Digital Substation Design and Automation with IEC 61850

A Practical Guide for Engineering Excellence at Keentel Engineering

Explore Keentel Engineering’s practical approach to IEC 61850 digital substation design, automation workflows, and real-world implementation—also see our case studies and we answered top FAQs.

Introduction

The evolution of substation automation from legacy hardwired systems to digital architectures is revolutionizing the power industry. IEC 61850, the international standard for communication networks and systems in substations, offers a unified, object-oriented approach to integrate Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), significantly reducing engineering complexity, improving interoperability, and enhancing scalability.

Core Components of IEC 61850

IEC 61850 is structured into three main pillars:

Substation Configuration Language (SCL): An XML-based framework (IEC 61850-6) enables system-level configuration.

Data Modeling: Logical Nodes (LNs), Common Data Classes (CDC), and data attributes define power system functions (IEC 61850-7-3, 7-4).

Communication Services: Abstract Communication Service Interface (ACSI) mapped to protocols like MMS and GOOSE (IEC 61850-7-2, 8-1, 9-2).

Engineering Workflow

The IEC 61850 engineering process involves:

• Creating a System Specification Description (SSD)
• Using IED Capability Description (ICD) and System Configuration Description (SCD)
• Automating configurations via interoperable tools

Testing and Commissioning

Key features like Mode and Behavior control (Test, Blocked, Test/Blocked) and Simulation bit settings are crucial for safe testing in live environments. Edition 2 improves testing clarity, allowing utilities to simulate without physical disconnection.

Advantages of IEC 61850

Interoperability: Between multi-vendor IEDs

Reduction in Wiring: Use of Ethernet and GOOSE messages

Scalability and Modularity: Logical segmentation enables easier expansion

Resilience: Protocols like PRP and HSR ensure redundancy

High Performance: Sub-millisecond response times for protection signals

Future Outlook

IEC 61850 is expanding into distributed energy resources (DER), wind/hydro power, wide-area monitoring, and digital twin applications. As new standards emerge (e.g., Ed2.1, IEC 61869), Keentel Engineering is well-positioned to lead these digital transitions.

Get More Information About keental Substation Design Services.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: National Grid Digital Substation Rollout

Implemented an IEC 61850-based substation using GOOSE, MMS, Sampled Values, and PRP redundancy. Simulation and Test/Blocked Modes validated protection before deployment.

Case Study 2: CFE Mexico Multiowner Substation Testing

CFE used logical isolation and in-service IED testing combining DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850 to avoid outages.

Case Study 3: ABB 500 kV IEC 61850 Substation

Integration of logical nodes (MMXU, XCBR, CSWI) with SCL and tested IEDs allowed complete digital control.

Case Study 4: NCIT-Based Process Bus Implementation

Non-conventional optical sensors and Merging Units enabled digital protection via Ethernet and simplified architecture.

Case Study 5: Utility Training Lab by Keentel

Keentel developed a dedicated IEC 61850 lab with real IEDs for training, protection testing, and compliance simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Expert support?