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Request for Bids

Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 46 kW Tuvalu Photovoltaic Electricity Network Integration Project (TPVENIP)

1.   The Government of Tuvalu has proposed the installation of a 46kW Photovoltaic system to be integrated into the electricity grid network at Vaitupu (TPVENIP), the largest island of the eight islands in Tuvalu . The project has been made possible though funding provided by the Italian Government through an agreement signed between the Government of Italy represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Sea and the Pacific SIDS Permanent Missions based at the United Nations in New York . Further the Government of Italy through its representatives ministries mentioned above has in turn signed an agreement with IUCN to be the implementing agency for this programme. IUCN has delegated its Oceania Regional Office based in Suva , Fiji to manage the programme. IUCN-Oceania is working closely with the Government of Tuvalu through the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC) on this project. TEC acting as the Contracting Authority is requesting bids from qualified bidders to supply, install and commission a battery buffered, grid parallel PV solar system on the Island of Vaitupu , Tuvalu .

2.    Bids are requested from parties that are willing and able to undertake the services as specified in the detailed Technical Specifications in Annex I. Bidders shall be bound by their bids for a period of 90 days from the deadline for the submission of bids.

3.   Instructions to Bidders:

a.   The bid must cover all cost for equipment, tools, spare parts, freight, freight insurance, installation labour, and training of local staff, training materials, manuals, travel cost, per diem, supervision, testing commissioning and warrantees related to the system.

c.   US $ only must be used in the bid. A detailed break down of all cost components must be provided with the bid.

d.   The bid must be in the English language only. This includes all supporting documents, technical specifications and drawings.

f.   The bid must include the following components which will form part of the supply contract between the bidder and the contracting authority:

1. Demonstrate your firm’s financial capacity to meet the requirements for the execution of the project. Provide information on annual turnover of your organisation during the last five years.

2.  Provide information on the status of your firm (copies of registration certificates, legal status, country of registration)

3.  Certify (as an original certification) that your firm is not in a state of bankruptcy or receivership.

4.  Describe your capability and experience, including your core business.

5.  Demonstrate your firms experience with projects of similar nature. List relevant reference projects implemented over the last five years (large PV installations that included AC inverters and/or battery banks). List only projects in which your firm had a lead role. Do not list more than 10 reference projects.

6.  Provide three client references which can be verified by the contractor.

7.  Provide an updated CV of your field engineer who will be responsible for the installation supervision, training and commissioning.

8.  Engineering calculations verifying the system output calculations provided in the technical specifications. The engineering calculations as a minimum will have to include: average solar array output in kWh per kW peak installed for anticipated radiation levels (per year and per lowest month). Battery charge current under solar and grid charge. System losses (line losses, controller losses, inverter losses, battery losses. The bidders calculations will be part of the contract and will be used as a basis for verifying system performance. Wind loading calculation must also be provided.

9.  Detailed engineering drawings for proposed rack structure and circuit diagrams for proposed configuration.

10.  A proposed time schedule for the implementation of project. The time schedule should include all steps necessary for the implementation of the project, in particular: manufacturing/supply of equipment, shipping, checking, preparation of installation, installation, training of local operators, commissioning.

11.  Detailed technical specifications of all system components proposed in the bid. The required information are listed under the respective components in annex 1. Copies of compliance certificates must be provided.

12.  Training plan and methodology for participation and training of local staff.

13.  Detailed price break-down for all components and services.

g.   The above-mentioned documents, information and requirements are mandatory and as such are required to form a complete bid. A bid will be rejected unless all information are included and the bid it is substantially responsive.

h.   If a bid is received prior to the formal submission date corrections/modifications can be made up to that date.

i.   The bid must be submitted in three hard copies and in electronic format (CD) to the address specified in below

j.   A final work/project schedule will be determined subsequently between the successful Contractor and TEC in close consultation with IUCN-Oceania

k.   Confirmation of receipt of quotations will be provided by e – mail within three working days.

l.   Successful as well as unsuccessful bidders will be informed by e-mail as soon as possible.

m.   Award of contract and Evaluation criteria. Bids will be evaluated by a tender committee. Only bids that are technically compliant will be fully evaluated. Compliant bids will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1.  Technical design and quality of system components offered 30%

2.  Experience of firm in grid connected PV systems for mini electricity grid network and relevant regional experience in Pacific Island countries 20 %

3.  CV of field engineer 15 %

4.  Quality of training, training material and approach to training 15%

5.  Price (20 %)

n.   Deadline for the submission of quotations is 13 March 2009, 16.00 hours Tuvalu time (GMT+12). Clarifications are permissable until 1 March 2009.

