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System Integrity Protection Schemes in the Nordics -- a comparative analysis

Gabriel Malmer, Arvid Rolander, Emil Hillberg, Olof Samuelsson, Susanne Ackeby, Lars Nordström

TL;DR

The paper investigates how System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS) are used in the Nordic power system to increase transmission capacity and reliability. Through a literature review, a joint Nordic survey, and in-depth interviews with TSOs, DSOs, and industry, it compares SIPS across purpose, implementation/maintenance, and philosophy/risk assessment. Key findings include that Statnett has hundreds of SIPS, Svk and Fingrid show varying adoption levels, and Landsnet employs WAMPAC; there is substantial heterogeneity in inputs/outputs and cautious attitudes toward wide-area PMU-based schemes. The study argues for stronger coordination, integration of SIPS into the Nordic RCC grid model, and leveraging global experience to extend SIPS safely and consistently across the Nordics.

Abstract

To increase the utilisation rate of the power system and accelerate electrification while providing a high degree of security and reliability, System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS) are of great importance. SIPS functions are automatic remedial actions, detecting abnormal conditions or contingencies in the system and taking control action to mitigate these conditions. Design, implementation, maintenance and coordination of SIPS are all important aspects for desired operation. However, different actors have chosen different approaches to using SIPS for capacity enhancement, and there are discrepancies in how capacity is valued in relation to for example complexity, reliability and risk. Additionally, definitions often vary between countries. This paper reports on a joint survey and interview study on SIPS with stakeholders and experts in the Nordic countries - including TSOs, DSOs and industry. Combined with a literature review, a comparison and analysis of how SIPS are used in the Nordics is performed, particularly in relation to ENTSO-E capacity allocation.

System Integrity Protection Schemes in the Nordics -- a comparative analysis

TL;DR

The paper investigates how System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS) are used in the Nordic power system to increase transmission capacity and reliability. Through a literature review, a joint Nordic survey, and in-depth interviews with TSOs, DSOs, and industry, it compares SIPS across purpose, implementation/maintenance, and philosophy/risk assessment. Key findings include that Statnett has hundreds of SIPS, Svk and Fingrid show varying adoption levels, and Landsnet employs WAMPAC; there is substantial heterogeneity in inputs/outputs and cautious attitudes toward wide-area PMU-based schemes. The study argues for stronger coordination, integration of SIPS into the Nordic RCC grid model, and leveraging global experience to extend SIPS safely and consistently across the Nordics.

Abstract

To increase the utilisation rate of the power system and accelerate electrification while providing a high degree of security and reliability, System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS) are of great importance. SIPS functions are automatic remedial actions, detecting abnormal conditions or contingencies in the system and taking control action to mitigate these conditions. Design, implementation, maintenance and coordination of SIPS are all important aspects for desired operation. However, different actors have chosen different approaches to using SIPS for capacity enhancement, and there are discrepancies in how capacity is valued in relation to for example complexity, reliability and risk. Additionally, definitions often vary between countries. This paper reports on a joint survey and interview study on SIPS with stakeholders and experts in the Nordic countries - including TSOs, DSOs and industry. Combined with a literature review, a comparison and analysis of how SIPS are used in the Nordics is performed, particularly in relation to ENTSO-E capacity allocation.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 13 sections, 3 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Aim of study
  3. Terminology and definitions
  4. Overview of the Nordic power system
  5. SIPS in relation to capacity allocation
  6. Method
  7. Results and analysis
  8. Stocktaking of SIPS in the Nordics
  9. Comparison of SIPS in the Nordics
  10. Purpose (capacity vs. reliability)
  11. Implementation and maintenance
  12. Philosophy and risk assessment
  13. Conclusions

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Map of bidding zones in the Nordics and Baltics, and the phenomena that typically limit transfer capacities on Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish BZBs. Arrows with dashed outlines are HVDC links.
  • Figure 2: Yearly energy transfer across Nordic BZBs (top 10). ENTSOETransparency.
  • Figure 3: Histogram with estimated number of SIPS in own system.