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Interoperability and interchangeability for microgrid protection systems

using IEC 61850 standard

Conference Paper · November 2016

DOI: 10.1109/PECON.2016.7951463

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Interoperability and Interchangeability Considerations
in Microgrids Employing IEC61850 Standard
Taha Selim Ustun, Abdulrahman Hadbah and Akhtar Kalam

Abstract— Due to the recent changes in electrical networks, The standardization of the communication in microgrids is
microgrid operation schemes have evolved dramatically. Coupled a popular research area. It is possible to find many different
with smartgrid concepts, microgrids are required to be more types of DGs, interconnections, electronics interfaces since the
intelligent and establish communication with its components. In evolution of DG was not pioneered by a single organization or
order to sustain reliable and sustainable power delivery under a company. On the contrary every institution runs its own R&D
heavy deployments of Distributed Generators (DGs), passive project. This makes it incredibly difficult to draft a set of
power network operation schemes have to be replaced with new rules/guidelines for DGs interconnection and utilization. Since
generation dynamic methods. Utilization of communication in microgrids are formed with DGs, the very concept of a
microgrids brings about new challenges such as communication
microgrid and its wide acceptance are also paralyzed by this
reliability, time delays, plug-and-play and standardization
considerations. Having a standard communication procedure has
fact. In an effort to tackle this issue, there are several
utmost importance in a network where there are different standardization and universalization works performed by
equipments manufactured by different vendors and having several bodies. The ultimate objective is to standardize certain
different features. IEC61850 substation communication standard aspects of DGs and microgrids while there is no technology or
has been introduced by International Electrotechnical design constraint stipulated to hinder the versatility of these
Commission (IEC) to address this challenge. It has received much concept [1].
attention in power engineering circles and several pilot projects There is a growing interest in extensive communication for
have been implemented. As a result, it has been found out that
network management, control and protection purposes.
several concepts such as interoperability and interchangeability
have to be considered in networks designed with IEC
However, there is no consensus in the literature about which
communication standards. This paper summarizes the latest communication protocol shall be used in these systems. It goes
developments in this field and discusses the required steps that without saying that microgrids will become more complex with
shall be taken to unleash capabilities of microgrids in current the introduction of communication devices and systems. For
smart network era. this reason, worldwide collaboration is required in identifying a
universal or standardized communication protocol that shall be
Keywords— Smartgrids, Distributed Generation, Microgrid used in microgrids for DGs, storage and protection devices to
Management Systems, Protection, Multi-vendor, Communication tackle the arising problems. In this respect, International
Standard, Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC61850 released in 2003
for the first time a communication standard for a substation
automation system, and in the same token, it has been used for
I. INTRODUCTION other purposes [6]. With a vision of controlling DGs it has been
The rising amount of the carbon gas in the atmosphere has extended beyond 10 years. The first release, IEC 61400-25 was
in the last decade or so, initiated raised climate change about the communication in wind power. Two more extensions
concerns and triggered a fast pace of technological advances in IEC61850-7-410 [7] on hydroelectric power plants and
the renewable energy industry. The development of technology IEC61850-7-420 [8, 9] on DERs logical nodes have also been
and the migration to cleaner sources of energy has made DG published.
from renewable resources more desirable. However, it is a The wide-spread acceptance of IEC61850 was hindered by
known fact that rising penetration of DG does have adverse practical issues such as interoperability and interchangeability.
impact on the grid structure and its operation. The microgrid This stems from the fact that IEC61850 limits the number of
concept is a solution proposed to control the impact of DG and mandatory data objects and attributes; and it gives the freedom
make conventional grids more suitable for large scale of selection of implemented services to the supplier of the
