Design Basis Document

Part 2 - Design

“NEOM-NEG-EMR-002” Rev “4.2”, “October 2021”

Document history

Revision code Description of changes Purpose of issue Date

4.2 First official issue 20.10.2021

Document approval

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Name Dr. Mohammad Djamali Sammy Hamza Darko Grcev

Job Title Senior Project Engineer Senior Project Manager Director DSO

Signature

Date 12.10.2021 12.10.2021 12.10.2021

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 2 OF 37

Contents
1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 6
2 DESIGN BASIS ............................................................................................................... 7
2.1 General Design Requirements ..................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Environmental Conditions ............................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Design Temperature .................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Decentralized Operation .............................................................................................................. 8
2.5 Electromagnetic Compatibility ...................................................................................................... 9
2.6 Voltage Levels ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.7 System Frequency and Normal Ranges ..................................................................................... 10
2.8 Neutral Connections and Earthing.............................................................................................. 10
2.9 Voltage Drops ............................................................................................................................ 11
2.10 Creepage Distances ................................................................................................................ 11
2.11 Loading Limits ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.12 Thermal Loading Limits ............................................................................................................ 11
2.13 Short Circuit Levels .................................................................................................................. 12
2.14 Harmonic Distortion Levels ...................................................................................................... 12
2.15 Design Lifetimes ...................................................................................................................... 12
3 DESIGN CALCULATIONS AND STUDIES .................................................................... 13
3.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Power System Studies ............................................................................................................... 13
Load Flow Analysis ................................................................................................................. 13
Short Circuit Analysis .............................................................................................................. 14
Transient Stability Studies ....................................................................................................... 14
Protection Coordination and Discrimination Studies................................................................. 15
Harmonic Analysis .................................................................................................................. 16
Motor Starting Studies............................................................................................................. 16
Insulation Coordination Studies ............................................................................................... 17
Earthing Studies ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Design Calculations ................................................................................................................... 18
Electrical Load Calculations .................................................................................................... 18
Cable Calculations and Design ............................................................................................... 18
Lighting Calculations ............................................................................................................... 19
4 OPERATION PHILOSOPHY .......................................................................................... 21
4.1 Normal Operation Mode............................................................................................................. 21
4.2 Emergency Operation Mode ...................................................................................................... 21
4.3 Islanding Operation Mode .......................................................................................................... 21
4.4 Recovery Strategies in Emergency Cases ................................................................................. 22
5 MICRO-GRIDS............................................................................................................... 23

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5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 23
5.2 Assumptions and General Requirements ................................................................................... 23
General Requirements ............................................................................................................ 23
Planning Assumptions............................................................................................................. 23
5.3 System Architecture................................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Generation................................................................................................................................. 25
5.5 Loads ...................................................................................................................................... 25
5.6 Battery Storage.......................................................................................................................... 26
Power Conversion Systems .................................................................................................... 28
Power Plant Controller ............................................................................................................ 29
Auxiliary Systems ................................................................................................................... 30
5.7 Energy Management System / Home Automation System .......................................................... 30
MG Central Controller ............................................................................................................. 30
Micro-source Controller (Supply Side Management) ................................................................ 31
Load Controller (Demand Side Management).......................................................................... 31
Air Conditioning Load Controller .............................................................................................. 31
5.8 Operational Modes .................................................................................................................... 31
Grid-Connected Mode............................................................................................................. 32
Stand-Alone (Islanded) Mode .................................................................................................. 32
Transition between Off- and On-Grid....................................................................................... 32
ANNEXES ...................................................................................................................................... 34
List of Annexes ................................................................................................................................ 35

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List of Tables
Table 2-1: Ambient temperature for outdoor applications ............................................... 7
Table 2-2: Maximum ambient temperature for indoor applications .................................. 8
Table 2-3: Maximum seismic ground motion .................................................................. 8
Table 2-4: Other environmental conditions..................................................................... 8
Table 2-5: Design temperature of equipment ................................................................. 8
Table 2-6: Voltage level and normal ranges as common values ................................... 10
Table 2-7: Frequency ranges and operational requirements......................................... 10
Table 2-8: Neutral connection and earthing on different voltage levels ......................... 10
Table 2-9: Voltage drop limits for different voltage ranges ............................................ 11
Table 2-10: Creepage distance ..................................................................................... 11
Table 2-11: Thermal loading limits ................................................................................. 11
Table 2-12: Short circuit ratings ..................................................................................... 12
Table 2-13: Maximum continuous harmonics levels ....................................................... 12
Table 2-14: Design lifetime of equipment ....................................................................... 12
Table 3-1: Ground conductor sizes .............................................................................. 17
Table 3-2: Ground resistance limit for different installations ......................................... 17
Table 3-3: Minimum maintained illumination level for indoor lighting system................. 19
Table 5-1: MG voltage, RES capacity and PCC power exchange................................. 23

List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Information exchange and interface requirements ......................................... 9
Figure 5-1: Basic MG architecture ................................................................................ 24
Figure 5-2: Standard topology of a battery energy storage system (BESS) ................... 27
Figure 5-3: Example for a home battery system with up to 20 kWh (left) and a BESS in an
ISO container with up to 3500 kWh ............................................................. 27
Figure 5-4: AC- vs DC-coupled PV-BESS systems ....................................................... 28
Figure 5-5: Micro-grid controller hierarchy and roles ..................................................... 30
Figure 5-6: MG operation modes .................................................................................. 31
Figure 5-7: On-grid to off-grid transition logic [IEEE Std 2030.7] .................................... 33

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1 Scope
This document is a part of the Design Basis Library for medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV)
distribution systems. It provides guidelines for the design of LV and MV distribution systems up to 33
kV, with high penetration of distributed energy resources. Additionally, this document provides criteria
for the design of conventional distribution systems and micro-grids to facilitate increased exploitation
of distributed renewable energy generation. For completeness, the grid elements of the primary
substations including the 132 kV incoming feeder have also been covered.

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

• Design Basis Document - Part 1: Strategy

• Design Basis Document - Part 3A: Transmission System Equipment
• Design Basis Document - Part 3B: Distribution System Equipment
• Design Basis Document - Part 4: Register

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2 Design Basis

2.1 General Design Requirements

The system in general shall be designed to provide:

• safety for operating and maintenance personnel;

• protection of connected equipment;
• safety to the public
• minimal impact to public assets/spaces
• flexibility of power supply to plants and facilities depending on criticality;
• maximum security of supply during emergencies;
• minimal fire risk;
• ease of operation and maintenance (user friendly);
• minimum operation and maintenance costs;
• provision and flexibility for future expansions and modifications;
• safe start and shutdown of the plants under all conditions;
• automatic protection of all electrical equipment through selective relaying schemes;
• electrical supplies to equipment and machinery within the design operating limits;
• fail-safe features;
• suitability for applicable environmental conditions;
• maximum interchangeability of equipment;
• SCADA system with advanced functions;
• self-healing auto recovery;
• distribution monitoring and control equipment/features ready for response to actual conditions
and emergencies in the networks.;
• real time communication based on digital smart IEDs;
• protection system with remote adjustment of settings;
• remote access to and analysis of fault recording devices and locators;
• cyber security;
• interfacing the SCADA system with national dispatch and with neighbouring countries (if any).

The scope of supply and the project set-up should be designed considering the phased development
approach as described in Part 1 - Strategy.

