PSI supports TASE.2 and CIM

PSI reports in the latest Magazine "energie manager" (1/2009) that they deliver a SCADA and DMS system for Enexis (Netherlands) supporting TASE.2 for inter-control center communication (IEC 60870-6) and CIM (Common Information Model, IEC 61968/70) for information exchange in the control center.

TASE.2, CIM along with IEC 61850 are crucial international standards published by IEC TC 57 "Power systems management and associated information exchange" and used in utilities (Electric, Gas, Oil, ...). The scope of the IEC TC 57 is "To prepare international standards for power systems control equipment and systems ...". Power systems means electric power systems. So, how can you use these standards, e.g., for the Gas applications? IEC stands for "International Electrotechnical Commission". So the scope is to prepare and publish International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

It is somehow "forbidden" to claim that IEC standards like IEC 61850 are applicable for any other control equipment and systems outside the electrical world. BUT - from a technical point of view -: IEC 61850 could be understood as a framework of (extensible) information models, information exchange methods, and configuration language for devices and systems in many application domains. The first edition of the standard models did not provide a model for a rotor - because substations do not have rotors. We extended the information models for wind turbines (published under IEC 61400-25). So, you can define (or standardize in another organization) an object for "Gas pressure" ... and use the whole communication and configuration infrastructure available for substation automation - and vice versa.

Some people (that do not like these standards) argue against their applications outside the electric world by saying: "You can not use these IEC standards, because their scope is restricted to the electric world." Fortunately, technical solutions based on these standards do not care about what some people say!

Click HERE to search for CIM related blog entries of this blog.

Click HERE to read a brochure on IEC 61400-25 [pdf]

Click HERE to read a paper on IEC 61850, IEC 61400-25 and CIM [pdf]

IEC 61850 in the Joint EURELECTRIC-EDSO Smart Grid Position Paper

The “Union of the Electricity Industry” (EURELECTRIC) and “European Distribution System Operator for Smart Grids” (EDSO) have assigned a very high priority to the application of IEC TC 57 standards, e.g., IEC 61850, CIM, IEC 60870-5/-6, IEC 62351, … in the paper “DSO PRIORITIES FOR SMART GRID STANDARDISATION”.

End of January 2013 they have published a comprehensive position paper on the standardization for smart grids:

Access the paper “DSO PRIORITIES FOR SMART GRID STANDARDISATION” [pdf, 590 KB]

A key clause puts IEC 61850 on a high priority (excerpt of one example):

3.3. Extended field data modelling standards (IEC 61850) to support demand response, DER and VPP

”While the IEC 61850 standard was originally addressing applications and communications within the substation, recent work is being undertaken for extending its applicability to distribution automation applications integrating field devices located outside the substation fence. With its object oriented structure, IEC 61850 can provide comprehensive and accurate information models for various components of distribution automation systems, as well as an efficient solution for this naturally multi-vendor environment.
Some typical applications include: Volt/Var Control (VVC), Fault Localisation, Isolation and Restoration (FLIR), Outage Management System (OMS), Distribution State Estimator, Distributed Generation and Demand response Management, Load Forecast and Modelling (LFM), and other.
IEC 61850 is the only international standard for substation automation which is open for future application. Currently IEC 61850 is extended for use outside substations. The use cases of the different distribution automation concepts need to be considered in the information data models. Therefore the IEC 61850 data models shall cover all distribution automation objects. IEC 61850 allows an open and flexible design and operation of communication networks. IEC 61850 not only provides a protocol for communication but is a whole new concept for naming and configuring substations and power grids.
The normative definition of logical nodes for DER is necessary for new smart grid appliances because process devices have to be described in such logical nodes for information exchange. Therefore it is important that current valid logical nodes in process protocols are not subject to change in the further standardisation process and to enable new devices to seamlessly comply with existing protocols without proprietary vendor solutions.”

Another key issue is the support of System interoperability operability testing!!

“A system interoperability testing method including conformance testing, "profiles" and "test use cases", should be provided by the end of 2013”

More to come – keep tuned to this blog.

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!

