CIGRE Green Books

Compact Studies

CIGRE Study Committee B5: Protection and Automation

Peter Bishop
Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair Editors

IEC 61850
Principles and
Applications
to Electric Power
Systems
CIGRE Green Books
Compact Studies

Series Editor
CIGRE, International Council on Large Electric Systems, Paris, France
CIGRE presents their expertise in compact professional books on electrical power
networks. These books are of a self-contained concise character, covering the
entire knowledge of the subject within power engineering. The books are cre-
ated by CIGRE experts within their study committees and are recognized by the
engineering community as the top reference books in their fields.
Peter Bishop · Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
Editors

IEC 61850 Principles

and Applications
to Electric Power Systems
Editors
Peter Bishop Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
HVDC and Operational Engineering Grid Department of Electrical
Delivery Computer and Software Engineering
Transpower New Zealand Ltd. University of Auckland
Wellington, New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand

ISSN 2367-2625 ISSN 2367-2633 (electronic)

CIGRE Green Books
ISSN 2509-2812 ISSN 2509-2820 (electronic)
Compact Studies
ISBN 978-3-031-06911-6 ISBN 978-3-031-06912-3 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06912-3

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022

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Foreword

CIGRE Study Committee B5—Protection and Automation focuses on protection,

control, monitoring and metering and aims to cover the whole power system, end-
to-end related to this topic, from transmission systems, to distribution systems,
including generation and HVDC systems.
Study Committee B5 promotes the synthesis and dissemination of state-of-the-
art practices, recommendations and information about power system protection
and automation on a worldwide basis. Its main activities cover the principles,
design, application and management of power system protection, substation con-
trol, automation, monitoring, recording and metering, as well as the associated
internal and external communications and interfacing for remote control and mon-
itoring. SC B5 aims to be an independent analyzer of different solutions and
provider of high-quality unbiased publications and contributions to the electrical
supply industry.
Members of SC B5 from all regions of the world provide a global perspective
on the issues and challenges facing the protection of electrical power systems,
aimed at top and medium management and technical staff of utilities, suppliers and
consultants, universities and research centres, including young and experienced
engineers alongside standardisation organisations.
CIGRE Study Committee B5 strategic technical directions address the main
objectives set by CIGRE Technical Committee. The strategic directions set by SC
B5 aim to facilitate the human development and application of new technology
to improve the efficiency of the engineering, design, operation and maintenance
of protection and automation of electric power systems and keeping the spirit
of collaboration that distinguishes CIGRE among other organisations around the
world.
SC B5 has worked with the IEC 61850 Standard for more than 20 years. IEC
61850-based power system protection and automation systems have significant
technical and commercial advantages over the conventional ones, and it is time to
deploy the technology and take full advantage of its benefits for the power industry.
In this CIGRE Compact Studies book, the experience related to IEC 61850 system
from SC B5 members are addressed.

v
vi Foreword

I would like to give a special recognition to Mr. Peter Bishop and Dr. Nirmal
Nair for their contributions as Editors of this Green Book. Please enjoy the further
study of this book!

Oslo, Norway Rannveig Loken

April 2022 CIGRE Study Committee B5 Chair
Preface

This CIGRE Green Book aims to provide a compact overview on IEC 61850 prin-
ciples and applications to electric power systems. It is compiled using technical
brochure and technical paper material that is based on existing practice of IEC
61850 systems (application, use and approach) that gives stakeholders from dif-
ferent disciplines (and levels of knowledge) an understanding of systems in use,
their features, how they are applied and approach for implementation. It covers the
complete lifecycle from specification, deployment, operation to maintenance and
replacement.
IEC 61850 is the international Standard applicable to Protection, Automation
and Control Systems (PACS). The scope of IEC 61850 implementation continues
to grow in a wide range of areas including

• protection,
• automation,
• System Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA),
• metering and
• condition monitoring.

