A Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review—the utility’s deep-dive on technical and cost impacts of your project.

Digital Substation Design and Automation with IEC 61850

Date icon D

May 12, 2025 | Blog

Digital Substation Design and Automation with IEC 61850

A Practical Guide for Engineering Excellence at Keentel Engineering

Explore Keentel Engineering’s practical approach to IEC 61850 digital substation design, automation workflows, and real-world implementation—also see our case studies and we answered top FAQs.

Introduction

The evolution of substation automation from legacy hardwired systems to digital architectures is revolutionizing the power industry. IEC 61850, the international standard for communication networks and systems in substations, offers a unified, object-oriented approach to integrate Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), significantly reducing engineering complexity, improving interoperability, and enhancing scalability.

Core Components of IEC 61850

IEC 61850 is structured into three main pillars:

Substation Configuration Language (SCL): An XML-based framework (IEC 61850-6) enables system-level configuration.

Data Modeling: Logical Nodes (LNs), Common Data Classes (CDC), and data attributes define power system functions (IEC 61850-7-3, 7-4).

Communication Services: Abstract Communication Service Interface (ACSI) mapped to protocols like MMS and GOOSE (IEC 61850-7-2, 8-1, 9-2).

Engineering Workflow

The IEC 61850 engineering process involves:

  • Creating a System Specification Description (SSD)
  • Using IED Capability Description (ICD) and System Configuration Description (SCD)
  • Automating configurations via interoperable tools

Testing and Commissioning

Key features like Mode and Behavior control (Test, Blocked, Test/Blocked) and Simulation bit settings are crucial for safe testing in live environments. Edition 2 improves testing clarity, allowing utilities to simulate without physical disconnection.

Advantages of IEC 61850

Interoperability: Between multi-vendor IEDs

Reduction in Wiring: Use of Ethernet and GOOSE messages

Scalability and Modularity: Logical segmentation enables easier expansion

Resilience: Protocols like PRP and HSR ensure redundancy

High Performance: Sub-millisecond response times for protection signals

Future Outlook

IEC 61850 is expanding into distributed energy resources (DER), wind/hydro power, wide-area monitoring, and digital twin applications. As new standards emerge (e.g., Ed2.1, IEC 61869), Keentel Engineering is well-positioned to lead these digital transitions.

Get More Information About keental Substation Design Services.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: National Grid Digital Substation Rollout

Implemented an IEC 61850-based substation using GOOSE, MMS, Sampled Values, and PRP redundancy. Simulation and Test/Blocked Modes validated protection before deployment.

Case Study 2: CFE Mexico Multiowner Substation Testing

CFE used logical isolation and in-service IED testing combining DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850 to avoid outages.

Case Study 3: ABB 500 kV IEC 61850 Substation

Integration of logical nodes (MMXU, XCBR, CSWI) with SCL and tested IEDs allowed complete digital control.

Case Study 4: NCIT-Based Process Bus Implementation

Non-conventional optical sensors and Merging Units enabled digital protection via Ethernet and simplified architecture.

Case Study 5: Utility Training Lab by Keentel

Keentel developed a dedicated IEC 61850 lab with real IEDs for training, protection testing, and compliance simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • 1. What is IEC 61850?

    It is an international standard for substation automation that enables communication and integration of IEDs using standardized models and protocols.

  • 2. How does GOOSE messaging work?

    GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events) enables high-speed multicast communication between IEDs, replacing traditional copper-based signaling.

  • 3. What is an SCL file?

    System Configuration Language (SCL) is an XML schema used to define and exchange system topologies, configurations, and device capabilities.

  • 4. How do you test IEC 61850 systems safely?

    By using Mode/Behavior settings such as Test/Blocked, and the Simulation bit, engineers can test without affecting live grid operations.

  • 5. What are Logical Nodes?

    LNs are standardized functional blocks (e.g., PTOC for overcurrent, CSWI for switch control) representing automation functions within IEDs.

  • 6. Why is redundancy important in IEC 61850?

    Redundancy protocols like PRP and HSR ensure zero-failover recovery and communication reliability in substation networks.