In addition, unoccupied slots should be available in the substations for new feeders, panels, etc. and
all necessary interfaces for the extension to the 2030 stage, plus a 20% reserve for further
extensions.

2.2 Environmental Conditions

Unless otherwise specified, all equipment and devices shall be suitable for normal and single
contingency operations under the conditions specified in to Table 2-4.

Table 2-1: Ambient temperature for outdoor applications

Monthly
Minimum Maximum
average Yearly
(Security (Security Reference Document
(Coldest / average
systems / other) systems / other)
Hottest)
01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03,
-10 °C / -5 °C 65 °C / 55 °C -5 °C / 45 °C 35 °C
Rev 02, January 2018

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

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Table 2-2: Maximum ambient temperature for indoor applications

Switchgear Other air conditioned

Reference Document
building building
01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January
40 °C 25 °C
2018

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

Table 2-3: Maximum seismic ground motion

Spectral Response Acceleration Site Class Reference Document

0.2 s 1s
B Saudi Building Code -301
0.3g 0.1g

Note: The Saudi Building Code “SBC-301” will be replaced by an equivalent document provided by
NEOM.

Table 2-4: Other environmental conditions

Maximum Average
Ground Contamination Solar Reference
Altitude Relative rainfall
temperature level radiation Document
humidity per year
0.55 mg/cm2 1.10
01-TMSS-
(coastal-ESDD) kW/m2
01 – Issue
0.30 mg/cm2 150-330 averaged
3000 m 40 °C 80-100% 03, Rev 02,
(inland-ESDD) mm over the
January
5 mg/cm2 summer
2018
(NSDD) months

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

2.3 Design Temperature

Unless otherwise specified, the design temperature of equipment shall be based on the maximum
ambient temperature mentioned in previous section. For design temperature other than that of listed
in Table 2-5, appropriate derating factor shall be considered.

Table 2-5: Design temperature of equipment

Electrical Equipment Instrumentation Cables

Electrical Motors
Equipment Under- In air or
and Generators Indoor Outdoor
ground unfilled trenches
55 °C 40 °C 55 °C 55 °C 40 °C 55 °C

2.4 Decentralized Operation

The grid design shall consider the objective of operation with integrated renewable generation at all
voltage levels to realize NEOM’s vision of a 100% renewable power grid.

The grid shall be designed to operate as a fully integrated system, leveraging the possibilities of
sector coupling.

All installations designed for coordinated control such as variable generation, flexibilities and storage
installations as well as switchable or controllable loads shall be equipped with the required controllers
and interface modules. A coordinated control system allowing optimized operation of the installations
shall be provided. All relevant installations shall be connected and integrated into the control system.

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The control system shall be scalable and flexible in configuration. It shall provide interfaces to a
supervisory control system, such as transmission or distribution control centres.

To facilitate future upgrades, the system design should allow for sufficient reserve space for energy
system controllers, communication gateways, metering and market intelligence devices and
respective communication gateways at the interconnection points of the grid, such as building
connections, area feeders, multiplexers, converters, etc. A general schematic of the information
exchange and interface requirements is shown in Figure 2-1.

Interoperability is a prerequisite for communication on all system levels. Data exchange and
communication shall be based on best industry practice and standards or open platforms. All control
systems to be deployed in NEOM shall be able to interoperate with control systems of other
manufacturers at least on higher or equal levels, For example, a building controller shall be able to
interface with the higher level control systems such as area or building controllers of other
manufacturers and various controllable devices from other vendors within the building.

The telecommunication system concept shall provide enough capacity for accommodating signal
exchange of controllable installations as is expected at the final expansion stage by 2030. All cabling
for the communication requirements at the final expansions stage shall be implemented. Other
telecommunication equipment such as multiplexers shall be expandable and flexible in configuration
for future upgrades.

2.5 Electromagnetic Compatibility

All devices and components shall emit limited electromagnetic interference as specified in IEC 61000.
All devices shall be immune against radiated as well as conducted electromagnetic interference.
Unless otherwise specified in product standards, the devices shall comply with the requirements of
IEC 61000.

2.6 Voltage Levels

The substations and their equipment shall satisfy the specified functional and performance
requirements under neutral earthing conditions in accordance with Table 2-6.

Figure 2-1: Information exchange and interface requirements

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Table 2-6: Voltage level and normal ranges as common values

Maximum Basic
Voltage Power frequency Normal 30-minute
system insulation
level withstand voltage range range
voltage1 level2
132 kV 145 kV 275 kV 650 kV ±5% ±10%
33 kV 36 kV 70 kV 170 kV ±5% ±10%
13.8 kV 17.5 kV 38 kV 95 kV ±5% ±10%
Equipment: 3 kV
400 V 480 V 6 kV ±5% ±5%
Panel wiring: 2 kV
110/125 2 kVDC for
-20%,
-- insulation resistance 4 kV ±20%
VDC +10%
testing
-12.5%,
48 VDC -- -- 1.5 kV n/a
+20%

2.7 System Frequency and Normal Ranges

The substations and their equipment shall satisfy the specified functional and performance
requirements in accordance with Table 2-7.

Table 2-7: Frequency ranges and operational requirements

Below nominal Above nominal

Operational
frequency frequency Reference document
requirement
(Hz) (Hz)
58.8 – 60.0 60.0 – 60.5 Continuous
For a period of 30 01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev
57.5 – 58.7 60.6 – 61.5 02, January 2018
minutes
For a period of 30
57.0 – 57.4 61.6 – 62.5
seconds

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

2.8 Neutral Connections and Earthing

The substations and their equipment shall satisfy the specified functional and performance
requirements under neutral earthing conditions in accordance with Table 2-8.

Table 2-8: Neutral connection and earthing on different voltage levels

Voltage Maximum earth fault

Earthing type Reference document
level factor
132 kV < 1.38 Solid
33 kV < 1.44 TES-P-119.34, Rev 0,
Neutral Earthing Resistor
13.8 kV < 1.44 December 2007
400 V < 1.38 Solid

1 see ”01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018”. This document will be replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.
2 see ”01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018”. This document will be replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

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For certain cases if an exception is to be made, the Contractor shall provide all evidence of his
estimation or evaluation of earthing requirements and the applicable earth fault factor. These shall be
approved by the Company before any work is implemented.

Note: The document “TES-P-119.34, Rev 0, December 2007” will be replaced by an equivalent
document provided by NEOM.

2.9 Voltage Drops

The steady state voltage drop limits shall be in accordance with Table 2-9.

Table 2-9: Voltage drop limits for different voltage ranges

Voltage level Voltage drop limit

132 kV < 5%
33 kV < 5%
13.8 kV < 5%
LV Main Feeder < 3.5%
400 V
Service Cable < 1.5%

2.10 Creepage Distances

NEOM’s territory includes coastal and inland areas. The coastal area is defined as the area located
within a distance of 100 km from the coastline.

Equipment creepage distance shall be calculated according to the values in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10: Creepage distance

Minimum creepage distance

Area classification Reference document
(line to line, nominal)
Inland Area 40 mm/kV 01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev
Costal Area 50 mm/kV 02, January 2018”

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

2.11 Loading Limits

Unless otherwise specified, equipment shall be rated to operate at no more than 90% in all conditions,
including (N-1) contingencies.

2.12 Thermal Loading Limits

Any equipment overloaded under normal or contingency conditions shall be identified. Thermal
loading of all network elements shall remain within the overloading limits listed in Table 2-11.

