earth terminal) is 1.7 Ohms (Note: this excludes the earth electrode earth
impedance). See earth electrode for its requirements.

7.5.6 System electrical earth

7.5.6.1 AC conductor earthing

The earthing of the electrical system shall be comparable with TN-C-S and TT earth system
compatible required (see diagram). All equipment to be TN-C-S and TT compatible, and this
is non-negotiable.

System electrical grounding shall only occur on the AC side of a system, where the AC neutral
conductor is connected to the consumer earth conductor, at one and only location on the site
only. This would usually be within the Main AC DB or Multi-cluster. This requires an AC
side N-PE bridge, and is not negotiable! It shall be clearly labelled and also marked on SLD.

The maximum allowable earth fault impedance (Ze) between consumer and earth terminal to
earth electrode shall be 1.7 Ohms and shall use able of same size as the main conductors. See
earth electrode for its requirements.

7.5.6.2 DC conductor earthing

The DC conductors shall never be earthed directly, as earthing complicates the protection and
inspection requirements significantly.

• DC conductors shall always fully floating if galvanically isolated from AC side.

• Virtually earthing bond is allowed only via AC side in one location, if particular equipment
is not galvanically isolated from AC side (i.e. certain transformer less Grid tie inverters).
This shall be clearly marked on SLD if relevant, and in the equipment.

7.5.6.3 Earth electrodes

All earth electrodes used shall be bare copper plated earth rods, of length at least 1.5m. The
spikes shall be driven vertically into the ground till buried to a depth of 300mm.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

The maximum earth electrode earth impedance target is 5 ohms on a dry day each electrode.
This figure is sufficient to fulfill functions of (i) array lightning surge earth path, (ii) system
bonding earth path and equipment protection, and (iii) system electrical earth if required, for
the entire system.

In sites with high earth contract resistances, then the following additional steps shall be taken
towards this target:

• Electrodes shall be lengthened

• Electrodes to be buried with activated charcoal or salt to improve contact resistance
• Up to three electrodes may if necessary be inter-connected (OR increased in length) to
minimize the earth contact resistance.

7.5.7 Lighting protection design

7.5.7.1 Lightning conductors

Lightening conductors used for protection in non-solar mini-grid projects shall comply with
British Standards C.P.326. Roof conductor and down conductors shall be soft annealed copper
tape of size not less than 20mm in width and 3mm in thickness to the required length. In case
of bear conductor is used for distribution line, spark gap type lightening arrestors and associated
earthing system should installed to cover each 500m radius of line and end users.

7.5.7.2 Surge protection on key cables

In general lighting surge protection is to be included on all cables incoming towards electronic
equipment, to protect that equipment from induced surges, and to route the surges towards
ground instead.

Lighting arrestors are to be located as follows:

• Externally mounted PV inverters: own Class 2 or 1 as standard internally, on AC cables,

to own earth electrode.
• Incoming AC cables from PV inverters: Class 2 protection on all phases plus neutral,
located within Inverter AC DB, direct to nearest earth electrode and not entering building.
• Outgoing AC cables to load: Class 2 protection all phases plus neutral located within Main
AC DC.
• Incoming AC cable from generator: can be combined with above in Main AC DB

• All underground cables AC or DC cables: Class 2 protection at power house incomer JB,
on all conductors plus N, direct to earth electrode. In general, avoid underground cables
and use cable trays to keep cables above ground-induced surges.

Lightning surge arrestors to specification as follows: are required as follows:

• Class 2 protection lightning surge arrestors with visual fault indication, 40kA (8/20)
according to IEC 61643-1 for sensitive electronics, clamping voltage to less than 1,500V.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

• Class 1 and 2 combined protection may be installed later if required for sites with direct
strike risk.
Note: For solar PV plant, it is generally advisable to install no lighting conductors on site or
near the site, to avoid bringing surges towards the site and to electronics. Lightning should be
rather directed away from the site.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

8 GENERATION SYSTEM OF HYDRO MINI-GRID

NEP mini-grid program targets projects with capacity of 1 MW or less hence MHP
specifications will relevant only for off the projects. Advanced controlling mechanism such as
hydraulic flow controlling or remote operation etc. that uses in large project considered here
less suitable unless specific arrangement for operation and maintenance is designed in the first
stage itself.

