Chapter 29

IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems

Marian Gaiceanu and Iulian Nicusor Arama

Abstract The chapter includes protection power systems based on the IEC 61850
protocol for data communication systems between substations. The IEC 61850 is
adequate for real time communication between IED based on GOOSE messages. The
chapter includes the case study from the Romanian power systems: implementation of
protection and remote control system in transformer station 110 kV/20 kV Laminor,
using IEC 61850.

Keywords IEC 61850 · Protection · IED · SBO · GOOSE

29.1 Introduction

The protection and automation system of a station depends on the development and
availability of microprocessor-based systems. Thus, the equipment from the power
station transformation have been evolved from simple electromechanical devices to
the digital robust terminals namely intelligent electronic devices (IED—Intelligent
Equipment Device) used to perform specific required functions (for example, pro-
tection, monitoring and local/remote control). Until now, the specific proprietary
communication protocols have been used, developed by each manufacturer in par-
ticular manner, requiring complex protocol converters and expensive when IEDs
are used from different suppliers. Therefore, there was need to develop an effective
protocol for communication between the IEDs, in order to ensure the interoperability.
IEC 61850 is a standard protocol for the automation, design of the transformer
power stations developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC),

M. Gaiceanu (B) · I. N. Arama

Department of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati,
Galati, Romania
e-mail: [email protected]
I. N. Arama
e-mail: [email protected]

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 697

N. Mahdavi Tabatabaei et al. (eds.), Microgrid Architectures, Control
and Protection Methods, Power Systems,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23723-3_29
698 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Technical Committee 57 (TC57), which defines the reference architecture for ener-
getic systems.
Thanks to the architectural design, inspired by the OSI 7 model and based on
the abstraction of the entity definition, independent of the basic protocols, the IEC
61850 protocol allows mapping of objects and services.
IEC Standard 61850 contains a set of documents focusing on the following major
issues:
• Functional model for SA (Simulated Annealing)—Part 5;
• Data model for SAS (Substation Automation System);
• Communications protocols and related services—Part 7 and Parts 8 and 9;
• Substation Configuration Language based on XML (SCL)—Part 6.
The primary requirements of IEC 61850 are [1]:
• Interoperability, the standard must support all the functions in the station appli-
cations. Interoperability implies that different IEDs from different manufacturers
may be able to exchange and use real-time information without protocol convert-
ers;
• The open architecture allows an arbitrary allocation of functions to devices and
supports centralized and decentralized systems;
• Long-term stability, referring to the lifetime of an electrical transformer station.
Primary equipment has the operating life between 40 and 50 years, and the digital
terminals used to automate the station have a service life between 10 and 20 years.
Therefore, it is necessary to easily integrate new IEDs from the same manufacturer
or other manufacturers.
The IED is, according to IEC 61850 any equipment that includes one or more
processors (microcontrollers) with the ability to receive or send data/control to or to
an external source.
Standard communication protocol IEC 61850 revolutionized the automation of
power stations at the very fast peer-to-peer messages, structured and object-oriented
data.
It is intended to provide a unitary protocol for the variety of intelligent numerical
relays used in the transformer station, to implement a common format for station
description, to facilitate the modelling of necessary data, to define the basic services
needed to transfer the data through different protocols and enable interoperability
between different manufacturers’ equipment.
All data model functions, including data structure for the primary equipment of
the station, are divided into modules that can then be separately implemented into
IEDs.
The basic elements are called logical nodes (LNs). Each object will include
attributes that can represent detailed equipment values or equipment features.
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 699