o.   Payments under the contract shall be made upon presentation of a bank guarantee covering the advances requested. The proposed payment schedule for the contract is as follows:

    20 % upon signature of supply contract

    20 % upon arrival of shipment in Funafuti

    40 % upon installation, testing and preliminary commissioning of equipment

  10 % upon final commissioning and performance verification (12 months after preliminary commissioning)

p.   Contact Information:

Mafalu Lotolua, General Manager

Tuvalu Electricity Corporation

Funafuti, Tuvalu

E-mail :mlotolua@yahoo.com.au

Telephone : (688) 20352

Annex 1 Tender Specifications: Supply and Installation of a Grid Parallel Photovoltaic Solar System for Vaitupu Island Tuvalu

1.   General

1.1.   Overview

The Government of Tuvalu is placing a high priority to promotion of renewable energy as a means of cushioning its economy from increasing volatility in the international fuel markets. Actions aimed at reducing dependency on imported fossil fuel will also help decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and put Tuvalu on the road of a sustainable and exemplary development, giving the nation a stronger bargaining position in international negotiations. TEC already operates a 40 kW grid connected PV system in Funafuti and the positive experiences to date encouraged the Government and TEC to pursue solar projects for outer islands as well.

Against this background described above, IUCN-Oceania in collaboration with the Tuvalu Government through the Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC) and the Tuvalu Department of Energy will implement the Tuvalu Photovoltaic Electricity Network Integration Project (TPVENIP). The overall objective of TPVNIP is the promotion of the use of renewable energy resources through the implementation of cost effective, equitable, reliable, accessible, affordable, secure and environmentally sustainable energy systems. In this particular project, the implementation of a 46 kW grid parallel Photovoltaic system was seen as a step towards achieving the above objective.

1.2.   Purpose of Document

The Technical Specifications document defines the technical conditions for the supplying, installation and training related to the full implementation of the solar system in Vaitupu , Tuvalu . The performance of the tendered contract includes all the installation work related to the photovoltaic generators as well as all annex works and accessories required for the systems. The Contractor must fulfil laws, regulatory and technical documentation, national by-laws and decrees, in effect in Tuvalu at the date of the submission of the tender. All work must be accomplished using methodology internationally accepted for solar photovoltaic technology installations of the type being installed under this tender. By submitting the present bid dossier and signing the contract, the bidder accepts responsibility for the design, supply and installation of the complete solar system. If necessary, the bidder can provide any suggestions or comments on the project design prior to his endorsement.

1.3.   Equipment, Quality and Specifications

All equipment, components, and various accessories used for the installation must be new and of high quality manufacture and resistant to salt laden wind. During contract implementation, the Contractor is not allowed to change any material that has been included in the tender without the formal written authorization of the Contracting Authority. Any brands and types of material that are mentioned in the present tender document are only included as an example of what could be used and is intended only to guide the bidders. All types of materials that have similar characteristics and qualities can be proposed by the Contractor, as long as they fulfil the technical requirements laid out in this Technical Specification document.

1.4 .   Scope of Work

In this tender, equipment is requested for the implementation of photovoltaic solar system for the secondary school of Vaitupu Island . The equipment must be supplied installed and commissioned by the Contractor.

In addition to supply, installation supervision and commissioning, the Contractor will provide training session(s) to the local technicians and operators in charge of operation & maintenance (O&M) of the systems. The training will be based on an O&M manual to be supplied by the contractor. It is assumed that both Tuvalu Electricity Corporation staff and school representatives will participate in the training. The price for training shall be included in the financial bid. It will be essential that the systems’ limitations (operating hours, battery discharge, number of appliances operated simultaneously, response to extended periods of cloudy weather etc) will be explained in detail together with the maintenance requirements for the unit. The bidders are requested to provide a training methodology together with their bids.

2.   Project Description

2.1   General Setting

Vaitupu is Tuvalu ’s largest outer island. It is located at 7.48 degrees south and 178.83 degrees west. Vaitupu consists of an oval shaped reef platform with a large central island and a number of smaller islets. The passages do not allow entry by vessels larger than a traditional craft. With 1.6 km in length and 750 m across the lagoon is large enough to allow operation of seaplanes. A smaller lagoon is located at the far northern tip of the island.

With a total land area of 5 square kilometres and a population of 1600 Vaitupu has a low population density of 320 per square kilometre. About half of the population lives scattered in the villages of Tumaseu and Asau (the main village); the balance lives at the Motufoua secondary school compound, the location of the PV project. There is a church, a primary school, one guesthouse, several trading stores and a post office. Water supply is usually through tanks that collect rainwater. Vaitupu has telecommunication facilities operated by Tuvalu Telecoms.