IEC 61850 provides the engineering definitions and processes for configuration
and parameterisation of the functions required for digital communication between
Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) in the substation and the related system
requirements. It is therefore not a protocol itself but rather the configuration of
IEDs with interoperability to communicate using a protocol. It is a key part of a
digital substation.
The readers of this Green Book will vary in the extent of familiarity with IEC
61850 as a concept and indeed their experience in using it. As the application of
the IEC 61850 has many different aspects, there would be very few, if any, who
would dare to say they “know it all” even after the many years that it has been in
active deployment around the world.
IEC 61850 systems provide users with the opportunity to review primary and
secondary functionality they wish to implement and their existing philosophies,
not just in the area of communications but in all areas of existing and emerging
power systems.

vii
viii Preface

These changes will impact on many fields such as primary system design, pro-
tection design, SCADA design, system architecture, governance, operational work
and site commissioning.
The target audience includes both primary and secondary system engineers,
power system planners, technicians, teachers and researchers tasked with explor-
ing, developing, delivering these systems. The audience will also include engineers
from non-B5 Study Committees. Since IEC 61850 covers multiple disciplines, it
will assist protection, SCADA, communication and Information Technology staff
by detailing how IEC 61850 will affect their systems. This Green Book is a com-
pact study for a broad audience, and while PAC details are included, it is not
intended to be a comprehensive IEC 61850 technical reference book solely for
Protection and Automation engineers.
The overall Green Book provides a “concise” practical guide for any organisa-
tion and associated users embarking on the adoption or expansion of IEC 61850 in
its engineering processes and system deployments. It gives examples of approaches
and applications of systems that have been implemented. While it could be read
cover-to-cover in its entirety, some may focus particularly on the chapters that are
especially relevant to them. The following serves as a rough guide to the principle
chapters for each activity “theme”. This also serves as a “checklist” of the readi-
ness of any organisation to commence an adoption project and where consideration
of each chapter fits into the plan.

Activity theme Chapters Description

Need and IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet This sets out the broader reasons and
Benefits Power System Challenges advantages for applying IEC
61850-based system. Illustrating its
application to meeting emerging and
traditional power system challenges.
Concepts Introduction to IEC 61850 Systems This provides an overview of the
standard, its history and some
concepts.
Preface ix

Activity theme Chapters Description

User IEC 61850 User Specifications, The variety of implementations and
Specification Standards and End Users functional requirements requires a
strong approach to user specification
to ensure the system meets all needs.
Communication IEC 61850 Communication This describes and provides examples
Architecture and Architectures and Services of LAN arrangements with options
Required and considerations to meet your
Services performance and operational needs.
Time Synchronisation for IEC This describes time synchronisation
61850 Systems and its criticality depending on your
implementation. It includes
considerations methods and examples.
Cybersecurity Integration with IEC As a LAN-based communication
61850 Systems technology, cyber security measures
must be a specific inclusion in the
deployment considerations.
Planning and Planning and Design for IEC 61850 With concepts, need and requirements
Design Implementation described in the previous activity
themes, this gives some guidance to
the process of system lifecycle
planning and design based on
previous user experience.
System Implementation for IEC 61850 Review of worldwide examples of
Implementation Functional Schemes different types of functional schemes
and Testing (goose and sampled values) and their
implementation considerations.
Testing of IEC 61850 System Theory is nice, but this is where it all
Solutions comes together requiring a different
approach to traditional testing to prove
the readiness for operational use.
Vendor Interoperability of IEC Key considerations for ensuring
61850 Systems multi-vendor device interoperability to
achieve full benefit of IEC 61850
solutions. As a vendor-agnostic
engineering process, there is a
requirement to understand the
requirements for selecting devices that
meet the functional and interoperable
requirements of the system.
Substation & CT/VT Sampled Value Acquisition CT/VT Sampled Values, if you choose
Inter-Substation Applied to IEC 61850 to implement, is the mechanism of
Applications digitalisation of all the primary sensor
signals that allows elimination of
many wires from the CTs, VTs and
other sensors. Emerging developments
are discussed.
x Preface

Activity theme Chapters Description

Process Bus Applications in IEC The process bus is described as the
61850 digital communication connection
between the bay level devices and the
process level devices such as circuit
breakers and instrument transformers
or associated digital merging units.
Many considerations are involved in
associated applications which form an
important part of a digital
substation—this has been termed
“Process Bus” as it refers to messages
only related to the process equipment,
i.e. this is a significant step in
completing the fully “digital
substation” moving completely away
from all analogue signals. Global
examples are shared.
Wide Area Implementations of IEC IEC 61850 now incorporates
61850 Substation Systems communication between substations.
Wide area applications that
incorporate both samples values and
GOOSE commands are increasingly
important in our interconnected power
system. As a system dealing with all
of the utility operational
communication requirements, the
wide area aspects need particular
understanding.
IEC 61850 for SCADA Applications Digital control and supervision of the
power systems and it functions helps
advance to the operation of the power
system and early disability of issues
that require attention
Maintenance and Maintenance and Asset Management Maintenance and asset management is
Asset for IEC 61850 Systems different for IEC 61850 systems,
Management particularly with the absence of
wiring, less use of traditional drawings
and increase in available intelligence.
The absence of physical isolation and
test links is the start of the operational
requirements, but the vast array of
easily accessible data can aid in
dramatically improving reliability and
resilience of the system, and hence of
the primary power system.
Preface xi

