Cost and Space Savings in Digital Transformers with Siemens Virtual Protection Solutions

[Erkan Teskancan]

Siemens Smart Infrastructure introduced Siprotec V, its virtualized protection and control device developed for digital substations. This innovative software-based solution allows projects to be completed up to six months faster, while enabling flexible, scalable, and secure management of energy grids.

The existing grid infrastructure faces significant challenges due to increasing electrification and energy demand. Energy providers aim to double their grid capacity in the next decade. In this process, cutting-edge technology, automation, and standardization are essential. Siprotec V accelerates digital transformation while offering an effective solution for grid resilience and future readiness.

### Advantages of Siprotec V

Siprotec V eliminates the dependency between traditional protection and control software and embedded devices, supporting up to 60 virtual intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) on a single server in central stations. This allows protection architectures to be easily adapted to changing network requirements and provides approximately 45% space savings.

With full testing capability before installation in a virtual environment, the installation process is simplified, testing time is reduced, and the risk of errors is minimized, achieving high reliability. The modular software architecture enables rapid system updates and easy integration of new functions, independent of hardware constraints.

### Technical Specifications

• Support for up to 60 virtual IEDs on a single server
• Approximately 45% space savings
• Error-free and fast installation with virtual testing
• Modular, easily upgradable software architecture
• Up to 50% reduction in carbon emissions
• Up to 25% cost savings

### Sustainability and Smart Decision Support

Siprotec V significantly reduces the need for panels, copper cables, and complex physical infrastructure, leading to up to 50% carbon emission reduction in each substation. Additionally, it offers up to 25% savings due to the reduced number of installed devices.

Its software-based structure enables the use of advanced artificial intelligence applications in the substation, providing smart decision support systems such as real-time analytics and predictive maintenance.

Onyeche Tifase, Vice President of Product Lifecycle Management at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, stated, "With Siprotec V, we are bringing proven protection algorithms into the digital age. The combination of real-world reliability and digital flexibility makes us the right choice for our customers to continuously develop their grids."

### Security and Resilience

Siprotec V offers high cybersecurity protection in line with international standards such as the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC CIP). This contributes to the secure and uninterrupted operation of energy systems.

Siemens AG is a global leader providing technology-driven solutions in the industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare sectors. Siemens leads digital and sustainable transformations by integrating artificial intelligence into real-world applications.