Substation Automation Systems have undergone dramatic changes since the introduction of powerful micro-processing and digital communications devices over Ethernet based networks within the substation. Smart, multifunctional relays, known as Intelligent Electronic Devices, or IEDs, have replaced the traditional panels which contained multiple protection relays, control equipment, metering and status indicators.
ActewAGL Distribution, a power utility company servicing Canberra, Australia, has recently decided to undertake a review of its substation automation systems throughout its electrical network. As a result, ActewAGL Distribution has decided to investigate the IEC 61850 – Communication Networks and Systems in Substations standard, by constructing a test facility to assess its performance and capability with the view of implementing the standard into its 132/11kV zone substations network in the near future.
This report details the literature review, design, construction, and performance evaluation that was undertaken on the IEC 61850 substation automation designs developed with the use of the test facility.
The major achievement of this research project has been the successful development and evaluation of a substation automation system that utilised the IEC 61850 standard incorporated with multiple vendor devices