The operations implemented by the data model defined by the IEC standard 61850
are as follows [2]:
• reading given data as values of attributes;
• writing a value as a configuration attribute;
• control of switching devices and other objects by methods such as Select Before
Operation (SBO) or direct operation;
• reporting an event that changes the values;
• storing event logs;
• the necessary file transfer to configure them and the event log;
• GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event) stands for an event system
generic object oriented and it is a service for critical information transmission
between IEDs, such as status changes to equipment monitoring, interlocking,
implementing automation like Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) for Global Posi-
tioning System (GPS), so on;
• sampling the analog values by transmitting a string of synchronized voltage and
current values.
The IEC 61850 standard uses Ethernet as basic communications technology at
a speed of 100 Mb/s or higher depending on available network components. Star
network topologies and hybrid ring are used. The most commonly used network
topology is ring-type with automatic reconfiguration in the event of communication
interruption on one of the redundant IED ports.
The chapter includes the case study from the Romanian power systems.
The chapter ends with the Reference Section.

29.2 Overview of IEC 61850 Standard

IEC 61850 standard for communication networks and systems in substations, has
been developed to ensure interoperability between intelligent electronic devices
(IED—Equipment Intelligent Device) required to provide protection, monitoring,
control and automation functions implemented in power stations/substations.
IEC 61850 refers not only to the communication process but also to the mod-
elling of information, adapted to the needs of the electricity industry. In addition, it
defines an XML-based configuration language that standardizes the automation and
protection device configuration technology used in electrical stations.
Meta model of IEC 61850 presents concepts like logical nodes (LNs—Logical
Nodes) and data classes, which are defined in Parts 7-1 and 7-2. The Substation
Configuration Language (SCL) is defined in Part 6 and is used to configure data
sources and how to access their information about these data. Mapping (addressing)
technology is described in 8-1, 9-1 and 9-2 Sections. The first Part, 8-1, defines both a
mapping/addressing conforming to the MMS (Manufacturing Messaging Specifica-
tion) message specification standard and Ethernet communication needed for model
transfer events GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Events).
700 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

The basic model, defined in Part 7-3, implements common data classes for infor-
mation status and analogue units, analogue signals settings. This information hier-
archically organized is defined at logical node level, and data class respectively.
In Section 7-4, the automation model of the power station is defined which imple-
ments the addressing of logic nodes related to circuit breakers, sectionalizers, trans-
formers, etc. Information about shaping equipment can be accessed both online using
the appropriate search and in offline mode using the equipment SCL language.
The Meta model contains constructors representing the information model (mea-
sured value, reference value, sequence of events) as well as communication configu-
ration constructors (called information exchange model in IEC 61850 Part 7-1), such
as setting a report which can be used by a single client or associated applications.
Each physical equipment (PD—Physical Device) may include several logic
devices (LD). Each logical device is made up of several LNs, having at least one
logical node 0 that contains general device information. The logical node is defined
based on a class of logical nodes.
The classes of logical nodes are defined in the information model standards for
IEC 61850, such as 7-4, 7-410, and 7-420. The classes of logical nodes are generically
defined from a semantic point of view. For example, GGIO class representing the
only generic inputs/outputs (GGIO) and XCBR class defines the properties of a
breaker (Circuit Breaker—CB). Additional details regarding the classes of logical
nodes are set out in Part 3.2.1 (logical node types). The logical nodes contain several
constructors of the information exchange model and, moreover, at least one data
object. The data objects are defined both in the common data classes (Section 7-3),
and in a new class of specific data. Common data classes are defined to implement
common functions, for example, obtaining the state of a full-size digital variable,
reading values and of an analogue signal, etc.