2.2   Transport Logistics

Bidders are encouraged to contact Tuvalu Electricity Corporation with respect to current transport logistics as the situation is known to change.

Asau Harbor and main Village

2.3.   Existing Power Infrastructure

The school compound to be supplied by the PV system has its own power source located at the Motofuoa school complex. It is a 130 kW Denyo generator set in a dedicated power house. The generator supplies 415 V three phase power directly to two circuits of the school. Next to the power house holding the Denyo generator sits another powerhouse that still accommodates an old Caterpillar generator set which is not operational. This old power house also holds a makeshift switchboard allowing to switch from grid supply to the local generator. Three feeders running from the switchboard are metered. The three circuits of the school are labeled ` Motufoua , Japan and Local´. The PV system will supply the circuit labelled Motufoua. This powerhouse will be upgraded by TEC to accommodate the main switchboard, the battery bank for the PV project and the inverters and controllers.

2.4.   Current Mode of Operation

Power supply typically starts between 7 and 8 a.m. The operator first isolates the main transformers and starts the No 1 generator. When stable running is achieved the main circuits are connected. Start up load is in the order of 40-50 kW. System load remains stable around 45 kW during the day until the afternoon break, which is from 14.00 –16.00. At 16.00 the No 1 set is brought back on line, typically with a start up load of 40 kW. Throughout the supply cycle the power factor of the systems remains quite stable at around 0.97 -0.99. With an evening peak load in the order of 80 - 85 kW, the single P 100 set is unable to safely supply the peak. As a remedy, TEC isolates the school circuit - which is supplied through a 150 kVA transformer - typically at 5 p.m. and starts the 130 kW No 4 unit which then supplies the secondary school in isolation from the rest of the grid. The generator supplies three separate circuits which are also metered. The switch from high voltage supply to the local generator is currently done at a switchboard by pulling and inserting fuses.

2.5.   Description of the PV System

The PV system and battery bank tendered for will supply the larger of the two school circuits which has a peak load of approximately 25 kW and a daily electricity consumption of 160 kWh. The system, when in operation, will allow TEC to supply the entire Vaitupu system from the 100 kW unit in the main power house. At the same time the battery unit will provide the main school circuit with an independent supply and increase energy security for the country’s most important educational asset. The battery bank will normally be charged by the PV system. However, as part of the project, the battery bank must also be chargeable through the grid and the 130 kW on-site generator.

3.   General Design and Standards

3.1.   Environmental Conditions

The installation site is on the South Eastern coast of Vaitupu Island near to the ocean and is located in a high humidity, high ambient temperature climate. Typhoons (tropical cyclones/hurricanes) with winds exceeding 150 km/hr may strike the site. A high resistance to corrosion for all exposed materials, proper enclosures for sensitive equipment and components is required. The system should be designed to be able to reliably provide full continuous power capacity under the following conditions:

•  Relative humidity up to: 85%, non-condensing, for extended periods

•  Ambient Temperature range: 15°C to 45°C

•  Wind speeds of 150 km/h continuous for at least 12 hours with gusts to 180 km/h.

•  High levels of solar ultraviolet radiation

•  Very corrosive marine-coastal environment with high air-borne salt content

•  High presents of coral dust

•  Presents of insects.

The ability of the equipment of the same basic design and type to work reliably in the indicated environmental conditions shall be documented by the bidder to show successful operation under similar conditions. Construction materials and associated hardware supplied under this tender shall not include painted, galvanized or bare steel, iron or other ferrous materials excepting marine grade stainless steel or marine grade aluminium. The only exception is the solar rack that will hold the PV arrays. This rack can be constructed of hot dipped steel that is treated to withstand the corrosive environment described above. Bidders are required to provide detailed descriptions of the corrosion proofing of the rack.

3.2. Design Guidelines

The proposed system shall be designed using the following standards as guidelines: AS 4509 Stand-alone Power Systems Part 1, Safety requirements Part 2 Design guidelines, Part 3 Installation and maintenance, AS / NZS 5033: 2005; Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, AS 4086 Secondary batteries for SPS Part 2 Installation and maintenance. The bidder shall provide engineering calculations confirming that the design will meet the requirements of the tender. The electrical wiring for the solar array and solar power system shall confirm to the AS 3000/AS 3001 Electrical Wiring Rules. Array connection and combination boxes must include wire entry and cover seals to prevent insect and water entry. All exterior wiring must be insulated with materials that do not degrade when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

3.3.    Photovoltaic Modules PV Array

The PV unit to be supplied has to be capable of supplying 160 kWh per day net energy into the school circuit labelled ‘Motufoua’. This value must be achieved during the months having the lowest solar radiation. This net output must be achieved after all losses incurred in cabling, panels, controllers, inverters and the battery bank. Based on a net daily energy to the system of 3.5 kWh per kW peak installed the minimum array size has to be 46 kW peak . Bidders have to verify this value and present their own calculation of system losses. The distance between the centre of the PV unit and the power house holding the battery bank and the control electronics is 70 meters (see Picture 2).