8.1 Micro / Mini Hydro Turbines

Function of a hydraulic turbine is to transform the potential energy of water at the forebay tank
in to mechanical energy. Impulse and reaction turbines are the two main categories of turbines.

Each category has number of turbine types. The site specific Head (Hn) and flowrate (Q) will
determine the suitable turbine type. Typically micro / mini hydropower projects implemented
under NEP will be owned and operated by the village community, therefore relatively simple
designs that rely on manual control and operation are more likely to ensure long term
sustainability of the project.

8.1.1 Turbine runner material:

Cast Iron runners can be used for heads below 100 m. Cast steel, Cast Bronze and Stainless
steel should be used for fabricated or casted runners where the operating head exceeds 100m.
Runners must be statistically and dynamically balanced and should be easily removable at the
site.

Minimum runaway speed of the turbine should be 1.8-time of the rated speed. It should be able
to operate at least 2 hours at this speed without mechanical failure.

8.1.2 Adaptor / Manifold

The adaptor connects the turbine to the penstock pipe. It must be designed to ensure a maximum
water velocity of 3 m/s whereby minimizing head losses.

8.1.3 Manifold valve

Manifold valve (usually called main inlet valve-MIV) is requiring in all cases to enable the cut
off of flow to the turbine. This enables maintenance work to be carried out on the turbine
without the need to drain the penstock. For small capacity Pelton turbines with branch valves
or jet deflectors and Crossflow/ Francis / Kaplan turbines with guide vanes that are able to shut
off flow entirely, the manifold valve is not compulsory for operational purposes. Where a
manifold valve is not installed, the penstock must be drained (normally flow into the intake is
closed off) when carrying out maintenance on the turbine.

The Main valve should be slow closing (operated via a gearbox if required) gate or butterfly
valve with a pressure rating exceeding the total pressure of system including a a satisfactory
safety factor. A bypass valve of (1.5”-2”) is required in parallel with the main valve to equalize
pressure on both sides to ensure easy opening.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

8.1.4 Hydro Turbines

Function of a hydraulic turbine is to transform the potential energy of water at the forebay tank
in to mechanical energy. Impulse and reaction turbines are the two main categories of turbines.

Each category has number of turbine types. Head and flowrate will determine the suitable
turbine type. In NEP mini grid mini-grid projects, village community will ultimately owns and
will operate the project and hence manual or semi-automatic; less complicated designs will
ensure long term sustainability of the project.

8.1.5 Turbine runner material:

Cast Iron runners can be used for heads below 100 m. Cast steel, cast bronze and stainless steel
can be used as fabricated or casted runners for high heads. Runners should be statistically and
dynamically balanced and should be easily removable at the site.

Minimum runaway speed of the turbine should be 1.8-time of the rated speed. It should be able
to operate at least 2 hours in this speed without a mechanical failure.

8.1.6 Manifold
Manifold (which takes water from penstock and carries to the runner) and/or branch pipes must
maintain maximum velocity of 3 m/s in order to reduce the head loss due to pipe friction and
local losses.

8.1.7 Manifold valve

Manifold valve (usually called main inlet valve-MIV) is requiring in all cases to divert water
from the runner and to do maintenance work. For small capacity of Pelton turbines with branch
valves or jet deflectors; Cross flow/ Francis/Kaplan turbines with guide vanes that are capable
of completely shut down the flow, the manifold valve is not compulsory. (In these cases, for
turbine maintenance, it requires to close the flow from intake gate)

Main valve should be slow closing (can be with a gearbox in some instances) gate or butterfly
valve with pressure rating satisfying total pressure of system. Bypass valve of (1.5”-2”) is
requires in parallel with the main valve to equalize pressure on both sides to ensure
effortlessness opening.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Figure 3: Turbine, manifold and expansion

8.1.8 Expansion section

Expansion in manifold section is required to absorb slight movement due to pressure changes
and expansion due to temperature changes.

8.1.9 Turbine casing

Turbine should be casted with cast iron or fabricated with mild steel with a minimum thickness
6mm. Ribbing should be used wherever necessary to provide additional strength and to reduce
noise and vibration. Sand blasting and painting with two coats of anticorrosive paint or
galvanizing is required for all metal components of the turbine.

8.1.10 Bearings and Water seals:

Self-aligned spherical bearings with grease lubrication or sleeve bearings with oil lubrication
must be used for turbines with capacity of 50 kW or above. Bearings should be capable of
continuous operation and have a minimum lifetime of 10 years. Bearing warranty period of 2
year is required for NEP mini grid projects.