Case Study—Implementation of Protection and Remote Control System in TS

110 kV/20 kV Laminor, Using IEC 61850

29.3 Overview of the Schneider Micom P139 Digital Relay

Schneider digital protective relay Micom P139 (Fig. 29.1), it was used to implement
protection functions, remote control, tele-signalling and tele-measurement within
the mill transformer station (TS) 20 kV cells of 110 kV/20 kV. The main protective
functions available for 20 kV cells are: maximum current protection (50/51 P/Q/N),
maximum short-circuit and homopolar directional protection (67 and 67 N), min-
imum and maximum frequency protections (81), minimum and maximum voltage
protections (27 and 59) [3–6].
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 701

Fig. 29.1 The Micom P139 relay [3]

The Micom P139 relay (Fig. 29.1) can be used in power systems with earthed
neutral by resistance, inductor compensation or with the isolated neutral. The mul-
titude of protection functions founded into P139 relay allows the user to cover a
wide range of applications designed to protect MV/HV electrical networks, trans-
formers and their electrical motors. The protection parameters can be stored in four
independent groups.
The control functions are designed to control a maximum of six electric switching
equipment, which can be equipped with a medium/high voltage (MV/HV) cell within
the electric transformer station. The numeric relay shows about 300 predefined types
of medium and high voltage cells stored, depending on the desired configuration.
During operation, the operator interface is easy to use, facilitates the setting of
the device parameters, ensuring safe operation by preventing accidental actuation
operations of the switching equipment.
The P139 is equipped with a large number of protection and control functions.
These can be individually configured and cancelled. The flexible programming logic
implemented by the device protection, allows the P139 digital relay to be used in
special applications.

29.4 Configuration of the IEC 61850 Standard

with Easergy Micom S1 Studio [7]

In order to configure the IEC 61850 standard and to integrate the Schneider Micom
P139 digital relay into the SCADA system, the use of Data Model Manager Appli-
cation (DMMA) is mandatory. The application is launched in execution and will be
enabled Graphical User Interface (GUI) shown in Fig. 29.2. Within the GUI the fol-
lowing operations are possible: to add, delete, export or import a data model. Because
the required data model has been previously saved, the “Import” option will be used
and then the “Next” button will be activated.
702 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.2 The GUI of the

data model manager
application

Fig. 29.3 Archive selection

associated to the properly
data model

After archive election associated to the properly data model, a new interface is
activated (Fig. 29.3), which shows, in tabular form, related data models of digital
relays types specified in the “Model” column and described in the “Description”
column. The “Install” button will be activated. In this manner, new data models are
installed corresponding to the different types of digital relays that can be configured
in Easergy Micom S1 Studio.
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 703

Fig. 29.4 Interface for

definition of a new system

Fig. 29.5 Adding new

substation to the project ST
Laminor (ST Mill)

For definition of a new system/project, the “New System” command will be used.
The command will enable the new interface as shown in Fig. 29.4. In the field “Name”
the name of the project is specified and choose, if desired, another path way specified
in the “Path to file system” field.
The next step is needed to define properly the transformer electric station. From
the context menu (obtained by making a left click on the name system previously
established), the command “New Substation” will be used (Fig. 29.5).
704 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.6 Interface for

creating of the new
transformer substation

The new interface will be activated (Fig. 29.6) where it will be specifying the
name of the transformer substation in the field “Name”.
The next step is to define the voltage levels existing within transformer station,
by using the command “New Voltage Level” (Fig. 29.7). As could be seen, in the
Fig. 29.8 a graphical interface is enabled in order to specify the voltage levels of
110, 20 and 0.4 kV respectively (required for numerical relays definition used for
monitoring different signalling related to DSI AC, DSI DC, AAR 0.4 kV, so on).
In Fig. 29.9, a new numeric terminal associated with the 20 kV voltage level is
defined. The command “New Device” from the Voltage Level, generates a new box
shown in Fig. 29.10, where it must specify the class of digital relays that belong to
the equipment we want to define.
Depending on the class of selected numerical relays in the previous interface,
a new dialog box is generated in order to select the type of the digital relay. In
the presented case, the digital relay P139 will be selected (Fig. 29.11). The “Next”
button will be pressed. Depending on the imported data model into the Schneider
Easergy Micom S1 Studio, according to the digital relays model that should be IEC
61850 configured, in the generated interface (Fig. 29.12) the P139 Relay type will
be selected.
In Fig. 29.13, the last stage in the defining process of the new equipment is
shown. The entities name should be specified (usually, they represent the name of
a cells within transformer station). By pressing the “Finish” button, new equipment
is generated (Fig. 29.14). The structure of the new equipment is loaded with appro-
priate predefined configuration files: the used Communication interfaces (section
“Connections”), parameterization of the protection functions, types of automation,
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 705