Long Awaited Christmas Gift For Smart(er) Grids - IEC 61850-8-3 is on its Way

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. (2026-05-13)

IEC TC 57 just published a long awaited and crucial new work item proposal: 

57/2866/NP - proposed project number: 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 

Closing date for voting on the NP: 2026-03-06

"IEC 61850-8-3 Ed.1 defines the direct mapping of the client/server services of the ACSI (Abstract Communication Service Interface) defined in IEC 61850-7-2. Direct mapping means that for every abstract client/server service of the ACSI a concrete message schema (for the request and the response) is defined in ASN.1 (Abstract Syntax Notation One). ...

The encoding of the messages according to IEC 61850-8-3 is using the ASN.1 JER (JSON Encoding Rule, ISO/IEC 8825-8:2021). The messages are exchanged through WebSocket (RFC 6455, The WebSocket Protocol). WebSocket is a communication protocol that enables a persistent, full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection, allowing both the client and server to send data to each other at any time. This differs from the standard HTTP request-response model, making it ideal for real-time applications."

Please contact your national IEC TC 57 committee for a copy of the NP.

The main differences between IEC 61850-8-1/8-2 and 8-3 are shown in the following table:

and here:

Enjoy!

Click HERE for additional information that discusses the need for a modern messaging solution ...

I look forward to continuing the editing work of this new part of IEC 61850. This closes the circle of my contribution to communication protocols: starting in the mid 1980s with MMS (base for IEC 61850-8-1/8-2) and now (40+ years later) involved in a modern approach using web technologies ... Wow ...

This NP is the result of a Proof of Concept (PoC) initiated and managed by the Netherlands Distribution System Operators (Netbeheer). I played a little role in the implementation of this PoC. The PoC demonstrated the great benefit that can be harvested from the solution!

It is very likely that this part IEC 61850-8-3 (once it is finished) will accelerate the application of IEC 61850 outside the substation domain. I have discussed IEC 61850 outside of substations for many years ... Let me know what you think.

I wish you a merry Christmas and the best for the year 2026.

How Does IEC 61850-3 Apply for IEDs Outside Substations?

I have been contacted several times on the question: “What are the requirements in IEC 61850-3 (General requirements, EMC, EMI, …) that have to be applied in DER, SA, … Wind turbines, Hydro Power stations?”

In IEC 61850-3 these applications are partly excluded (57/1246/CDV) says under

6.7.1 Electromagnetic environment

“… In addition to the mentioned electrical plants, Electricity Utilities can install apparatus in

control centers, radio repeaters, or low voltage distribution points in industrial, commercial or residential areas. These locations are covered by other generic standards or product standards. …”

An IED for a Hydro power plant, PV inverter, other DER or DA application to become compliant with IEC 61850-3 requires some definition in IEC 61850-3 for these domains. Pointing to “other standards” is to fuzzy.

I would highly appreciate to get your opinion which most crucial standards for other areas than HV/MV substations are applicable. We could then summarize the result and publish some guidelines … hints.

Please contact me in case you have some useful hints on the applicability of IEC 61850-3 outside substations.

Power Utility Automation Or Power Automation?

The title of IEC 61850 is “Communication networks and systems for power utility automation”. The restriction to power utility is an artificial one required by the standardization organization – it is not set by the industry.

In fact the scope of the IEC 61850 series is: “Communication networks and systems for power automation”.

Wherever power is generated, transported, distributed, and used, IEC 61850 provides the needed tools to provide a standardized interface for information, information engineering, and information exchange. There is no difference between a 3-phase AC system in a distribution system inside an Industrial Facility or outside in an utility grid. I guess you agree, that voltage phase A is voltage phase A.

All crucial information models for electrical systems are defined in IEC 61850-7-4 (core), IEC 61850-7-410 (hydro), IEC 61850-7-420 (DER), IEC 61850-90-7 (inverters), IEC 61850-90-17 (power quality), … It would be in the interest of keeping the reliability of power delivery high, to use ONE standard for all power related applications (in public utilities and in any factory or other plant or site).

There seem some people to apply the “fieldbus approach” … publishing new standards for power systems inside Industrial Facilities AND for an interface between the two domains (between Industrial Facilities and Power Utilities). Fortunately the power does not care if it is flowing inside or outside an Industrial Facility. Why not just use ONE standard (IEC 61850) for applications inside Industrial Facilities, inside Power Utilities, and between the both domains.

The IEC TC 65 has published a Committee Draft to open the door for a new standard:

IEC 65/555/CD: IEC/TS 62872 Ed. 1.0:
System interface between Industrial Facilities and the Smart Grid

Click HERE for a brief project description.
Contact your National Committee for a copy.

