Smart Grid and IEC 61850

Abstract

This paper presents a study on Smart Grid and communication standard IEC 61850. A Smart Grid is an electric power network that aims at providing economically efficient and sustainable power system through seamless integration of actions of all generation, transmission, distribution utilities and consumers in order to achieve low distribution losses, to improve quality and reliability of power supply without compromising security and safety of equipment and personnel. IEC 61850 is a family of communication standards that specifies protocols of naming devices, data and communication network pertaining to automation of electric power substation. It is has been adopted by utilities all over the world for data communication in the substation. Central utility and some state utilities in India have either developed or in the process of their own communication network with the help of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) which will facilitate implementation of smart grid in a big way. This paper discusses use of IEC 61850 communication standard not only to develop cost effective and efficacious substation automation systems but also to realize various goals of smart grid applications and objectives. In this paper, a brief introduction of Smart Grid, IEC61850 and a summary of contents of IEC 61850 are presented sequentially, followed by an overview of implementation of IEC 61850 on Smart grid. Next, the challenges of IEC 61850 implementation on Smart grid are discussed. Thereafter, a case study of steps taken by an Indian state for adopting Smart grid is discussed. Subsequently, issues faced in development of Smart grid are presented along with suggestions and future R&D avenues. The paper concludes with a brief account on benefits and challenges of implementing IEC61850 on Smart grid.