Table 2-11: Thermal loading limits

Equipment Loading limit Reference document

Transformer 115%
01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January
Overhead lines 110% 2018”
Cables 120%

Note: The general requirements document “01-TMSS-01 – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be
replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

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2.13 Short Circuit Levels

The short circuit level at the customer interface shall not exceed the values listed in Table 2-12.

Table 2-12: Short circuit ratings

Connection voltage Size of load Short circuit level RMS symmetrical

Primary SS switchgear: 40 kA
33 kV All
Secondary SS switchgear: 25 kA
Primary SS switchgear: 50 kA
13.8 kV All
Secondary SS switchgear: 21 kA
400/230 V All 50 kA

2.14 Harmonic Distortion Levels

Unless otherwise specified, the maximum allowed harmonic distortion for different voltage levels shall
be as listed in Table 2-13. For additional values, reference is made to the latest version of the
standard EN 50160.

Table 2-13: Maximum continuous harmonics levels

Individual harmonic distortion Total harmonic Reference

Voltage level
Odd Even distortion document
<4.0% for n<14
≤1 kV <2.0% <5.0% The Saudi Arabian
<1.5% for n>14
13.8 kV <3.0% <1.75% <4.0% Distribution Code
Issue: 03, rev. 02,
33 kV <2.0% <1.0% <3.0% Oct. 2018
132 kV <1.0 % <1.0 % <1.5%

Note: “The Saudi Arabian Distribution Code – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be replaced by an
equivalent document provided by NEOM.

2.15 Design Lifetimes

The minimum design lifetimes of all equipment are listed in Table 2-14.

Table 2-14: Design lifetime of equipment

Equipment Design lifetime References

Power transformers 25 years IEC 60076-7
Protection and instrumentation
Common international
transformers and surge arresters, 25 years
practice
secondary equipment etc.
GIS and AIS switchgears and control Common international
25 years
gears practice
25 years or 10000
Circuit breakers IEC 62271-100
cycles (Class M2)
25 years or 2000
Disconnector switches and earth switches IEC 62271-100
cycles (Class M1)
Common international
Enclosures, insulators and conductors 25 years
practice
Common international
Lightning protection and earthing systems 50 years
practice
Common international
Building and infrastructures 50 years
practice
Common international
Cables 40 years
practice

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3 Design Calculations and Studies

3.1 General

Design calculations and studies establish minimum guidelines and requirements for the planning and
design of electrical power systems. The power system studies shall include but not be limited to the
following:

• steady state load flow analysis,

• short circuit analysis,
• transient stability studies,
• protection coordination and discrimination study,
• harmonics analysis,
• resonance and sub-synchronous studies,
• motor starting studies that are applicable only for industrial loads,
• insulation coordination studies, and
• earthing studies.

The design calculations shall include but not be limited to:

• electrical load calculations,

• equipment sizing calculations
• cable calculations and design.

3.2 Power System Studies

Load Flow Analysis

The steady-state load flow analysis shall be carried out to verify network operation under various
network contingencies and various load/generation balance conditions. These studies shall also form
the basis for the future expansion of the network. In accordance with IEEE Standard 3002.2-2018, the
load flow studies shall be performed under specific network operating conditions as well as under
minimum and maximum loading conditions to determine the following:

• bus voltages,
• component loadings,
• real and reactive power flows,
• real and reactive system power losses, and
• transformer tap settings.

The over- and under-voltage issues in any part of the network under normal or contingency conditions
shall be identified. The voltage at all the buses shall remain within the permissible limits given in Table
2-6.

Any equipment overloaded under normal or contingency conditions shall be identified and, where
applicable, mitigation measure shall be proposed. Thermal loading of all network elements shall
remain within the overloading limits listed in Table 2-11.

In compliance with the employer’s requirements document for the energy sector, it shall be ensured
that each substation maintains a power factor of no less than 0.95 lagging at the interface point with
the distribution system.

The most suitable setting for the power/distribution transformer tap changers shall be established
from the load flow calculations, which will be carried out as a part of the final power system studies
during the detailed engineering phase.

Since the NEOM grid is under development, it shall be ensured that transformers tap setting shall not
exceed 50% of their tap positions (0 as reference value) during the planning phases. However, this

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shall not be applicable if the transformer is utilised at its full rating, implying that the transformer will
not be utilised to feed additional significant power.

Voltage drop and voltage regulation calculations under steady state conditions shall be carried out as
part of the load flow studies. These calculations shall determine the voltage profile of the network
under full load and light or no-load conditions.

The real and reactive power losses shall be calculated and reported, especially at the terminations of
long transmission and distribution lines.

Load flow reports and single-line circuit diagrams shall be prepared to indicate the voltage magnitude
for each bus as well as active and reactive power flow through each branch of the system.

Any critical contingency (such as loss of a feeder or a transformer) resulting in voltage or overloading
problems in the network shall be indicated in the load flow report and one-line diagram.

To mitigate steady-state problems in the network, corrective measures shall be recommended which
may include:

• voltage profile improvement with reactive power support;

• prevention of circuits overloading with the addition of a new circuit/line or some other method;
• reduction in real power losses with better selection of transformer tap positions, optimal
placement of distributed generators, etc.;
• power factor correction.

Short Circuit Analysis

Short circuit analysis shall be carried out to identify the maximum available fault current which is
essential for sizing switchgear and selection of protective devices.

The maximum short circuit levels of equipment shall be calculated for three-phase and single-phase
to earth faults, and the calculated figures should not exceed 90% of the switchgear or cable rating.

Maximum fault currents shall be calculated with all generating units and transmission elements in
service during peak conditions. In line with normal practice, the fault current at converter-based
sources (solar PV, wind power plants, batteries) may attain 1.1 to 1.2times the full load current in
normal operation mode. The latest information on equipment expected to be used for converter based
sources to be considered for the short circuit calculations.

The short-circuit level assessment shall be performed as per the IEC 60909 standard.

The short-circuit level at the customer interface shall not exceed the values listed in Table 2-12.

The fault current calculations shall be performed on the basis of the actual data of the upstream
network and the data supplied by the manufacturer for the distribution equipment.

In the case that equipment nameplate impedances/data are not known in the initial planning phase,
standard impedances/data of typical equipment shall be used for preliminary fault calculations.
However, nameplate impedances/data shall be used for all final calculations.

Transient Stability Studies

Transient stability studies shall be performed to analyse the system response to forced or planned
outages such as loss of generation, loss of load, and fault clearance followed by the tripping of a
network element (transformer, circuit), etc.

For distribution systems (33 kV and below), maximum fault clearance times (from fault current
inception to arc extinction) shall be within the limits established by NEOM. The maximum fault
clearance time shall not exceed 150 ms, a value which is internationally recognized as being easy to
achieve with conventional protection devices.

For the 132 kV sub-transmission system, the maximum fault clearance time shall not exceed 100 ms
in compliance with the SA Grid Code.

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Note: “The Saudi Arabian Grid Code – February 2020” will be replaced by an equivalent document
provided by NEOM.

Unless otherwise specified, the voltage variations or voltage dips allowed for the distribution network
shall be less than 7% of the fundamental nominal voltage during normal conditions.

International practice for transient voltage stability is shown in Annex A1 to Annex A5.

According to the SA Grid Code, in the case of synchronous generator units (SGU), the voltage shall
be restored to 80% of the nominal voltage soon after fault clearance. Moreover, in the case of power
park modules (PPM), the voltage shall be restored linearly to 80% of the nominal voltage within 1
second after fault clearance.