What are Client/Server and Publisher/Subscriber in IEC 61850?

The terms Client/Server (C/S) and Publisher/Subscriber (P/S) in IEC 61850 are describing (communication) roles a real device may have. A device can play any of the four roles - even at the same time.

From an information flow point of view (independent of C/S and P/S) there are different levels of relations: (#1) the Application Layer Protocol or communication view (see first slide); (#2) the system view as seen from an IEC 61850-6 (SCL - System Configuration Language) point of view (see second slide).

(#1) First slide: A server exposes the Data (in a LD/LN) that can be accessed by the client over a TCP/IP connection - may be over Ethernet. Or the client will receive event-driven reports from the server over TCP/IP (Ethernet). This is a 1:1 connection at protocol level. A server may communicate with many clients (one TCP/IP connection between each client and server). The connection is opened by the client. Note: a real device could play both roles - in MMS an association (connection) allows both devices to play both roles (this is not yet used in IEC 61850)!

The slide also shows the publisher and subscriber. The publisher sends multicast messages that are picked-up by subscribers. The subscriber is (at communication level) NOT subscribing to the subscriber. The message is just sent and any device that has a subscriber role picks-up the messages it wants to receive. Each multicast message has an identification (let's say number 277). The publisher does NOT know who is receiving the messages. This is like picking-up a newspaper at the red traffic light in the morning. You may also subscribe to the publishing house to get the newspaper delivered to your home every morning - this is the real publishing/subscribing).

A device that has a Server can model Data (in LD/LN), e.g. status of a cirsuit breaker. This Data can be used for publishing values (by a DataSet and a Control block). Strictly speaking: a Publisher does not expose a data model. This is done by a server. The publishing service makes use of a server (explicitly or implicitly). Explicitly means: data - dataset - control block - message. Implicitly means: message - you don't see the model; it may be defined in SCL only.

(#2) From a SCL (system) point of view we can model the flow of information from a source (right), through a server/publisher, message, client/server, ... to a sink (see next slide). In SCL we are describing the information exchange between a Data in logical nodes - clients/servers are not in the main focus. SCL provides - in my words - the wiring plan of a whole system (from a source to a sink).

The services defined in IEC 61850 ACSI are listed in the third slide:

The last slide shows that clients and servers can be cascaded ... this is outside the protocols - but can be specified with SCL! SCL is a VERY powerful specification language!!

Examples of these cascaded relations are presented and discussed during the hands-on training courses of NettedAutomation ... and much more.

Summary: each device implementing all four roles defined in IEC 61850 can communicate with each other device as a client, server, publisher, and subscriber.

One-day special course on IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, DNP3, CIM, Security, … in Mexico City

NEW: Details in Spanish!!

Please find the details and registration information for the One-day special event on IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, DNP3, CIM, Security, in Mexico City on 27. January 2009 below.

NettedAutomation GmbH and ASOCIACIÓN DE NORMALIZACIÓN Y CERTIFICACIÓN, A.C. (ANCE, A.C.), Mexico City, offer you the following service for a special introduction and update on the standards IEC 61850, IEC 6087-5, DNP3, CIM, Security, and other standards.

The objective of the one-day event is to give an Overview and Update on the current standardization efforts within IEC TC 57 and TC 88 and to present the experience of users, vendors, and system integrators made since 2005 - for applications inside and outside the utility industry.

Proposed Program
Standard series presented and discussed are:

• IEC 61850 Communication networks and systems for power automation
• IEC 61400-25 Communications for monitoring and control of wind power plants
• IEC 60870-5 Profiles 101/104 and DNP3
• IEC 62351 Data and Communication Security and NERC CIP
• IEEE 1686 Substation IEDs Cyber Security Capabilities
• IEC 61968 CIM - Energy management system application program interface

Questions like the following will be discussed:

• When will the 2nd Edition of IEC 61850 be available?
• Do utilities really get what they are looking for?
• Is the sustainable interoperability of substation IEDs already reached?
• Turn-key versus "home-made" automation systems!?
• What is the status of the harmonization of CIM & IEC 61850?
• Is the security standard available? and implemented?
• What is the relation between IEC 62351 and NERC's CIP?
• What is IEEE 1686?
• What about multivendor projects for IEC 61850?
• What tools for IEC 61850 are available?
• What's going on in North America?
• What is the future of IEC 60870-5-101/104 and DNP3?

