IEEE PES ISGT ASIA 2012 1569534021

TNB IEC 61850 System Verification and

Simulation (SVS) Laboratory: Enabler to a
Successful Smart Grid Implementation
*M.I. Ridwan, M.H. Zarmani, R.M. Lajim TNB Research Sdn Bhd
A. Musa, Tenaga Nasional Berhad

achieving interoperability in Smart Grid environment [3].

Abstract-- IEC 61850 is an international standard for electrical The International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) has
substation automation that will significantly improve the design also acknowledged the work by NIST related to smart grid
and construction of electrical power systems in the future. In activities, and emphasized that IEC 61850 is the core standard
2010, the United States National Institute of Standards and
in smart grid implementation [4]. Thus, with the proper
Technologies (NIST) has recognized IEC 61850 as one of the key
enablers for Smart Grid implementation. As the public electric realization of IEC 61850, users such as power utilities will not
utility company in Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is be bound by proprietary communication protocols provided by
fully aware of the potential and capabilities of the IEC 61850 various Smart Grid vendors.
standard in a Smart Grid environment. To ensure the successful For Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), “Smart Grid” is
implementation of IEC 61850 standard, TNB has developed the defined as “Smart and Intelligent Electricity Delivery System”
System Verification and Simulation (SVS) laboratory to simulate
and verify systems and devices related to IEC 61850, before
[5]. This is the main theme of TNB Electricity Technology
actual implementation in substations. This paper will discuss the Roadmap (TRM), which was developed in 2004 to identify the
features, components and capabilities of the TNB IEC 61850 SVS routes and technology destinations for the application of new
laboratory. technologies in TNB. The vision of TRM is to achieve the
“Smart and Intelligent Electricity Delivery System” by the year
Index Terms-- IEC 61850, Intelligent Electronic Devices 2020. The concept of smart substation has been identified as
(IEDs), Smart Grid, Smart Substation, Substation Protection,
one of the major contributors for TNB to achieve the TRM
Automation and Control System (SPACS), System Verification
and Simulation (SVS) Laboratory vision [5].

I. INTRODUCTION

I EC 61850 is an international standard for electrical

substation automation that will significantly improve the
design and construction of electrical power systems in the
future [1]. The standard defines a consistent methodology for
interconnecting and interoperability of intelligent electronic
devices (IEDs) using predefined data model and
communication services mapped over mainstream
communication technologies such as Ethernet based local area
network (LAN) [2]. The open nature of IEC 61850 standard Fig. 1. TNB Technology Roadmap Destinations and Enabling Technology
ensures interoperability between devices, which is the main The concept of smart substation is based on integration of
driver for the implementation of seamless communication intelligent secondary system equipped with the latest advances
exchange in a Smart Grid environment. Furthermore, the in information and communications technology (ICT), and the
United States National Institute of Standards and Technologies primary components of the electrical substation to improve the
(NIST) has defined IEC 61850 as one of the key standards in substation reliability, security and efficiency. IEC 61850 as the
standard for communications networks and systems within
electrical substations defines the substation information model
The work was a part of the TNB Research and Development Program
“Research and Development on Substation Automation System Based on IEC
and the information exchange mechanism [6]. These will
61850 for Optimal Substation Design in TNB”. enable smart devices and system in the smart substations to
*Corresponding Author: M.I. Ridwan is with TNB Research Sdn Bhd, interoperate and exchange information with each other
Malaysia (e-mail: [email protected]). regardless of the future advances in the communications
M.H. Zarmani is with TNB Research Sdn Bhd, Malaysia (e-mail:
[email protected]). technology.
R.M. Lajim is with TNB Research Sdn. Bhd (e-mail: [email protected]). However, TNB has decided not to rush in pursuing the
A. Musa is with the Engineering Department, TNB Transmission Division, implementation of smart substation concept in actual
TNB, Malaysia (e-mail: [email protected]).