Note: “The Saudi Arabian Grid Code – February 2020” will be replaced by an equivalent document
provided by NEOM.

The network frequency during normal and abnormal operating conditions shall not exceed the
permissible limits given in Table 2-7.

In line with international practice, transient stability studies shall be performed by extending the
network to 2 buses away from the point of interest.

The allowance for loss of load shall be defined for the following contingencies:

• single contingency (N-1),

• double contingency (N-2),
• single maintenance contingencies (N-M-1),
• non-simultaneous contingencies (N-1-1),
• less probable contingencies,
• extreme contingencies.

Protection Coordination and Discrimination Studies

The protection coordination study shall be prepared for the following cases:

• detection of abnormal operating situations to prevent injury to personnel, to minimize

equipment damage, and to limit loss of supply to consumers;
• initiation of fault clearance;
• discrimination between all protection devices from the point of power utilization towards the
source of power.

The coordination study shall use the following minimum information:

• single line diagrams showing the protective devices, current and voltage transformers and their
ratios;
• protective device manufacture, type, and ratings;
• selected relay settings, circuit breaker trip settings, and fuse sizes;
• the maximum and minimum short-circuit current at each bus (3-phase and 1-phase to earth);
• voltage level at each bus;
• full load current of all loads;
• transformer power ratings, impedances, and connections (delta-wye, etc.);
• feeder impedance, cable size, conductor material, and insulation.

To ensure the required discrimination, appropriate settings and characteristics shall be selected and
verified for each relay, circuit breaker, and current and voltage transformer.

The operation of protective devices shall be estimated by a graphic representation of the time-current
characteristic curves (TCCs) of these devices. The time-current characteristics of properly
coordinated devices will not overlap on a TCC graph.

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To facilitate protection selectivity, the 1-phase short-circuit current for 3-phase embedded generators
shall not be below 60% of the 3-phase short-circuit current.

The network protection equipment and schemes shall comply with the requirements specified in
Design Basis Library - part 3A and part 3B..

Harmonic Analysis

Harmonic analysis shall be carried out to assess the impact of nonlinear loads, power electronic
devices and their associated harmonic contributions on the voltages and currents throughout the
network.

The methodology and guidelines given in IEEE Std 3002.8 shall be used as a reference for this study.

The results of the harmonic analysis shall include:

• harmonic bus voltages and branch current flows,

• individual and total harmonic distortion for the bus voltages and branch current flows,
• overheating impedance versus frequency spectrums for identifying the parallel or series
resonance conditions in the network,
• harmonic/inter-harmonic interferences with ripple control and telephone systems.

The level of harmonics injection for each voltage level shall comply with the limits given in Table 2-13.
The calculated values exceeding these limits shall be indicated in the harmonic analysis report.

Harmonic mitigation methods shall be recommended, which might include but not be limited to:

• the design and application of the harmonic filters to reduce the harmonic distortion levels and to
shift the resonance frequencies to less harmful regions,
• using transformer phase shift to cancel harmonics and obtain overall harmonic distortion
reduction.

Motor Starting Studies

It is planned that the large motors operating in NEOM shall be mandated to either use soft starters or
to be connected via back-to-back converters. Motor starting studies shall be carried out for the largest
motor of the bus. The main aim of these studies shall be to ensure the following:

• The motor will start with an appropriate/acceptable voltage drop.

• The motor will accelerate within acceptable start-up times.
• Operation of nearby loads shall not be disrupted at the time of start.
• Sizing of motor feeders and settings of protective devices are done properly.

Unless otherwise specified, the voltage variations or voltage dips allowed for the distribution network
shall be less than 7% of the fundamental nominal voltage under normal conditions.

An accurate evaluation of motor/load speed–torque characteristics, accelerating time and thermal

damage characteristics of motors shall be made.

Corrective measures shall be recommended if the voltage dip caused by motor starting exceeds the
allowable limits. These measures might include but not be limited to the following:

• installing a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) to overcome long duration voltage dips;
• installing a motor with lower starting current.

If studies on the motor start of motors other than the largest motor are required these motor starting
studies shall consider direct on-line (DOL) starters too. If the voltage dips caused by DOL starters
exceed the allowable limits, electronic soft starters, delta/wye starters, variable speed drivers, or auto
transformers shall be used.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 16 OF 37

 Insulation Coordination Studies

Insulation coordination studies shall be carried out to determine the necessary and sufficient
insulation characteristics of network components to obtain uniform withstand-to-normal voltages and
to transient overvoltages of different magnitudes, shapes, and duration.

The methodology and guidelines given in IEC 60071 standards shall be used as a reference for this
study.

The study shall cover various overvoltages to which the insulation will be subjected, such as switching
transients, lightning impulses, and short-lived overvoltages caused by faults.

Insulation levels of equipment in the substation shall be coordinated with the insulation levels of the
transmission and distribution systems to which the substation is connected, without degrading the
design performance of the transmission and distribution systems.

The basic insulation level (BIL), power frequency withstand voltage and basic switching insulation
level (BSL) for the equipment at all voltage levels shall correspond to the limits given in Table 2-6.

Earthing Studies

Power system earthing studies shall be performed to design the earthing and lightning protection
system for each voltage level to make sure that all equipment and personnel are fully protected in the
event of short-circuit to earth and earth faults.

For earthing electrical systems, equipment and structures, the earthing system shall have a common
earth grid connected to earth electrodes.

LV neutral earth and any earthing associated with MV equipment or system (e.g. MV metalwork,
cable screen, etc.) shall always be kept bonded.

The recommended ground conductor sizes are listed in Table 3-1. Recommended ground resistance
limits for different installations should be as is listed in Table 3-2.

Table 3-1: Ground conductor sizes

Description Sizes to be used (mm2) Reference document

Conductor size for
95, 120, 240, 2x240
equipment ground The Saudi Arabian Distribution
120 (25 kA and 31.5 kA short circuit Code Issue: 03, rev. 02, Oct.
Conductor for main
current), 150 (40 kA), 185(50 kA), 240 2018
ground grid
(63 kA)

Table 3-2: Ground resistance limit for different installations

System All distribution Primary LV distribution

Reference document
ground substation substation panel
The Saudi Arabian
5 Ohms 5 Ohms 1 Ohm 10 Ohms
Distribution Code Issue: 03,
rev. 02, Oct. 2018
Note: “The Saudi Arabian Distribution Code – Issue 03, Rev 02, January 2018” will be replaced by an
equivalent document provided by NEOM.

For the maximum earth fault factor and earthing type, reference is made to Table 2-8.

For certain cases if an exception is to be made, evidence of the evaluation of earthing requirements
and an applicable earth fault factor shall be provided.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 17 OF 37

3.3 Design Calculations

Electrical Load Calculations

Electrical load calculations help ascertain the proper sizing of an electrical system by estimating the
system load requirements. As a minimum, the following calculations/estimations shall be made:

• connected and demand load;

• coincident or diversity factor for a group of customers fed from the same source;
• customer classification (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural);
• load type (resistive or inductive);
• load connection voltage level;
• future load growth assessment;
• demand estimate for electric vehicles and other prosumers (active end users with local
production capacity such as solar PV or batteries or other technologies).