The maximum permissible bearing temperature should conform to manufacturers operational

limits. In most cases this will be below 50 0C. Under normal operating conditions, it should be
possible to touch the bearing housing with the hand. For power plants of 100 kW or more,
bearing temperature sensor and associated warning alarms should be incorporated.

Where axial force is present, (e.g. turgo turbines or turbines with vertical shaft), angular contact
bearing or tapered bearing should be selected.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

Irrespective of location of runner, whether centrally mounted or overhung between turbines, a

proper sealing arrangement is required to seal the water flow along the shaft. Gland packing
box (stuffing boxes) is the preferred sealing arrangement for rotating shafts where an operator
is able to periodically tighten and / or replace the gland packings easily. A cone arrangement
mounted on the shaft and labyrinth seals is also a satisfactory sealing arrangement.

8.1.11 Pressure gauge:

A dial pressure gauge with a minimum 4” diameter dial is must be fitted to the manifold to
observe the static and dynamic pressure of the system. A on/off valve should be fitted between
the manifold and the pressure gauge enabling the pressure gauge to be isolated as required.

8.1.12 Base frame:

The turbine and generator should preferably be mounted to a single base frame; which can be
properly aligned in the workshop prior to being dispatched to the site. In the case of Francis, S-
type and bulb turbines, this may not be possible. The base frame should be strong enough that
the turbine and generator assembly can be transported, unloaded and moved to its final position
without any misalignment taking place. It should have longitudinal and lateral adjustment bolts
to facilitate accurate alignment of the generator and tensioning the transmission belt / drive
couplings as applicable.

8.1.13 Drive system and couplings:

Belt drive power transmission systems are commonly used for mini hydro projects where
standardized turbines are used. This means the turbines are not dimensioned and fabricated
specifically to match with standard generator speeds which is the approach followed on larger
scale hydro projects. Basic maintenance of such systems can be handled by operators on site
without the need for specialist knowhow. The step-up ratio should not exceed 3:1 (large / small
pully diameters), Synthetic V belts readily available in the market should be used whenever
possible. Taper lock bushes are recommended but not compulsory. Belt size and number of
belts required should be designed according to the belt manufactures catalogue/ data sheet for
continuous operation. Pulleys should be statically and dynamically balanced but for smaller
diameters below 150mm, static balancing only is sufficient.

In configurations where the turbine is coupled directly to the alternator, a flexible coupling is
required. Taper lock couplings are easy to maintain and therefore preferred, however, not
mandatory. Couplings should be statically and dynamically balanced.

Guards: in case of belt drive system or direct coupling system, protection guards made of steel,
firmly fixed to the base frame or ground is a mandatory requirement.

8.1.14 General aspects of hydro generating system:

Bolts used for both the turbine casing and turbine runner and other internal components that
come into contact with water should be stainless steel (SS) or galvanized steel.

All valves used in branch pipes used in Pelton turbines should be flanged typed gate valves or
spear valves. In case spear valves or in crossflow turbine guide vane mechanisms a hole for

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

cleaning and inspection should be provided to enable easy removal of debris without the need
to dismantle the entire turbine. Depending on the governing mechanism selected, these branch
valves can be operated manually or automatically.

8.1.15 Tools and special equipment:

Tools and jigs required to dismantle runner and pulleys, eye bolts, chains and D-shackles
required to lift the equipment must be provided as part of the standard equipment supply.

8.2 Generator (Alternator) of hydro mini grid:

For micro hydro projects below 50 kW, induction generators (induction motor used as induction
generator using capacitor bank) is a suitable option to the conventional synchronous alternator.
If this approach is used, it is necessary to oversize the capacity of the induction generator by
20% to compensate the power losses in the capacity bank. Frequency for induction systems can
be 50-55Hz, under all load conditions.

Capacitor banks in this system should have an over current device (usually MCB) to disconnect
the excitation capacitor bank and stop the generation of excessive voltage and damage to the
alternator in the case of turbine overspeed / runaway speed.

Synchronous alternators with brushless excitation can be used for all the mini hydro projects
irrespective of capacity. The systems can either be controlled electronically using an Electronic
Load Controller (ELC) or with a more sophisticated flow control device. Flow control devises
are normally only viable for larger sized projects in excess of 50kW.

