IEC 61850: Usage of XML Schemata for Model Name Space Definitions

One of the crucial challenges in dealing with IEC 61850 is the sheer unlimited amount of Models (Logical Nodes, Data Objects, Data Attributes, Data Attribute Types, ... and related Services). How to manage these? How to figure out which model was valid last year, which model details are currently valid, ... questions, questions ...
What are the answers to these questions? Simply: good documentation of content, modifications, extensions, and changes.
The IEC TC 57 WG 10 has published a document that defines the rules for model content of IEC 61850 based core data model in IEC 61850-7-2, IEC 61850-7-3 and IEC 61850-7-4. Other domains (like DER, Hydro, Wind, etc.) could define their own data model based on IEC 61850 core data model to be able to use IEC 61850 core parts as a common layer.

The published 70 page document 57/1925/DTS contains the new draft rules:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-7: Basic communication structure –
Machine-processable format of IEC 61850-related data models for tools

The voting and commenting period closes 2017-12-15

"Year after year the IEC 61850 data models are extended both in depth with hundreds of new data items, and in width with tens of new parts.
In order to foster an active tool market with good quality, and at the end to improve IEC 61850 interoperability, we need a machine-processable file describing data model related parts of the standard as input. This is the purpose the new language Name Space Definition (NSD) defined by this part of IEC 61850.
This will avoid the need for any engineering tool related to the IEC 61850 data models to get the content of the standard manually entered, with the highest risk of mistakes. This will also help spreading easily any corrections to the data model, as requested to reach interoperability. Tool vendors will be able to integrate NSD in their tools to distribute the standard data models directly to end users."

This new document seems to be crucial for all experts that deal with models and their implementation in Tools and IEDs.

ASCII Text, XML, SCL, Models, and Errors All Over

IEC 61850 makes use of ASCII text, XML, SCL, and comprehensive Information Models. At any level you may find errors. How to figure out, e.g., if a DataSet member references a FCDA that is not available in any Logical Node model?

I run through the following inconsistency:
There is a DOType "SPG_0" defined that contains a fc="SP"(bottom).
The DO "SetPt19" uses this DOType with fc="SP" (above)
The marked DataSet member FCDA refers to DO "SetPt19" with fc="ST".



This reference is not correct - there is no DO "SetPt19" with fc="ST" !! How does a stack react when it has to parse such a wrong model? Hmm!

It took me some time to figure out what the issue was when I loaded the file onto a HMS Gateway with WEB-PLC:



In the meantime I have checked the wrong file with six (well known) IEC 61850 tools - NONE of them complained about this inconsistency.
The SystemCorp stack complained, because it was not able to find the referenced object to implement the model! WOW!

This example confirms what I always tell people in my courses: Develop your own simple tools for finding errors in the "ASCII Text" - it is just a simple search you need ... I am not saying that the many tools on the market are useless!! No way! But many simple checks could be done with simple tools. Even tool developer may not have a clue what kind of checks would be helpful.
In this case it would have been quite easy to check (ASCII search and comparison) all members of all DataSets and check in the Logical Node models if there is a DataObject that matches with the reference in the DataSet. Such a ASCII text search would have resulted in something like: Did not find an fc="ST" for the object "SetPt19".

It is that easy! Believe me.

My experiences with this and many other issues are one of the core topics in my courses.
Click HERE for courses in German in Karlsruhe/Germany.

Machine-processable Format of IEC 61850-related Data Models

IEC TC 57 proposes a new work item (57/1768/NP) IEC 61850-7-7:

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 7-7: Basic communication structure – Machine-processable format of IEC 61850-related data models for tools (proposed 61850-7-7)

Closing date for voting: 2016-11-25

This technical specification will define an XML schema for describing the code components of the data model parts of IEC 61850, to be used as input for tools (typically engineering or specification tools).

In order to foster an active tool market with good quality, and at the end to improve IEC 61850 interoperability, the market needs a machine-processable file describing data model related parts of the standard as input.
This will avoid the need for any engineering tool related to the IEC 61850 datamodel to get the content of the standard manually entered, with the highest risk of mistakes.

The NP comes with a 150 page draft.

KEMA (now DNV GL) has Developed a New Suite of Test Tools for IEC 61850

DNV GL (former KEMA, Arnhem/NL) has developed a suite of IEC 61850 test tools, which will be sold under license to both utilities and technology providers.
Under the name UniGrid, DNV GL provides a new and improved test tool. UniGrid enables test and simulation of a complete IEC 61850 substation automation system and it can be used for various types of conformance and interoperability tests.



The product is planned to be available later this year.

Click HERE to request a copy of the new Brochure.

GridEx Tool Launched to Support Smart Grid IEC 61850 Networks

How many times have you struggled with the stream of IEC 61850 GOOSE and Sampled Value messages and SCL configuration files? Is there any help to get your hands on these streams?

Yes, there is help: GridEx®

GridEx® sets you in control of your IEC 61850 networks. Designed to support you when performing commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance.

