Distribution On-Load Tap Changer Control Using IEC 61850 Client /Server Architecture

Mr. Andrius Maneikis has successfully finished his master thesis at KTH (Stockholm, Sweden) in electrical engineering with the title:

Distribution On Load Tap Changer Control Using IEC 61850 Client /Server Architecture

Please click HERE to download his thesis [pdf, 93 pages, 17 MB].

Abstract. Distributed generation is transforming the power system grid to decentralized system where separate units like wind power generators or solar panel shall coexist and operate in tandem in order to supplement each other and make one extensive system as a whole so called smart grid. It is utmost important to have a control ability over such units not only on a field level but on a system level as well. To be able to communicate with numerous devices and maintain interoperability universal standard is a must. Therefore, one of the core standards relevant to smart grids is IEC 61850 – Power Utility Automation which comes into assistance and tackles aforementioned challenges. This project uses IEC 61850 architecture to implement client/server windows applications for on-load tap changer remote control. The proposed solution and designed applications are tested together with a real time simulator [OPAL] where simple power system is modelled to emulate the system response to control signals in a real time. In this way, the implemented applications can be tried and assessed as if performing in real environment. Consequently, a user of the client application is able to remotely control voltage on the power transformer's secondary side and manipulate the switching equipment simulated in the model.

SystemCorp Provides New Release of their famous IEC 61850 DLL

SystemCorp has published a New Release of their famous IEC 61850 DLL (Stack version V2.06.28).
Click HERE for the webpage.
Click HERE for the direct download.

Click HERE for the full release notes.

New Features of the Release V2.06.28

• Added new API IEC61850_ControlTerminateCommand() to manually trigger command termination for the active control the server
• Added support for Integer Controls with Enhanced Security, NOTE: Command Termination for INC controls is the responsibility of the user using the IEC61850_ControlTerminateCommand() API
• Added new API IEC61850_SetOriginator() to set the originator orCat and orIdent for controls on the client
• Added VLAN Tag to the Ethernet Headers for GOOSE and SV on Linux
• Client and servers with GOOSE Subscription can now be recreated without restarting an executable
• Edition 2 mode supports Domain names of length 64 bytes
• Added Support for SCL Type ObjRef 

The new DLL could be used with the current C# client and server demo and evaluation applications:

Click HERE for the demo and evaluation.

Libraries – New License Policy for IEC 61850 Stack and API from SystemCorp

SystemCORP Embedded Technology Pty Ltd (Bentley WA 6102, Australia) offers a very modern and brand-new license policy for precompiled Libraries (Windows and Linux) for IEC 61850 Source code for their Stack and API effective August 2012 meeting the market demands.

The prices depend on the number of signals implemented: 1-100, 101-500, 501-1500, 1501-5000, 5000+

There are two options to chose from:

1. End User Server/Client (Windows and Linux); based on quantities
2. Re‐distributable Server/Client (Windows and Linux); royalty free with application

They offer the following services:

Built in Server & Client Function (based on ICD/CID configuration file)
‐ Reporting (buffered and unbufferd)
‐ MMS Services
‐ GOOSE Publisher (Server) and Subscriber (Client)
‐ Logging (Custom XML file format)(**)
‐ Application Programming Interface (API) manual published on
http://www.systemcorp.com.au/PIS10API/index.html

In addition to the new pricing it is also crucial to understand that the package comes with a build-in API that can be used by the application software immediately.

Most of the needed definitions in edition 2 of the core documents (7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 8-1 and 6) have been implemented. Most Object models (LN, DO) of other standards like IEC 61400-25-2 (Wind Turbines) can easily be implemented using the corresponding models in the CID file.

Contact SystemCorp by email for a quote.

Note also the new prices for the IEC 61850 source code.

New Source Code License Policy for IEC 61850 Stack and API from SystemCorp

SystemCORP Embedded Technology Pty Ltd (Bentley WA 6102, Australia) offers a brand-new license policy for IEC 61850 Source code for their Stack and API effective August 2012 meeting the market demands. The new policy is extremely suitable for manufacturers that plan to implement IEC 61850 into more than one product.