Activity theme Chapters Description

Beyond the Applying IEC 61850 Applications Application and examples of IEC
Substation Beyond Substations 61850 outside of conventional
Applications three-phase AC transmission and
distribution systems are growing,
particularly its use in electric traction
systems, electric vehicles, wind &
hydro generation plants and HVDC
applications.

Wellington, New Zealand Peter Bishop

Auckland, New Zealand Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
Acknowledgments

This book is based on existing CIGRE technical documents and the active par-
ticipation of a group of experts to produce the chapters. The COVID pandemic
made it impossible for the writing team of experts from across the world to meet
the preferred way, i.e. in-person. Instead, their patience to work together through
several online meetings is appreciated. These experts have added valuable new
material, along with the inclusion of historical material. We acknowledge their
dedicated role, along with the previous working groups and paper authors who
have produced the related technical brochures and papers on the associated topics.
We are also indebted to study committee B5 chair Rannveig Loken for her
active support, participation and encouragement in the process of completing the
manuscript. As this book concept was originally initiated in 2014 (before our effort
was reinitiated in 2018 with an agreed terms of reference), we also acknowledge
previous SC B5 chair Iony Patriota de Siqueira and initial book convenor Ian
Young for their initial development.
We thank Volker Leitloff for his significant feedback and review of draft book
chapters. Other valuable feedback and support is appreciated, particularly from
Klaus-Peter Brand, Daniel Espinosa and Richard Adams.
We are also indebted to a wide range of organisations for their support in terms
of the contributions provided by their employees and endorsing the use of case
studies and examples included in the book. Particular thanks to Scottish Power,
Transgrid Australia, Landsnet Iceland, RTE France, Statnett Norway, National
Grid UK, Vector NZ for the case studies and examples. We also acknowledge
and thank University of Auckland and Transpower NZ Ltd. for granting Nirmal
Nair and Peter Bishop respectively considerable time, support and physical meet-
ing facilities while they coordinated and managed the completion of the book
manuscript. The several face-to-face editorial meetings between us as the editors
in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, during 2020–2022, have helped shape
the quality and value of this much awaited book among protection, automation
and control system professionals, practitioners and researchers across the electrical
power system sectors globally.
Personally, we would also like to thank our family and friends for their moral
and emotional support to help complete this important assignment for CIGRE
B5 study committee. This was particularly important as, like others globally, we

xiii
xiv Acknowledgments

navigated our professional commitments also from home during various levels of
lockdown periods during the last couple of years.
A big thanks to readers and particularly practising engineers from the electricity
infrastructure space for keeping the lights on across your networks. Hopefully, this
book will help engineers educate, understand and apply IEC 61850 better, as it is
increasingly important for today’s electricity networks.
Further thanks to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for
permission to reproduce information from its International Standards. All such
extracts are copyright of IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. All rights reserved. Further
information on the IEC is available from www.iec.ch. IEC has no responsibility
for the placement and context in which the extracts and contents are reproduced
by the author, nor is IEC in any way responsible for the other content or accuracy
therein.

Wellington, New Zealand Peter Bishop

Auckland, New Zealand Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
April 2022
Contents

IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Peter Bishop, Pablo Humeres Flores, Peter Bishop,
and Pablo Humeres Flores
Introduction to IEC 61850 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rod Hughes, Peter Bishop, Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair, Rod Hughes,
Peter Bishop, and Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
IEC 61850 User Specifications, Standards and End-Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Alex Apostolov, Anders Johnsson, Alex Apostolov,
and Anders Johnsson
IEC 61850 Communication Architectures and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Rannveig S. J. Løken and Rannveig S. J. Løken
Time Synchronisation for IEC 61850 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Richard Hunt, Calum Dalmeny, Marcel Geor, Richard Hunt,
Calum Dalmeny, and Marcel Geor
Cybersecurity Integration with IEC 61850 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Dennis Holstein, Mark Adamiak, Herbert Falk, Dennis Holstein,
Mark Adamiak, and Herbert Falk
Planning and Design for IEC 61850 Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Pablo Humeres Flores and Pablo Humeres Flores
Implementation for IEC 61850 Functional Schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair and Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair
Testing of IEC 61850 System Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Alex Apostolov and Alex Apostolov
Vendor Interoperability of IEC 61850 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Priyanka Mohapatra and Priyanka Mohapatra
CT/VT Sampled Value Acquisition Applied to IEC 61850 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Janez Zakonjšek and Janez Zakonjšek
Process bus Applications in IEC 61850 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Rannveig S. J. Løken and Rannveig S. J. Løken xv
xvi Contents

Wide Area Implementations of IEC 61850 Substation Systems . . . . . . . . . . 339

Mark Adamiak, Herbert Falk, Mark Adamiak, and Herbert Falk
IEC 61850 for SCADA Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Pablo Humeres Flores and Pablo Humeres Flores
Maintenance and Asset Management for IEC 61850 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Anders Johnsson, Rannveig S. J. Løken, Pablo Humeres Flores,
Anders Johnsson, Rannveig S. J. Løken, and Pablo Humeres Flores
Applying IEC 61850 Applications Beyond Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
David Hewings, Anders Johnnson, Pablo Humeres Flores,
David Hewings, Anders Johnnson, and Pablo Humeres Flores
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Peter Bishop, Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair, Rod Hughes, Peter Bishop,
Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair, and Rod Hughes

Appendix A: Bibliography and References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429

Appendix B: Definitions, Abbreviations and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
About the Editors

Peter Bishop is presently Principal Protection and Automation Engineer with

Transpower NZ Ltd., the transmission utility in New Zealand. He holds an Elec-
trical and Electronic Engineering Degree from the University of Canterbury (NZ)
and is a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Peter has over 25 years’ experience in power system protection engineering
support and management for a transmission utility and protection manufacturer.
This experience has included protection operation and application analysis, setting
studies, simulation and testing, training, investigations and project support. He
was a member of a cross-functional team which travelled internationally gather-
ing experience and information on substation automation for future application
for Transpower. In recent years at Transpower, he has managed the protec-
tion technical support response for power system faults, equipment failures and
outages.
Peter is convenor of CIGRE Australia B5 mirror panel and has been a co-special
reporter at the 2017 SC B5 colloquium.

Nirmal-Kumar C. Nair received his B.E. in electrical engineering from Maharaja

Sayajirao University, Vadodara, India, M.E. (Gold Medal) in high voltage engi-
neering from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India, and Ph.D. in electrical
engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station, USA. He has held sev-
eral professional and research positions in India, USA and New Zealand (NZ).
Currently, he is a tenured faculty at the Department of Electrical, Computer
Engineering and Software Engineering at University of Auckland, New Zealand.
His interests include power systems analysis & operation, protective relay-
ing, automation & optimisation in the context of smart grid, electricity markets
and integration of DG/renewable sources into bulk power system. He has special
ongoing interest in voltage collapse, blackouts, resilience, cyber-physical security
and special protection schemes. To date, he has contributed to about 290+ refer-
eed conference and journal papers and has been actively offering his services by
reviewing for several reputed journals and conferences. He has co-authored two
books, several book chapters and inventor on two patents around areas relevant
to power system relaying and automation. He is passionate about developing life-
long learning opportunities for engineers, energy policy and media engagements
around zero-carbon energy transition/adaptation
xvii
xviii About the Editors

