Is IEC 61850 an old Standard?

What do you think? It depends ... IEC 61850 is a standard series of many parts ... published in different years ...

The other day I was reading that somebody on LinkedIn beliefs that IEC 61850 is old ... Oops. Here is what I answered:

I was involved in the development of MMS (ISO 9506, starting mid 1980s), later in ICCP (TASE.2, IEC 60870-6, using MMS), then IEC 61850 (starting 1995, using as well the "old" MMS). 

The AC interconnected power systems have been developed more than 130 years ago ... and improved since then ... AND: Yet we do not complain that they are OLD. They have done a great job. Old wine may be better than young wine ... or?

The standard series IEC 61850 has many aspects to consider: 

• System Configuration Language (SCL, IEC 61850-6) is brand new! 
• GOOSE and sampled values are brand new! 
• The many standard "signals" like MMXU.Hz for frequency measurement are old in the sense that frequency is a physical given.
• There is something we may call "old": the use of the "old" MMS as the protocol for client/server communication according to IEC 61850-8-1 (-8-2). ok.
• There is an alternative new web-based solution under way: IEC 61850-8-3 (a new protocol for client/server in IEC 61850 ... WebSocket transport, ASN.1 message schema, ASN.1 JSON encoding rules, and ASN.1 DER encoding rules).

If you want to learn why the Netherlands DSOs initiated the IEC 61850-8-3, check HERE.

A great reply says: "The transport choice is what stands out: MMS was never reachable from a browser, WebSocket with JSON encoding is, which changes what client tooling can be without an install."

There are other brand new parts of IEC 61850 just published, e.g., IEC 61850-7-410 for hydro, gas, and steam power plants.

Are WebSockets the future for real-time communication?

WebSockets provide a way for web browsers and cloud apps to talk directly to devices for automation and monitoring. A WebSockets create a two-way open communication channel. It wraps messages (according to various message schema, e.g. in ASN.1 notation) in web-friendly formats like JSON. This bypasses strict firewall rules without needing complex, heavy software.

WebSockets are used in many solutions like OPC UA, OpenADR, ... and soon in IEC 61850-8-3 (alternative for MMS). 

How do WebSockets perform in a PLC environment where usually special industrial communication protocols are used? An interesting paper discusses this question:

"Latency Analysis of WebSocket and Industrial Protocols ..."

WebSockets are likely to becoming the future standardized web-based "carrier". 

The Netherlands Distribution Service Operator have shown with a PoC (proof of concept, now used for the definition of IEC 61850-8-3) that standardized (!) WebSockets can exchange IEC 61850 standard(!) messages containing data values produced and consumed by the huge amount of standardized (!) IEC 61850 models, configured by a standardized configuration (!) language (SCL, IEC 61850-6), and encoded in a standard (!) JSON format.

Background information can be found in my video

Feedback on LinkedIn: "This presentation made everything much clearer! But seriously, using WebSockets as a transport for industrial protocols is a really good idea."

Free ASN.1 Browser for IEC 61850-8-3 ASN.1 Module from RTI2 PoC

If you want to browse easily the ASN.1 message schema for the new project IEC 61850-8-3 (DSM) underway, check out this free browser: 

https://www.nettedautomation.com/editor

A preliminary asn.1 module for IEC 61850-8-3 (from PoC of RTI2) is available for download:

This is how it looks like:

and ...

The schema is very simple compared to MMS for IEC 61850-8-1.

Let us know if you have any question.

Extended Video on IEC 61850-8-3 Available - Example Messages

 An extended version of the video on  

IEC 61850-8-3
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Specific Communication Service Mapping (SCSM) –
Mapping to Direct Message Specification (DMS), JSON Encoding Rules, and WebSockets 

is available. I have added some five minutes ... total time is 23 minutes.

I have added mainly two examples of services for IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) and IEC 61850-8-3 (DMS):

The figure above shows how a client can get the list of logical nodes from the server with MMS ... and with DMS:

Details can be watched in the video ... enjoy.