The bidder will determine and propose the kWp capacity and cell configuration of the individual panels that provides the lowest overall cost for the mounted array while retaining the mechanical strength needed to meet the wind loading specification and the electrical requirements of the array.

Cells will be made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. Amorphous or thin film type construction is not acceptable under this tender. Modules must be framed with marine grade aluminium or stainless steel with appropriate seals to prevent water and corrosion damage to the active components of the panel. High strength glass must be used for the transparent cover. The backing of the panel may be glass or other material impermeable to water that is accepted under the applicable international standards.

The modules shall have a separate connection box on their back side that meets protection class IP65. The terminals must be clearly marked with + and – for the corresponding connections. Connections shall be of a screw type with a capacity sufficient to attach at least two 2.5mm 2 stranded copper interconnection wires. Connections shall be of the direct wire connection type; panel wiring using crimped or soldered connection lugs will not be used for wire connections. Connection screws shall include lock washers or other means to prevent loosening due to thermal cycling of the panels.

For the panel model selected for each site, the bidder will include as a part of the tender response the following information:

•  Voc, Isc, Impp, Vmpp, and Wp at standard conditions

•  the relationship between temperature and module output

•  The IV (current/voltage) curves for 500, 800, and 1000 W/m2 solar inputs

•  physical size and weight

•  details of the materials used in construction, including the frame, the connection boxes, the backing material and the encapsulation material.

•  Number of cells per panel

•  Type of connections with the size of wires accommodated

•  The results of type tests carried out on the module type at ESTI (or an equivalent institution) using the CEC Specifications No. 503 or to International standard IEC-61215 shall be provided.

•  A statement of warranties in effect for the proposed module type must be provided

On each module the following minimum information will be shown on the manufacturer’s label attached to each panel:

•  Manufacturer’s name

•  Module model identification

•  Module serial no.

•  Rated power at standard conditions

•  Voc

•  Isc

•  Date of manufacture

•  Country of manufacture

3.4. Rack, Array Support Structure

The bidder shall provide full design, drawings and technical specifications of the proposed physical design with the tender. Construction and assembly of the rack and the mounting structures and the details of the mounting of the modules and their attachment onto the supporting structure must be described. The

escription must specifically include physical size, and details of materials used in construction. Wind loading calculations must be provided. In particular the possible high wind loading may require additional cross bracing between support poles. Foundation details must be provided. The bidder has to include all foundation materials in the scope of supply for the project.

All hardware used for mounting panels to the structures and the structures to their supports must be marine grade stainless steel. There must be no direct contact between aluminium and other metallic components that can cause electrolytic corrosion of either material.

Due to the proximity of the site to the equator, panel orientation and tilt is not as critical as at high atitudes. The tilt angle towards west (see Picture 2) should however be between 5 and 7 degrees in order to ensure proper draining of rain water.

3.5. Battery Charge Controller

Battery charging will be managed by MPPT type charge controllers. The controller’s characteristics and the array configuration should be matched so as to provide the maximum daily energy delivery to the battery. Due to the harsh environmental conditions at the site and the need for high system reliability, it is required that the rated controller capacity exceed the maximum capacity required by the system design by at least 20%. Charging of the battery bank must also be possible from either the grid or the local generator. This can be achieved through the inverters. Switching of charge currents have to be achieved from the main switchboard located in the battery house.

Data logging and display shall be included in the controller to show the energy flow from the array to the battery and the battery charge and discharge level. Preference will be given to controllers and other electronic components that do not use cooling fans that directly blow ambient air over circuitry in the device. Preference will also be given to devices that have variable speed cooling fans that vary output according to the need for component cooling. The controller should have provision for providing a controlled overcharging of the battery to equalize battery cells and/or eliminate stratification if needed. This may be a manual or a programmed function.

Full technical specifications for the controller shall be provided in English with the tender for each controller model proposed. A statement of warranties in effect must be provided for each controller model proposed.

