Covol was engaged by a major renewable energy developer involved in large-scale power generation and grid-stabilisation projects. The organisation focuses on delivering sustainable energy solutions through innovation and technical excellence, contributing to the UK’s transition to cleaner power systems.
With energy storage playing a crucial role in supporting renewable integration, the client required an independent LV design verification for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installation. The aim was to ensure that the proposed design complied with current industry standards, was technically robust, and capable of supporting safe, efficient operation.
The Requirement
Covol’s brief was to perform an independent review of the complete electrical design package, prepared by another engineering consultant. The client sought assurance that every aspect of the system design met the relevant electrical regulations and best practice for low-voltage distribution and energy storage installations.
This verification process was essential to confirm:
- Full compliance with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
- Conformity with relevant IEC and British Standards.
- Correct application of protection coordination principles.
- Integrity and accuracy of design calculations.
The goal was to provide technical confidence before project implementation, ensuring that safety, performance, and long-term reliability were fully validated prior to commissioning.
Our Solution
Our engineering team carried out a comprehensive document review and technical assessment of all key components within the client’s electrical design package.
The verification scope included a detailed analysis of:
- Electrical Distribution software model to ensure the whole of the distribution system was modelled correctly
- Block cable drawings and overall system topology.
- Cable schedules and cross-sectional sizing in relation to load and fault levels.
- Cable calculations for voltage drop, current carrying capacity, and thermal limits.
- Electrical schematics and Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) for design accuracy and clarity.
- Protection Coordination (discrimination) study to confirm the correct coordination of protective devices at the main incomer.
Each element was reviewed against Covol’s internal design verification checklist, developed from decades of experience in electrical engineering design, compliance, and system safety.
Through this process, our engineers identified a small number of areas for improvement, primarily focused on fault level alignment, cable sizing, protection device selection, and optimisation of network protection. Our recommendations were presented with a clear technical rationale and supported by revised calculation summaries.
These refinements improved the overall system reliability and provided assurance that the BESS installation would operate within safe electrical limits and meet all regulatory requirements once energised.
The Outcome
As a result of Covol’s independent design verification, the client achieved:
- Accurate software model that fully represented the site distribution system
- Enhanced Design Integrity: Verified system configuration aligned with UK and international safety standards.
- Improved Fault Protection: Confirmed discrimination and protection coordination for main incomers and distribution systems.
- Optimised Reliability: Design refinements reduced risk of operational issues or nuisance tripping during live operation.
- Regulatory Confidence: Documentation and recommendations supported sign-off with both internal stakeholders and external approval bodies.
- Peace of Mind: Assurance that the BESS system would perform efficiently, safely, and in line with its intended operational design.
The verification process provided the client with complete confidence in the final design, allowing construction and commissioning to proceed on schedule.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Covol’s ability to deliver independent, technically rigorous design verification services for advanced energy systems. By combining deep engineering expertise with meticulous attention to detail, we help our clients ensure that every aspect of their electrical design, from schematics to protection settings, stands up to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Covol continues to support clients across the renewable energy and power sectors with LV and HV design verification, protection coordination studies, arc flash assessments, and electrical safety consulting, ensuring reliable and compliant systems from design through to operation. Contact our expert team to learn more about our HV/LV design services.