Fig. 29.7 Command

selection to define the
voltage levels existing within
transformer station

Fig. 29.8 Define the voltage

levels values
706 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.9 Selection of the

New Device command

Fig. 29.10 The device type

selection
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 707

Fig. 29.11 Selection

interface of the digital relay
P139

Fig. 29.12 Digital relays

model that should be IEC
61850 configured
708 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.13 Name

specification of the new
equipment

communication protocols (the “Settings” Section), sinoptic/Mimic presented on P139

digital relay LCD screen (the “BTC” Section—Bay Template Configurator—editor
and configurator of the 20 kV cell model), signalling menus parameterization avail-
able on numerical relay screen (Section “Menu Text”), respectively, configuration
of the Micom Configuration Language (MCL), and implementation of IEC 61850
standard. Moreover, view log values analogue measured (Measurement), event log
(Log Recorder) respectively Disturbance Recorder are available.
For definition a new IEC 61850 configuration file left click on “MCL 61850” will
be executed and in the contextual menu shown in Fig. 29.14, command “New File”
will be used.
A new IEC 61850 configuration file is created with the implicit name 000.mcl that
will contain the corresponding configuration of the active digital relay. The name
file can be modified through the “Rename” command. The file can be exported in
SCL format for later importing in the case of IEC 61850 configuration definition for
the new digital equipment, through the “Export SCL File” command. More MCL
configuration files can be created, but only one single may be active. By using “Set
as default” command, the changes on the active mcl file can be achieved. In order to
enable IEC 61850 configuration editor the “Open” command is used (Fig. 29.15).
IED Configurator interface is activated (as shown in Fig. 29.16). In the title bar
of the editor the name the mcl file to be configured it is specified.
In order to enable the editing mode of the MCL configuration file, right click on
Template is executed (Fig. 29.17), and command “Enter Manual Editing Mode” is
selected.
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 709

Fig. 29.14 New equipment

is generated

Remark: After finishing of the IEC 61850 configuration, if the digital relay is in
online mode, in order to use the write the file MCL into the digital relay memory the
command “Send to Device” is used.
Within the “IED Details” section, shown in Fig. 29.18, the name of the digital
equipment is defined (in the “Name” field). It is recommended that this name does
not contain characters special or spaces. Typically, the name describes as efficiently
IED the cell where digital relay is installed (2K_TR_2—it is the 20 kV 2K cell,
i.e. 20 kV Trafo no. 2cell). The name should not have more than 10 characters
(there are different types of RTUs at electric station level, as a SCADA protocol
concentrator, which does not allow defining the “IED name server” that are longer
than 10 characters).
Within the “Communications” Section, shown in Fig. 29.19, TCP/IP communi-
cation parameters are configured in the “Address Configuration” IP address, subnet
mask, and IP gateway address. In the “General Configuration” box, the “Media”
“Copper or redundant board” selection option has great importance if the provided
digital relay has two ports (assure redundancy in the communication architecture,
whether it is about the ring or double star configuration), even if these two ports are
FO type. The “TCP Keepalive” parameter allows definition of a timer that determines
whether the TCP connection is active or interrupted.
Within the “SNTP” Section, shown in Fig. 29.20, can be configured time synchro-
nization of the digital relay up to a maximum of 2 external Simple Network Time
Protocol (SNTP) servers. It is necessary the IP address specification of the SNTP
710 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.15 The “Open”