Complete offer [pdf, 650 KB]
Program only [pdf]
Registration only [pdf]

Amendment to Power Quality Meter Goes IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104

The recent post "Power Quality Meter Goes IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104" needs some explanation to understand what the Gateway could do.
In the case described in the post, we use one gateway for one power quality meter. Of course this is only one example. A single gateway can acquire signals from many power quality meters from different brands and via different protocols: Modbus I/O, Modbus/TCP, Profibus, ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, and IEC 61850.
The gateway acts as well as a data concentrator, data manager, or proxy gateway. You may use it for any other signals - outside the power quality application. It may be connected to a substation LAN and tap GOOSE messages flying around.
The nice thing is: It can transform between (almost) ANY protocol without the need that IEC 61850 or IEC 60870-5-10x is integrated directly into the end device like a power quality meter.
In the future we will see more devices that have IEC 61850 integrated into their devices (by using a special piece of hardware or integrated onto the main controller of the device).

IEC 61850-90-4 Network Engineering – Just Published

IEC just published a crucial document on network engineering:

IEC/TR 61850-90-4 ed1.0
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation -
Part 90-4: Network engineering guidelines

Congratulation to the editors of this great technical report – worth to study in detail!

IEC/TR 61850-90-4:2013 is intended for an audience familiar with network communication and/or IEC 61850-based systems and particularly for substation protection and control equipment vendors, network equipment vendors and system integrators. This Technical Report focuses on engineering a local area network focused on the requirements of IEC 61850-based substation automation. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to network topology, redundancy, clock synchronization, etc. so that the network designer can make educated decisions. In addition, this report outlines possible improvements to both substation automation and networking equipment. This Technical Report addresses the most critical aspects of IEC 61850, such as protection related to tripping over the network. This Technical Report addresses in particular the multicast data transfer of large volumes of sampled values from merging units. It also considers the high precision clock synchronization and "seamless" guaranteed transport of data across the network under failure conditions that is central to the process bus concept.

This 250+ page report could be used as a compendium of solutions for the various applications found in power automation systems. The communication infrastructure is one of the crucial aspects of the future energy delivery system – in the electric power world, gas delivery, heating and cooling systems as well as in E-Mobility. The recommendations given in this new part of IEC 61850 could be applied in many application domains even outside the energy world.

As you may have seen, network infrastructure vendors like MOXA and Kyland have integrated IEC 61850/MMS in their infrastructure.

Click HERE to download the preview of IEC/TR 61850-90-4 ed1.0
Click HERE if you want to buy the report.

Petrobras Goes IEC 61850 for Refineries in big scale

10 of Petrobras's 12 refineries in Brazil will be equipped with IEC 61850 conformant DCS system 800xA from ABB.

According to ABB "The scale of the modernization program is immense. In addition to building new units for distillation, hydrotreatment, cooking, desulfurization and other processes, Petrobras is constructing 50 new substations and modernizing about 40 others to the new IEC 61850 global standard for interoperable substation automation devices ... enables refinery operators to monitor and control the systems from a single interface and run power management applications and intelligent IEC 61850 substations in the process automation system." Read more on ABB's engagement at Petrobras ...

The integration of IEC 61850 in process control automation systems is one of the expected new use cases for IEC 61850. The original scope of IEC 61850 was "substations", the new is "power utility automation" - still restricted to (electric) power, because IEC is in charge of the "electrical World". The standard series IEC 61850 can be used ALL OVER in the automation world: IEC 61850 outside substations is happing already. More to come.

How to Migrate to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)?

IEC TC 57 just published a new draft document for a future Technical Report:

IEC 62357-200 TR (57/1563/DTR):
Power systems management and associated information exchange –
Part 200: Guidelines for migration to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)

Application: Utility communications using utility-owned and leased networks, including, but not restricted to communication within substations, from substation to substation, from substation to control center / maintenance center, control center to control center, energy management systems, synchrophasors, distributed and bulk energy generation and storage resources and (including fossil fuel plants and renewables) wind-, and solar power generation, storage, demand side management, and demand response for distribution level consumers / producers.

This draft Technical Report addresses the issues encountered when migrating from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). It describes migration strategies, covering impact on applications, communication stack, network elements, configuration, address allocation, cyber security, and the related management.