As part of these studies, the coincident factor for prosumers and electric vehicles shall also be
calculated. When considering the definition of demand, it should not be limited to consumer demand
on the grid but should be considered from the grid perspective at all voltage levels, which may include
deploying generation downstream of a connection point. For example, demand on the MV grid shall
be reduced by reducing LV demand at the consumer level or by increasing the level of distributed
energy generation at LV which will result in a reduction in demand at the MV level.

Integrated demand management shall be facilitated considering the following approaches:

• local and centralised control of consumer loads;

• management of DERs to facilitate operation as prosumers.

Several factors need to be considered for calculating the diversity factor of EVs, which shall include
but not be limited to:

• charging location (residential, commercial buildings or dedicated charging stations);

• charging scheme (uncontrolled, smart);
• number of vehicles being charged simultaneously.

One of the main assumptions for load estimation studies is that energy efficient equipment shall be
considered for air conditioners employed in the residential buildings. These air conditioners shall be:

• inverter based,
• integrated with ride-through capability,
• integrated with communicable capacity to actively participate in grid stabilization.

The impact of demand flexibility on the system, such as shifting the consumption from high load hours
to low load hours, shall also be investigated in detail.

Minimum load requirements for existing and new customers shall be in accordance with the SEC
distribution planning standard “DPS-01 Distribution Planning Standards - Estimation of Customer
Load Guideline, Revision 02, September 2015”.

Note: “DPS-01 Distribution Planning Standards - Estimation of Customer Load Guideline, Revision
02, September 2015” will be replaced by an equivalent document provided by NEOM.

Load estimations performed during the planning stage shall be verified during the design and detailed
engineering stages.

Cable Calculations and Design

Cable sizing/design calculations are essential to ensure that the cable can operate continuously under
full load conditions and that it can withstand the short circuit currents during any faulted conditions.

Minimum cable size shall be calculated based on continuous current carrying capacity, voltage drop
considerations, and short circuit temperature rise.

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In the absence of Neom Energy (DSO) specific planning, engineering standards and equipment
specification, the tables given in IEC 60502 and the datasheets supplied by cable vendors shall be
used as a guideline in selecting cables. The following information shall be used as a design basis for
cable sizing:

• full load current and power factor;

• three phase, single phase, or DC;
• voltage level;
• data specific to motor load (motor starting current and power factor);
• fault level of the power supply system and fault clearing time;
• cable impedances;
• voltage drop allocation;
• ambient air and ground temperatures;
• soil thermal resistivity;
• cable installation (cable culverts, directly buried or in conduit), depth of laying, flat or trefoil
arrangement for single core three-phase cables;
• conductor material (copper or aluminium), insulation type, number of cores.

The cable length and cable cross section shall be calculated ensuring that voltage drop allocations do
not exceed the percentage stated in Table 2-9. The voltage drop of each circuit shall be calculated on
the basis that the total load on the circuit is equal to the sum of the nameplate full load amperes (FLA)
of all connected utilization devices that will be in operation under normal conditions.

Current carrying capacity of LV underground cables shall be calculated by considering the correction
factors for burial depth, soil thermal resistivity and ground temperature. The correction factor shall be
in accordance with local standards and the experience of the cable manufacturer. However, for
complex cable systems where different circuits are running in parallel, the calculation shall be based
on the IEC 60287 standard.

Current-carrying capacities of HV and MV underground cables shall be calculated in accordance with

IEC 60287 standards.

Lighting Calculations

The indoor and outdoor lighting calculations shall be carried out using appropriate software in
accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

Unless otherwise specified, outdoor lighting shall provide a minimum maintained (lifelong) illumination
level of 20 lux on the horizontal plane. Outdoor transformer bay (room), grounding transformer, station
service transformer, oil immersed reactor, and capacitor bank shall have a minimum maintained
(lifelong) illumination level of 100 lux. In addition, building entrance outside lighting shall have an
illumination level of 50 lux1.

The (indoor) lighting system shall provide the minimum maintained illumination level as per Table 3-3.

Table 3-3: Minimum maintained illumination level for indoor lighting system

Location Illumination level (lux) Reference Document

MV Switchgear Room 300
TES-P-119.25: Lighting
Relay and Control Room 400
and receptacles for
SCADA/SAS Communication Room 300
substation yard and
Battery Room and HVAC Mechanical building rev. 02, May 2018
200
Room

1
TES-P-119.25: Lighting and receptacles for substation yard and building rev. 02, May 2018. This
document will be replaced with an equivalent NEOM Code.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 19 OF 37

 Location Illumination level (lux) Reference Document
Distribution Substation1 200
Office/Workshop 500
Toilet 100
Basement/Cellars 100
Corridors 100
GIS Building 300
AC/DC Distribution Room 300
Gate House 300
Stairs 100
Trenches (more than1 m deep) 100
Fire pump room (if any) 300
Fire Protection Equipment Room 200
Emergency Lighting 10

1
EN 12464-1: Lighting of work places - Indoor work places.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 20 OF 37

4 Operation Philosophy

4.1 Normal Operation Mode

The normal operation mode is defined as the situation in which the voltage, frequency, and loading of
all three phases are within normal ranges and there is no fault in the network.

The allowable voltage and frequency ranges for normal operation mode at different voltage levels are
listed in Table 2-6 and Table 2-7, respectively. During normal operation mode the loading of each
equipment item shall not exceed 90%. The (N-1) contingency is considered for the allowed voltage,
frequency and loading conditions for normal operation. Depending on the (N-1) contingency analysis,
it shall be established whether the conditions of operation in normal mode are still satisfied after
changes in network and switchgear configurations.

All power system components shall be capable of operation for an unlimited time under the normal
operation mode. The normal operation mode is applicable for voltage levels in this document.

4.2 Emergency Operation Mode

A partial or total shutdown or any other physical or operational condition whether intentionally or
unintentionally may lead to a part of system being operated in emergency operation mode.

For a system to be entered into an emergency operation mode, the voltage or frequency or current of
the system shall exceed a threshold, yet this threshold is under the pickup value of the protection
systems.

It should be noted that under emergency operation, power system components may be subject to
accelerated aging. The maximum thermal loading limits are listed in Table 2-11.

The thresholds for entering and exiting the emergency operation mode on the 132 kV voltage level
shall be in agreement with the grid code.

The thresholds for entering and exiting the emergency operation in MV and LV systems shall be
defined after detailed power system studies.

4.3 Islanding Operation Mode

The islanding operation mode is only applicable for microgrids. Unless otherwise specified, islanding
operation mode begins if the loss-of-mains protection system trips and either the main transformer or
the incoming feeder is out of service. This mode switch shall be automatic. The islanding mode may
be entered either from the normal operation mode or from the emergency operation mode.

The conditions for an unintentional loss of mains power should comprise as a minimum one of the
following:

• over- and under-voltage over a defined time period,

• over- and under-frequency over a defined time period,
• overcurrent over a defined time period,
• under-impedance over a defined time period,
• rate of change of frequency exceeds a threshold,
• vector shift exceeds a threshold.

Other criteria may be needed after a detailed study. The thresholds and times periods shall be
defined based on the power system studies.

A power producer’s plant can remain connected and continuously regulate voltage and frequency
within the limits stated in Table 2-6 and Table 2-7. It must detect any condition for which it is isolated
from the entire system and cease to supply energy to customers (other than itself) within 500 ms.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 21 OF 37

It should be noted that if there is sufficient reactive power at the point of common coupling, an under-
voltage of 85% of the nominal voltage for 0.5 s shall not result in the loss-of-mains trip, i.e. the system
shall not enter the islanding mode in this case. The undervoltage threshold as well as the defined time
period may be subjected to changes as a result of accurate power system studies with consideration
of the fault ride-through capability of the system at the point of common coupling.

