Smart Energy Council

The course will cover an overview of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5139: 2019 Electrical Installations – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment.

The course will consist of 4 sessions that will cover:

1. Document Overview
2. Clearances, Locations & Barriers
3. Overcurrent Protection & Isolation
4. Arc Flash & PPE

Each session will require learners to take notes on a Worksheet during the presentations, and later in their own time successfully complete an online quiz and feedback survey, to be eligible for 30 CORE CPD points.

Session 1: DOCUMENTS OVERVIEW

Learning Outcomes:

Background:  A variety of compliance documents can be a daunting prospect for designer installers. Understanding which documents are relevant, and how to apply them is key to success.

Content: The presentation will include descriptions of the following documents relating to interpretation and implementation of the Australian Standard:

• Best Practice Guide: Battery Storage Equipment Electrical Safety Requirements
• AS/NZS 5139:2019  Electrical installations – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment
• Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) : Battery Energy Storage System Installation requirements
• Arc Flash Calculator (courtesy Glen Morris, Smart Energy Lab)
• Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Battery List

At the end of this session participants will be able to demonstrate the following Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge: Participants will gain a thorough overview of the documents referred to in this course and available for download, that relate to Australian Standard, AS/ NZS 5139: 2019

Comprehension: Learners will appreciate which documents are used for what purpose, in reaching compliance, and where the documents can be obtained.

Analysis: The session will encourage participants to gain a detailed understanding of those documents most relevant to the various stages of Battery System design and implementation in the field.

Create: Participant solar installers and designers will be able to choose the most appropriate documents and the simplest pathways to ensure they meet a complex web of compliance requirements.

Session 2:  CLEARANCES, LOCATIONS, AND BARRIERS

Background: One of the most difficult tasks for an installer is to find an appropriate location for a Battery Energy Storage System that is compliant to AS/NZS 5139. There are numerous restricted locations, clearance zones, and requirements for non-combustible barriers where batteries back onto “habitable rooms”.

Content: The presentation includes interpretations of the clauses of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5139: 2019, relating to the following:

• Habitable rooms
• Non-combustible barrier requirements
• Clearances around BESS
• ERAC ruling on associated equipment
• Exit clearances
• Colorbond and AS 1530.1
• Gas clearances
• Special case Victoria Gas meter vents
• Special Case NSW Garage doors
• Exclusion zone under access walkways
• Tesla interpretation garage installation
• Lead acid battery case V0 specification

At the end of this session participants will be able to demonstrate the following Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge: Participants will gain a thorough overview of the sections of Australian Standard, AS/ NZS 5139: 2019 that deal with clearances, restricted locations and non-combustible barriers.

Comprehension: Learners will appreciate opportunities present by understanding the different classes of Battery Energy Storage Systems, and the differing compliance measures required for each.

Analysis: The session will reinforce the need for deeper scrutiny of the published document to remain compliant. Participants will increase their opportunity to engage with the document to clarify compliance with the particular equipment combination / design they are using or planning on adopting as the marketplace for Battery Energy Storage Systems evolves and develops.

Create: Participant solar installers and designers will be able to choose equipment combinations and the simplest pathways through a complex web of compliance requirements.

Session 3: OVERCURRENT PROTECTION AND ISOLATION

Background: Overcurrent protection protects equipment under fault conditions, and Isolation allows for shut-down and maintenance. Understanding where and how these must be installed is key to compliance with AS/NZS 5139:2019.

Content: The presentation includes interpretations of the clauses of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5139: 2019, relating to the following:

• Decisive Voltage Classification (DVC)
• DVC Port Classification
• Non-isolated PCE (solar charge controllers)
• Inbuilt OCPD
• Additional isolation device requirements
• IP ratings for enclosures
• Readily accessible & readily available
• Earth Fault Alarms

At the end of this session participants will be able to demonstrate the following Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge: Participants will gain a thorough overview of the sections of Australian Standard, AS/ NZS 5139: 2019 that deal with Overcurrent Protection and Isolation.

Comprehension: Learners will appreciate opportunities present by understanding the different classes of Battery Energy Storage Systems, and the differing compliance measures required for each.

Analysis: The session will reinforce the need for deeper scrutiny of the published document to remain compliant. Participants will increase their opportunity to engage with the document to clarify compliance with the particular equipment combination / design they are using or planning on adopting as the marketplace for Battery Energy Storage Systems evolves and develops.

Create: Participant solar installers and designers will be able to choose equipment combinations and the simplest pathways through a complex web of compliance requirements.

Session 4: ARC FLASH & PPE

Content: The presentation includes interpretations of the clauses of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5139: 2019, relating to the following:

• Probable causes of Arc Flash Incidents
• Arc Flash Boundary definition
• Appropriate PPE Categories
• Pre-assembled BESS & Arc Flash
• Arc Flash levels and impacts on locations
• Cell and BS Fault Current information 
• Inter-string overcurrent protection

Participants will also be introduced to the Arc Flash Calculator, courtesy of Glen Morris, Smart Energy Lab.

At the end of this session participants will be able to demonstrate the following Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge: Participants will gain a thorough overview of the sections of Australian Standard, AS/ NZS 5139: 2019 that deal with Arc Flash and Personel Protective Equipment (PPE).

Comprehension: Learners will appreciate opportunities present by understanding the different classes of Battery Energy Storage Systems, and the differing compliance measures required for each.

Analysis: The session will demonstrate how to calculate Arc Flash Incident Energy, and the Arc Flash Boundary distance, using formula. Participants will be provided with a spreadsheet that automates the calculation process and guides the user to the appropriate PPE that should be worn inside the Arc Flash Boundary.

Create: Participant solar installers and designers will be able to design equipment combinations to minimise the risk from Arc Flash Incidents, and reduce onerous PPE requirements.