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substations. This was due to the fact that IEC 61850 was especially under multi-vendor implementation
relatively new to TNB, hence detailed studies are essential to 2. To verify and proof the conceptual design of TNB
customize the IEC 61850 standard to suit TNB’s specification IEC 61850 based Substation Protection,
and requirements. This requires a platform for TNB to Automation and Control System (SPACS)
simulate and verify its own requirements against IEC 61850 Functional Specification
complied devices such as the intelligent electronic device 3. To carry out research & development on the IEC
(IED). Therefore, in July 2007, the Engineering Department of 61850 based Substation Automation System (SAS)
TNB Transmission Division has appointed TNB Research and Smart Grid related technologies
Sdn. Bhd. (TNBR), a wholly owned subsidiary of TNB, to 4. To be utilized as a platform for Product Acceptance
carry out a joint 3 years R&D program called “Research and & Certification of IEC 61850 complied devices
Development of Substation Automation System based on IEC Fig. 1 shows the SVS laboratory which is located in TNB
61850 for Optimal Substation Design in TNB”. Research Sdn. Bhd.
As part of the project deliverables, an IEC 61850 based
Substation Automation System Verification and Simulation
(SVS) laboratory has been developed and commissioned in
March 2010. The SVS laboratory was jointly developed
between TNB and external system integrator.
This paper is organized as follows. Section II discusses
about the objectives, design and features of the SVS
laboratory. Section III presents the application of the SVS
laboratory, especially those related to Smart Grid environment.
Finally, the paper is concluded with a brief outlook of the
whole content of the paper. Fig. 1. TNB SVS Lab in TNB Research Sdn Bhd.

B. Design and System Architecture of SVS Laboratory

II. TNB IEC 61850 SYSTEM VERIFICATION AND SIMULATION
(SVS) LABORATORY SVS laboratory is designed to replicate a typical
configuration of 132kV Air Insulated Substation (AIS). The
This section will present the objectives, design, system
configuration follows a double bus-bar configuration with two
architecture and the features of SVS laboratory, including the
over headline bays, one bus coupler bay, two HV transformer
hardware and software devices. The application of models and
bays and two MV transformer bays. Fig. 2 describes the single
services of IEC 61850 in the SVS laboratory are also
line diagram of the SVS laboratory. Based on the single line
discussed in this section.
diagram, the engineering approach of IEC 61850 was applied
A. Objectives of SVS Laboratory and the system specification description (SSD) file was
The SVS laboratory which was designed and developed in produced using a third party system configuration tool which is
TNB is a combination of the virtual transmission level the HELINKS STS.
substation with Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and
telecommunication equipment, thus enabling the understanding
of the concepts of a substation and its functionalities. In the
field of substation automation, communication technologies
play an important role. With the introduction of the IEC 61850
communication standard for substation automation, there is an
urgent need to study and understand this new standard.
Furthermore, extensive research is required for power utilities
to customize the standard for they own applications [7].
With the above understandings, it is a concern for power
utilities such as TNB to develop an in-house platform in order
to nurture and explore the IEC 61850 related technologies. Fig. 2. Single line diagram of SVS Laboratory
Thus, the SVS laboratory was developed with the main The system architecture of the SVS laboratory is divided
objectives of: into two categories which are physical and logical architecture.
1. To acquire knowledge and practical experience on
the IEC 61850 based technologies and devices

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Fig. 3. Physical communication architecture of SVS Laboratory Secondary Omicron-CMC 256plus