Nirmal serves as Executive of CIGRE New Zealand (NC) National Committee

since 2008, Secretary (2014–2017), Treasurer and Event Manager (2018–2021)
and currently Technical Chair (2022). He won the competitive bids to host CIGRE
Auckland 2017 that incorporated CIGRE B5 Colloquium, CIGRE Administrative
Council meeting and CIGRE-AORC Technical and administrative meeting alto-
gether between 11 and 17 September 2017. He has been the event manager for
CIGRE NZ events since 2017, focusing on end-to-end theme with increased focus
on sub-transmission/distribution voltages.
For CIGRE B5, he has been NZ Observer Member (2010–2018) and currently
serves as Technical Advisor for New Network Requirements (2019–) and Tutorial
Advisory Group Member (2017–). He has actively contributed towards the devel-
opment of CIGRE B5 (2019–2028) strategic plan. He has been involved with five
B5 working groups (four completed with one as Convenor and three as Regular
Member, one ongoing as Convenor); two Task Forces completed including one for
B5 Green Book; five CIGRE Paris papers and four CIGRE regional event papers;
2018 Special Reporter to B5 Preferential subject and 2021 CIGRE Centennial B5
Tutorial Contributor. He received recognition as CIGRE Distinguished Member in
2018.
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet
Power System Challenges
Peter Bishop and Pablo Humeres Flores

ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the broader reasons and advantages for applying IEC
61850-based systems. The significant global societal and related power sys-
tem changes are explained. Resulting power system challenges are stated. The
chapter then illustrates the features and applications of IEC 61850-based sys-
tems to enable solutions that meet the emerging and traditional power system
challenges.

Keywords

Power system • Society • Challenges • Global • Transformation • Technology •

IEC 61850 • Enabler

1 The Changing Power System and Related Drivers

The profound transformations undergoing the electrical industry in recent decades

are in a large way reflective of changes in our society. These transformations
bring new requirements and opportunities for the power sector, and particularly
to Protection, Automation and Control System (PACS). Features of the IEC 61850
standard make it an enabler in developing and applying schemes that address the
challenges from the societal and resulting power system changes. IEC 61850 is

P. Bishop (B)
Transpower NZ Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand
e-mail: peter.bishop@transpower.co.nz
P. H. Flores
CGT Eletrosul, Florianopolis, Brazil
e-mail: hpablo@cgteletrosul.gov.br

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022 1

P. Bishop and N.-K. C. Nair (eds.), IEC 61850 Principles and Applications to Electric
Power Systems, CIGRE Green Books, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06912-3_1
2 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

also well suited to continue address traditional power system and protection and
automation challenges [1].
The world is moving towards being more socially and economically inclusive.
This means more people demanding a more comfortable living that needs energy.
On the other hand, environmental awareness points to the need for other sources
of energy, which will even change over time as it is possible to develop new
knowledge and, consequently, new technologies. The interesting thing is that in
this scenario, electricity has a fundamental role. Being the option applied by the
final devices (motors, cars, lighting, heating, etc.) it is possible to change the matrix
of the sources that produce energy (nuclear, coal, water, sun, wind, etc.) over time
while maintaining the same infrastructure that distributes the energy and without
affecting the final devices used.
To apply the grid changes that are required in the near future, there is also
pressure on utilities (transmission, distribution and generation) to implement grid
projects quickly, economically and with existing human resource levels. Features
of IEC 61850 are also an enabler to help meet these utility pressures.

1.1 Changes in Society

While the twentieth century was a time of rapid and significant societal change
and growth, continuing growth and change appears to be accelerating in the initial
years of the twenty-first century.
During the twentieth century, there were great shifts in the way many
people have lived. This occurred due to changes in technology, economics,
culture, medicine and politics. The rate of change has continued into the twenty-
first century with further technological progress, rise in the global economy,
urbanisation and concern over world social and environmental issues.
Also with the greater use of technology, growth of economies and increased
travel there is a greater expectation for reliability and cost-effectiveness of systems
that support greater living standards.

1.2 Environmental Change

Concern for the environment and associated guardianship has been present
throughout history, particularly in some cultures and in some parts of the world.
However, particularly with increased awareness of increasing global environmen-
tal issues there is a greater call for action. Environmentalism advocates for the
preservation, improvement and sustainable care for the natural environment.
Environmental issues of rising concern include pollution, reducing natural
resources, and climate change. Increasing global warming due to large-scale
greenhouse gas emissions and altered weather patterns leading to severe weather
extremes are features of climate change.
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges 3

The burning of fossil fuels for energy consumption is a major cause of the
greenhouse gas emissions. Power systems have traditionally emitted greenhouse
gases with the burning of coal, oil and gas fossil fuels to generate electricity.
With society and government policy pressure, power systems are in the process of
changing to move away from electricity based on fossil fuel generation.
It is also noted that extreme weather conditions are having a significant effect
on power systems, whether it be increased risk for forest fires or damage during
more severe hurricanes.