GridEx® is a digital multimeter and analyzer for Smart Grid applications; it bridges the gap between the traditional power technology and the digital communication. Network digital data is translated into upfront and intuitive information to support decisions for increased reliability and improved system utilization.

Entirely embedded stand-alone solution for secure connection to your IEC 61850 network, easy to use, versatile connections, instant start-up, error and inconsistencies detection, warning explanation, proactive analysis.

The evolutionary tool in IEC 61850 testing. Click HERE for more details. 

For any question please contact our technical manager Mr Andrea Bonetti at gridex@fmtppower.com

In short terms:

• GridEx®is a Smart Grid Multimeter
• GridEx®is Bridging the gap between IEC 61850 digital communication and Power system applications: Complex data shown in understandable information
• GridEx®is not a relay test set
• GridEx®has Secure connection in the station
• GridEx®shows live measurements with it’s versatile connections (ETH/FO)

An animated video is worth more than 1000 words: https://youtu.be/BMfbGZThAk4

Started the Year 2016 successfully with the Omicron IEDScout 4.10

I hope you had a good start into the year 2016!

During the last days of 2015 and the first days of 2016 I have set up a new notebook and upgraded to Windows 10, Office 2013, ... and Omicron's IEDScout 4.10.

I had to test a control model with operate services. The version 3.0 was very confusing in getting me the information I was looking for. So I decided to upgrade immediately to version 4.10.

This was one of the best decisions of the "young" year 2016!

The version 4.10 is way easier and less confusing to be used for testing real products! The model shows exactly what is crucial for the tester:

This version is an IEC 61850 tool - not just a MMS browser with some flavor of IEC 61850.

Here is the link to the page for free downloading of the fully functional demo version:

https://www.omicronenergy.com/en/products/all/secondary-testing-calibration/iedscout/noc/1/#Description

If you are looking for a professional IEC 61850 Browser and testing tool: The IEDScout is exactly what should test and consider to purchase.

So, the second day of 2016 was already a successful day here in my office. More to come.

I look forward to helping you to get the right education and tools.

Developers Workshop for IEC 61850 at Myong Ji University, Yongin (RP of Korea) was successful

A successful Developers Workshop for IEC 61850 Client/Server and Publisher/Subscriber Applications was conducted at the Myong Ji University, Yongin/Korea, on 11 March 2011.

The interest was beyond expectations: 45 experts from all over of the RP of Korea attended the Workshop:
 

The attendees followed the instructions of Karlheinz Schwarz, who used the black board to explain the approach of IEC 61850 and the use of the simple API (Application Program Interface):

He explained the use of the API for different architectures (HW and SW) ... questions were discussed in English and Korean:

Professor Hyuk Soo Jang from the Myong Ji University (left) helped to explain the API in Korean.

The attendees used the PCs of the lab and partly their own notebooks to run the API evaluation software. They exercised to configure the IEC 61850 server and to check the effect of SCL file modifications ... a great tool to work with.

After the workshop attendees told me that they have learned a lot about the standard, the stack software, the API, how easy it is to develop applications, and how to use the Beck Chip (with IEC 61850 @ Chip) in many different architectures. One crucial result was, that they figured out that the Beck Chip is a complete PC or PLC that can be used to implement applications (in C, C++ or IEC 61131-3) using IEC 61850 API. The Chip is much more than just a communication chip!!

The objective of the training was:

Students will learn how to use an API for IEC 61850 (IEC 61400-25) for Client, Server (C/S), Publisher, and Subscriber (P/S) Applications. The API provides an IEC 61850 Stack (included in a Windows DLL) that is used by application software written in C, C++ and C#. Prior to the event, students will receive the DLL and sample executable and source code for the applications. Students that bring their own Notebooks will be trained to modify and extend the application examples. After the training sessions students can continue to write their own application software.

Click HERE for the complete program of the workshop [pdf].

It is planned to repeat this workshop and provide more help for developers of IEC 61850 applications - the open and easy to use IEC 61850 platform is a crucial basis for the fast-to-market innovations of sustainable interoperable applications in the energy market.

It's never been easier or faster to get your applications speak IEC 61850.

Triangle Microworks has very comprehensive IEC 61850 Test Tools

The 61850 Test Harness (one big package) has been divided in to three separate products, functionally extended and renamed to IEC 61850 Test Suite:

Hammer – IEC 61850 CLIENT to test IEC 61850 & 60870-6 servers; and validate GOOSE, Report, Log, Control, and File Services.

Anvil - IEC 61850 SERVER to test IEC 61850 & 60870-6 clients; provides GOOSE, Report, Log, Control, and File Services; and generate simulation data automatically, manually, or table driven.

SCL Forge – Substation Configuration Language (SCL) editor.

Click HERE for downloading a 21 day test license.

Enjoy.

IEC61850@Chip – Presentation of the break-through solution during IEEE PES GM in Minneapolis, MN, on the evening of July 28, 2010

Power System Communication Committee Event
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 18:00-21:00 MCC 209B
IEC 61850-on-a-Chip  – Presentation and demonstration of a break-through implementation of the Standard 61850 on a small footprint programmable microcontroller chip for simple to complex applications by Beck IPC (Pohlheim, Germany)

Beck IPC (Pohlheim, Germany) invites to a Presentation and Demonstration of the low cost Beck Chip implementing IEC 61850 (IEC 61400-25):

Location: IEEE PES GM, Minneapolis Convention Center
Room: 209 B (Level Two)
Date and time: Wednesday, 28 July 2010, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Food and drinks will be provided.