They offer the following easy to understand options:

1. Portable Server AND Client IEC 61850 Stack and API Source Code
   License for one (1) product
2. Extension License for Portable Server AND Client Stack and API Source Code License for an additional product
3. Unlimited Company Wide Portable Client AND Server IEC 61850 Stack and API Source Code License
4. Annual Service and Maintenance Contract

License fees stated under item 1, 2 and 3 are one off costs. No other license fees or royalties for re-distribution of customer products apply.

In addition to the new pricing it is also crucial to understand that the package comes with a build-in API that can be used by the application software immediately.

Most of the needed definitions in edition 2 of the core documents (7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 8-1 and 6) have been implemented. Most Object models (LN, DO) of other standards like IEC 61400-25-2 (Wind Turbines) can easily be implemented using the corresponding models in the CID file.

Contact SystemCorp by email for a quote.

The IEC 61850 portable software stack and API comprises:

Server and Client Function using static CID configuration file with inbuilt functions:
- Reporting (buffered and unbuffered)
- MMS Services
- GOOSE Publisher (Server) and Subscriber (Client)
- Sampled Values Publisher (Server)
- Logging (Custom XML file format)(*)

Pre-compiled libraries based on platform:
- Windows™ Library (dll) and/or
- Linux Ubuntu Library and/or
- Standard Linux library matching customer tool chain and kernel definition for one embedded hardware platform(**)

Pre-compiled libraries are also available as stand-alone products (without the need of the source code purchase).

Application Programming Interface (API) published on http://www.systemcorp.com.au/PIS10API/index.html
- 2 x free SystemCORP ICD Designer
- 1 x free SystemCORP eNode Workbench(***) allowing customer for testing ICD/CID files and simulating simple server and client functions
Notes:
(*) Customer specific file formats on request. Engineering charges may apply.
(**) Porting to non-standard Linux tool chains/kernels or propriety software operating systems engineering charges might apply.
(***) Available from January 2013

What Do You Need to Know to Retrieve Process Values from an IEC 61850 Compliant Device?

The answer is quite simple: Almost nothing! It depends – of course – on the availability of software for IEC 61850. Let’s assume that we have a device that plays the role of an IEC 61850 server (providing a data model and services to access the values referenced by the model).

What you need is a software that plays the IEC 61850 client role. There are several options:

• Purchase source code and build your own client and API (Application Program Interface)
• Purchase source code and build your own client with an API already incorporated
• Purchase a client DLL with a simple and easy to use API
• Purchase a ready to go Browser with a graphical interface

If you want to just retrieve some data values from a IEC 61850 compliant device, you JUST need to know the IP address of the device and a free Browser evaluation software. Download the well known OMICRON IEDScout; the IEDScout runs in Demo mode for free (restricted services!):

Click HERE for more information and download link for the IEDScout.

Install the IEDScout, go to Configure (right), select New Server just by entering the below IP address and assign a server name:

SEL-421: 99.14.76.126

Use default values … click on OK … OK … done. Go to Discover … select the server you just configured … and start communication with the corresponding device. Retrieving the information model may take several minutes! The IEDScout retrieves the model … some thousand messages exchanged … you may trace the messages using the Wireshark analyzer. Start the Wireshark first and then start IEDScout and connect to any IED.

Once you have the model retrieved, open the model tree and read a value in the tree or see DataSets and Control Blocks.

How long did it take to access data values from an IEC conformant device? 30 minutes … may be 45. Maybe it took another 30 minutes to make it run on your Windows system ;-)

How many of the following standards have you read to get access to one of the above IEDs? IEC 61850-7-x, IEC 61850-8-1, ISO 9506-1/-2, ISO 8824, ISO 8825, IEEE 802.1Q, IETF RFC 792, … 1.000, 2.000, or 5.000 pages?

To use a (graphical) interface at a client there was NO NEED to read any of the above standards! What you may need is basic information about IEC 61850.

Of course, this IEDScout is not an API to be used by client applications. You cannot store the retrieved data values … ok, the full version allows to store the model as an SCL document … and store subscribed GOOSE messages.

Another easy to use API is the SystemCorp API used to build a very simple client HMI – a .Net/C# application:

http://blog.iec61850.com/2011/02/updated-c-client-application-for-iec.html

The API (in form of a DLL) can be used to build your own client application in Windows (DLL) or in Linux (library).