The migration will add new need and require more skills of the engineers. It is highly recommended to have some people that start learning the changes that will come during the next 30+ years.

Maybe you start with a small group as we did in the standardization process 15+ years ago in Seattle (WA) in 1999:

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Be aware that the “network infrastructure” becomes one of the most crucial basics for all other infrastructures.

Would your company’s communications infrastructure survive a blackout like the one in The Netherlands today (2015-03-27)?

“Dutch electricity network administrator Tennet says that a large part of North Holland province, which is home to some 2.7 million people, was hit by the outage.

Tennet said on its Twitter feed that the outage was caused by a “technical fault” a high-voltage power station in the town of Diemen, just outside Amsterdam.”

Source: The Independent

I hope it was not caused by an “unknown” GOOSE Trip Message! … Which – at least – would mean it was not related to TCP/IP … IPv4 or IPv6. I am kidding! … a bit.

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.

How do you know which IEC 61850 Information Models are published or underway for publication?

Information models in IEC 61850 are growing very fast. Many groups have understood that one of the benefits of IEC 61850 is this: Information Models for real world information (measurements, status, configuration, limits, control, …).

One crucial question is this: Where can you get an overview and introduction in the many models already published or those models underway? There are several groups extending the models for several applications inside and outside electrical substations.

The easiest way is to ask somebody that has a good overview and long-term experience with IEC 61850 …

One of the crucial extensions is defined in the draft IEC 61850-90-3. During a training course I was asked last week if IEC 61850 defines something for overhead line monitoring – he did not have a chance to easily figure out that there is one document under preparation … sure you usually don’t know it or don’t find some documentation.

The following figure gives a brief overview about the various aspects of line monitoring:

Want to learn more on the 300+ Logical Node classes defined so far? Please contact NettedAutomation … or attend the next training course in Frankfurt/Germany on 16-18 October 2013.

You have the chance to learn the basics AND the most crucial definitions of the standards and how they could be used. See you there.

The aging infrastructure and aging work force requires more sensors to make sure that the power is flowing reliably in the future! Almost every day you can read stories about breaking infrastructure.

SCADA Security Matters Should Matter

The SCADA Security and Cybersecurity of critical infrastructure challenges are growing very fast. In order to follow a great source of information provided by a gray hair senior expert please visit the following pages:

http://linkedin.com/in/vytautas-vytas-butrimas-01116a18

http://scadamag.infracritical.com/index.php/author/vytautas/

Learn what the expert Mr. Vytautas (Vytas) Butrimas has to say.

Wish us all power systems that are hardened to withstand any attack from inside and outside!

Stay safe!

IEC 61850-5 Edition 2 FDIS Published for Ballot

IEC has published the FDIS for ballot until 2012-11-30:

57/1286/FDIS
Part 5 Ed2: Communication requirements for functions and device models

Extensions in Edition 2 of part 5:

• requirements for communication between substation automation systems to utility automation systems;
• including the interfaces for communication between substations (interfaces 2 and 11);
• requirements from communication beyond the boundary of the substation

Note that part 5 does NOT DEFINE FUNCTIONS!! The scope states:

“The description of the functions is not used to standardize the functions, but to identify communication requirements between Intelligent Electronic Devices … Standardizing functions and their implementation is completely outside the scope of this standard.”

There are other parts of IEC 61850 that go beyond the issue of determining the communication requirements: e.g., part IEC 61850-90-7 defines behavior at the electrical coupling point of a PV inverter. Depending on the configuration (input) of the various settings of a specific model the electric output of the inverter has to follow the “FUNCTION” that is described in the Logical Node model!

See example of the frequency-watt mode control function.

IEC 61850 on IPC@CHIP® at Hannover Messe, April 19-23, 2010

Beck IPC (Pohlheim, Germany), SystemCorp (Perth, Australia), and NettedAutomation (Karlsruhe, Germany) will present at the Hannover Messe 2010 (Hannover, Germany) in Hall 27 Booth E51 on 19.-23. April 2010 the IEC 61850 integrated on the IPC@CHIP^®, compact modules and ruggedized IEDs for harsh environments based on IPC@CHIP^®.