For exiting this operation mode, i.e. reconnecting to the main system, the following shall be
considered:

• If the reason for entering the islanding mode is tripping of the outgoing feeder, the synchronism
with the network shall be checked. The synchronism should be in terms of voltage, voltage
angle, and frequency. This shall be done automatically by a synchrocheck protection system.
The threshold of the synchrocheck system shall match the ranges of the normal and
emergency operation modes.
• If the reason for entering the islanding mode is tripping of the main transformer, manual
reconnection is recommended. In this case, those feeders with distributed energy resources
shall be disconnected from the feeder.

More information regarding islanded operation mode is provided in section 5.8.

4.4 Recovery Strategies in Emergency Cases

To recover the system from emergencies - where a need exists - inter-tripping, emergency switching,
emergency load management, or other measures, including restrictions to scheduling and dispatch of
a generating unit should be applied to maintain system security. Moreover, a distributed generation
unit which is connected can become detached from the system during emergency conditions.
However, a distributed generation unit can remain connected and support voltage and frequency
regulation.

In the event that voltage exceeds the normal range listed in Table 2-6 and where reactive power or
power factor control mode is employed, the generating unit must switch as an emergency to voltage
control mode and target both reactive power and then active power to return the voltage to within the
range specified in Table 2-6. As soon as the voltage has been stabilised to within the normal range
without interruption for 10 minutes , the generating unit shall revert to its normal control mode.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 22 OF 37

5 Micro-grids

5.1 Introduction

The following text provides an overview of the main features of NEOM’s micro-grid concept. As of the
release date of this document, key features such as electrical network topology, controller and
protection functions, interactions with vehicle and heating systems, and others, are under
development.

This document will be complemented by a fully detailed planning guideline within the framework of the
Design Basis Documents.

Although some main features have not yet been designed, central aspects such as standards, voltage
levels, basic architecture, the fundamental parameters of generation and loads, controllers and
operational modes can be described with regard to their basic functions and interdependencies. This
is the purpose and scope of the following sections.

5.2 Assumptions and General Requirements

General Requirements

The planning and design of the NEOM micro-grids (MGs) shall be carried out in accordance with the
guidelines set out in IEEE standards:

• IEEE Std 2030.7-2017 – Standard for the Specification of MG Controllers

• IEEE Std 2030.8-2018 – Standard for the Testing of MG Controllers
• IEEE Std 2030.9-2019 – IEEE Recommended Practice for the Planning and Design of the MG

In compliance with IEEE Std 2030.9, the voltage level of an MG shall be in the range of 0.4 kV to 35
kV. The voltage level of the MG has to be selected based on generation characteristics and power
exchange at the point of common coupling (PCC) and geography, Table 5-1 .

Table 5-1: MG voltage, RES capacity and PCC power exchange

MG voltage Renewables installed capacity Power exchange at PCC

(kV) (MW) (MW)
30/34.5/35 ≤100 ≤20
20/22/23 ≤50 ≤10
6.9/10/11/13.8 ≤20 ≤6
0.4/0.48/0.69 ≤2 ≤0.5

The values given in Table 5-1 correspond to IEEE Std 2030.9.

Please note that the categorization by power exchange at PCC may not be applicable in the NEOM
system and this will be revised at a later stage.

The MG shall be properly sized and support modularity and scalability by using standard equipment
sizing.

An MG layout shall be verified by load flow and short-circuit analyses and other power system studies
as per the guidelines specified in Chapter 3.

The bus voltages during normal and abnormal conditions shall remain within the permissible limits
given in Table 2-6.

The MG frequency shall satisfy the requirements in accordance with Table 2-7.

Planning Assumptions

The following assumptions have been coordinated with NEOM:

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 23 OF 37

 • The maximum size of each MG shall be limited to 100 MW. Residential building within a NEOM
MG should be fitted with rooftop PV and battery energy storage systems. Other technologies
can also be considered subject to cost justifications.
• As a minimum requirement, the generation system should be sized to generate sufficient power
to supply all critical loads within a building.
• The energy storage requirements for the MG should be estimated to ensure up to four hours of
MG operation in islanded mode.

5.3 System Architecture

The basic system architecture of an example MG is presented in Figure 5-1 as an example. Two
feeders and an energy storage device are connected to the low-voltage (LV) side. Dispatchable and
non-dispatchable energy resources delivering power in AC or DC are connected to the network. The
system is AC-based, so electronic power converters are used to convert the voltages between DC
sources and the AC network.

Connection to the main grid on the medium voltage (MV) side is made through the point of common
coupling. A circuit breaker allows decoupling the MG from the main grid supply in case of faults,
changing the operation to islanded mode. There may be other intermediate circuit breakers, which
allow sectioning other system parts.

Power and energy flows between each of the elements within the MG architecture are modulated by a
controller hierarchy as presented in section 5.7.

Figure 5-1: Basic MG architecture

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 24 OF 37

5.4 Generation

It is envisaged that the generation in a NEOM MG shall mainly comprise rooftop PVs, community
PVs, solar PV farms, wind generators, fuel cell, and microturbine. The following section is focused on
PV which is likely to find limited implementation in the NEOM urban environment. This section will
therefore be complemented by wind and other potential technologies at a later stage.

PV plants will be integrated into buildings in the form of roof, ground, canopy, BIPV, and GIPV
technologies. For building-mounted technologies, the inverters and associated control-gear shall be
located in close proximity to the generation plant within the building asset. Provision for connection of
the generation plant to the smart interface points shall be made.

The PV panels within the building asset must be equipped with local smart inverters to facilitate the
most economical system operation for the PV system. Smart inverters can offer maximum power point
tracking and voltage/reactive power support.

The PV system/generator operation strategy shall support the building load locally. PV generators
shall be used to charge a battery storage system whenever possible. The PV system shall export
excess energy to the grid.

As a minimum requirement, a generation system shall be sized to generate sufficient power to supply
all critical loads within a building. The attainment of this requirement shall relate to the maximum area
available on the building asset. An industry standard and approved energy modelling technique shall
be used to estimate the annual energy consumption. Benchmarking shall also be provided to
demonstrate sizing of the PV system to match the building asset load.

A solar PV system shall comprise the following components:

• A solar PV array that is based on the most efficient technology at the time of the design and
installation.
• The PV connection shall be made via a string inverter network/central inverter.
• Smart inverter control equipment, which allows the PV inverters to administer locally or from the
MG controller to maximize the available generation within the MG.
• Smart meter connection provision, which allow local programming of the load consumption
pattern, and shall allow its actions to be overridden by the MG controller for wider optimization
of the PV generators and BESSs within the MG.
• The smart interface protection shall be supported by local and wide area networks or any
adequate and secure alternative communication systems which can comply with the industry
standards.
• Large PV inverters shall be equipped with P (active) and Q (reactive) power control modes:
static active and reactive power limits, active power priority and reactive power priority.
• Active power curtailment shall be triggered when the converter hits its current limits.

Note that the specific interconnection and operation requirements are currently under development
and will be covered by the relevant NEOM grid code document.

5.5 Loads

Information on growth, classification and load type is one of the major criteria for sizing of distributed
generation, battery storage and the optimal selection of power supply for the MG. The load
calculations for the MG shall be performed according to the guidelines specified in section 3.3.1.

