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."

IEC 61850: Work-around for MMS

Very interesting paper just published ... presenting a work-around for MMS ;-)

Integration Method for IEC 61850 into Legacy and Modern PLC Systems

I am a little bit surprised ... when I worked for Siemens (Karlsruhe) I published two papers in the year 1991 (35 years ago!) expecting that MMS could be implemented into a PLC:

Click HERE for the paper “Bridging MAP to Ethernet” [PDF, 720 KB, 1991]

Click HERE for the paper “Fieldbus standardization: Another way to go” [PDF, 720 KB, 1991].

Today we know that MMS could be integrated into PLCs ... 

Gateways work always - definitely.

The expected new work on IEC 61850-8-3 (another mapping than to MMS) would change the situation tremendously:

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

Click HERE for more information on the planned project.

Default Passwords May Cause Some Issues - Change Them As Soon As Possible

 A friend of mine reported the following in a SCADA and cyber-security related group:

"The recent cyber-attack on that small water facility outside of Pittsburg is getting increased attention (certainly on this list) . The model and manufacturer of the device in question are known.  The manufacturer's web site has some  documentation on the device, but I do not think they provide the  device's default password.

No need to look hard, it is listed in plain site on CISA's bulletin (below)."

Exploitation of Unitronics PLCs used in Water and Wastewater Systems Release Date November 28, 2023 

Oops.

IEC 61850 Integration Into Beckhoff PLC

Beckhoff - a well known German PLC manufacturer - successfully offers IEC 61850 modelling, configuration, and information exchange for IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25. 

Excerpt from their website ... worth to read:

"Application example: 

In this case, the use of IEC 61400-25 [mapping according to IEC 61400-25-4 IEC 61850-8-1, MMS] enables all wind turbines from different manufacturers in a wind farm to communicate with a central station.

Standardization avoids the use of vendor-specific protocols, which would lead to increased application expenditure. BECKHOFF supports this method with the implementation of IEC 61850 or IEC 61400-25 respectively in the TwinCAT Automation suite."

Beckhoff has a very nice and easy to read (and understand) online documentation.

Click HERE (English) and HERE (Deutsch) to find the details of the implementation of Client, Server, GOOSE Publisher and Subscriber.

Just give it a try.

Cyber Security and SAFETY in Power Systems

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) at NIST just released a draft of the NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide, SP 1800-23, Energy Sector Asset Management, on September 23, 2019, and is requesting your feedback. Public comments on the draft will close on November 25, 2019. "...that will help energy organizations address the security challenges of OT asset management. ..."

The main objective is to have a look at "programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), which provide command and control information on operational technology (OT) networks ..."

Click HERE for the Guide.

The Guide seems to be written by mainly non-protection engineers or even non-electrical engineers. I have read the other day in a discussion about the Guide that the term SAFETY was not mentioned in the  guide ... huch ...

Here is my explanation why SAFETY is not in the scope:

The safety in electric power systems is mainly managed by PROTECTION devices. These devices protect humans, equipment and power flow. Protection has the highest priority in electric power systems. Protection is also crucial for availability and reliability. Protection engineers are - in my view - the most critical engineers.

My experience is that IT and OT people fear the high voltage ... starting at 100 Volt or so ... so, that may be the reason the document NIST SP 1800-23 does not discuss any protection (SAFETY) related function.

They don't have Sr. protection engineers in their mind ... maybe they don't know what these engineers are doing ... and how important they are to keep the power flowing.

A friend of mine (a senior protection engineer) and I have conducted many IEC 61850 seminars together ... I have always admired him!!

My friend answered:

In general unfortunately it is as you describe.
The circuit breaker doesn’t work? The protection engineers have invented the “breaker failure”. This is a bit biased, any component can fail of course…
The Sampled Values are not delivered? The relay has to manage that. They are “delivered wrong”? The relay has to try to understand it and be robust.
Yes, it is probably more difficult to design and set a good protection system (including the design of the relay) than doing an airplane...

Smart Grid Communication Challenges With IXXAT SG Gateways

Smart Grid communication challenges can easily be solved with IXXAT SG-gateways

New IIoT gateways from HMS allow industrial 
equipment to communicate with smart grids.