IEC 61850 Series for Any Automation Domain using Electric Power (two Examples)

The standard series IEC 61850 is applicable for simple applications and huge systems. The standard is not restricted to a specific domain. Like electric power is everywhere. So could IEC 61850 be everywhere.

I have discussed this briefly in the context of a LinkedIn post.

Now it's time to discuss briefly two simple applications ... just looking at the two models ... without further explanations.

The German FNN Steuerbox

The Steuerbox is mainly providing schedules for the interface between the grid and the power user:

This model is defined for a special use-case: Steuern (remote control). No need for an engineering tool ... it is just a fixed model ...

The Netherlands RTI (Real-Time Interface) for power generation (> 1 MW)

... this is a fixed model with some details:

The RTI models and services are currently using IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) communication (RTI 1). The RTI 2 will finally use the IEC 61850-8-3 (DMS) once it is specified. A Task Force has started to specify the new standard in May 2026.

The fixed models allow for a high level of interoperability. The central systems (representing the IEC 61850 clients) can communicate with and IED following these specifications. In the case of the FNN Steuerbox it has been proven that the client application could talk to all steuerboxes in the field without paying attention to which vendors device it is talking to.

REAL INTEROPPERABILITY !!

Why is there an Need for an Additional Service Mapping in IEC 61850 (IEC 61850-8-3)?

The two service mappings for IEC 61850 are IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS) and IEC 61850-8-2 (MMS/XML). The mapping IEC 61850-8-1 is in operation from the first days when IEC 61850 was implemented and used ... all over ... in millions of devices and thousands of systems. Ok ... perfect.

Why is there an need for an additional service mapping in IEC 61850 (IEC 61850-8-3)? 

Simply because of the complex and tricky mapping to MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification, ISO 9506). 

IEC 61850-8-3
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Specific Communication Service Mapping (SCSM) –
Mapping to Direct Message Specification (DMS), JSON Encoding Rules, and WebSockets 

In order to explain details of the new approach to be used for the new work item proposal IEC 61850-8-3 I have produced a 17 minute video (updated version 2026-06-04, 23 minutes).

It is likely that this will become a major shift in the use of IEC 61850.

Enjoy!

What is the Scope of the IEC 61850 Series?

The seven IEC 61850 CDVs published the other day (7-4, 7-4n and 7-4nn) use all the same Scope which starts:

Excerpt from:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 7-4: Basic communication structure – Compatible logical node classes and data object classes – Core

-------------

1.1 General

This part of IEC 61850 specifies the information model of devices and functions generally related to common use regarding applications in systems for power utility automation. In particular, it specifies the compatible logical node names and data object names for communication between intelligent electronic devices (IED). This includes the relationship between logical nodes and data objects.

...

This standard and its direct counterparts (7-4, 7-4n and 7-4nn) are applicable to describe device

models and functions for:

• substation and feeder equipment,
• substation-to-substation information exchange,
• substation-to-control centre information exchange,
• power plant-to-control centre information exchange,
• information exchange for distributed generation,
• information exchange for distributed energy resources,
• information exchange for metering,
• information exchanged for hydro power plants, or
• information exchange for wind generation plants.

--------------

The main title of all parts of the series IEC 61850 is: 

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation 

This title is some how an indication of the scope.

IEC 61850 can be used everywhere as follows:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation

The narrow scope to power utilities is sometimes used by people that do not like the IEC 61850 series ... or do not want to let people outside the power utilities to apply it ... 

But the crucial content of the many different parts is applicable in most automation domains ... where ever electric power is found - buildings, factories, ... 

A lot of Logical Nodes, e.g., STMP (Supervision of Temperatures) are useful for transformers, bearings, tanks, ... 