1.3 Technology Change

Over centuries, innovative methods and new technologies are developed and
deployed. Emerging technologies are wide ranging across educational technology,
information technology, nanotechnology, optics, biotechnology, cognitive science,
psychotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence. While these technologies
are being applied across our society, significant application is occurring within
power systems particularly in the areas of renewable generation, energy storage
and communication networks.

1.4 Social Change

Social change refers to shifts overtime in behaviour and cultural values. Con-
tributing factors include changes in population, technology and information
systems.
In recent decades, a significant redistribution has occurred in global population.
The world is becoming more globally interconnected, sharing values and aspects
of concern. Also developing countries are becoming a greater proportion of the
world population. Along with increases in standard of living and societal sys-
tems in many countries of the world, there are greater expectations for accelerated
advances in the development, reliability, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of
infrastructure. These changes have influenced how power systems have changed.
Figure 1 illustrates some specific areas of change impacting on the electricity
industry.

1.5 Changing Power Systems and Energy Sector

Electricity supply systems play a key role among all critical infrastructures in con-
temporary societies. From the supply of water, goods, gas, oil, medical services,
home automation, telecommunication, security and many other infrastructure
sectors, all depend on the reliable and economic supply of electricity.
Following the current revolution brought about by societal changes including
“smart things” and the explosive growth of the Internet, electricity supply systems
4 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

Fig. 1 External influences on the power industry (Source CIGRE 2018 Paris Keynote Presenta-
tion)

must keep pace with all these changes in order to continue to provide the quality
of service necessary for these applications. Most of the changes and innovations
in power system components and overall power system planning and operation
methods are paralleled with developments in other industries, which have been
adopted slowly from their relevant sectors, e.g. power electronics, robotics and
information technology. Power systems are likely to become more transactional,
based around the concept of service provision, and this will require reliable and
robust data to support the economic cost recovery mechanisms [1].
The trend of making use of alternative energy resources is resulting in the
restructuring of the electric power grid as we know it today. It is estimated that
over the next 20 years, millions of windfarms and multi-megawatt photovoltaic
plants will be connected to transmission networks and that tens of millions of Dis-
tributed Energy Resources (DER)—both renewable and non-renewable—will be
connected worldwide to the grid—to both transmission and distribution networks.
Existing bulk energy storage technologies, like pumped storage schemes, will be
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges 5

complemented by new technologies such as batteries and flywheels. Distributed

Energy Resources will be connected mostly at the lower network voltages, many
of which were not designed to cater for embedded generation. As shown in Fig. 2,
the current structure of electrical grids is usually represented as a linear connection
among the generation, transmission, distribution and consumer, where the transfer
of power occurs in a one-way direction. With the evolution of distributed genera-
tion and storage, the future electrical network is seen as a complicated smart grid,
capable of interconnecting and transferring power between many different sources,
in a two-way direction. The endpoints can vary from any kind of power plant like
photovoltaic, small hydro, Stirling machines, nuclear, battery storage, geothermal,
wind, fuel cell, combined cycle, combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, tidal
power, etc. These distributed sources and destinies can also be combined as virtual
power plants, and managed as a unique source, and also operated interconnected
or isolated from the rest of the grid in case of emergencies, as a microgrid [2].
The full exploitation of all new technologies available in the generation, trans-
mission, distribution and consumer domains of power systems is only possible
with the availability of modern resources for communication among devices, sys-
tems and players, identified as one of the main pillars of a smart grid. These
communication trends include developing automation requirements, the needs
for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and inter-substation communication
and the telecommunication network convergence (packet-based switching network
capable for transmitting multiple services simultaneously) [1].
In parallel to the trends in telecommunication convergence, the information
processing in the power sector is steadily adopting the main developments from
information technologies. The fifth generation of informatics, featuring distributed

Fig. 2 Unidirectional power flows are becoming multi-directional (Source CIGRE Green Book
‘Electricity Supply Systems of the Future’, Introduction and Overview, Figure 21)
6 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