IXXAT SG-gateways...

• Enable easy remote control and management of electrical systems
• Support IEC 61850 client/server, GOOSE, proxy gateway, IEC 60870-5-104 client/server and VHPready
• Provide Modbus-TCP client/server and Modbus-RTU master/slave interfaces
• Enable SNMP, SNTP, and cloud connectivity
• Provide I/O, M-Bus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP interfaces
• Are safe – firewall, OpenVPN & password protection
• Support IEC 60870-5-104 redundancy acc. edition 2 (Norwegian Convention)

Click HERE to enter the world of IEC protocols for power delivery systems

[EN, DE, FR, CN].
Hier klicken ... für ein Kurzvideo und weitere Informationen ... von Martin Matt, Produktmanager Energy Communication bei HMS Networks, über intelligente Smart-Grid-Gateways.

IEC 61850: Gateway for Cloud Computing and Fog Computing

Cloud computing and Fog Computing is in principle supported by a single gateway offered by HMS:

• Bridges any signal from the process level directly to your own or third party cloud.
• Maps any signal from Modbus, Profibus, ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25, IEC 60870-5-104 ... to Modbus, Profibus, ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25, IEC 60870-5-104 ...
• Provides many logic functions AND, OR, Timer, Counter, ... to build applications.
• Has digital Input and Output pins.
• Reads M-Bus.
• Supports Client, Server, Client/Server, Client/GOOSE-Subscription (with or more Server/GOOSE-Publishers), and Sever/GOOSE-Subscription
• What else do you need for simple applications?

Click HERE for more information.

IEC 61850 Server integrated in CODESYS Development System, Version 3.5 Service Pack 3 or later

3S-Smart Software Solutions GmbH (Kempten, Germany) has developed a CODESYS IEC 61850 Server that is completely integrated in the CODESYS Development System and provides implementation for users according to the first version of the standard.

Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) according to IEC 61850 can be configured directly from the CODESYS Development System and employed as servers in energy networks. The configured servers render real generated data from the network units (IED) into messages and reports that can be used for further processing by connected IEC 61850 clients.

Minimum software requirements are:

• CODESYS Development System, Version 3.5 Service Pack 3 or later
• IEC 61850 server library adapted to the runtime system, in order to be able to use the SNTP

Click HERE for more details.

It is likely that IEC 61850 will be used more often in the factory automation and process control applications – because CODESYS is well known in these domains.

IEC 61850 at the Hannover Messe 2014

The Hannover Messe will be open from 7-11 April 2014. You are invited to visit the Beck IPC Booth in Hall 13 Stand C35/7. One crucial display will be the wide range of small and efficient multi purpose devices (com.tom) with embedded controllers.

You will see IEC 60870-5-104, IEC 61860, Modbus, … with integrated security (openVPN, …) in action. The com.tom with a WEB-PLC will be presented by NettedAutomation to show the beautiful integration of standards-based automation and monitoring devices as well as gateways.

A comprehensive video clip with an Introduction to IEC 61850, Models, Configuration, Application of a real power quality monitoring with a Janitza PQ Monitor connected with Modbus, WEB-PLC, and Remote access to a com.tom has been posted yesterday. This video helps to get a clue what the standard is all about and how easy it is to get a “non-IEC 61850 device “wrapped” in a nice sugary coating of IEC 61850”.

You will see this and many other applications in action at the Hannover Fair.

Format: mp4 with a resolution of 1180 x 884

- Complete Video (110 MB and 37 Minutes)

I have split this long video into three parts with the same content:

- Part 1 (of 3) Start, IEC 61850 Information Models, and Demo setup (40 MB and 10 Minutes)

- Part 2 (of 3) How to use the Configuration Language SCL (33 MB and 11 Minutes)

- Part 3 (of 3) Implementation with com.tom WEB-PLC (47 MB and 17 Minutes)

A video on building a gateway from IEC 61850 to IEC 60870-5-104 will be presented soon.

What are the Benefits of IEC 61850?