deployment of DG [1]. device [10]. This is done to support innovation and flexibility
but the downside is challenging nature of interoperability.
Being small entities in a power system network, microgrids Consequently, although it is promised by IEC61850 standard,
are capable of coordinating and managing DGs in a more interoperability is far from being granted and stands as a
decentralized way, thus reducing the need for the centralized stumbling block for the wide-spread acceptance of the
coordination and management of such systems. In order to standard.
reap the full benefit of DGs, such a scheme is highly
recommended in reference [2]. In spite of this, the research Based on the afore-mentioned facts this paper focuses on
and development potential associated with the microgrids is the implementation of IEC61850 on microgrids with multi-
still vast and promising [2-5]. vendor equipment and the associated challenges such as
interoperability and interchangeability. The organization of this
paper is as follows: Section (II) gives an insight about the defines a conformance test in IEC61850-10 [13] but it is silent
systems with multi-vendor equipments; Section (III) explains about what procedures shall be maintained to ensure
interoperability and interchangeability concepts; Section (IV) operability.
discusses the importance of interoperability testing. Finally,
Section (IV) draws the conclusions. It may sound weird to the first-time readers that a
communication standard aimed at providing interoperability
has some interoperability issues. In order to put this in
II. SYSTEMS WITH MULTI-VENDOR EQUIPMENTS perspective, it is important to identify the reasons.
It is evident to power engineers that traditional electrical As shown in Figure 1, the fundamental reason lying
networks are comprised of equipment manufactured by underneath is the flexible nature of the standard. Some of the
different vendors. Depending on their history, some equipment definitions are made in an ambiguous fashion and majority of
may belong to the same manufacturer yet carry different model the attributes are classified as `optional` rather than
numbers and features. Therefore, it is very important that the `mandatory` to support different kinds of devices provided by
communication between this equipment is sustained for proper different suppliers. Therefore, the majority of the Logical Node
operation of microgrids. (LN) content may not exist or may not be mapped.
When it comes to based electrical networks, it is estimated Furthermore, it is not stipulated by the standard which LNs
that one thousand systems have been built, the large majority shall be present in a device. As a result depending on the
of which has been turn-key stations from one vendor with interpretation of the engineers, same IEDs may have different
maximum one IED from another manufacturer [11]. Large LNs and same LNs may have different data content [15].
scale stations which represent interoperability have been, for
the most part, a part of research activities. The first IEC61850
based protection and control, multi-vendor project in the
United States has been implemented in Bradley 500 kV
Substation [12]. Published in 2007, this paper expresses that
engineers from different disciplines have worked on this
project since late 2004 and early 2005. Apart from this pilot
project, major vendors have set up their system verification
centers. However, the know-how built up in this manner is
exclusive to the major vendors and independent system
integrators have no access [11].
Consequently, the endeavor to use IEC61850 based multi-
vendor networks requires users to become experts of this
standard. This is due to the fact that although IEC61850
standard promises interoperability between devices from
different vendors, it does not guarantee it. As it will be
explained in the next section, ambiguous definitions in the
standard lead to issues in interoperability.
Figure 1. IEC61850 Data Model
III. INTEROPERABILITY AND INTERCHANGEABILITY
CONSIDERATIONS Figure 2, shows three different IEDs which are modeled in
compliance with IEC61850 standard. Non-intersecting portion
Interoperability means the ability of two or more IEDs from of each device can be interpreted as an `optional` attribute or
different vendors to exchange information and use that function implemented only in that particular IED. The hatched
information for correct execution of specified functions. This area shows the common conformance area utilized in all of the
interoperability also includes the tools used for system and IEDs. Any attribute or function implemented outside this area
device engineering [13]. Interoperability is not a simple data would result in interoperability problems between these IEDs,
transfer; it realizes information exchange between two or more all of which are included in the boundaries of IEC61850