(For both IGC and ELC controlled schemes, a reliable ballast tank to absorb any excess power
is mandatory. Over/under voltage protection must also be included as function of the IGC or
ELC. Ballast tanks should be fitted with an overload protection (usually a bank of appropriately
rated MCBs).

Ballast tanks can be water or air and should be able to dissipate 100% plant capacity continually
(for example under full load rejection condition).

8.3 Cable size in Hydro Mini Grid:

This refers to the connecting cables from alternator to Electronic Load Controller (ELC) /
Induction Generator Controller (IGC), and from the controller panel to the main distribution
board and ballast load, cable from distribution panel to the first pole of the distribution
(sometimes transmission) line and various sensor cables.

Flexible cables fulfilling BS 6004 and BS 6346 should be used for NEP mini grid projects. All
cables should be laid as per standards specified in clause 3.3 here. Maximum voltage of all
wires/ cables should be 600V.

Log books, Operations and Training manuals are to be provided and training is to be conducted
by the developer before commissioning of the project. One copy of these documents is to be
handed over to NEP PMO and DRD township office as per the agreement signed with DRD.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

9 BIOMASS AND OTHER MINI-GRIDS GENERATION SYSTEM

The Biomass resources can be applied in a wide array of energy conversion technologies to
produce thermal or electrical energy. These technologies can be broadly categorized under two
system:

• Combustion based Rankine system: The combustion-based systems are most versatile and
can utilize all kinds of biomass resources including wastes. Biomass is fired in a boiler to
produce steam and the same is used in steam turbine for generation of power.

• Gasification and gas engine-based system: Biomass gasification is the process of partial
combustion of biomass under controlled air supply, thus producing a mixture of gases
generally called as producer gas which can be burnt in an engine to generate electricity.

Unlike Solar or hydro, vast number of technology configuration can be available in this sector
and NEP mini-grid developers are expected to use the latest technologies to ensure optimal
conversion.

Management of continuous energy supply and catering to low demand periods (like late night
street light illumination) are major challenges for such system and thus require innovative ideas.

No detailed specifications are outlined here due to the novelty of the sectors but developer is
expected to follow standards from International Finance Corporation (IFC). The IFC standards
should be satisfied for designing and operation of biomass projects under NEP assistance.

• IFC/World Bank: Environmental Health and Safety General Guidelines; 30 April 2007

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. January 2019

10 DISTRIBUTION LINE AND WIRING OF END USERS

The NEP mini-grids will require a low-voltage network which carries electric energy from
generating station to electricity meters of end customers. Some mini-grids in special
circumstances may require a Medium Voltage (MV) network with transformer and the same
will be governed by relevant standards not discussed in this document. They may be designed
to meet IEC 61968 standards to allow future compatibility with international standards.

In general, the size of the plant, extent of demand and distance to the load points will decide
whether medium voltage (MV) transmission line is feasible or not. In all cases losses are to be
fully considered.

10.1 MV Distribution line

MV distribution line must be designed to ensure maximum voltage drop of 5 % at the load
center. In addition to this the selected voltage must be compatible with the regional/ state
distribution line codes. 11m poles complying to ESE standards and an outdoor ONAN
hermetically sealed transformer conforming to the IEC 60076, IEC 60616, IEC 60551 and IEC
60437 specifications must be used.

In case of MV distribution line, 11m poles complying to ESE standards and an outdoor ONAN
hermetically sealed transformer; satisfying the IEC60076 specifications must be used.

10.2 LV Distribution lines

10.2.1 Pole in LV distribution
Concrete poles of 8 or 9 meter can be used for NEP mini-grid main feeders with insulated
conductors. Circular spun poles as per ESE accredited specifications or square poles can be
used for mini-grid distribution lines. Sample drawing of a square pole which can be made by
villagers (to count as in-kind contribution) is available as an annex to this document. For sub
feeders, service poles, concrete poles or wooden poles of 8m can be used. If wooden poles are
used, proper treatment is to be done as per next section.

10.2.2 Wooden pole preparation and treatment

Eight-meter wooden poles must have a bottom diameter of 200mm and top diameter of 125mm;
it needs to be cut and debarked; let it air dry for 3 months. Then three coats of used engine oil
must be done with each coating followed by heating to 70-80 0C. A gap of 1 week must be
allowed between successive coats to ensure adequate penetration and treatment of wood. After
installation, it required to periodic inspect and apply oils again up to a height of 2m from
bottom.