The question “What are the benefits of IEC 61850” has different flavors and multiple answers – it depends on what are you looking for. If you are looking just at the communication protocol, there are answers like:

1. The client/server protocol (MMS) is a unified solution standardized some 25 years ago. It is a stable standard – unlikely to change in the future and accepted all over for many years.
2. The GOOSE messaging is very unique and provides real-time information exchange in the msec range – accepted all over
3. The Sampled Values messaging provides a unique solution for exchanging samples of currents, voltages, vibration measurements accepted all over.

If you are looking at the information models, there are really many crucial models defined and in use. No other standard (I am aware of) has such a rich set of information models that expose process information in a standardized way – all over accepted.

There is – of course – the crucial issue on the configuration language. In this post we will discuss the benefit of a unified model that allows to hide the different vendor-specific signal lists for Modbus communication in two different power quality meters. In the end, the unification of specific information profiles (or subsets) for, e.g., the electrical measurements makes IEC 61850 different compared to any other solution I know.

The power quality monitors used are: Janitza UMG 604 and Acuvim II. Both meters provide many measurements of the electrical system. The signals can be communicated by Modbus. Usually each vendor has a different approach to define the lists of signals – and especially the indexes used for the vary same signal is quite different and have to be mapped manually to any application – again and again. There is no way to agree on a single unified Modbus signal list that can be applied all over. The next figure shows the two devices, their signal “phase voltage” with different identifiers and indexes.

The unification of the information model is implemented in a simple gateway (com.tom BASIC 5.1). The gateway is based on a WEB-PLC that maps the incoming Modbus signals to IEC 61850 models. The IEC 61850 model uses the same logical node class and type. The type MMXU_0 is the subset of the MMXU class used in this application (of four data objects – as can be seen in the icd file). The instance MMXU1 can easily be “copied” to build a second instance: for the Acuvim II meter. Both instances use a unique MMXU logical node type (contained in the icd file). The model can be used to configure the IEC 61850 server device and an IEC 61850 client (in this case the IEDScout) as shown in the next figure.

The gateway solution is reasonable in case just a limited number of applications need the information communicated by IEC 61850.  The next step could be to integrate the “gateway” into the meter housing, as shown in the next figure:

The “heart” of the gateway (we use) is the Beck IPC@CHIP controller that could be applied as a subsystem in the meter. It manages the complete IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25, IEC 60870-5-104 or DNP3 communication.

The IEC 61850 models are the same as before in the case of using a separate gateway box. From a client point of view there is only one difference: there are two IP addresses and two IED names to take into account.

The configuration of the client could benefit from the unified information model contained in a standardized machine readable format (.icd). When you google for power meters with a Modbus interface (or any other fieldbus-like) interface you will get as many different signal list as solutions. In our case we can easily unify the information that comes from many different meters.

By the way, the unified model can be fed not only by a Modbus communication interface. Any other signal list communicated by the myriad of solutions could easily be unified! It does not matter how many different protocols you have to take into account – the very same IEC 61850 profile could serve them all. Define it once and use it for ever and all over.

The WEB-PLC based solution explained here is available – I have tested the concept with several devices: meters, monitoring devices, control devices. This approach could be applied right away – and you pay while you go. To get started with a extra box is in the range of some hundred Euro plus some time to understand the approach and learn how to get started with the product. The IPC@CHIP including IEC 61850 client and server (GOOSE and SMV), IEC 60870-5-104 server, and Modbus client costs less than 100 Euro – too cheap to ignore.

Let people define new protocols and … IEC 61850 can unify them all! The next days I will post a report on a hierarchical system with a Janitza UMG 604 and fan heater as the process, a com.tom device to monitor and control the process (with an IEC 61850 server), an a com.tom on top that could be used as a (proxy) gateway to the underlying com.tom (providing an IEC 61850 client, IEC 60870-5-104 server and an IEC 61850 server). The gateway interoperates in a plug&play manner with the underlying IEC 61850 IEDs.

I don’t fear the following situation:

nor this …

It is a change for IEC 61850 to unify the proliferation!

More to come shortly – stay tuned to this blog.

I had to wait almost 30 years to have a real simple and easy to use “MAP” solution running on my desk:

The MAP/TOP Demonstration in 1986 was too early! Definitely!

