Market sounding: Special Protection Schemes (SpPS) in 50Hertz’ Control Center

Introduction

The energy transition and the decarbonisation of the power supply have resulted in the gradual integration of renewable energies and an adjustment of the system management at 50Hertz. In the course of this, an increase in the utilisation of the network is planned. This is accompanied by a partial departure from the preventive (n-1) principle, so that there is a greater need for automatics that can cure bottlenecks and inadmissible system states by means of curative measures when they occur.  In order to reduce the effort for development, installation and operation, a standard system for the implementation of Special Protection Schemes (SpPS) is required.

Introduction

50Hertz understands a Special Protection Scheme (SpPS) to be a special protection system used in power transmission grids to restore grid security in exceptional or fault situations. The SpPS module monitors the transmission grid for limit violations and detects events that threaten the normal state of the transmission grid. It implements measures to mitigate the impact of limit violations and events and return the transmission grid to a safe state. This can include measures such as shutting down equipment or changing the feed-in of generators. The SpPS module is designed to increase the reliability and security of the power grid through fast and coordinated responses. The SpPS module does not have the purpose of performing calculations, but uses calculations and results from other systems.

Thus, the tasks of the SpPS module are as follows:

1. Monitoring the transmission grid for limit violations and detecting events that threaten the normal state of the transmission system
2. Implement measures to mitigate the impact of a limit violation and events, and return the transmission grid to a safe state

Depending on the application, we distinguish between three time ranges in which the measures must be carried out:

• Time Range 1: 0ms < T <= 150ms
• Time Range 2: 150ms < T < 1min
• Time range 3: T >= 1min (not an arbitrary time budget, but depends on the use case. Sometimes 1 min, sometimes 5 min, etc.)

Reaction time is the length of time from the occurrence of the event to the complete implementation of the reaction, including the time of all devices and systems.

The reaction times in area 3 are derived from the overload capacity of equipment that is not to be operated (N-1) safely, but curatively. 

Integration into the control system 

It is planned to integrate the SpPS module into the "Modular Control Center System" (MCCS) and to operate it in the 50Hertz system management. It is to be integrated into the current control system via standard interfaces on a transitional basis. The focus must be on the monitorability by the operators of 50Hertz. On the one hand, it monitors for functionality, i.e. the SpPS module can technically monitor the grid and react to events (defective equipment, disrupted communication, etc.) and, on the other hand, whether the measures to be carried out sufficiently reduce the effects after the occurrence of the event to be monitored.

In the future, it should be possible for system management to develop, adapt and implement the SpPS logics centrally in the SpPS module without the help of third parties. Activation or deactivation should also be possible. SpPS logics are to be possible for all 50Hertz substations.

If you would like to learn more about MCCS, please visit our MCCS-Grid Control page.

Conclusion

In view of the complexity and importance of the project, 50Hertz is interested in identifying current market solutions for Special Protection Schemes. 50Hertz would like to use this market sounding to test the feasibility of the company's own requirements as well as the integrability of market solutions. Therefore, we would like to ask you to answer the questions in the document "MEV_SpPS_50Hertz_2026.xlsx" by March 15, 2026 for our market evaluation.

We would be happy about a broad participation and ask you to submit your answer files in English. Please send it as an Excel document toresiliente-systemfuehrung@50hertz.com.