3.6. Battery Bank

The system will provide three phase power each phase will be provided from a separate battery bank. The battery banks must be able to effectively provide at least 200 kWh per day to the inverter units when fully charged. The basic requirements for the battery include 10 years or longer rated service life when the average Depth of Discharge (DOD) is 20% and a design time between required water replacement of 6 months or more. The battery shall be of tubular positive plate, open (flooded) cell construction and shall consist of 2V (nominal) connected in series. Paralleled cells will not be accepted. Minimum battery voltage required is 48 Volts. The battery will be IEC-896-1 compliant. Self discharge shall not exceed 3% per month.

Under normal operating conditions (average daily cycling to 20% depth of discharge) the maintenance requirement should be minimal with water replacement expected to be needed no more often than every six months. Catalytic recombination caps may be used to achieve this requirement. Caps should be of a type that prevents flame propagation into a cell.

At an average daily duty cycle of 20% depth of discharge at C10 rate, the battery should achieve a minimum of 5,000 cycles of operation. Maximum allowable DOD in service will be 80%. The battery will be delivered in a dry charged condition. Its shelf life at 30°C must be 2 years of more if stored in its original packing.

The cell case must be mechanically strong enough to allow cells to be transported individually by small boat and carried by hand over flat land. As a part of the documentation, the conditions required for transport of the cells must be provided and will include information as to any requirement for maintaining of a specific cell orientation during transport. Sufficient tropical rated (25°C to 40°C) electrolyte will be provided with at least 10% more volume delivered than is needed for fully filling the battery.

Cell inter-connection cables with the proper connection lugs are to be provided with the batteries. They shall be of the correct type and size for the inter-connection of the supplied cells in series. Bidders is allowed to propose different battery models. In this case the bidder shall provide an explanation why different battery models are being proposed.

The following information shall be provided with the bid for each different model battery proposed:

•  Coulombic and energy efficiency

•  Ah capacity at C10 to C100 discharge rate conditions.

•  Specific gravity vs. cell voltage curves

•  Curves or tables for cycle life vs average DOD

•  Physical characteristics including weight dry and wet, height, width, length, connection post dimensions, case material and cell cap type.

•  Complete English language manuals for handling, filling, initial charging, installation, operation and maintenance

•  Warranty terms and procedures for making warranty claims

Battery mounting will be in accordance with applicable internationally recognized practices and will include measures to contain electrolyte leaks and provide for adequate electrical safety. Battery mounting will be in accordance with European Australian standards for solar or telecommunications battery banks of comparable size are acceptable international standards. When responding to this tender, the bidder will state the specific standard that will be followed.

The bidder shall also provide floor space and floor loading requirements for the battery bank. The available power house on site which will accommodate the battery bank, switchboard and power electronics may not be sufficient. TEC will require this information to extend and upgrade the power house in line with the requirements.

3.7.   Inverter

Inverters will be assembled to provide three phase + neutral operation with continuous capacity of no less than 15 kW per phase providing end users with 230VAC at 50 Hertz, each phase to neutral pure sine wave. An overload capacity of at least 50% must be allowable for 5-10 seconds duration. The inverter system will be powered from battery banks (one for each phase). Bidders shall provide inverter efficiency values over the load range. As a minimum the inverter system should have an operating efficiency of at least 80% at 10% of specified maximum load and greater than 90% at 70% or more of specified maximum load. Total harmonic distortion should be less than 3% on a resistive load.

The inverters must have rapid response capacity to motor starting surge currents. The inverters shall have internal electrical protection: No damage to the unit shall result from input voltage below the minimum specification, excessive output current flow, overheating or output circuit voltage spikes induced from lightning.

The normal mode of operation of the inverter system will be independently of any other power source. Synchronization with grid power supply or the local generator should, however, be possible.

devices that have variable speed cooling fans that vary output according to the need for component cooling. The inverters will be located inside the power house.

Bidders is allowed to propose different inverter models. In this case the bidder shall provide an explanation why different inverter models are being proposed.

As a minimum the following information shall be provided with the bid for each different model battery proposed:

•  Full electrical specifications including self consumption at various power output levels ranging from 10 Watts to 150% of rated continuous power.

•  Physical specifications including dimensions, weight and mounting requirements.

•  Programming and data logging capability together with an indication whether or not programming and/or data logs are lost if power is disconnected.

•  De-rating curves for ambient temperature in the range of 20°C to 45 °C.

•  Warranty terms and procedures for making warranty claims

•  References of successful application of proposed inverter type in similar environments.