command is used to enable
IEC 61850 configuration
editor

Fig. 29.16 IED

Configurator interface
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 711

Fig. 29.17 The activation of the editing mode of the MCL configuration file

Fig. 29.18 “IED Details” Section

712 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.19 “Communications” Section

server or selection name server in the Server Name list and the name port (“Access
Port Name”).
The “Dataset Definitions” Section, shown in Fig. 29.21, allows definition (press
the “Add Dataset”), change (by making double-click left on an existing set) or delete
(the “Delete Dataset” button is pressed) to a data set.
For each new data set created, the name (field “Name”), and the location (field
“Location”) should be specified (Figs. 29.22 and 29.23).
For each new data set created, a list of data objects will be added. This list can
be changed lately by adding new objects or deletion of existing data objects. In
Fig. 29.23, add in Dataset1 set the object Protection/DtpPhsPTOC1.ST.Op.general
(Fig. 29.24) that will allow monitoring of the signalling operation state of the maximal
overcurrent protection timer.
Section “GOOSE Publishing”, presented in Fig. 29.25, allows definition mecha-
nism of publishing/editing GOOSE messages. The field “Multicast MAC Address”
allows MAC address configuration for multicast/broadcast, used for the transmis-
sion of the GOOSE generic posts. The VLAN Identifier parameter (expressed in
hexadecimal numeric code), and VLAN Priority parameter allow to apply a filter
in accordance with the communication network in which is intended to be visible
the sent GOOSE message. Box “Repeat message parameters” contains the needed
parameters configuration time delays permissible transmission GOOSE messages.
The “GOOSE Identifier” parameter contains ID the GOOSE message needed for
implementation mechanism or publication and subscription. The GOOSE message
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 713

Fig. 29.20 “SNTP” Section

Fig. 29.21 “Dataset Definitions” Section

714 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.22 Specification of the name (field “Name”) and the location (field “Location”)

Fig. 29.23 Adding in Dataset1 set the object Protection/DtpPhsPTOC1.ST.Op.general

29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 715

Fig. 29.24 The implemented object Protection/DtpPhsPTOC1.ST.Op.general in Dataset1 set

will contain information about the state of the specified objects through the data set
specified in the “Dataset Reference” list.
In order to define the IEC 61850 control reports, the “Report Control Blocks”
Section is used. In Fig. 29.26, a report identified via TR2_1 Ksystem/LLN0 $ RP $
urcbA (specified in the “Report ID” field) that allows transmission (through the IEC
61850 protocol) of the state objects contained in the Dataset2 data set (selected in
the “Dataset Reference” list) is defined.
In Fig. 29.27, it is presented the single-phase scheme of TS 110 kV/20 kV Laminor
that can be viewed in the SCADA system. Through the modern digital relays Schnei-
der MICOM P139, by using the IEC 61850 standard, the increased features of the
protection and remote control system are obtained: the state knowledge of the switch-
ing equipment, the knowledge of the analogue values, the digital input states (corre-
sponding to the functioning of the protections, the control and signalling loops, the
automations—RAR, AAR, DRRI, so on), remote control of the switching equipment,
and protection functions.
In Fig. 29.28, the synoptic interface corresponding to the 20 kV 1 K Trafo cell
no. 2 is presented.
716 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.25 Section “GOOSE Publishing”

29.5 Conclusions

The introduction of the advanced digital relays in power system allows a better
control, protection (fast and selective) and communication for future power devel-
opment. In this chapter, the Schneider Micom P139 digital relay has been described,
and a useful configuration of the IEC 61850 standard with Easergy Micom S1 Studio
applied to transformer station 110 kV/20 kV Laminor have been presented.
29 IEC 61850 Based Protection Systems 717

Fig. 29.26 “Report Control Blocks” Section

Fig. 29.27 Single phase scheme of TS 110 kV/20 kV Laminor

718 M. Gaiceanu and I. N. Arama

Fig. 29.28 The synoptic interface corresponding to the 20 kV 1K Trafo cell no. 2

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