Standard testing procedure for BESS in India
The standard testing and safety procedures for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India are currently being formalized under the Draft Central Electricity Authority (CEA) (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
These draft regulations outline comprehensive safety, monitoring, and operational standards for BESS installations. Here's a summary of the key provisions:
๐ง Core Safety and
Testing Requirements for BESS
1. System Design &
Fault Tolerance
- BESS must be designed with two-fault
tolerance, ensuring safe operation or shutdown even after two
independent faults (e.g., overcharge, short circuit)
2. Battery Management
System (BMS)
- Must continuously monitor:
- Voltage
- Temperature
- Current
- Thermal runaway
- Should trigger alarms and automatic shutdown if
parameters exceed OEM limits
3. Power Conversion
System (PCS)
- Must operate fully automatically and
unattended.
- Should include:
- Grid synchronization
- Self-protection
- Diagnostic capabilities
4. Battery Container
Standards
- Must be explosion-proof and have:
- Forced ventilation
- Automated louvers for gas release
- Ingress protection
- Minimum distance:
- 7.5 meters from buildings
- 3 meters between containers
- If not feasible, Large Scale Fire Testing
(LSFT) is required
5. Fire Safety &
Suppression
- Containers ≥200 kWh must have automatic
water-based fire suppression systems.
- Must include:
- Smoke, gas, heat, and flame detection
- Emergency lighting
- Manual emergency stop buttons
6. Environmental &
Structural Safety
- Electrolyte spill containment for liquid-based
batteries.
- Proper grounding and fencing (minimum 1.8 meters).
- CCTV, motion sensors, and alarms for security
7. Testing & Audits
- Independent third-party fire safety audits are
mandatory.
- SOP for audits to be issued by CEA within 3 months.
- Fire safety personnel must undergo specialized
training
These draft regulations are open
for public feedback and are expected to become the national standard for
BESS safety and testing in India.
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