Beck IPC offers a second Free of Charge Workshop on March 12, 2014 in German and first in English

The first Application and Gateway Workshop of Beck IPC on IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3, IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25, … was conducted last Thursday (30 January 2014). The attendees appreciated the new approach of getting started with these solutions.

The second Workshop in German is scheduled for:

Datum: 12. März 2014
Ort: Wetzlar, etwa 70 km nördlich von Frankfurt
Zeit: 10:00 Uhr - 17:00 Uhr
Programm (Deutsch).

the first in English for:

Date: 13. March 2014
Location: Wetzlar (Germany), some 70 km north of Frankfurt
Time: 10:00 h - 17:00 h
Program (English).

Click HERE for more details and registration information for both events.

Check the posts below for some details on the solution.

Beautiful Simplicity of Gateways and Applications

One of the crucial challenges in applying open information and information exchange standards is the complexity (or better the comprehensiveness) of the standard series IEC 60870-5-104, DNP3, IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25, and IEC 62351 …

Check the beautiful simplicity of using gateways and application logic integrated into the com.tom platforms based on the WEB PLC (BASIC 3.1 S and 5.1). The following figure shows the general architecture of crucial gateways in the energy domain that allow to add Logic functions as well:

The main parts are the communication defined by (1) IEC 60870-5-105 (DNP3), (2) IEC 61850 Proxy, and (3) IEC 61850. These can be applied in seven different combinations:

The WEB PLC (a key feature of the com.tom) can be used to configure LOGIC and Gateways:

The WEB PLC unifies all input and output signals – independent of their origin or destination. Once you have them listed in the WEB PLC, you just need to draw a line between any input and output … and put logic gates in between:

Combine any signal with another signal (input with output) and your logic – using local input 0 and local output 1 and 2 as well as 61850 input (HeatKFAN1.OpCtl.Oper), 61850 output (HeatKFAN1.OpSt – extended Data Object), and 104 status of Fan:

This WEB PLC and the integration of many protocols, security (openVPN), firewall, … makes your life really easier.

With the com.tom and WEB PLC you are entering into the comfort zone of secure energy information and information exchange.

Click HERE to get started with the WEB PLC [pdf, 800 KB]

Reduced the Complexity of IEC 61850 to a Beautiful Simplicity

One of the crucial challenges using IEC 61850 is the complexity of IEC 61850 – maybe you have made this experience. There is a beautiful way to simplify. Interested to learn about this way? Read this post.

• IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104 (DNP3) are well known and used standards for many application domains all over.
• IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3 are the preferred solutions for Tele-Control and Tele-Monitoring. They provide simple exchange of status, measurements, counters, and control commands.
• These protocols are implemented in most control centers and SCADA systems.
• IEC 61850 is the preferred solution for information management for substation protection, monitoring, and automation.
• The need for collecting more condition monitoring information from process equipment like transformers, switch gears, cable, … is preferably implemented by IEC 61850.
• One crucial challenge is: How can the huge amount of IEC 61850 based information easily be carried by IEC 60870-5-104 (DNP3)?
• A set of slides shows the beauty of a very simple and powerful gateway.

Want to see a live demo? Visit us at the SPS/IPC/Drives Fair in Nuremberg (Germany) on November 28-29, 2013, hall 9 / booth 341.

Click HERE for a free ticket. I look forward to meeting you there.
Click HERE for the complete slide set on the Beautiful Simplicity [68 pages, pdf, 3.9 MB].

The solution is based on the Beck IPC@CHIP solution:

The core component is a WEB-PLC that is used to graphically program your Gateway based on Input and Output signals:

(almost) all you need to do is to connect graphically Inputs and Outputs with each other or other logic (AND, OR, …):

Use the WEB-PLC for binary inputs and outputs or for reporting of measured values:

com.tom Energy Flyer [English]
com.tom Energy Flyer [Deutsch]

Any question? Contact us.

What About Siemens Simatic S7 and IEC 61850?