Even the use of the DLL for the client and the use of the C# build HMI does not require to understand all details of the protocol.

Lesson 1 learned: To use the comprehensive protocols like IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-105, IEC 60870-6 TASE.2, or DNP3 … a simple and easy to use API is needed!! Reading thousands of pages of standards is NOT what is required!!

Lesson 2 learned: The efforts to use any of the above protocols is more or less the same! Of course there is a configuration language SCL in IEC 61850 that requires a little bit more information/education …

Implementing the protocols requires a lot of time and efforts … there may be some difference depending on the protocol.

Be happy by just applying simple and easy to use APIs for clients and servers. Get your first data values communicated within hours – not months …

Process and Factory Automation – And Electric Power Automation?

The Process and Factory/Manufacturing Automation domain is quite well developed since the nineties. Many communication solutions and standards have been developed since the MAP days in the eighties. The Automation of Electric Power Systems has been progressed independently of most other domain – maybe because of the fear of the danger of the high voltage!?

Usually there is very little exchange of information between the domain of Electric Power Automation and other areas. Also in the standardization world there is very little cooperation between these domains … with a few exceptions: IEC 60870-6 TASE.2 and IEC 61850 (standards for Power Systems) are using a Manufacturing specific communication solution: Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS, ISO 9506). On the other side IEC 61850 is referring to the Redundancy standard developed for Factor Automation (IEC 62439 – developed in cooperation between experts from IEC TC 65 and TC 57).

More and more experts are understanding the need to exchange information between all three domains. In the future it will be quite crucial for the Process and Factory/Manufacturing Automation domain to get information from the Power Automation systems – in order to use the electric power more efficiently!

Fortunately there is an easy way to retrieve the information from the Power Automation to an other domain that uses power: IEC 61850.

At the ABB Power and Automation Conference in Orlando, “ARC analyst Barry Young said industry is the number one U.S. consumer of energy by end use sector, followed by transportation, residential and commercial entities.
Process heating (fired heaters) and machine drives are the two biggest energy consumers in the manufacturing sector, and represent the best areas for energy savings opportunity.
Savings as high as 10 percent can be realized with no major investment, said Young, but a major roadblock exists. “Automation and electrification are separate islands, and operators have no view into the power side. They cannot identify or take advantage of energy savings,” he said. …

For 49 percent of companies, energy is not part of active process control. “IEC 61850 is an Ethernet-based solution that provides tight integration between automation and power systems,” said Young. “It is the fieldbus for electrical [systems]. Adoption, however, has been slow due to the learning curve.”” … Hm, it is much more than a fieldbus!!

Click HERE for the report from the ABB conference.

It is easier to look into the Power Automation System (with a single solution: IEC 61850) than into the other systems (with the many many field busses in IEC 61158 …).

Want to look into the Power Automation System? Just use a simple IEC 61850 DLL (Dynamic Link Library) and a very simple client software that uses the DLL … and talk to an IEC 61850 compliant power protection or control device:

Click HERE to let YOUR Application speak IEC 61850 in hours.

Let YOUR Application speak IEC 61850 in hours

IEC 61850 has been implemented in hundreds of devices. The UCA Users Group lists some 181 certified devices with server functionality, 3 certified clients, and 2 Merging units (as per 2011-03-02; UCAIug Testing Quality Assurance Program).

Almost all of these devices provide a certain functionality like protection or control. Usually the devices do not provide a simple API (application program interface) that can easily be used by an application program written by a programmer. There is usually nor access to "IEC 6150 Stack". Some test tools may provide restricted access by manually entering values for a data attribute, or using a configurable simulation or providing a CSV (comma separated values) file for a profile. The evaluation licenses are usually quite restricted.

In contrast to this quite limited access to an API there is a free available server and client DLL (from SystemCorp) that runs for six (6) months. The DLL evaluation package comes with various client and server applications. The applications are provided in exe code and source code (C/C++ and C#). You have FULL control over the functionality YOU want to have for your client and server application.

Click HERE for details.