Lessons learned:

1. The various parts of IEC 61850 are applicable far beyond of the written scope - if you like it or not.
2. Often the discussion related to the scope is aimed to tell you, that IEC 61850 is not applicable outside power utilities (or substations) - trust me: it is applicable far beyond.

By the way, the discussion of scopes could be ridiculous: IEC 60870-5-104  defines:

"This part of IEC 60870 applies to telecontrol equipment and systems with coded bit serial data transmission for monitoring and controlling geographically widespread processes. It defines a telecontrol companion standard that enables interoperability among compatible telecontrol equipment"

IEC 60870-5-104 does not have substation automation (usually not a widespread area) in its scope - BUT, you know 104 is used as the communication inside many substations! Ok ... why not. But then also IEC 61850 can be used for telecontrol ... see IEC 61850-80-1, ...
In the wind power industry it was discussed some 20 years ago: IEC 61850 is not applicable for wind turbines, because wind turbines are not substations ... hahaha

Enjoy IEC 61850!

IEC 61850 in Cyber Secure Environments - New Comprehensive Seminar

Due to my family situation (nursing my beloved wife from 2017 to 2022) I had to slow down my training activities. This year I was asked by several senior experts if it would be possible to resume the training.

As a result of discussions with friends of mine, we updated our previous course program and offer a brand new 5-day comprehensive public seminar for Automation, Protection, Monitoring, Engineering, Configuration (SCL), SCADA, Smart Grids, RTU, Gateways, … cyber physical security in electrical systems of any industrial plant … it is available for you and your people.

The reason for the update: We want to do more than teaching the theory of IEC 6850 and demonstrate single IEDs … we want to let our practice talk for your practice. The new training will start in March 2026. Taking the experience with many crucial applications of IEC 61850 into account we offer a new program for a 5-day course conducted by four (4) real experts.

09.-13. March 2026, Karlsruhe (Germany)
21.-25. September 2026, Karlsruhe (Germany)

Click HERE for more details on dates, location, and registration information.

IEC 61850-7-410 ED3 CDC - Hydroelectric Power Plants Available for Public Commenting

Please note that last Friday IEC TC 57 has published the following Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) (57/2750/CDV) for comments by National Committees AND for public commenting by anybody before April 04, 2025:

IEC 61850-7-410 ED3: Communication networks and systems for power utility automation - Part 7-410: Basic communication structure - Hydroelectric power plants - Communication for monitoring and control 

To comment on the CDV please click HERE. If you have not yet an account you can register ... if you have an account, go on. (IEC reports: Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge).

IEC Public Commenting is a chance to let your voice be heard before the final vote.

This draft is a major step forward to get an international standard for hydroelectric power plants, steam and gas turbines.

IEC CDV files available for Public Commenting - circulation date 2023-08-11

 Dear Friends of IEC standards, I just remember you that IEC lets you comment on published CDVs (Committe Draft for Vote) ... 

Click HERE for general rules, :

IEC Public Commenting

Help shape international standards if you have the requisite technical expertise. Public commenting on draft IEC Standards is open for a two month period

Currently the following IEC 61850 document is open for comments ... you have to login with your IEC account or register for an account:

57/2602/CDV 

IEC 61850-6/AMD2 ED2: Amendment 2 -
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation -
Part 6: Configuration description language for communication in electrical substations related to IEDs 

CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING: 2023-11-03

Please take your time to review the document ... You may agree with me that part 6 (SCL) is a crucial part of the series IEC 61850!

IEC Just Published IEC TR 61850-7-5 ED1 - Modelling Concepts

IEC TC 57 just Published Draft IEC TR 61850-7-5 ED1 - IEC 61850 Modelling Concepts

(57/2253/DTR - 33 pages) - voting closes 2020-09-11

Excerpt from the introduction:

"The standard IEC 61850 provides a very broad range of data models covering as much as possible all application functions in the range of power utility automation. The modelling both in the domains and between the domains show differences which may impact the interoperability. Therefore, some informative guideline is helpful to reach a common approach in application function modelling. A lot of basic functionality is based on the concept of IEC 61850 and, therefore, the same for all application domains. As result, a basic cross-domain part as Technical Report is useful. Domain specific issues are addressed in the Technical Reports 7-5xx (e.g. IEC TR 61850-7-500 for substation automation)."

