Testing in Digital Substations Based on IEC 61850: Challenges and Solutions
The implementation of digital substations based on the IEC 61850 standard is becoming increasingly common, both in Brazil and internationally. This technological transformation brings new challenges related to testing procedures, requiring test tools to evolve to meet new demands.
Challenges of Testing in Digital Substations
Digital substations eliminate much of the conventional wiring by using network-based communication protocols, such as Sampled Values (SV) and GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event). This shift directly impacts testing because:
• Signal analysis is no longer based solely on direct physical measurements but also on the interpretation of digital data packets.
• Test equipment must support strict time synchronization, using protocols such as IEEE 1588 (PTP) and IRIG-B.
• Test integration must consider SCL (Substation Configuration Language) files to ensure the correct interpretation of IEC 61850 messages.
Solutions for Testing in IEC 61850
To meet these requirements, modern testing tools must be capable of:
✔ Generating and analyzing IEC 61850 digital messages.
✔ Testing the response of protection relays and automation devices in a fully digital environment.
✔ Synchronizing measurements using precise time sources to ensure test accuracy.
Case Study: Testing a Combined Optical Instrument Transformer
This study presents tests conducted on a Combined Optical Instrument Transformer, evaluating:
🔹 Current Transformer (CT) parameters, including accuracy and response under different load conditions.
🔹 Voltage Transformer (VT) parameters, analyzing voltage variations and their impact on measurement.
The evolution of digital substations requires new approaches to electrical testing, ensuring that protection and automation systems operate with safety and reliability.
🔗 Learn more about testing solutions for IEC 61850 systems: https://conprove.com/