The IEC 61850 standard is the most successful standard for protection and substation automation communication for both HV and MV. The standard is intended to be used in centralized and distributed power generation as well as in distribution automation.

The high cost for the implementation of IEC 61850 is one of the crucial reasons the standard is currently being used in relatively few applications in DER systems and low voltage applications. Since the Hanover Fair 2010 (Hanover/Germany) in April 2010 this has been changed completely: A powerful and low price embedded and freely programmable Microcontroller implementing IEC 61850 has been demonstrated – the IPC@CHIP®.

The development of affordable standards-conformant interfaces for distributed energy resources can now be shortened from months or even years to days or weeks.

At this Wednesday evening event we will discuss the range of all crucial Beck IPC products (Chips, modules, Development kits, …) and related products, e.g., IEC 61850, Modbus, IEC 60870-5, and DNP3 stack software from SystemCorp (Perth, Australia):.

Click HERE for more details.
Click HERE for the Floor plan of Level 2 of the MCC.

Please drop by to view the demonstration and discuss with the experts from Beck, SystemCorp and NettedAutomation - this event may accelerate your development of IEDs that speak IEC 61850 (IEC 61400-25).

IEC 61850 IEDScout - Version 2.11 Available

Omicron has posted a new version (2.11) of their IEC 61850 IEDScout.

The new version supports Windows 7 (64 bit and 32 bit); some modifications resolve minor issues.

Click HERE to go to the IEDScout web page.

New Tool for IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25

Ingeteam Technology (Spain) released the INGESYS®energyFactorySuite 2.0: a comprehensive suite of tools for modeling, configuring and commissioning IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 systems.

Click HERE for a description of Ingeteam's IEDs for power system automation [pdf, 1.5 MB].
Click HERE for a description of Ingeteam's NEW Tool for IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 [pdf, 0.85 MB].
Click HERE to read more details on the tool and find link to download a demo version.

IEC 61850 IED Scout version 2.10 available

Omicron has posted a new version (2.10) of the IEC 61850 IED Scout on their website for download. There is also some information available on the use cases for the tool.
Be aware that the software runs in demo mode only. If you want to see the full functionality you need a dongle from Omicron.
In case you want to see this and many other tools fully functional in action, you may attend the upcoming IEC 61850 training opportunities in Frankfut, San Antonio, Brisbane or Sydney.
Click HERE for information on IEC 61850 training opportunities.
Click HERE to visit the Omicron web page for more details on the IED Scout.

New version of the CIMTool for IEC 61968/70 CIM available

The CIMTool is an open source tool supporting the IEC TC 57 Common Information Model (CIM) standards (IEC 61968 and IEC 61970) used in the electric power industry.

The latest CIMTool release 1.6.1. is available for download. CIMTool is a plugin for the eclipse platform.

Click HERE for more information on the new release of the CIMTool.

Click HERE if you need help with the CIM.

What would Smart Grids be without Microsoft?

AREVA T&D (Transmission and Distribution division) announced on May 12, 2009, the extension of a 3-year long collaboration with Microsoft to develop Smarter Grid Management solutions to help the worldwide power industry to provide reliable power. AREVA T&D sees Microsoft as a strategic partner for smart grid solutions.

Click HERE for AREVA's press release.

I am not surprised that Microsoft tries to stick the nose into the tent of the electric power system's automation and control solutions. By the way, Microsoft has taken a very active role already: There are so many Microsoft Office Power Point slides discussing the Smart Grids and Smarter Grids available on the Web - paper doesn't blush.

In some years we will see how much smarter the grid will be as today. The smartness has to be found first at the side of human beings - then we may use tools (like ...) for devices and systems.

Do all these myriads of tools help us? Yes, if ... No, if ...

You may like the following sayings (I read some time ... I do not know who wrote it first) which I use very often:

A fool with a tool is still a fool; and 
A fool with a tool can foul up projects faster than a fool without a tool.

One of the crucial challenges in the domain of power delivery systems is to get more "non-fool" experts for the development of tools and for the use of tools. That requires EDUCATION. Isn't it?

Power delivery systems have provided us with reliable power for decades - without many "soft" tools ... talk to some well experienced senior engineers. The future of reliable and affordable power delivery systems will mainly depend on smart engineers that can judge to do the right things. Smart engineers are those that are well educated or got experience with bad judgements:

Tools are not a substitute for good judgment, and
Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.

One Day Introduction on IEC 61850/61400-25 for renewable energy in Seoul

The benefits of using approved International Standards IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 for Renewable Energy Resources will be presented and discussed during a one day seminar in Seoul (South Korea) on October 2008-10-02.

The Myongji University organizes the event during the 60th Anniverary.

Flyer with details (pdf)