Fig. 3 Industry informatic trends (Source CIGRE 2018 Paris Keynote Presentation)

hardware and software, is being deployed in digital substations, and seen as one
of the main drivers for the development of future applications. Aspects such as
remote access systems and cybersecurity are key considerations for power system
implementations. Reference is made to Fig. 3 which highlights industry informatic
trends [1].
As part of the evolution of power system automation, the development of a
fifth generation of implementation technology is underway. This fifth generation
is related to the use of distributed hardware and automated software. New types
of high-voltage sensor systems are being employed, such as Rogowski coils, gas
voltage sensors and optical sensors. Besides employing all new developments in
informatics and telecommunication, mainly guided by the standard IEC 61850,
substation and inter-substation automation are being planned with new applications
based on the concept of synchrophasors. Refer to Chap. “Wide Area Implementa-
tions of IEC 61850 Substation Systems”. Control centre automation is the central
focus of current development aiming to provide intelligence to the grid oper-
ation. Figure 4 highlights a range of distributed data sources and the flow of
information across the power systems. It also shows the associated data processing
sites where automation functionality is applied.
There are also societal trends and governmental and international polices which
will have a huge impact on the future grid [1]:

• Environmental considerations and agreements (Kyoto protocol and Paris accord

on climate change) are limiting options for generating type and power line
construction.
• Disengagement from nuclear power in some countries.
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges 7

Fig. 4 Information flow with distributed data sources and data processing sites (Source CIGRE
Green Book ‘Electricity Supply Systems of the Future’, Information Systems and Telecommuni-
cations, Figure 17)

• Regulations (prioritisation of Renewable Energy Source (RES), tariff incentives

(production tax credits), interface requirements for DER).
• Energy market, exchange clearing authority, energy exchange trade, market for
system services (voltage and frequency regulation, peak load generation and
peak supply management).

Power system stakeholder and consumer expectations have also changed with sys-
tems and technology being implemented. A more reliable, more available, safer,
cost optimised, smarter and leaner power system is expected.

2 Resulting Power System Challenges

With the many changes in society (discussed in the previous section) reflected in
the changes appearing in power systems, there are new power system challenges
to deal with.
8 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

2.1 Climate Change Challenges

Climate change action is leading to an increase in the direct use of electricity as

an energy source and energy load. Electricity energy is directly converted in heat-
ing, transportation and industrial systems. Different forms of distributed renewable
generation are being installed. This has provided a number of challenges. The
worldwide move away from fossil fuel generation to forms of renewable gen-
eration is changing the power system and where generation is located. This is
illustrated in Fig. 5. In some areas of the world, there is an increase or greater
reliance on interconnections between countries to share energy, as shown in
Fig. 6 [2].
Distributed Energy Resources are being increasing connected at lower network
voltages, many of which were not designed to cater for embedded generation.
This creates stability and power flow reversal issues requiring new protection and
automation solutions.
Generation trends will likely change from predominantly large base load power
plants connected at the transmission level to a mix of large dispatchable plants at
transmission level along with a large amount of embedded generation with vary-
ing degrees of dispatchability, much of it from DER (including energy storage).
These embedded DER devices will provide opportunities, or problems, depend-
ing upon one’s viewpoint such as islanding of parts of the network under certain
conditions [2].
However, many DER devices do not possess the fault response and ride through
capabilities of conventional generators and may compound stability issues during

Fig. 5 Transition away from fossil fuel generation (Source CIGRE 2018 Paris Opening Panel
Presentation)
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges 9

Fig. 6 Energy transition and more interconnected grids (Source CIGRE 2018 Paris Opening Panel
Presentation)

disturbances and faults. This may also imply more constraints for the fault clear-
ance times of the existing network. Despite the limited dispatchability today of
many DERs, the main control centres need their actual status to have a complete
picture of generation connected to the network. There is an increased need for
dispatch, and demand control systems and associated communication.
This requirement could drive Distribution State Estimation which may require
synchronised measurements (synchrophasors) to implement due to the vastness
and single-endedness of the distribution system [2].

2.2 Technology Change Challenges

Technological change is also having a big impact on the power system and pre-
senting many challenges. Modern advances in fields including materials, optics,
semi-conductors and production techniques have led to advances in primary equip-
ment solutions for generating and enabling transfer of power such as battery
storage, solar and wind generation, cable, instrument transformers/sensor, HDVC
and FACTS systems. Resulting challenges include scheduling the different types
of generation and applying these technologies into different parts of the power
system with different features. Secondary challenges include the continuing devel-
opment of control and protection systems to deal with the different characteristics
of these systems such as low fault current contribution and need for controlling dif-
ferent modes of operation. Other technological change is in the secondary systems
area of communication, information and automation technologies. Optical fibre is
replacing copper wire for communication of information. Digital signals are now
being applied further into the substation at the process level where they interface
10 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

