Definition and explanation of the IEC 61850 standard

Although electricity substations are the main nodes of the transmission and distribution grids, they have not played an important role in the Smart Grid paradigm. This prominence has been reflected more in other fields such as smart metering, the integration of renewable energies or the control of microgrids. As critical assets of the system and considering how fundamental their control and protection operations are, it is logical that any transformation in the design of substations should be undertaken safely. Fortunately, the technological basis for digitisation is mature and a bespoke and powerful tool for its evolution is available: the IEC61850 Standard. 

This standard is specifically designed to standardise substation automation systems and aims to put an end to the high technological dispersion they present: for example, in the same subsystem (telecontrol information network), multiple protocols and different media coexist.  

This scenario makes maintainability and design difficult and gives rise to proprietary solutions. IEC 61850 addresses these problems, but it is a mistake to consider it as a mere communications protocol. It does introduce LAN communication networks and includes three main protocols with different functional purposes, but it is also a complete standard for substation design and management; it defines an object-oriented data model and a standardised configuration language. Therefore, its introduction implies a complete paradigm shift and new engineering processes. The literature shows that the transformation from wired solutions to LANs multiplies the capacity of installations and requires a whole new set of skills and tools.

CIRCE's experience with IEC 61850 standards

CIRCE, taking advantage of its experience and leading position in substation engineering, has been accompanying operators in the adoption of IEC61850 for almost a decade. We can cover the entire new lifecycle, such as the transfer of functional requirements to network information exchange, laboratory testing of communication interfaces or engineering adaptation. This track record is consolidated in several success stories including the leadership of the first IEC61850 pilot installation in an operational substation of a national DSO, with the design of hybrid MT cabins. It has also trained more than 150 students through the specific course (online and on-site) and coordinated the launch of the IdEAS project, which covers the transformation of Endesa's control system and interoperability between multinational suppliers. Closing the circle with its IT capabilities, a complete software suite is available to work with the GOOSE protocol. Combining all these capabilities, CIRCE offers any support in the design, configuration or testing of IEC61850 networks.

Do you wish to receive training on the regulations?

CIRCE offers the possibility of specialisation in the IEC 61850 standard, with more than 300 students from all over the world, who have already been able to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily work. Moreover, it is a course taught by professionals for professionals, with more than 15 years in this sector, and with multiple experiences that they have been able to capture in the development and delivery of the course.