The IEC 61850 conformant products shown in Hannover are applicable for many domains of utility automation - to make the power delivery system smarter:

• Smart Automation of Power Generation
  Monitoring, protection and control of process and equipment (reactive power control, condition monitoring of turbines, ...)
• Smart Automation of Power Transmission
  Monitoring, protection and control of process and equipment (interlocking, condition monitoring of transformer and switch gears, ...)
• Smart Automation of Power Distribution
  Monitoring, protection and control of process and equipment (fault location, power restoration, condition monitoring of transformer, ...)
• Smart Automation of Vehicle to Grid
  Monitoring and control of process and equipment (charger station, condition monitoring of charging station, ...)
• Smart Automation of Loads and Generation
  Monitoring and control of process and equipment (load control, active and reactive power control, ...)

Due to the fact that IEC 61850 / IEC 61400-25 define many common aspects of standardized information and information exchange services it is obvious that standard conformant products can be applied in many domains outside the power industry: in gas and oil transmission and distribution networks, and in any other industrial automation domain.

IEC 61850, CIM, Security one-day-event in Mexico City - January 27, 2009

Karlheinz Schwarz, NettedAutomation (Karlsruhe/Germany) offers a ONE-DAY event on
IEC 61850, CIM, IEC 61400-25, IEEE 1686, ...

Where: Mexico City
When: January 27, 2009
Time: 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Language: English

The objective of the one-day event is to give an OVERVIEW and UPDATE on the current standardization efforts within IEC TC 57 and TC 88 and to present the USER, VENDOR and SYSTEM INTEGRATOR EXPERIENCE since 2005 - for applications inside and outside the utility industry:

• IEC 61850: Communication networks and systems for power automation
• IEC 62351: Data and Communication Security and NERC CIP
• IEC 61968: CIM - Energy management system application program interface
• IEC 61400-25: Communications for monitoring and control of wind power plants
• IEEE 1686: Substation IEDs Cyber Security Capabilities
• ...

Questions like the following will be discussed:

• When will the 2nd Edition of IEC 61850 be available?
• Do utilities really get what they are looking for?
• Is the interoperability of substation IEDs already reached?
• Turn-key versus "home-made" automation systems!?
• What is the status of the harmonization of CIM & IEC 61850?
• Is the security standard available? and implemented?
• What is the relation between IEC 62351 and NERC's CIP?
• What is IEEE 1686?
• What about multivendor projects for IEC 61850?
• What tools for IEC 61850 are available?
• What's going on in North America?
• ...

If you are interested to attend to get the latest information - neutral, up-to-date, experienced, and comprehensive - please contact NettedAutomation by email indicating how many experts from your organization may be interested.

IEC 61850 Applications Outside Power Utilities

IEC 61850 is often applied in non-utility application domains. Three examples are documented in the following papers:

1. Refinary in North America
"Integrating SCADA, Load Shedding, and High-Speed Controls on an Ethernet Network at a North American Refinery"
This paper discusses the implementation of an Ethernet communications network in a ring that connects substations in a closed communications loop at a large industrial facility. Data are transmitted at protection speeds and must be dependable for industrial power system operation and maintenance applications. The redundant electric power system Ethernet communications network is used for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system that automates industrial electric power system operations.
Click HERE for the complete paper [pdf]

2. Petrochemical Plant
"SACE Emax 2 -- IEC 61850 integration with MV systems"
PVC plant in Jemeppe needed to upgrade the LV side of the electrical plant, so that it could be fully integrated into IEC 61850 protocol used in MV switchboards. Not only customer needed to monitor status and parameters from air circuit breakers installed in the LV switchboards, but also to control them remotely and to interlock them with MV ones.
Jemeppe plant was aiming at a higher system productivity, by avoiding protocol converters, and an increase of safety for technicians thanks to remote control for air circuit breakers.
Click HERE for the complete paper [pdf]

3. Siemens helps Solvay
Solvay Group: International Chemical and Pharmaceutical Company
Solvay uses IEC 61850 for the Operation of high, medium and low voltage systems.
Worldwide systems in use with IEC 61850 up to the network control level, others being planned
Click HERE for more information [pdf]

IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 at CEPSI 2008 (Macau)

IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 presented by Karlheinz Schwarz (SCC) at the CEPSI 2008 conference in Macau end of October 2008:

27 Oct 2008, Monday
4:15 pm – 6:00 pm Technical Session (IEC 61850 outside Substations, paper abstract)

31 Oct 2008, Friday
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Technical Session (IEC 61850/61400-25 and Condition Monitoring, paper abstract)

I look forward to seeing you there.