3.8. Cabling, Power House and Switchboard

A power house located no more than 70 meters (see picture 2) from the location of the solar array will be upgraded to accommodate the battery banks, the charge controllers, the inverters and a main switchboard. The bidder shall provide information on required floor space area, floor loading and other specifications needed for the power house. TEC will then upgrade the power house in line with the contractor’s specifications. As an alternative, bidders may offer to include the upgrading the power house in the bid. In this case this item needs to be priced separately.

Connection between the solar array and the power house will be by underground cable to be provided by the contractor. The cable shall be the proper type for underground use and shall be enclosed in conduit Maximum voltage drop between the solar array and the power house shall be no more than 4%. Bidders are required to optimize solar array size and cabling arrangements in order to achieve the average net energy supply mentioned earlier.

The inverter system and charge controllers shall be mounted in a separate, well ventilated compartment of the power house. All components of the inverter system and the battery bank will be easily accessible for maintenance and repair or replacement.

The power house will contain the main switchboard. Bidders shall include the switchboard in their bids. The switch board will have three inputs:

•  Power from the grid (nearby 11 kV substation)

•  Power from the local generator

•  Power from the battery bank/inverter system

The following switching options shall be provided from the power supply options currently available:

1. Power to all feeders off
2. Grid power to all three feeders
3. Grid power to feeders Japan and Local (Motufuoa feeder isolated)
4. Local generator power to all three feeders
5. Local generator power to Japan and Local (Motufuoa feeder isolated)

The switchboard shall not allow a simultaneous supply from grid power and local generator. It shall be possible to manually switch the inverter unit as follows:

A. Supply to circuit Motufuoa (in combination with switching options 1, 3 or 5)

B. Synchronization of inverter unit with grid supply (in combination with switching option 2.)

C. Synchronization of inverter unit with local generator (in combination with switching option 4.)

D. Battery charging through inverter in combination with switching options 2,3,4,and 5 above.

 

The switchboard control shall not allow the inverter unit to supply all three feeders in the absence of either grid or local generator supply as this may cause overloading of the inverter system. In synchronization mode the inverter unit must automatically disconnect when either grid or local generator supply is unavailable.

Bidders may offer automatic control of the system in line with the above parameters. However, the manual switching options described above must be available to the operator.

3.9.   Balance of System Components

The bidders shall include all required balance of system components in their bids, This includes all indicators, data loggers, displays, disconnects, wiring, fittings and cable connects, collection boxes, hardware, etc. needed to complete the three phase electrical power supply system. A complete list of components to be supplied shall be included with the bid.

3.10. Spare Parts and Tools

Bidders are required to include all tools that will be required for installation and maintenance of the equipment in their bids. A set of spare parts shall also be included in the bid. As a minimum the following items are required as spare sparts:

14. Solar panels amounting to 5% of installed solar capacity

15. Battery units amounting to 5% of installed battery capacity

•  2 inverter units

•  2 charge controller units

•  Assorted balance of system spare parts (to be specified by the bidder).

4.   Responsibility of the Contractor

4.1.   General Responsibilities

The successful bidder will enter a supply, install, commission and train contract with the Contracting Authority. The provisions in this tender and amendments negotiated between the Contracting Authority and the Contractor will become part of the contract.

The contractor must fulfil laws, regulatory and technical documentation, national by-laws and decrees, in effect in Tuvalu at the date of the submission of the bid. All work must be accomplished using methodology internationally accepted for solar photovoltaic technology installations of the type being installed under this tender. By submitting the present bidding dossier and signing the contract, the Contractor accepts responsibility for the design, supply and installation of the complete solar system.

If necessary, the Contractor can provide any suggestions or comments on the project design prior to his endorsement. If, by any chance, a new regulation is enacted during the contract period in relation with work being undertaken, the Contractor should inform the Contracting Authority in order to agree any possible changes.

4.2.   Materials and Equipment

All equipment, components, and various accessories used for the installation must be new and of high quality manufacture. During contract fulfilment, the Contractor is not allowed to change any material that has been included in the tender without the formal written authorization of the Contracting Authority.

Costs associated with supplying all equipment to the site in Vaitupu will be the responsibility of the successful bidder. Shipping costs shall include all handling, packing, marking, loading, freight, insurance, transit, unloading, local transport, unpacking and checking costs in connection with the supplies shipped to Funafuti, Tuvalu and on-shipment to Vaitupu. Prior to shipment of the equipment to the project site in Vaitupu, there will be an inspection of the material and equipment by a representative of the Contracting Authority. This inspection will take place in Funafuti . Alternative arrangements are possible (in particular in case the contractor decides to directly ship the equipment via barge from Fiji to the project site in Vaitupu.