Depending on the power supply reliability requirements, MG loads can be classified into critical and
non-critical loads. Critical loads refer to highly sensitive and uninterruptible loads which must be
supplied with electrical power at high quality and reliability. These loads include hospitals, security
systems, data centres, telecoms, traffic lights, energy demand of emergency services (police, fire
station, and ambulance). Non-critical loads refer to those loads that can be temporarily cut off from
the energy supply for predetermined time periods to maintain viable MG operation without
compromising its stability.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 25 OF 37

To prevent complete shutdown of the residential and commercial buildings, equipment in these
premises/building assets could also be classified into critical and non-critical. This means that the
non-critical loads in residential and commercial buildings can be temporarily shut down during major
emergencies for pre-defined periods. Furthermore, the overall load shall also be broken down into
controllable or non-controllable shares, so that the controllable load shall be available for manipulation
for energy efficiency and maximization of the total power available within the MG from premises,
community and utility-scale PV generators and BESSs.

The loads can be considered as critical or uninterruptible loads for any of the following situations:

• high risk of personal injury in the event of power interruption;

• potential severe economic losses in the event of power interruption;
• disruption to the normal work of the key electric power consumers in the event of power
interruption.

5.6 Battery Storage

Islanded MGs powered only by PV and wind generation cannot attain stable operating states. A grid
forming asset such as a conventional power plant or a battery energy storage system (BESS) is
required. The principal components of a BESS are:

• battery system,
• power conversion system (PCS),
• BESS power plant controller,
• auxiliary system.

The topology of a BESS is presented in Figure 5-2.

The main advantages of the BESS in the context of an MG with a rated power of less than 100 MW in
comparison with other power plant technologies are high accuracy, fast reaction times, high
efficiency, low self-consumption at partial loads, etc. These features collectively enable BESS to
compete and even displace conventional energy generation and storage technologies.

In an MG with PV and wind generation, the following features shall be provided by the BESS:

• grid forming capability (definition of AC voltage and frequency)

• frequency support, including inertia, and mitigation of PV, wind and load fluctuations
• voltage support by dynamic reactive power response
• four-quadrant operation with power factor control
• reactive power control
• black start capability
• energy shift (peak power shift and shaving, and power balance).

As central requirement for NEOM MGs, MGs when islanded shall be capable of up to 4 hours
operation, without any power interruptions when only critical loads are connected. For such storage
duration, lithium-ion, redox flow and sodium-sulphur technologies are potential candidates and shall
be evaluated at design stage. At the present status of development, it is likely that only lithium iron-
phosphate cells will be commercially competitive.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 26 OF 37

 BESS
BESS Power Plant controller

Management subsystem
BESS site
Energy management system Communication
Dispatcher interface
Communication subsystem Upstream
Main protection subsystem SCADA control system
Fire detection Legend
Emergency off
Communication
line
BESS auxiliary subsystem Auxiliary
Cooling, heating, auxiliary power, UPS, … connection
terminal(2) Power line
BESS Unit (BESU) #1 Switchgear (AC or DC)
BESU Controller
Enclosure Meter
System
BESS Unit auxiliary Battery System Power Transformer4 boundary
BESS Auxiliary
subsystem Cells, modules, Conversion Point of
racks, BMS System Connection Point of
Reference
… for test
Primary
BESS Unit (BESU) #n connection
BESU Controller terminal Upstream
Enclosure switchgear
Switchgear
Transformer(4)
BESS unit auxiliary Battery System Power Transformer4
Meter
subsystem Cells, modules, Conversion
racks, BMS System BESS Unit Point BESS Point of
of Connection Connection
(BESU POC)(1) (POC)
BESS DC Point of
Connection

(1) In case of a hybrid PCS (DC coupling, e.g. as used in some hybrid PV plants), the BESU PoC may be identical to the generator unit PoC
(2) Depending on the BESS configuration, the auxiliary supply may also be fed through the primary connection terminal or internally in the BESS Unit
(3) In case of distributed BESS sites, there may be no single BESS PoC. In this case, a virtual PoC as the sum of all BESS Site PoCs will be considered.
(4) Optional, depending on the topology of the BESS

Figure 5-2: Standard topology of a battery energy storage system (BESS)

The BESS can be integrated behind-the-meter in every building or centrally for multiple buildings. The
centralized BESS is typically recommended due to lower costs, easier control and maintenance, less
construction works, and lower fire risks in buildings. Both options are presented in Figure 5-3.

Figure 5-3: Example for a home battery system with up to 20 kWh (left) and a BESS in an ISO container
with up to 3500 kWh1

1
Disclaimer: The sample products shown in the figure are not a recommendation of suppliers but
rather represent the product group.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 27 OF 37

The combination of BESS with local PV generation shown in the figure offers the possibility of a DC-
coupled plant layout when compared to the traditional AC-coupled layout.

Figure 5-4: AC- vs DC-coupled PV-BESS systems

The advantages of the DC-coupled system are lower conversion losses and lesser required inverter
capacity (for PV and BESS together). At present, AC-coupled technology is applied in utility-scale
projects due to its flexibility and product availability while the DC-coupled system is becoming viable
at small-scale greenfield PV-BESS plants.

Power Conversion Systems

Power Conversion System (PCS) units come in different sizes ranging from 5 kVA to approximately 3
MVA. They can be split into three major categories:

• Central PCS: These large-scale PCSs are in the range of 2 MW to 3 MW per PCS unit. As of
2019, these PCSs dominate the large-scale BESS market. Their main advantage is the low
cost per kW. Disadvantages are the loss of large capacity if one PCS fails and the increased
technical risk when many batteries are connected in parallel, e.g. through high short-circuit
currents.
• String PCS: Similar to PV systems, string PCSs have developed as an alternative to traditional
central PCSs since 2017. These smaller PCS units feature powers of between 50 kW and 100
kW. Their advantages are a better serviceability through the smaller size and that the loss of
one PCS does not have such a large impact on the entire BESS.
• Cell/module PCS: Similar to PV systems, some technology providers offer even smaller PCSs
down to the module or cell level of a battery system. These PCSs typically feature sizes of
between 100 W and 5 kW. They sometimes feature in small PV home storage systems but are
not common for large-scale BESS.

In addition to the above, NEOM can adopt a flexible approach that maximizes the reliability offered by
the redundancy of the string approach and at the same time minimizes the complexity or number of
PCSs by using relatively large PCSs of more than 100 kW. For example, in a 100 MW MG, several
strings of 2.5 MW plus several redundant PCSs per string can provide the required level of
operational resilience and reliability.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 28 OF 37

 Central PCS String PCS Cell / module PCS

Example of a module PCS:

WSTech BATI 20

Example of a central PCS: WSTech APS Example of a string PCS:

series SMA STPS

It is expected that both string PCSs in buildings and central PCSs connected to the MV level will be
an option.

The power converters for island mode and black start capability are different from the standard grid-
following type. PCSs shall be equipped with

• both grid-following and forming modes

• reactive power support
• black start capability.

Power converters that support built-in black-start capability require sophisticated software and are
slightly more expensive. Therefore, a techno-economic comparison of a minimum of two black-start
implementations shall be performed. This comparison shall cover as minimum:

• realization of black start capability by auxiliary power supply (UPS)

• realization by conventional fossil fuelled generators.