Séminaire PowerOn Dakar Sénégal 18 et 19 Juin 2018

Cet évènement vous permettra de partager des connaissances et de rencontrer des experts et spécialistes de différents horizons afin d’échanger sur les solutions aux problèmes que vous rencontrez, les outils de mesures-test-diagnostic des équipements électriques, et d’obtenir de l’aide ou des conseils, ou simplement découvrir les nouvelles techniques innovantes disponibles pour tester les transformateurs et autres équipements des postes HT.

• Protection des réseaux :
• CEI 61850 et Réseaux électriques intelligents : impact sur les spécifications, essais et maintenance des postes électriques. Présenté par Andrea Bonetti.
• Protection Différentielle des transformateurs : influence physique des relais sur les transformateurs. Présenté par Andrea Bonetti.
• Plan de protection : mesure de l’impédance de ligne. Présenté par Andrea Bonetti.
• Charge filerie : mesure d’impédance avec le SVERKER. Présenté par Andrea Bonetti.
• Vérification des TC/TP. Présenté par Mamadou Keita.
• Efficacité de la Maintenance :
• Informatisation du Suivi de Parc et de la Gestion des données de test
• Réseaux Souterrains :
• Localisation de défauts de cables. Présenté par Adeola Adebomi.
• Diagnostic des câbles souterrains. Présenté par Adeola Adebomi.
• Transformateurs de puissance :
• Test et Diagnostic. Présenté par Mamadou Keita.
• Et bien d’autres thèmes qui seront abordés basées sur le retour d’expériences terrain

 Nous serions honorés de votre présence et nous vous remercions de cliquer ci-dessous pour vous enregistrer.
Pour toute autre question, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter.

http://fr.megger.com/seminaire-poweron-dakar-senegal

Pour toute demande d’informations, envoyez un e-mail à infos@megger.com

Hôtel King Fahd Palace
Route des Almadies
Dakar 8181
Senegal      

IEC 61850-90-11 - Modelling of Logics for IEC 61850 Based Applications

IEC TC 57 just published a 50+ page proposal for a very interesting topic:

57/2001/DC

Proposed IEC TR 61850-90-11, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 90-11: Methodologies for modelling of logics for IEC 61850 based applications

Comments to this draft are expected by 2018-07-27 at the latest.

This is likely the first time where application modelling (using a single configuration language!) integrates basic logic functions like AND, OR, Timer, ... including a Mapping of IEC 61850 data types and IEC 61131-3 / PLC Open XML data types.

The document introduces a couple of use cases describing mainly the control and monitoring of switchgears and electrical measurements.

Use case 1 – Busbar disconnector coupled in a double busbar arrangement
Use case 2 – Delayed breaker trip and blocking after 1st low gas pressure alarm
Use case 3 – Bay connected to busbar A
Use case 4 – Definite trip
Use case 5 – "Direct transfer open operation"
Use case 6 – Line outage detection in a breaker and a half scheme
Use case 7 – Unit trip logic
Use case 8 – Data quality management
Use case 9 – Switchgear control on the example of a busbar change-over

The modelling of logics could be of interest for many other applications.

LIMA/PERU: PROTECCIÓN, CONTROL Y AUTOMATIZACIÓN CON LA NORMA IEC-61850

NAKAMA SOLUCIONES S.A.C., FMTP, and NettedAutomation conduct a 5 days course on

PROTECCIÓN, CONTROL Y AUTOMATIZACIÓN CON LA NORMA IEC-61850

in Lima (Peru), NM Lima Hotel, Av. Pardo y Aliaga N° 330, San Isidro 15073

Del 13 al 17 de Noviembre del 2017
Horario: De 09:00 a 17:00 horas

Click HERE for general information.
Click HERE for the full program.