10.2.3 Layout of electricity lines

Electricity lines should be routed in such a way that it passes through or close to the load
centers. Poles should be located such as to provide maximum number of service connections
while using minimum number of poles. These lines segment should be straight as much as
possible.
1. Poles shall always be planted in a straight line as far as possible.

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2. Planting of poles next to roads or streets shall comply with the specifications of
the responsible road’s authority.
3. LV, MV and street lighting (i.e. electrical services) shall not share a pole with
telephone services.
4. Care must be taken so that the required clearances are adhered to as given in this
document.
10.2.4 Distribution line diagram:
NEP mini-grid proposal requires the developer to include a distribution line drawing (sketch)
with following details:

The spacing of poles shall be as indicated on the layout drawings. Distance of each segment of
line, conductor type and conductor size and number of conductors in each segment, location of
load points with load details, position of lightening arrestors, positions of poles and
disconnector poles (poles with jumpers), position of street lights and poles with cluster load
breakers and Residual Current Devises (RCD).

A table showing voltages and voltage drops i.e. distribution network Voltage Regulation
should be include with the proposal.

10.2.5 Load Balancing in - phase system

In Mini-grids using a 3-phase distribution network it must be ensure that load is balanced to
allow smooth and efficient operation of equipment.

10.2.6 Quality of Electricity:

A table showing voltages and voltage drops i.e. distribution network Voltage Regulation
should be include with the proposal. Maximum voltage drop permitted at point of use is 5% of
the sending end voltage. Frequency of electricity must be maintained in the range for various
systems:
• Solar Hybrid and Biomass systems: 49-53 Hz
• Hydro systems: 50-55 Hz for systems with induction generator and 50-52.5 Hz for
systems with synchronous alternator.
10.2.7 Material of distribution line conductor:
Material of the conductor use for distribution lines can be either aluminum or copper. Cables
use for NEP mini-grid should follow international standards given below:

IEC 60889: Hard-drawn aluminum wire for overhead line conductors

IEC 61089: Round wire concentric lay overhead electrical stranded conductors
IEC 62219: Overhead electrical conductors - Formed wire, concentric lay, stranded
conductors
IEC 60502: Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated
voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV),
IEC 60228: Conductors of insulated cables

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IEC 62420: Concentric lay stranded overhead electrical conductors containing one or
more gap(s)
IEC TR 61597: Overhead electrical conductors - Calculation methods for stranded
bare conductors
IEC 61395: Overhead electrical conductors - Creep test procedures for stranded
conductors
10.2.8 Types of distribution line conductor:
Bare conductors, Insulated conductors and Bundle conductors (insulated and bundled together)
can be used for the mini-grid transmission/ distributing lines but insulated conductor is
preferred due to safety concerns and less maintenance requirement. Additional safety in terms
of lightening protection (spark gap type; described in section 7.2.9) is required if bare
conductors are used. Service cables needs to insulated with additional protection sheath.

10.2.9 Span of the LV distribution line poles,

Irrespective of line material, distribution line configuration should satisfy the following
minimum specifications.

Table 4- Pole spacing respect to the pole type

Conductor type Maximum span (m) Minimum pole height (m)
Bare Conductors 30 8 for sub-circuits and 9 for
main circuit
Insulated Conductors 30 9
Note: pole height is the length before installation

10.2.10 Distribution line Clearance

Low voltage distribution lines may be located such that distance from lowest conductor to the
ground or any structure; with sagging shall not be less than the distances specified below:

Table 6- Clearance of distribution line from structures and ground

Incidence Bare conductors Insulated Conductors
Horizontal distance to structure 8ft. 4 ft.
Vertical distance to structure 10ft. 8 ft.
Footpath 15 ft. 15 ft.
Motorable road 19 ft. 19 ft.
Road crossing 19 ft. 19 ft.

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10.2.11 Insulators:
Nylon or ceramic bobbing insulators (larger: 96 mm diameter) and (small: 46mm diameter) are
to be used for all feeders and service line, in case of bare conductors.

For insulated conductors, nylon or ceramic bobbing insulators or suspension clamps (for
straight line section), small angles suspensions/ large angle suspensions (for bends) are to be
used. If nylon or ceramic bobbing insulators are used for insulation conductors, insulated wire
should be used for binding the cable to the insulator. All the accessories used should be
accredited to ESE requirement or international standards IEC 1109.