Siemens Energy has a wide range of IEC 61850 compliant IEDs. This is what the power utility market expects. But: Does Siemens’ Simatic S7 also support IEC 61850? Yes, Siemens Industry offers a wide range IEC 61850 compliant solutions for Simatic S7 and PCS7; there are several solutions available:

• Client and server for SIMATIC PLCs S7-300, S7-400 and S7 meC.
• Client as WinCC Channel
• Client as DLL
• Gateway IEC 60870-5-104 to IEC 61850

Click HERE for more details including pricing and contact information [English]
HIER klicken für mehr Details, Preise und Kontaktinformation [Deutsch]

More to come in various other Siemens Industry products.

Seats for IEC 61850 Tutorial at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES available

The Tutorial "IEC 61850 - Die universale Norm für die Informations-Integration" during the SPS/IPC/DRIVES on Tuesday, 24.11.2009, 14:00 - 17:00 is approaching quite fast ... just 7 days left to register! The presentation is in German - presentation material is in English.

Please note that a real live demo will show crucial benefits of the new standard - for power automation and industrial automation. What is industrial automation without POWER (automation)?

Several manufacturers will show IEC 61850 connectivity ... one is Beckhoff.

Click HERE for the program and other details.
Click HERE for information on Beckhoff's support of IEC 61850/61400-25.

RWE awarded Development of IEC 61400-25 for Wind Power Control System

RWE (second biggest German Utility) awarded Mr. Pascal Dresselhaus for the development of an IEC 61400-25 compliant software for a Beckhoff PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). He implemented the mapping to MMS according to IEC 61850-8-1. Mr. Dresselhaus' Diploma-Thesis "Entwicklung einer Bibliothek für die Kommunikation von Windkraftanlagen nach IEC 61400-25" won the highest award! Congratulation!

The development is now available as a Product of Beckhoff.

Click HERE for some information related to the Development (English).
Click HERE for the press release of RWE (German only).
Click HERE for the press release of the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen (German only)

First PLC supporting IEC 61850 in comprehensive Hands-On Training

Beckhoff (Verl, Germany) provides an IEC 61850 compliant Standard PLC with a Server according to IEC 61850 for the comprehensive Hands-On Training in Frankfurt (Germany) on October 20-23, 2009:

The Seminar and Hands-on Training  will cover all crucial aspects of the standards and common IEDs from ABB, Areva, Siemens, Omicron, Megger, ... and Beckhoff.

Click HERE for details of the program.
Click HERE for other training opportunities all over.
Click HERE for more details on the Beckhoff PLC with IEC 61850 support.

Beckhoff's TwinCAT supports IEC 61850

Beckhoff opens up new opportunities by implementing this communication protocol in a software PLC: The user can use a cost-effective standard PLC for controlling his electrical installation, which not only offers the benefits of PC-based control technology but can also communicate externally via the IEC 61850 compliant communication. The basic standard defines a general transmission protocol for protective and control equipment in medium and high voltage electrical substations. This means that time-consuming and costly special developments for the implementation of manufacturer-specific protocols are no longer required, and the associated engineering is simplified significantly.
Customers can utilize the complete communication stack developed by Beckhoff in the form of a PLC library.

As extension to the basic IEC 61850 standard, IEC 61400-25 defines the communication requirements for monitoring and controlling wind turbines. The integration of this standard into the TwinCAT library will simplify the control of heterogeneous wind farms significantly. The wind farm standard is characterized by a single wind power-specific datset, so that TwinCAT users can use TcIEC61850Server.lib for communication purposes and TcIEC61400_25.lib for specific logical nodes and common data classes.

Click HERE for a two page brochure in English.
Click HERE for a two page brochure in German.

The TwinCat solution will be used during the next Hands-on Training in Frankfurt (Germany) on October 23, 2009.

Click HERE for the program of the training in Frankfurt.

IEC 61850 Gateway for PLCs

A master thesis by Jonas Lidén (2006, Stockholm/Sweden) discusses the use of IEC 61850 for Vattenfall Vattenkraft AB’s technical systems for turbine controllers. The work started with an investigation of today’s automation products with focus on station bus communication. Today Vattenfall Vattenkraft AB are modernising their automation products in many of their hydro power plants, and the turbine controllers are developed by SwedPower AB on standard PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controller).

The report describes the implementation and the results of the testing.

Download the report [pdf, 2.3 MB]