Any application YOU write could easily speak IEC 61850:

The following example shows the .Net / C# client application provided by NettedAutomation GmbH. The received sequence of values can easily be copied and pasted:

 

e.g., pasted into an Excel table and converted to a diagram:

Whatever you need - JUST program it ... or link the client and server applications to your real applications ... which may also be masters to any communication slaves like DNP.3, IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, Modbus, Profibus, CAN, ... This way you can easily and fast build your own GATEWAY. Just link the DNP.3 or 104 points to the DLL by YOUR IEC 61850 server application that is bound to corresponding Model. See next figure:

It is that easy. Just give it a try.

By the way, the API (and the underlying IEC 61850 stack) is also available on the embedded controller from Beck IPC for simple and FAST TO MARKET applications. All you program in C/C++ on a PC could be done on the Chip platform ... the Chip also supports IEC 61131-3 (CoDeSys) and soon ISaGRAF.

NettedAutomation offers public and in-house training courses using a comprehensive set of crucial evaluation tools - including the one shown here.

Extended C# Client Application for IEC 61850 Evaluation Kit based on DLL

NettedAutomation has updated the C# Client application (GUI) of the IEC 61850 Evaluation Kit (DLL); the server is still the same. The new GUI supports polling values, e.g., the temperature, status or alarms, from the server provided earlier:

The API allows manual copy and paste (just select the range of values and copy them) as well as storing the values in a database, Excel sheet, or ...

Values copied and pasted:

07:12:07.562 AM: Temperature value is 32
07:12:17.718 AM: Temperature value is 32
07:12:27.812 AM: Temperature value is 31
07:12:37.921 AM: Temperature value is 30
07:12:48.015 AM: Temperature value is 30
07:12:58.109 AM: Temperature value is 30
07:13:08.218 AM: Temperature value is 30
...

Different polling rates can be selected.

Note that this GUI comes as executable program and in source code (.Net project)! You can use the example and modify as you want ... it is just so easy to use the IEC 61850 Client API ...configured by an SCL file.

The server console (very easy to run and use!) from the existing Kit looks like this: Changes entered, e.g., t29 changes the temp value to 29 in the server ... this is sent to the client and polled by the client ...

Click HERE to download the new C# client application (exe and source code). You will be asked to enter your Email and Password -> "Sign in ..." OR if you don't have an account or forgot your password: Just enter your Email (required) in the middle of the form and click at "I agree with ...". You will immediately receive a new or your current password:

 

Please find the three (3) updated files as shown here:

The exe code can be used as soon as you have the corresponding server from the server running (see figure above: EXE/SOURCE CODE: Simple Server and Client -- IEC 61850/61400-25 FREE Evaluation/Starter Kit using a DLL: Server and Client).

Click HERE for a list of supported Server services that is almost completely implemented in the DLL ; the Client (same DLL) provides complementary services.

Enjoy the extended C# application.

Note that the same API is provided by the IEC61850@CHIP from Beck (see next post).

IEC 61850 Test Tools for SCADA Applications

The other day I was asked for some guidance in the availability of IEC 61850 test tools for SCADA applications. Here is what I have responded (extended in this blog).

First of all, there are dedicated test tools for protection and control testing of the real-time application behavior (from Omicron, Megger, ...)

I guess you are looking non-real-time application issues. To my knowledge, there are no test tools available for SCADA functions that could run test sequences automatically. What I have so far recommend to experts is to develop their own application test tool that exactly provides what they need.

What you may need for your application test (for non-real-time functions) is to test the information exchange between a SCADA IEC 61850 client and an IEC 61850 IED server (protection, control, ...). This would comprise mainly the following tests:

1. Connect client to the server

2. Browse the model of IED

3. Read status and measurements and store the values in a client test application

4. Control outputs from/to a client/server test application

5. Reporting control and receive reports and store the values in a client test application

6. GOOSE control and sending/receiving GOOSE messages and store the values in a subscriber test application

The most known browser software is the IEDScout from Omicron. This can run tests 1 and 2. It would allow you to do a lot of manually tests for tests 3-6.

I guess what you need is a client that has an IEC 61850 API that allows your client and server Test Application to generate and receive messages automatically - in the order you want.

I would recommend to evaluate the IEC 61850 DLL from SystemCorp (Perth, Western Australia). The evaluation kit comes with two simple client applications (including application source code). You could easily extend the client application to implement a test application that could run your test cases automatically.