10.2.12Stay assembly
Stay support using stay assembly is required on first and last pole of feeder along with any pole
with distribution line bend of above 50. Stay assembly will include stay rod, plate, thimbles
and stay brackets and should be made with galvanized steel with a thickness of 80 um. It should
be accredited to ESE specifications or follow international standards.

10.3 Load centers

10.3.1 Clustering
If the number of beneficiaries is large (above 100 HH), clustering will help in speedy fault
identification in case of faults. In this case an isolator; rated according to the load of the
clustered house/ connected loads should be fixed in a waterproofing enclosure on the pole. In
case of metal enclosure, proper earthing of the metal casing is required.

10.3.2 Distribution board and load points

The distribution board will include Residual Current Device (RCD) of 20/30 mA/20A rating
and over loads fuses or Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB), selected suitably based on peak
power is required for every household. They should be fixed in an enclosure.

10.3.3 House wiring and Appliances

Project proposal should include the cost for house wiring with material including but not limited
to protection devices and earthing rod along with installation charges. Two LED bulbs of 10W
with min. 400 lumens, one LED tube light of 10 W and one 5 A plug base with 3 pin and 2 pin
provisions should be installed in each household irrespective of category, if different
categorization exists.

Flexible wires 1/0.044 of brown color code (for phase) and blue color (for neutral) and a green
color earth wires of 1 mm2 should be used for house wiring. All wiring should be done inside
conduits, with a minimum of 20mm diameter; fixed firmly with brackets with maximum
spacing of 450 mm.

10.3.4 Street lighting

LED Street light of at least 10 W should be installed at least in every other pole and should
have a minimum intensity of 800 lumens. It should be mounted 3m above ground with a
galvanized bracket. All street light should have IP65 protection with a photo sensor.

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10.3.5 House Energy meter and vending machines

The energy meters should be installed in each household and it must be tamperproof,
prepayment type meters with maximum self-consumption of 2Wand with non-volatile memory
for metering data. Energy meter should be user-friendly and simple, so user can obtain minimal
information like the remaining balance, usage etc. It should have a warning system to alert the
consumers on low balance or other similar useful events.

It must be capable of having progressive block-rate tariffs (increasing tariffs for increasing
consumption) or allow for variable pricing. It is not compulsory to have GSM (mobile data)
connection for operation and/or data logging but the same encouraged.

Position of energy meters: Energy meter is expected to be installed inside the house (or other
load point) but if it is installed in the service pole due to any reason, interface with display
should be given to each load points to see the above minimum information on their electricity
usage and to facilitate the recharging, if applicable.

The meters must have Class 1.0 accuracy and conform to IEC 62053-21, IEC 62052-11, EN
50470.

Note: All equipment used in mini-grids projects must meet required national standards
wherever available or, in the absence of the same, IEC standards mentioned in this document
or other similar document released by DRD. The equipment may follow another equivalent
standard such as BS, EN, DIN, ASTM or Australian etc.

10.3.6 Earthing convention: conductor earthing conventions

TN-S requires 3 distribution conductors for single phase system, and 5conductors for 3 phase.

For cost reason, mini-grids may consider following either TN-C-S or TT systems (2 conductor
for single phase, 4 conductors for 3 phase). Both these options require N-PEN bond at the
powerhouse. At consumer side, both require 3 cable wring in the household. TN-C-S is more
cost effective as it does not require an additional earth electrode at each consumer.

As a default condition, the developer should apply the prevailing earthing standards as set out
by ESE where such standards exist.

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11 Documentation and labelling

A block diagram which shows overall system and circuit diagrams for panels and controllers
should include:

11.1 Documentation
• Single Line Diagram (SLD)
• Engineer sign-off
• User manual
• Operational manual
• ToC of each
11.2 Labelling SLD and equipment
All electrical components labels describing their function in English and Myanmar language.

• Quality
• Correspondence
• Circuit breakers and equipment
11.3 Signage and safety equipment
Illustrated Warning signs in Myanmar language should be fixed every place it poses a threat
for operators and users.

• Standards and language

• Labels
• 1st aid
• Fire extinguishers
• Electric shock signs and processes

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11.4 Warranties
Equipment supplied and installed originally at site with warranty details.

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. September 2018
Annexure 1

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. September 2018
Annexure 2

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NEP Mini Grid Technical Specifications – v. September 2018
Annexure 3

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