ICS-Security Für Kleine Unternehmen Machbar Machen

Industrielle Automatisierungssysteme (Industrial Automation and Control Systeme, IACS) durchdringen viele Bereiche der kritischen Infrastrukturen wie Versorgungssysteme für Strom, Gas, Wasser, Abwasser, ...).

Mittlerweile wächst so langsam das Bewußtsein, dass viele dieser Systeme aus vielerlei Gründen nur unzureichend (im Sinne von Informationssicherheit) geschützt sind. Gründe können sein, dass Verantwortliche noch nicht die Notwendigkeit für mehr Schutzanforderungen sehen oder dass die installierten Systeme "altersschwach" sind und nur durch Austausch geschützt werden können, und und ...

Wasserversorgungsunternehmen zusammen mit dem BSI und der RWTH Aachen haben eine Masterarbeit begleitet, die besonders kleinen Versogungsunternehmen den Blick für mehr Sicherheit in der Informations- und Automatisierungstechnik öffnen könnte:

Sarah Fluchs hat die folgende Masterarbeit geschrieben:

Erstellung eines IT-Grundschutz-Profils für ein Referenzunternehmen (kleines/mittelständisches Unternehmen, KMU) mit automatisierter Prozesssteuerung (Industrial Control System, ICS)

Oder:

ICS-Security für kleine Unternehmen machbar machen

Die Arbeit und ein Anhang sind öffentlich zugänglich:

HIER für den Hauptteil der Arbeit klicken.
HIER für den Anhang "IT-Grundschutz-Pilotprofil bzw. IT-Grundschutz-Profil für die Wasserwirtschaft

Diese Masterarbeit ist absolut lesens- und beachtenswert!

Die Einleitung beginnt mit einer Aussage von Ralph Langer:

„For many complex IACS networks, there is no longer any single person who fully understands the system, […] and neither is there accurate documentation.“

Dieser Aussage stelle ich eine viel ältere von Rene Descartes (1596-1650) voran:

"Hence we must believe that all the sciences [all the aspects of a distributed Automation System; vom Verfasser des Blogposts eingefügt] are so interconnected, that it is much easier to study them all together than to isolate one from all others. If, therefore, anyone wishes to search out the truth of things in serious ernest, he ought not to select one special science (aspect), for all the sciences (aspects) are cojoined with each other and interdependent."

Die Herausforderungen der heutigen und zukünftigen Generationen bestehen darin, ganzheitlich zu denken und zu handeln sowie die vielen überlieferten und damit auch vielfältigen Erfahrungen von unseren Vorfahren, besonders aber von solchen Menschen zu berücksichtigen, die unmittelbar in der Praxis tätig waren und gegenwärtig sind! [Aussage wurde von einem guten Freund ergänzt].

Teamwork makes the dream work.

In diesem Sinne geht mein Dank an Frau Fluchs, die mit ihrer Masterarbeit einen Grundstein gelegt hat. Symptomatisch ist, dass oft grundlegende Arbeiten "nur" von Studenten durchgeführt werden. Schade! Die angesprochenen Themen betreffen uns ALLE!

Eine Aussage in ihrem Fazit und Ausblick würde ich gerne korrigieren:

"Die übergeordnete Thematik der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die ICS-Security. Das Thema besetzt im Vergleich zu der „gewöhnlichen“ IT-Security bislang eine Nische. Vor allen produzierende Unternehmen und Betreiber kritischer Infrastrukturen müssen sich damit befassen – Otto Nor-malverbraucher bekäme zwar die Auswirkungen eines Security Incidents potenziell zu spüren, hat aber keinen direkten Einfluss auf die ICS-Netze und deren Sicherheit."

