Within the framework of the National Electric System Defense Plan, corrective-action defense systems are envisaged to carry out disconnection actions or generation modulation in response to predefined events, in order to ensure grid security and stability.

For this reason, power generation plants—thermal, hydroelectric, wind, and photovoltaic—connected to defense systems are required to install a Peripheral Defense and Monitoring Unit (UPDM).
The UPDM performs the following functions:

  • acquiring electrical measurements and auxiliary information;
  • receiving disconnection or generation modulation commands;
  • interacting with other peripheral tripping devices or with TERNA’s Central Defense System (TSO).

To ensure adequate response times, data exchange takes place via a dedicated telecommunications network distributed throughout the national territory, based on the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol.

An accredited and reliable certification service

The UPDM system must be verified and certified by an Accredited Institute (AI), a Type “A” Inspection Body, in accordance with UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17020.

KEMA Labs, a Business Unit of the CESI Group, through CESI S.p.A., is an accredited certification body for this type of activity.
KEMA Labs offers a comprehensive UPDM verification and certification service, ensuring:

  • high technical expertise;
  • independence and impartiality;
  • fast response times;
  • full alignment with TERNA requirements.

Our highly qualified personnel work in close cooperation with the TSO, ensuring the correct integration of UPDM systems into the National Transmission Grid.

Stages of the UPDM verification process

Preparation
Collection and preliminary analysis of the technical documentation related to the UPDM and the generation plant.

Document review
In-depth analysis of the documents provided by the client to verify their completeness and compliance with regulatory and TERNA requirements.

On-site inspection
Technical visit to the plant to:

  • verify the installation of equipment;
  • perform functional tests and measurements;
  • check system command and response logic.

Communication testing
Verification of data exchange with TERNA’s Central Defense System via the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol, including dedicated simulations where required.

Final report
Issuance of the verification report in electronic format, shared with the client and with TERNA.