devices of similar intelligence. It is required that the receiver conformance area, i.e. all of them are IEC61850 conformant.
understand the syntax (structure) of the data as well as its The opposite argument is also correct: if the implementation of
meaning which corresponds to the semantics in the context of these IEDs is restricted to the hatched area only, then
the process and of its tasks [14]. In some cases it may be interoperability would be achieved. Experience gained through
possible to replace a device supplied by one manufacturer with some implementations sheds more light on what factors might
a device supplied by another manufacturer without the need to cause this problem. The following can be listed among these
make any changes to the rest of the system. This is called projects:
interchangeability [10].
Bradley 500 kV Substation which is the first IEC61850
Although, sustained interoperability in power utility based protection and control, multi-vendor project in
communication is the main objective of IEC61850, the truth is the US [12]
that certain factors prevent this from happening. Majority of
the users expect that IEC61850 conformant devices should be InterOP research project which was aimed at
interoperable without any issues. Contrary to this belief, the investigating how IEC61850 standard supports the
literature shows that conformance with IEC61850 standard implementation and setup of interoperable system
only reduces the number of interoperability issues, but it does environments [16]
not eliminate them [11]. Furthermore, IEC61850 standard only
 Interoperability Test setup in Kinectrics This project also, provided invaluable experience as to what
Interoperability Testing Lab[17] kind of issues may arise in case of a multi-vendor network. For
instance, utilization of buffered and unbuffered reports was an
issue since one relay only supported unbuffered reports.
Therefore, the system was set to unbuffered reports. Another
problem was related to the length of the Generic Object
Oriented Sub-station Event (GOOSE) ID. One vendor had 15-
character limitation for the length of GOOSE ID. Although
other lengths would be in compliance with IEC61850 standard,
for the sake of interoperability, this limitation was imposed on
all IEDs [12]. A similar finding was made in InterOP research
project where IED Name length turned out to be an issue.
Although IED names can be up to 32 characters according to
the standard, 8 characters were utilized to comply with the
most restrictive IED [16].
The type of the data sent by a server and expected by a
client should be compliant for successful communication in
substations. In Bradley Substation project it was found out that
an IED performing measurements was using single phase
values, i.e. DataAttributes, to build up its report while the client
receiving information from it expects grouped three phase
Figure 2. Representation of Different IEDs in compliance with IEC61850 values, i.e. DataObjects. This conflict triggers a communication
problem between two IEC61850 conformant IEDs.
Figure 3, depicts the single line diagram of Bradley
Substation. This project incorporated thirty-three IEDs Sometimes, unforeseen situations arise during the
including the following: communication of different IEDs. For instance, in InterOP
project, an unexpected situation was encountered with
Line protection relays (LA99A, LB99A, 9A99A, disturbance record files. This mandatory attribute triggered an
9299A & 9B99A) such as GE-Multilin D60 relays and infinite loop between a server and a client where the client
(LA99B, LB99B, 9A99B, 9299B & 9B99B) ABB keeps asking for the disturbance record file. The
REL 670 relays; implementation in the server has to be updated to solve this
Breaker control devices (LA52BCA, LA52BCB, problem.
L252BCA, L252BCB, LB52BCA, LB52BCB, A final example shows that a special case in a substation
9152BCA, 9152BCB, C1652BCA, C1652BCB, communication system may cause issues although there is no
9A52BCA, 9A52BCB, C2652BCA & C2652BCB) shortcoming in IEDs or their individual implementations. As
such as Siemens 7SJ64; shown in Figure 4, various IEDs have different ways to
Transformer protection relay (87A) such as GE- connect to Report Control Blocks (RCB). Client 1 connects to
Multilin T60 relay; `First Free RCB` while Client 2 only connects to `First RCB`.
When RCB 1 is allocated to Client 1, Client 2 cannot connect
Load Tap Changer (LTC) control and transformer since RCB 1 is already allocated. The challenge was overcome
monitoring devices (30TA, 30TA, 30TB, 30TC & by switching on more restrictive IEDs, such as IED 2, first and
30TS) such as GE-Multilin C30 relays; then switching on other IEDs. This aspect shows that some
aspects of IEC61850 standard, such as allocation of clients to
RCBs, shall be defined in an unambiguous manner.

