IEC 61850: An Overview

IEC 61850 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission

(IEC) for communication networks and systems in substations. It is a comprehensive standard that
defines the communication protocols and data models used for automation and protection in power
substations. The main goal of IEC 61850 is to ensure interoperability, reliability, and efficiency of
substation automation systems. It is designed to handle the complexities of modern electrical grid
systems, offering high-speed, flexible, and secure communication between Intelligent Electronic
Devices (IEDs), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and the control center.

Key Components of IEC 61850:

1. Substation Automation Systems (SAS): A system that automates and controls the operation
of electrical substations, including monitoring, protection, and control functionalities.

2. Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs): These are devices used in substations to perform
various functions like protection, monitoring, control, and measurement. Examples include
relays, transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.

3. Communication Network: A high-speed network connecting IEDs, RTUs, and the control
center to allow seamless data exchange.

IEC 61850 Architecture:

The IEC 61850 standard specifies a client-server communication model with data exchange
occurring via a standard protocol. The architecture involves:

1. IEDs: Devices like protection relays, circuit breakers, and other devices within the substation
that communicate with each other and the control center.

2. Substation Communication Network: The communication backbone (which can be

Ethernet-based) connecting IEDs within the substation and linking them to external systems
(like control centers or other substations).

3. Control Center: Centralized control unit where operators monitor and control the entire
network.

IEC 61850 Communication Models:

There are two main communication models defined in IEC 61850:

1. GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event) Messages:

o GOOSE messages are used for real-time event-driven communication between

IEDs. They enable the exchange of information for protection, control, and
monitoring systems in a publish-subscribe manner.

o Example: If a protective relay detects a fault on a transmission line, it will send a

GOOSE message to the circuit breaker IED to immediately open the breaker,
isolating the faulted section.

2. SMV (Sampled Measured Values):

 o SMV messages are used for transmitting real-time sampled values such as voltage
and current measurements from IEDs to control centers or other devices.

o Example: A voltage transformer IED sends SMV messages to the control center
every millisecond to monitor voltage levels, enabling real-time adjustments to the
grid.

3. MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification):

o MMS is used for client-server communication between IEDs and external systems
(like SCADA or control centers). It supports request/response communications for
device configuration, status reading, and control commands.

o Example: The control center might use MMS to request the status of a circuit
breaker (open or closed) or change the configuration of a protection relay.

4. Report Control:

o Report control allows IEDs to send periodic reports to the control center or other
IEDs, which can include information such as equipment status, faults, and alarms.

o Example: A transformer IED periodically sends a report to the control center with
the status of the transformer’s temperature and oil levels.

Key Advantages of IEC 61850:

1. Interoperability:

o IEC 61850 enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers,

as it defines a standardized communication protocol.

o Example: A protection relay from one manufacturer can communicate with a circuit
breaker from another manufacturer using IEC 61850.

2. Real-time Performance:

o The standard supports high-speed data communication for real-time control and
protection, which is critical for electrical grid stability.

o Example: GOOSE messages allow protection systems to respond to faults in less

than a millisecond, ensuring rapid disconnection of faulted sections.

3. Scalability:

o IEC 61850 supports flexible, scalable systems that can easily be expanded by adding
more IEDs without disrupting existing operations.

o Example: If a utility company wants to expand its substation automation system by

adding more circuit breakers or transformers, they can easily integrate new IEDs into
the network using the same IEC 61850 standard.

4. Reduced Wiring:
 o Traditional substations required large amounts of copper wiring for connecting
devices. IEC 61850 uses Ethernet-based networks, reducing the amount of wiring
and simplifying installation and maintenance.

o Example: Instead of running individual wires for each device, Ethernet switches and
communication protocols handle the data exchange, minimizing the physical wiring
in the substation.

5. Flexibility:

o IEC 61850 is flexible and can adapt to different substation designs and
configurations. It can be used for everything from small, simple substations to large,
complex power systems.

o Example: Whether it is a small transformer station or a large transmission

substation, IEC 61850 allows integration of IEDs for protection, monitoring, and
control.

Real-World Example:

Let’s consider a real-world example of a substation automation system in a power grid,

incorporating IEC 61850:

1. Substation Setup:

o In a power distribution substation, there are several key components like circuit
breakers, transformers, busbars, and protective relays.

o Each of these devices is equipped with an IED (Intelligent Electronic Device), which is
responsible for performing certain tasks, such as monitoring voltage, current, or
fault conditions.

2. Communication Between IEDs:

o A GOOSE message is used for protection coordination. If a fault occurs on the

incoming power line, the protection relay IED will send a GOOSE message to the
circuit breaker IED to trip the breaker and isolate the faulted section.

o Simultaneously, the IEDs for the transformers send SMV messages with real-time
data on voltage and current levels to the control center.

o The SCADA system in the control center requests the status of various devices (like
transformers, circuit breakers, etc.) via MMS communication to check for any
abnormalities.

3. Control and Monitoring:

o The control center uses MMS to send a command to reclose a circuit breaker once
the fault is cleared.

o The transformer IED periodically sends report control messages containing the
health status of the transformer to the control center, which could include oil
temperature, cooling status, and load levels.
 4. Fault Detection and Recovery:

o If there is a fault in the system, such as an overcurrent condition in the transformer,

the GOOSE message will trigger the protective relay to isolate the fault by opening
the circuit breaker.

o The control center will then receive the fault report and can initiate recovery
measures, like switching to backup power or rerouting the electrical load.

Conclusion:

IEC 61850 provides a powerful framework for modernizing power substations, improving
automation, control, and communication. It enables high-speed, reliable communication between
IEDs, facilitates real-time monitoring, and enhances system protection. Through its integration of
GOOSE, SMV, MMS, and report control, IEC 61850 ensures efficient and secure operation, even in
complex and large-scale power grids. The flexibility and scalability of IEC 61850 make it an essential
part of the ongoing evolution of power system automation.