Wir als Otto-Normalverbraucher haben einen sehr großen direkten Einfluss auf die Sicherheit unserer Infrastrukturen: Indem wir bereit sind, mehr für unsere Grund-Versorgung zu bezahlen!!

IEC 61850-90-10 Draft Technical Report on Schedules just published

IEC TC 57 just published the Draft Technical Report:
IEC/TR 61850-90-10 Ed.1.0 (57/1762/DTR)
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation -
Part 90-10: IEC 61850 objects for scheduling

Closing date for voting is 2016-09-30

Schedules establish which behavior (e.g., tariff 1 or 2, mode 1 or 3) or expectation (e.g., forecast) is applied during specified time periods. A schedule consists of a series of entries with a setting for the value of a setpoint, the selection of a particular mode or the value of a parameter for a mode.
There are different ways to operate a scheduled entity based on the following operation principles:

• The actual values of a scheduled entity (e.g. active and reactive power produced or consumed) are directly controlled using setpoints and controls. For example, the DER system reacts on changes of the setpoints or on controls (e.g. start or stop the DER system) in real time.
• The functional behavior of a scheduled entity is configured to operate in a mode in which it responds to locally sensed conditions (e.g. Volt-VAr Mode in case of DER) or externally provided information (e.g. prices). 

The schedules offer a very powerful functionality that can be used in many different applications.

Currently we have two major applications in Germany  that make use of the schedules: 

1. VHPready
2. FNN Steuerbox

NettedAutomation has implemented the most crucial concepts on an embedded controller used in the HMS gateways.

More to come soon.

Should Power Grids Put Their Critical Digital Systems Off?

Power delivery systems worldwide are under heavy stress: physical stress and stress caused by shareholders and hackers and ... The stress is heavy often due to very limited resources that hinder engineers to improve the system very much.

Some people believe that the solution may be lying in going back to the Old Days! They want to spend USD 10.000.000+ for studying to go ,Back to analog and non-digital control systems, purpose-built control systems, and physical controls. Who has said this? ... some 20 years ago? No: this month!

The motto of some US congress man seems to be: Get rid of state-of-the-art technology.

A corresponding bill was assigned to a congressional committee on June 6, 2016:
Click HERE for more details.
Click HERE to download the text of the bill [pdf].

Click HERE for a discussion published under nextgov.com.

Does this mean the end of digital protection and automation systems? The end of communication according to IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, DNP3, Modbus, ...?

What is needed? More well educated engineers that can use the digital technology in a way that the power delivery system can be managed securely and that become able to understand how the technology can be applied in order to re-start the power delivery system after a blackout.

I would like to see 10 per cent of the budget (USD 1.000.000) spent into education for protection, automation, SCADA and communications engineers. Have you ever tried to get approval for attending a training course for advanced protection, automation, SCADA, and communications like IEC 61850, or ...??

My experience after I run more than 230 courses worldwide and educated more than 4.100 engineers is this: many engineers that have asked me for a quote to conduct an in-house course or attending a public course had to give up due to budget restrictions!!

The other USD 10.000.000 could be spent for improving the digital based equipment as Cris Thomas, a security expert (see link to nextgov.com above), said: "Instead of spending two years and $10 million exploring ways to downgrade critical systems with even more outdated tech, we should instead invest that time and money into transforming security for the technology currently in place, and into building next-generation security features directly into future technology."

If utilities want to change the way the run their assets the management and stake holders should listen to the engineers!! And follow their recommendations! This is even more crucial in case of implementing more physical control done by human beings!

Badly educated engineers could do more harm than well operating machines.

Whatever we want to do to "ruggedize" our power delivery system, we need more well educated and experienced engineers. Retiring senior engineers with 52 years (to reduce costs) is not a real option! Or? We need you all! And we need young people to study electric power systems and information technology.

Click HERE for some additional discussion by myself (German version).