4.3.   Personnel

The Contractor will provide the CVs of at least one field engineer who will carry out the supervision of the installations and who meets the following requirements:

•  Experienced work supervisor

•  Highly experienced in of-grid solar energy, solar practical work and installation,

•  Field work management,

•  Fluent in English and strong communication capacity with foreign cultures.

Personnel shall only be substituted with written authorization of the contracting authority.

4.4.   Protection, Safety and Work Hazards

The installations are associated with schools, the ground mounted arrays and battery/inverter enclosures must be designed to prevent damage by children playing around them. The features of the equipment must also ensure that there is no significant electrical or physical danger to children due to the design and placement of the power system.

In order to reduce risks and hazards related to the installation of a solar generator occurring, the bidder is required to present in his bid his proposals related to the following safety considerations:

•  Use of specific individual security equipment (headpiece, protective clothes, gloves, security shoe, etc);

•  Use of adapted material handling equipment (hoist, crane, transporters, etc);

•  Use of appropriate tools for outdoor applications.

•  Use of collective security equipment (insulated tools, voltage controller, caution tapes, etc);

The Contractor shall provide all protective equipment against workers’ fall, in accordance with the regulations in effect at the time for works. These equipments will be submitted and included in the total price (ladder, scaffold, protective personal equipments, signboards, tape, etc).

4.5.   Environmental Management

The Contractor is required to minimize the environmental impact of its work by adopting respectful waste management behaviour and fulfilling national norms and regulations in effect in Tuvalu .

Among others, the Contractor shall be required to:

•  Store wastes with respect for health and environment and supporting, when practical, their recycling;

•  Use recycled building materials where possible;

•  Optimize and reduce waste production;

•  Not produce hazardous waste;

•  Sort waste according to its type and origin;

•  Encourage the recycling or re-use of waste.

 

4.6.   Training

The contractor will provide a technical supervisors for the installations. The supervisor can also be the trainer provided under the contract, if he has suitable training experience. The Contractor will provide full training session(s) to the local operators and engineers nominated by Tuvalu Electricity Corporation (TEC). The trainees will participate in the installation of the system and will be in charge of operation & maintenance (O&M) of the systems.

Some of the technicians and engineers will be from the local electric utility company TEC, while others will be technicians and members of staff the Motufuoa School . The training will be split into 3 major components: System installation, system operation and maintenance and demand side management.

A training programme outline is attached as appendix A. Bidders are encouraged to provide their training and capacity building methodology with their bids.

Appendix A: Capacity Building Requirements RE Systems Tuvalu

A. Introduction

International and regional experience in the Pacific has shown that the performance of rural and remote area electrification is directly correlated with the understanding, skills and knowledge of system operators. This is true for both conventional (diesel) and renewable energy systems. However, adequate capacity of operational personnel becomes even more important when renewable energy systems are employed. This is due to their characteristics of high up-front investments and low operating cost. I.e. if operators are not capable to handle an expensive PV solar system in the appropriate way, the monetary damage is by far greater than inappropriate handling of a diesel system. In Tuvalu , hybrid style PV diesel systems will be implemented as a means to reduce operating costs of diesel systems currently employed. The systems are more complex than pure diesel or solar systems as an optimal outcome of the projects can only be achieved if the operators are capable of maintaining and operating the systems.

B. Objectives of Capacity Building

Capacity to operate and maintain hybrid renewable energy systems in an optimal way requires technical knowledge and technology specific skills. However, it is proposed here that the objective to create adequate capacity is more than transferring skills to the operators. The capacity program must also acknowledge the experiences and latent capacities the candidates already have and at the same time provide opportunities and incentives for the operators to practice and extend the skills acquired. In other words, capacity building is seen as a long term process where initial training is provided during the installation and commissioning of the projects. Thereafter TEC management has to ensure that the operators are provided with incentives to practice and extend knowledge and skills acquired during the initial training. Capacity building should be an ongoing process of human resource development that encompasses the entire utility, refines processes and procedures and offers opportunities for staff to constantly improve.

C. Scope of Initial Training

It is assumed that existing operators in islands that receive PV hybrid systems will be trained to operate and maintain the systems. It is further assumed that this training is part of the supply-install contracts for the equipment. Responsibility for the initial training will rest with the contractor. It is recommended that the operators/trainees are involved in the actual installation, testing and commissioning of the projects as much as practicable. The following steps are recommended for the initial training:

•  Review of Knowledge and Skills

Based on dossiers prepared by TEC, the contractor will review and record education, experience and skills of the candidates. This step will establish if there is a need to deepen basic understanding of electrical systems. In case potential trainees lack this basic understanding they should be referred back to the utility where basics are best acquired.