  • 7. Can IEC 61850 integrate with legacy protocols?

    Yes, it supports gateways and mapping to protocols like DNP3 and Modbus for backward compatibility.

  • 8. What tools support SCL file generation?

    Tools like IET600, DIGSI, and PCM600 help create and manage SCD/ICD/IID files.

  • 9. What are Sampled Values (SV)?

    SV are time-synchronized analog measurements (like current and voltage) digitized and sent via Ethernet in real-time for precise protection.

  • 10. What is the difference between Edition 1 and 2?

    Edition 2 provides clearer definitions, enhanced testing mechanisms, and better interoperability than Edition 1.

  • 11. What is a Merging Unit?

    It digitizes analog signals from instrument transformers and sends SVs over Ethernet to IEDs, enabling full digital protection.

  • 12. How is cybersecurity addressed in IEC 61850?

    Recent updates introduce authentication, encryption, and secure engineering access aligned with IEC 62351.

  • 13. What is the role of a process bus?

    It replaces hardwired signals with Ethernet-based SV and GOOSE communication between primary equipment and control IEDs.

  • 14. How can Keentel Engineering assist in IEC 61850 projects?

    By offering turnkey solutions including design, SCL file preparation, IED configuration, testing, and training.

  • 15. Is IEC 61850 limited to substations?

    No, it’s being extended to DERs, wind farms, battery storage, wide-area control, and more.

Need Expert support?

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

A group of construction workers are standing next to each other with their arms crossed.

Let's Discuss Your Project

Let's book a call to discuss your electrical engineering project that we can help you with.

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

PJM MOD-032 Data Submission Process for Generator and Transmission Owners | Keentel Engineering

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 30, 2025
Learn how Generator and Transmission Owners meet PJM MOD-032 data submission requirements using Gen Model, Model on Demand, and ASPEN tools for NERC compliance.

Utility-Scale BESS: IEEE 2800 Voltage & Frequency Compliance Guide

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 27, 2025
Learn how utility-scale BESS meet IEEE 2800 voltage and frequency ride-through requirements with simulation, validation, and compliance reporting.
NERC 2025: Voltage-Sensitive Load Reductions & Grid Reliability

Understanding Simultaneous Voltage-Sensitive Load Reductions Amid Industrial Electrification, Data Center Expansion, and the Rise of Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 19, 2025
Explore NERC’s 2025 review on simultaneous voltage-sensitive load reductions amid industrial electrification, data center growth, and crypto mining.

Frequency Monitoring at the Point of Interconnection Using TESLA 4000 IED

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 16, 2025
Discover how the TESLA 4000 IED enables precise frequency monitoring at the Point of Interconnection for reliable, compliant grid operations.

Characteristics and Risks of Emerging Large Loads in Modern Power Systems

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 10, 2025
Discover how data centers, crypto, and EV hubs impact grid stability—and how Keentel Engineering mitigates emerging load risks.

Comprehensive Power System Analysis for Industrial Reliability and Safety

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 10, 2025
Learn how Keentel Engineering enhances industrial reliability and safety through power system analysis — including short-circuit, coordination, load-flow, stability, and grounding studies. Discover why these analyses are essential for optimized power performance.

High-Fidelity PSCAD Modeling of Electric Arc Furnaces: Engineering Challenges and Solutions

By SANDIP R PATEL • October 2, 2025
Explore PSCAD modeling of Electric Arc Furnaces. Learn challenges, solutions, and validation methods for accurate power system and grid studies.

Understanding Ferroresonance in Power Systems – Risks, Simulation, and Mitigation

By SANDIP R PATEL • September 30, 2025
Learn about ferroresonance in power systems—causes, risks, and PSCAD simulations. Keentel Engineering provides studies and mitigation strategies.

Advancing Power System Design Practices with IEEE PES TR 126

By SANDIP R PATEL • September 25, 2025
Discover how IEEE PES TR 126 modernizes power system design practices. Keentel Engineering explains reliability, resilience, and NERC compliance for future-ready grids.