Siprotec V is the virtualised version of the Siprotec 5 protection and control device
Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced Siprotec V, the virtualised version of the Siprotec 5 protection and control device. This solution has been developed for digital substations and enables simple, scalable, and secure power grids with up to six months faster project execution
As global electrification progresses and energy demand increases, existing grid infrastructure faces unprecedented pressure. Energy providers expect to double their grid capacity over the next decade while modernising ageing infrastructure. To achieve this, technological innovations, automation, and standardisation are critical. Siprotec V can help to address these demands by accelerating digital transformation while ensuring resilience and futureproofing.
Siprotec V’s software-defined approach enables protection and control applications to scale virtually within a substation, supporting centralisation of up to 60 virtual intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). This flexibility allows utilities to efficiently adapt protection architectures to evolving network demands, while optimising valuable space savings of 45%.
Due to virtualisation, Siprotec V can fully test substation setups digitally before commissioning. This helps to simplify the installation process, speed testing, and minimise errors. Siprotec V’s modular software architecture enables rapid adaptation to evolving system requirements, free from hardware limitations. This facilitates seamless deployment of software updates, patches, and functional enhancements.
Virtualisation reduces the need for multiple panels, expensive copper cables, and costly physical installations, such as cable trenches. This reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% per substation, supporting a more sustainable energy industry. Additionally, virtualisation provides up to 25% in cost savings by minimising the number of installed protection and control devices.
Siprotec V also enables the hosting of advanced AI applications in the substation environment, helping customers unlock real-time insights, predictive analytics, and better decision-making.
Onyeche Tifase, vice president of product lifecycle management at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, said, “Siprotec is a name utilities trust. With Siprotec V, we take that trusted expertise into the digital era, turning proven protection algorithms into a powerful virtualised platform. This combination of real-world reliability and digital flexibility is what makes Siemens the partner of choice for customers who need to evolve their grids without compromise.”
Siprotec V can also help to protect energy systems by incorporating leading cybersecurity standards and features. The major drivers for secure infrastructure are standards and guidelines, such as those established in the German Association of Energy and Water Industries White Paper and North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP).