2.   Introduction into PV

This step will familiarize the candidates with the general characteristics of PV systems, their performance parameters and principles. The training will include:

•  Introduction to Photovoltaics (PV), Overview and Technology Context

•  Solar Resource (daily and seasonal variations)

•  Solar modules, panels and arrays, components

•  Performance, module design and specifications

•  Interconnections

•  Diodes and grounding

•  Shading, dirt and damage

•  Safety issues

•  Racks, purpose, materials, design, mountings

•  Controllers (purpose, functions, electrical characteristics, adjustments, meters)

•  Batteries (storage options, types, designs, characteristics, performance specifications)

•  Battery safety issues (acid handling, H2 production, need for ventilation, battery disposal issues)

•  Inverter Types Functions and applications

•  Inverter Capacity and Efficiency, secondary (additional) Inverter capabilities

•  Specifics of the inverter type used in installation, safety and protection

•  PV wiring differences: conventional vs. PV

•  Wiring types, sizes and sizing, ratings, losses, colors

•  Wiring schemes, terminations, connections, safety, fuses and grounding

•  Protections, safety disconnects, over current protection, lightning and surge protection.

3.   Hybrid Systems

This module will transfer knowledge specific to hybrid systems. It will focus on the system design to be implemented in Tuvalu and provide the trainees with an understanding of the operating principles. The training will include:

•  Load characteristics of rural systems, base load-peak load, minimum load

•  Operational characteristics of diesel generators, specific fuel consumption over load range, consequences of low load operations (higher fuel consumption, higher maintenance, lower life time)

•  Reasons for hybrid configurations, optimization of storage capacity, economics, stand-by capability, security

•  Examples of hybrid configurations (PV, Wind, Diesel)

•  Options for diesel systems operated on biofuel

•  Interfaces between PV arrays, battery and diesel, operating modes of hybrid system (Diesel alone, diesel charging battery and supplying load, battery alone)

4.   System Installation

•  Design considerations, site selection, site assessment and installation planning

•  Safety review and construction safety requirements

•  Quantity survey and quality checks of materials and components

•  Tools and equipment

•  Practical installation exercise (Racks, arrays, wiring, controller, batteries, inverters

•  System testing and performance checks

•  Commissioning requirements, final checks

5.   System Operation and Maintenance

•  Review of diesel maintenance requirements, need to keep all system components in good operating conditions

•  Review of expected load curves and contribution of solar to system energy requirements

•  Specific fuel consumption characteristics of diesel generators and means to operate in optimal SFC range (generator dispatch)

•  Operational planning, anticipation of system demand, daily, weekly and seasonal fluctuations

•  Weather observations, anticipation of solar contribution, seasonal aspects

•  Design operating modes, automation, time of operation, switching needs

•  System parameters, meters, displays, data loggers

•  Monitoring, recording and logging of operational data

•  Optimal operation of diesel unit

•  Operational limits for battery storage, effect of deep discharge

•  Safety issues, ‘islanding’ emergency disconnect

•  Environmental hazards, health and safety, fire hazards, fuel and acid spillage

•  Maintenance schedule, maintenance planning

•  Maintenance procedures for arrays, wiring, electronics

•  Maintenance requirements for batteries, electrolyte testing, safety issues

•  Fault finding, trouble shooting, operator discretion and communication with head office

•  Replacement of system components, spare part management

•  Reporting and event logging

6. Demand Side Management

Operators have to understand how demand influences system operation and have to work with consumers to create a sustainable electricity supply. Their role will be expanded from power systems operator to energy system managers. The following training points are essential:

•  Survey of appliances used in community and consumption characteristics of popular appliances (loads, frequency and duration of use)

•  Relationship between supply and demand, influencing consumer behavior, load curve shape and specific fuel consumption

•  Avoiding spiky demand curves: Consumer education and time of use arrangements

•  Energy conservation and energy efficient appliances (compact fluorescent bulbs, low energy fridges and freezers), impact of heating devices on load (electric frying pans, water kettles, sandwich makers)

•  Monetary savings through energy efficiency and prudent consumer practice

•  Alternatives to electricity use: LPG, kerosene and biomass as heat sources

•  Advantages of 24 hour power supply and need for consumer cooperation

•  Load levellers such as water pumps and battery charging

•  Consumer education and awareness campaigns

•  Productive use of electricity (education, crafts, small businesses)

•  Common interests of TEC and consumers: A sustainable power supply.