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 !!

UCAIUG Webinar on The Dutch IEC 61850 DSO-DER Realtime Interface: Practical Insights and Experiences

The famous UCA International Users Group invites you to attend a very interesting Webinar conducted by René Troost (Grid Strategist) at Stedin (Netherlands):

“The Dutch IEC 61850 DSO-DER Realtime Interface: Practical Insights and Experiences”

René serves as a Grid Strategist at Stedin, a major Distribution System Operator (DSO) in the Netherlands. In addition to his role at Stedin, he actively participates in and leads nationwide projects. 

Date: 2 October 2025
16:00 - 17:00 MESZ

The webinar is free to attend and open to everyone!

Click HERE to register.

Background information:

Excerpt: Real-time interface: deepening

"Since October 2020, grid operators and market participants have been working together on a Real-Time Interface (RTI). The goal of this interface is to enable generators and grid operators to collaborate on increasing and better utilizing transmission capacity and maintaining the electricity grid safely. The RTI specification was published in February 2024."

IEC 61850 Protocol Implementation Document (PID)

Excerpt: "IEC 61850 Real Time Interface (RTI), as defined by the Dutch System Operators specifies the implementation profile of the IEC 61850 Real Time Interface (RTI), as defined by the Dutch System Operators."

30 years after the start of the standardization work for IEC 61850 it is obvious that IEC 61850 is THE standard series when it comes to the exchange of real-time information between power generation sites and control centers of DSOs.