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A New Paradigm for Protocols
28.01.08
The IEC61850
protocol is creating a stir around New Zealand
and around the world. The protocol is based on
three major concepts that look to change the way
substation integration is being handled.
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Hard wires are
replaced with high-priority network messages;
the famous GOOSE (Generic Object Orientated
Substation Event) messages. This requires highly
reliable communication links between the
devices. Using redundant network solutions,
ideally with fiber optics, brings the needed
reliability.
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All data uses a
pre-defined naming convention included in the
IEC 61820 standard. This ensures clear and
unequivocal identification of the data. Based
on the naming convention, it is now possible to
easily establish vendor-independent inter-relay
communication.
 The
substation configuration language (SCL) promotes
vendor independent configuration. Configuration
files are used to facilitate information sharing
between vendor tools and thus reduce the
required engineering time.
(Cooper Power Systems, The Line Magazine;
Franksville, Wisconsin, 2008)
The protocol
remains in the early stages of its development.
The major issue thus far is that different
vendors approach implementation and the various
standards in different ways. In addition the
design must allow for proper response times and
scalability for future expansion without ruling
out the ability to handle even more advanced
control possibilities. Without a concerted
effort the overall use of different vendors
within a project may become a burden for the
users who require such interoperability from the
IEDs on their project and would undermine the
special nature of the protocol.
In essence, the
theory that one protocol will be able to communicate
and integrate with all other applications is great.
A universal standard would be exceptionally useful.
Practically however this will take time to perfect..
Currently the protocol is used in New Zealand with
cell phone connections. No doubt as the technology
improves we will see it become a staple of
electricity management.
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