The evaluation kit is briefly introduced in the following presentation (from my seminars):

Click HERE to download the presentation [pdf, 2 MB]

The complete evaluation kit be downloaded form the following page:

http://nettedautomation.com/iec61850li/dll/index.html

I guess this is the most efficient way!

This kit also allows to build a server ... in order to test your SCADA application.

The kit runs for six months for free. The DLL could be purchased from SystemCorp later for a reasonable price.

NettedAutomation is developing more client and server applications using the DLL - additional applications will be announced on this block.

FREE IEC 61850/61400-25 DLL - One Download per Hour

The FREE IEC 61850/61400-25 Evaluation/Starter Kit is now available for download since August 31, 2010. The kit provides a DLL for simple IEC 61850 Client, Server, Publisher, and Subscriber Applications running on a PC under Windows.

In average one kit has been downloaded per hour since then! This DLL and its API seems to be one of the crucial Highlights of Standardized Information Models, Information Exchange Methods, and Configuration Language! It brings you the Best after the holiday season (in many countries in the northern hemisphere - or before in the southern).

You simply can't get it for less - Its's FREE.

DO NOT Click HERE if you want to keep going with your legacy solution.

FREE IEC 61850/61400-25 Evaluation/Starter Kit

A FREE IEC 61850/61400-25 Evaluation/Starter Kit is now available for immediate download and use. The wait for a FREE IEC 61850/61400-25 Evaluation/Starter Kit is over - here it is for immediate use.

SystemCorp (Perth, Australia) and NettedAutomation offer an IEC 61850/61400-25 DLL (Dynamic Link Library) and three Application examples using the DLL (PIS10.dll; providing a simple stack API):

• C Server Application (simple Console) 
• C Client Application (simple Console) 
• C#/.Net Client Application (runs under XP, Vista, Windows 7)

The Kit contains executable software and the source code of the C and .Net Applications (projects) as well as "Getting started manuals". The PIS10.dll is based on the IEC 61850 stack developed by SystemCorp. The client and server (publisher/subscriber - GOOSE) run on one machine or on different machines as depicted below:

You can use these source code of the application examples and modify them according to your needs. The configuration of the Server AND the Client done by ICD files (according to IEC 61850-6, SCL) - no need for self-description; the model is build at start time. This client/Server package is applicable for M2M (machine to machine) communication. The IEDScout could be used as a Browser-Client as well. Modified applications would require a modified ICD file as well. The "ICD Designer" - a tool to design ICD files - will be available within a week or so.

The services supported are: Association, GetDataObjectValues, SetDataObjectValues, Control, Reporting, GOOSE, ...

NettedAutomation GmbH offers a new services for the integration of the PIS10 stack (DLL, ...) into your application:

Support will be provided by our experienced application programmer: Andreas Pfefferle. Andreas is familiar with Substation Automation, RTUs, IEC 60870-5-10x, protocol integration, ... SystemCorp PIS10-Stack API and many other power utility applications.

Click HERE to Download the IEC 61850/61400-25 Evaluation/Starter Kit
(The Kit comprises first a readme.txt file and four (4) zip files - each file can be downloaded individually; You need at least the <<Console-Server-Client_2010-08-31>> to get the server; to run the client with another server you need to change the ICD file accordingly).
IF you have an Account for downloading content from www.nettedautomation.com then you can use your email address and password. If you have forgotten the password, just enter your email address in the field "Email (required)" and click on the button "I agree ... continue" at the end - you will receive your password. Or just enter your email and further information and you will receive a password immediately.

Enjoy.

SystemCorp and NettedAutomation exhibit at DistribuTech 2011

SystemCorp Embedded Technology Pty Ltd (Perth, WA/Australia) and NettedAutomation GmbH (Karlsruhe/Germany) will exhibit the latest developments in lite implementations of IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25, gateways between IEC 61850/61400-25, DNP3, IEC 60870-5, Modbus, RTUs, Bay controller, PLC programming IEC 61131-3, starter kits, ... training opportunities, training tools at booth 2822 at the DistribuTech 2011 Exhibition in San Diego (CA), 1.-3. February 2010.

Please plan for a meeting the "IEC 61850 Lite" experts.

Click HERE for the floor plan and booth 2822.

IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 Hands-On Training

A 3 day general IEC 61850/IEC61400-25 Seminar/Hands-on Training by Karlheinz Schwarz from NettedAutomation GmbH will be conducted in Frankfurt/M (Germany) from 22.-24. September 2010. He has trained more than 2,000 experts from more than 400 companies and more than 50 countries. You can tap a huge experience ...

For the hands-on training we will use the Beck IPC IEC61850@CHIP Development Kits, Client and Server DLL and several other demo software and free software.

There are still seats available.

Click HERE for the detailed program.
Click HERE for the registration information.

The "Beck-Bone" for Smart Grids Demonstrated at IEEE PES GM in Minneapolis

BECK IPC (Pohlheim, Germany), SystemCorp (Perth, Australia) and NettedAutomation (Karlsruhe, Germany) successfully demonstrated the "Beck-Bone" for Smart Grids at the IEEE PES GA in Minneapolis (MN, USA):
The IEC61850@CHIP.

More than 2,500 experts attended the IEEE Power & Energy Societies General Meeting in Minneapolis (MN, USA) form 26 to 29 July 2010. One of the highlights of the Power System Communications Committee's Event was the demonstration of a breakthrough implementation of IEC 61850 (IEC 61400-25) on a Chip. Detlef Raddatz (SystemCorp) runs a last test prior to the big show:

 

Detlef demonstrates the benefits of the IEC 61850 software running on different HW platforms (all using the same Chip): Development Kit DK61 (middle of photo), ruggetized I/O modules (left), COM.TOM module (right):

The Development Kit DK61 comes with IEC 61850 (61400-25) stack software, an easy to use API with 13 functions only, with C/C++ and IEC 61131-3 programming languages, FTP, Telnet, TCP/IP, IPSec, sample C code and sample exe files that run immediately, and comprehensive documentation.

Click HERE for more details of the DK61.
Click HERE to download the order form to get the special fair offer of US$ 1.250.

The stack software and sample code (source and exe) have been introduced in Minneapolis as DLL demos (client, server, publisher, and subscriber). The DLLs run for 6 months fully functional for up to 50 signals/points. The demo also contains the fully functional SCL designer to model up to 50 signals/points. The server runs the same model as provided with the DK61. You may use the DLLs for any other application you build around them. The given sample code runs on one PC (local host) and two PCs. The DLLs run under Windows - while the Beck Chip runs a very powerful real-time operation system (RTOS) for real-time applications.

Click HERE to download the DLLs to run under Windows (available end of August 2010; the availability will be announced in a new blog posting as soon as it is available).

During the many technical discussions experts had questions about the platform and functions. People had been quite surprised when they understood the performance of such a simple and small platform.

 

The Buffet offered a variety of food and beverages ... including Beck's Beer and Beck "Chips". The German brewery Beck and Beck IPC (the chip manufacturer) are not linked.

Professor Dr. John Newbury (The Open University, Manchester, GB) was quite happy to see the results of 15 years of standardization work in IEC TC 57 (WG 10, WG17, WG 18) and TC 88 PT 25 (IEC 61400-25, Wind Power) on such a small but powerful platform:

What are the steps towards a the "Beck-Bone" for Smart Grids and many other applications?

1. Many experts start with the Development Kit DK61 to do hands-on exercises using the provided software examples to get a good understanding of the IEC 61850 models and services. One of the big vendors of controllers reported the other day that they we able to implement their network interconnection for connecting PV systems to the power grid within 2 weeks !! The grid connection is completely modeled in IEC 61850.
   This is the easiest way to get your data communicated with IEC 61850 (IEC 61400-25). Another approach could be to start with DLLs on a PC and then use the DK61 for real-time requirements.
2. In case of implementing interfaces, e.g., for pilot projects, it is convenient to use one of the many ready to go COM.TOM modules:
   
3. After successful pilot projects it is recommended to use one or the other Chip in your specific hardware:
   
4. Other components hardened for higher EMC requirements are offered by SystemCorp: RTUs, Gateways, Protocol converter, ...
   

All these and other components implement IEC 61850 on the Beck Chip. The IEC 61850 stack software (developed by SystemCorp) runs on many other platforms:

Click HERE to visit the SystemCorp website (Perth, WA, Australia).