New Work Item Proposal – Mapping between DLMS/COSEM (IEC 62056) data models and IEC 61850 data models

It was just a matter of time before an official work item was suggested to look into some kind of “co-operation” of information models developed for metering data (DLMS/COSEM, IEC 62056) and power system automation (IEC 61850).

Here is the proposal: IEC TC 57/1276/NP with the title:

“Mapping between the DLMS/COSEM (IEC 62056) data models and the IEC 61850 data models”

The ballot closes 2012-11-23.

Data derived from current and voltage and other sensors play an important role in the electric delivery system: on all voltage levels and all over!

With more needs for monitoring and controlling the system, substation automation functionality will be needed at any voltage level. It would be an advantage if automation functions could tap information provided by revenue meters.

A crucial objective is to find out and document which data objects can be used from the revenue meter and how these data objects map into the IEC 61850 information model.

This activity shows that IEC 61850 (originally positioned at medium and high voltage substations) is a kind of a core technology for more and more applications throughout the electric power delivery system. It has the potential to uniquely bridge the gap between islands of information found in systems providing electric power (utilities, factories, power plants, …).

Models like the IEC 61850 MMXU are universally applicable to any voltage level of an A.C. electrical system.

Two MW Wind-to-Gas converter build for E.ON in Germany

Storage of energy is one of the basic building blocks for the future power delivery system. The option of converting electric power into gas is one of the most discussed and promising storage options these days. In February I have discussed this briefly:

Wind and Solar Gas – A Challenging Storage Option

A 2 MW utility scale converter project at E.ON in North Eastern Germany has been announced by Hydrogenics the other day. Up to 30 MWh of energy can be converted from wind power into gas in 24 hours – the gas will be injected into the regional natural gas pipeline, making the natural gas pipeline network a storage system for surplus electrical power generated from renewable resources. Great idea.

Read the complete news report “Hydrogenics wins order from E.ON for 'Power-to-Gas' energy storage project in Germany”

Standards like IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 (Wind Turbines) are ready to support the monitoring and control of wind turbines, and many other applications.

IEC President Wucherer talks about the Electric Future

The new IEC President, Dr Klaus Wucherer talked to the IEC Council recently.

According to the IEC e-tech website (2012-01-28): “Wucherer underlined that as an engineer and industrialist he has been in contact with the IEC in one way or another throughout most of his working life. He contributed to IEC work through his company and the National Committee and was an industry customer for IEC products and services. … Wherever there is electricity, the IEC needs to be involved.” I my opinion: IEC is already deeply involved – many experts have to learn this.

Dr Wucherer was my boss at Siemens Automation and Drives when I started my consultancy business 20 years ago – he was in Nuremberg and I was in Karlsruhe. The reason I became a consultant was this: Dr Wucherer asked me three times to move from Karlsruhe to Nuremberg – I decided to stay in Karlsruhe and work in the standardization as a consultant. Dr Wucherer, colleagues of mine and I were deeply involved in the national, European and international standardization of Fieldbusses and MAP. Dr Wucherer supported the standardization work in the 80s and 90s. We agreed that the future would require true international standards for information exchange.

As a Siemens employee under Dr Wucherer I wrote two remarkable papers on the standardization: one about the future of Fieldbusses and one about MAP in 1991:

Click HERE for the paper “Bridging MAP to Ethernet” [PDF, 720 KB]

Click HERE for the paper “Fieldbus standardization: Another way to go” [PDF, 720 KB].

I would extend his statement “Wherever there is electricity, the IEC needs to be involved” to

Wherever there is electricity, the IEC 61850 needs to be involved!

Click HERE for some crucial information models for the electricity defined in IEC 61850-7-4 that demonstrate the importance of the above extended statement.

The “electricity world” is likely to prevent the proliferation found in the industrial automation domain’s fieldbusses. If the many fieldbus consortia define their fieldbus specific profiles for the electric world then we will get as many information models as fieldbusses! Or?

Click HERE to see bunch of 60+ fieldbusses in ONE IEC standard in 2008: The IEC 61158.