Figure 4. Multi-Client System Clash in Report Control Block 1 [16]

From the above discussions it is evident that in order to

overcome these challenges, a comprehensive interoperability
test shall be implemented. This will help end-users select the
Figure 3. Single Line Diagram of Bradley Substation (Initial Conf.) [12]
devices and tools that will be used in a substation for TABLE I. INTEROPERABILITY TEST TYPES FOR DIFFERENT CASES
automation, control and/or protection. Next section reveals the Purpose of Vendor Communication Substation
details of such testing and its benefits.
Testing based Profile Hierarchy
Testing
IV. INTEROPERABILITY TESTING Single-
Proof-of- Peer-to-peer
The previous section clearly shows that in addition to vendor Horizontal
concept profile based
conformance test, a separate interoperability test is also multi-device
required to ensure an IEC61850 based power network would Site Multi-vendor Client-server
function as expected. The gaps caused by the flexibility of the Vertical
acceptance multi-device profile based
standard and ambiguous definitions thereof shall be double
checked with an additional test. In addition to interoperability tests, some steps can be
Furthermore, the conformance test stipulated by IEC61850- followed to facilitate the procedure for interoperability.
10 only involves the tested device and the test setup. However, Building on the lessons learned from InterOP research project,
the actual implementation setup in the substation may have the authors have classified user guidelines to ensure fast,
impact on the communication interface and its performance, reliable and efficient commissioning of interoperable projects.
such as the case explained in reference to Figure 3. It is also These can be summarized as follows [16]:
true that some issues are only caused by the system design and a) Specification of application functions and
can be avoided by altering the design or handling the design in communication requirements
a specific manner [16].
This step is aimed at removing the ambiguities caused by
Conformance testing does not fully cover communication the flexible nature of the standard. It involves searching for
latency, time synchronization and performance tests. proven multi-vendor project specifications to learn from earlier
Considering the excess number of IEDs which conform to implementations. Application and Communication functions as
IEC61850 standard, the various interpretations by different well as the expected behavior and data exchange, respectively,
vendors, possible variations, and interoperability tests shall be should be clearly described. The essential objects and services
handled on project-to-project basis. It is not realistic to suggest of IEC61850 that are required for proper functioning should
an interoperability test which verifies all derivatives of factors also be described. Finally, the information flow between IEDs
causing issues in interoperability. shall be clarified.
Since a generic system including all combinations cannot b) Selection of Capable IEDs and Documentation of
be designed, it is suggested in [11] that a reference system can IEC61850 Objects
be created to enable sufficient test coverage and applicability
for any specific installation. The reference system implements Firstly, it shall be ensured that IEDs that fulfill the
the same protection and automation approach with the utility. functional requirements and are capable of providing required
Although the initial creation of a reference system demands data are selected. Then, signal designations of the objects shall
additional investment in the beginning, once created, it can be be documented, e.g. in a cross-reference table.
used to maintain the level of harmonization between various c) Test and gradual start-up
substations. Furthermore, the details of this reference system
can be made available to suppliers and they can test the In order to facilitate identification and localization of
interoperability of their device with that particular topology. failures or misconfigurations, device independent test and
Engineers of the manufacturing company can tweak the diagnosis tools shall be used. As for the communication
attributes of the devices to ensure interoperability. In this way commissioning, it is done in a gradual manner from simple to
interoperability is demonstrated with insignificant cost, less complex.
time and resources [11].
To sum up, the interoperability test should be used as a part
Table I shows different classifications of interoperability of a larger and tedious process. Several steps shall be carefully
tests which are targeted at verification of separate phenomena taken to ensure interoperability of the IEDs in an easy and
in IEC61850 based substations [18]. In compliance with what efficient manner.
has been explained above, existence of numerous test cases for
different situations show the versatility demanded from V. INTEROPERABILITY EXPERIENCE IN VICTORIA
interoperability testing. The verification of communication UNIVERSITY
interfaces associated with IEDs is tested with proof-of-concept
testing while rigorous point-to-point checking all virtual Moreover, a portable IEC61850 substation rack was built at
connections is in the scope of site acceptance testing. Victoria University (VU), to serve as a training and research
Depending on the suppliers of the IEDs present in the network, platform for the development of university students and power
a single-vendor multi-device or multi-vendor multi-device system personnel skills in the area of substation automation
interoperability testing may be required; the latter being more [19]. This exercise has proved interoperability between the
challenging than the prior. In IEC61850, peer-to-peer SEL-487E, SEL-311L, REF615 and P145 IEDs was a difficult
communication profile is mostly used between same-level task; there were single-vendor multi-device issues, as well as
devices such as IEDs located at the bays whereas client-server multi-vendor multi-device issues. Some of the challenges that
communication profile is usually between bays and station confronted the design team at VU were due to manufacturers
levels, thus requiring separate testing. Finally, horizontal and who have designed their GOOSE messages in slightly different
vertical substation hierarchies are also tested in an individual ways in terms of publishing and subscribing routines. As a
manner.
result, some alterations to Data Attributes were required (e.g. plants - Communication for monitoring and control,
Device ID) to enable third party subscription between IEDs. Edition 2, 2012".
In summary, most of the interoperability issues had to with [8] T. S. Ustun, et al., "Modeling of a Centralized Microgrid
the fact that GOOSE mapping processes were not clearly Protection System and Distributed Energy Resources
documented in the installation manuals; in some instances
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their documentations [19]. Transactions on, vol. PP, pp. 1-8, 2012.
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