The final decision on which one shall be implemented will depend on local constraints and conditions.

Power Plant Controller

Important for the BESS is its interconnection with the supervisory energy management system. The
following are required as a minimum for the BESS and the BESS system controller in order to operate
within the renewable micro-grid:

• BESS units shall always operate as a current-controlled voltage source.

• Transient power and current ratings of the BESS and PCSs shall be carefully chosen to be able
to supply the system peak transient demand currents in island mode.
• The nominal frequency and voltage must be pre-set in the system.
• The BESS controller shall contribute to the primary control functions autonomously as well as
to secondary and tertiary control functions, and must be consistent with the general MG
controller philosophy.
• The system must be off-grid capable, grid-forming, and equipped with local F/P and V/F droop
control capabilities.
• Reactive load sharing is performed by a Q/V droop characteristic on the local controller level or
any other advantageous method.
• Reactive power demands shall be provided by the BESS, with the following constraints: BESS
must operate based on active power priority and any remaining capacity shall be available for
meeting reactive power demand. while for PV inverters it may initiate active energy curtailment
in cases of high irradiation.

DOCUMENT C ODE: NEOM- NEG -EMR-002 REVISION C ODE: 4 .2 PAGE 29 OF 37

 • For secondary and tertiary controls, active and reactive power setpoints for each item of
generation equipment in the system shall be managed by the MG controller (BESSs, PVs,
existing renewables, DGs) to ensure that a meaningful and consistent objective is attainable.
• BESS active load sharing is performed by a suitable synthetic P/f droop characteristic on the
local controller level (PCS controller) to synchronize and share load to the BESS. There shall
be one grid-manager at a time (preferably the BESS system) to regulate system frequency.
Nevertheless, the Contractor shall develop an alternative scheme to be tested and validated
using the latest offline and real-time means to the satisfaction of NEOM’s power engineering
team.

Auxiliary Systems

Auxiliary systems of a BESS refer to ventilation, cooling, and heating to protect against adverse
ambient conditions as well as to avoid elevated temperatures of cells, which would reduce their
lifetime. Ventilation is also required to prevent build-up potentially dangerous concentrations of the
gases emitted by battery cells. In utility-scale BESS containers, mostly air conditioner or water-cooled
systems are installed whereas in small-scale BESS in buildings mostly only ventilation is required.
Further, lighting, human machine interfaces and UPS are components of the BESS auxiliary system.

5.7 Energy Management System / Home Automation System

MG control is performed hierarchically as presented in Figure 5-5. The micro-source controller (MC)
and the load controller (LC) control sources and loads across the branches. Both, MCs and LCs
operate at the local level. They are governed by the MG central controller (MGCC), which is the
central management device. The central controller (CC) serves to exchange information with the
MGCC to achieve improvements in distribution system operation.

Figure 5-5: Micro-grid controller hierarchy and roles

MG Central Controller

This performs centralized control and is responsible for managing the energy bought/sold to minimize
emissions and power losses, maximize operational efficiency of the MG, and provide islanding logic
or supply restoration via the electrical power utility. Also, the MGCC is responsible for maintaining

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voltage and frequency within specified tolerances. Optimal operation is achieved by sending control
signal settings to MCs and LCs.

Micro-source Controller (Supply Side Management)

This uses local information, like measurements, to control voltage and power setpoints of the power
sources within the microgrid in response to load changes or faults. Quick response and the ability to
adapt, regardless of type of connected sources, are its main features. This controller allows for better
sharing of the generated renewable power and the energy stored within the micro-grid while attaining
a number of economic, efficiency and sustainability objectives.

Load Controller (Demand Side Management)

This performs connection/disconnection of certain controllable loads according to predetermined

patterns which shall be correspond to NEOM regulations and hence adjustable for future changes or
outcomes for real-time optimization of system operation from local or global viewpoints. The LC also
relieves unfavourable operating conditions of the MG.

Air Conditioning Load Controller

Air conditioning loads shall be perceived as non-critical controllable loads for which the design
requirements mentioned in section 5.5 and section 5.7.3 are applicable. The controller of air
conditioning load shall be able to respond to MGCC and Building Management System (BMS) upon
receiving control signal. The control signal for switching on and off shall be in accordance with the
NEOM load regulations. The pattern of load regulation shall be freely adjustable and changeable with
different setpoints corresponding to different operational modes. In addition, the controller of air
conditioning loads shall contribute to voltage and frequency control. It is worthwhile to note that,
similar to other non-critical loads, can only be switched off or shutdown in major emergency cases for
a predefined period as a last solution.

5.8 Operational Modes

The MG shall be able to operate when connected to the grid or in islanded mode. It is envisaged that
the NEOM MG shall predominantly operate as part of the main grid, but it shall have the capability to
operate in islanded mode. To achieve these objectives, the MGs are provided with equipment and
control systems suitable for either mode of operation, such that electricity is supplied to customers
uninterruptedly and to a high quality.

The fundamental difference between the two modes is presented in Figure 5-6.

Figure 5-6: MG operation modes

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 Grid-Connected Mode

While in grid-connected mode, the MG power deficit/surplus must be kept in balance by the main grid.
Excess and deficit powers must be consumed and supplied by the main grid. Additionally, a set of
ancillary services will have to be provided as a back-up for MG functions. The MG operates by
sending/receiving power depending the load and generation conditions. The main grid determines
voltage and frequency.

The ancillary services in a grid-connected mode of operation include, but are not limited to:

1. Voltage regulation support

2. Frequency regulation support
3. Reduction of grid losses
4. Congestion management
5. Power quality improvement (voltage dips, flicker)
6. Energy efficiency and sustainability

Stand-Alone (Islanded) Mode

MG islanding operation can be intentional, such as for scheduled maintenance, etc., or unintentional,
like due to faults, etc. The islanded operation mode allows continuity of supply, which provides cost
savings and reliability improvements. In the islanded mode of operation, the priority of power supply
shall be given to critical loads while non-critical loads may be shed depending on total load demand
and available generation. Isolating non-critical loads may be achieved by deploying a remedial action
system such as automatic load shedding.

The ancillary services in islanded mode of operation include, but are not limited to:
• black start
• grid-forming operation

- frequency regulation

- voltage regulation.

Transition between Off- and On-Grid

When the MG switches its operation from the on-grid to the off-grid mode or when it synchronizes
back to the main grid, switching shall be done such that the demand for critical loads will also be met
during the transition.

The transition from grid-connected to off-grid mode shall comply with the transition logic given in IEEE
Std 2030.7 as presented in Figure 5-7.

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Figure 5-7: On-grid to off-grid transition logic [IEEE Std 2030.7]

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 Annexes

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List of Annexes
A1 Low voltage ride through in Saudi Arabia according to the SA Grid Code

A2 Low voltage ride through in the UAE (Transco) according to the Electricity Transmission Code

A3 Low voltage ride through in Jordan according to the NEPCO Transmission Grid Code

A4 Low voltage ride through in the UK according to the NGET Grid Code

A5 Low voltage ride through in Germany according to the VDN Transmission Code

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A1. Low voltage ride through in Saudi Arabia according to the SA Grid Code

A2. Low voltage ride through in the UAE (Transco) according to the Electricity Transmission Code

A3. Low voltage ride through in Jordan according to the NEPCO Transmission Grid Code

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A4. Low voltage ride through in the UK according to the NGET Grid Code

A5. Low voltage ride through in Germany according to the VDN Transmission Code

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