Fig. 7 Application opportunities at different levels with communication of digital signals for dis-
tribution and consumer systems (Source CIGRE Green Book ‘Electricity Supply Systems of the
Future’, Introduction and Overview, Figure 39)

directly with the primary equipment. Within power systems, this has been evi-
denced by smaller smarter multifunctional devices with increased inter-device and
inter-substation communication capabilities. The applications available through the
communication of digital information at different levels are illustrated in Fig. 7 for
distribution and consumer systems. Challenges include interoperability when con-
necting devices from different manufacturers, the need for better tools to develop
and operate systems, ensuring systems are cyber secure and better training for
schemes particularly for commissioning and testing personnel.

2.3 Challenges from Social and Societal Change

Social and societal change has increased expectations for reliability, resilience,
safety, cost optimisation and performance of the power system. This has also been
fuelled by universal technological change and advancements with associated solu-
tions where the above performance expectations have been met. The challenge is
to meet these greater performance expectations for the changing power system
and how it is operated, particularly regarding the different and developing types of
IEC 61850 as an Enabler to Meet Power System Challenges 11

primary equipment and interconnected power system networks. For the power sys-
tem technological changes discussed above, there are protection and automation
opportunities to provide an increased levels of performance through PACS to mon-
itor and ensure system integrity for normal and special power system operational
conditions and primary equipment.

2.4 Utility Challenges

Utilities have the traditional job of developing, operating and maintaining their
power systems. With the changes and extra power system challenges described in
this chapter, there is additional pressure on utilities to address the challenges and
develop and implement the required systems within tight time frames, with existing
human resources and at optimised cost. We cannot expect utilities to grow many
times in size, especially considering there is presently a shortage of engineers
and other people educated to work in the power industry. Thus, the power system
utilities have to work smarter and accomplish more.

2.5 CIGREs Ten Issues to Address for Network Supply System

of the Future [1]

CIGRE’s Technical Council has compiled the following list of ten issues that must
be addressed in order to guarantee the full development of the network supply
system of the future:
Issue 1—Active Distribution Networks.

• Bidirectional power and data flows in distribution level,

• Control and coordination of many small units,
• Need for decentralised, intelligent control,
• Massive implementation of smart metering and demand-side response,
• Market and regulatory changes to manage efficiency, equity and cost recovery,
• Distribution network architectures that include microgrids and virtual power
plants.

Issue 2—Massive Exchange of Information.

• Advanced metering with massive need for exchange of information,

• New measured parameters, architectures of information, communication tech-
nologies and algorithms,
• Identification, requirements and standardisation of the data to be exchanged,
• Disaster recovery and restoration plans,
• Cybersecurity and access control.
12 P. Bishop and P. H. Flores

Issue 3—Integration of HVDC/Power Electronics.

• Impact on power quality, system control, security and standardisation,

• Appropriate models for network performance analysis,
• Harmonic distortion and filtering,
• Designs and controls to provide benefits and performance enhancements to
reliability,
• Need new standards and grid codes,
• Increased use of DC at end-use premises.

Issue 4—Massive Installation of Storage.

• Need and impact on power system development and operation,

• Construction: materials, installation and costs, environmental impact, efficiency
of charge/discharge cycles, weight and size density, life-time estimation models,
• Operation: modelling, management, sizing, co-operation with RES and
DSM, islanding, peak reduction.

Issue 5—New Systems Operations/Controls.

• New concepts for system operation, control and market/regulatory design,

• Stochastic generation and modified loads due to DSM/storage,
• Evolution of power system control at continental, country, regional and local
level,
• Increased level of automation,
• New competencies for system operators.

Issue 6—New Concepts for Protection.

• To respond to the developing grid and different generation characteristics,

• Wide-area protection systems (WAPS),
• Decreasing short circuit and flow reversal,
• Coordination with fault ride through (FRT),
• Inadvertent and intentional islanding detection.

Issue 7—New Concepts in Planning.

• New environmental constraints and solutions for active and reactive power flow
control,
• Risk-based planning with many uncertainties, addressing the interaction
of transmission and distribution,
• Comparison between new technological options,
• Changing economic, market and regulatory drivers.

Issue 8—New Tools for Technical Performance.