The physical architecture represents the actual network Testing
connection of the physical devices in SVS laboratory. The Equipment
connection is based on TCP/IP Ethernet technology as By implementing actual IEDs, the SVS laboratory is
required in IEC 61850. The network topology applied in the capable of simulating the actual secondary devices
SVS laboratory is the Ring Topology, which supports the configuration inside a substation. To simulate primary devices
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP).
such as circuit breaker, isolator and transformer, a touch
The complete communication architecture of the SVS
screen based human machine interface (HMI) called the
laboratory is described in Fig. 3.Each of the physical
switchgear simulator is implemented. This switchgear
equipment is assigned with unique IP addresses for
standardization purposes. The detailed devices installed in the simulator is able to simulate the status and common alarms of
SVS Lab are described in Table I. primary devices. Currently, the switchgear simulator is
TABLE I connected using hardwire copper cables to the IEDs. However,
DEVICES IN SVS LAB these connections will be also be upgraded to TCP/IP
Equipment Manufacturer/ connection in the future research project regarding IEC 61850
Models Process Bus which will commence in mid 2012. The
Protection IED Protection 1: NR-PCS 931, PCS 9611, screenshot of the simulator is shown in Fig. 4.
PCS 978
Protection 2 : GE Multilin-L90, F35,
T60
Control IED NR-PCS 9705
Automatic Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR)-
Voltage Tapcon 260
regulator IED
Managed RuggedCom-RS 900
Ethernet Switch
Time Server RuggedCom-RX 1000 with GPS clock
Switchgear Xenon HMI server
Simulator Brodersen-RTU 232 with auxiliary Fig. 4. Switchgear simulator in SVS laboratory
relay contacts The software applications that are used in the SVS Lab are
Incontrol Tech-iTec 680 touch-screen divided into two categories, which are the proprietary or
based monitor hardware based applications and independent applications.
The list of software applications is shown in Table II:

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Fig. 4. Logical communication architecture of SVS Laboratory information throughout the network and any IED which
TABLE II
SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS IN SVS LAB
requires the information can subscribe to it. This feature
Proprietary software Independent software enables high speed communication between the IEDs and
IED configuration tools-PCS Client-Server and peer to peer reduces the need for hardwiring between the IEDs [8]. In SVS
PC and Visual SCD for NARI communication applications- laboratory, communication using GOOSE is limited to selected
IEDs and Enervista for GE Omicron IED Scout functions only and they are summarized in Table III. Further
Multilin IEDs. research will be carried out to explore the wider applications
of GOOSE especially for protection functions.
Secondary testing Third party IEC 61850 TABLE III
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND INFORMATION
application- Test Universe for System Configuration Tool- FLOW IN SVS LAB IN FIG. 4
Omicron 256plus HELINKS STS Symbol Descriptions
MMS message exchange between IEDs (server)
Network Monitoring and Network Protocol Analyzer- A
and IEDScout (client)
Management-RuggedNMS for MMS Ethereal and Wireshark
RuggedCom Ethernet GOOSE (Trip & blocking) message exchange
switches and time server HMI design-STRATON HMI between Protection IEDs within bay
Design Tool B
The logical architecture of the SVS laboratory describes the
GOOSE (Interlocking) message between
information flow between the equipment based on the
C protection IEDs to Control IED within bay
communication services defined by IEC 61850. The
communication services which are implemented in SVS
GOOSE message between one protection IED to
laboratory are client-server communication and peer-to-peer
D another protection IED within the same bay or
communication. Fig. 4 illustrates the logical communication adjacent bay
architecture of SVS laboratory. GOOSE (Intertrip) message between
Client-server communication is based on IEC 61850-7-2 E Transformer HV protection IEDs and
which utilizes Manufacturing Message Specifications (MMS) Transformer MV protection IED
service [8]. In SVS laboratory, Station Computer acts as the GOOSE (Interlocking – Live Transfer) message
client and Omicron IED Scout is used to communicate with the F between Bus Coupler Control IED and rest of
IEDs via MMS. The examples of function that can be bay Control IED within same voltage level
performed from client level includes read and write functions IEC 60870-5-104 message exchange between
on the IEC 61850 data models in the IED, control via Ethernet 1 Switchgear Simulator Remote Terminal Unit
to the control IEDs and event and alarm reporting. Currently, (RTU) and Human Machine Interface (HMI)
TNB is also developing client-server application using
C. Additional Features of SVS Laboratory
commercial-of-the-shelf application software from National
Instruments which utilizes the IEC 61850 Abstract Apart from IEC 61850 related systems and devices, the
Communication Service Interface (ACSI) models such as SVS laboratory is also equipped with the Real Time Digital
Association, Server and File Transfer model [9]. Simulator (RTDS) from HVDC Manitoba. The initial
Peer-to-Peer communication refers to information exchange objective of the RTDS was to perform research and study the
between IEDs for their intended functions. IEC 61850-7-2 performance of protective IEDs during transient network
defines Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) conditions. This includes the model design of electrical
for the communications between IEDs. GOOSE utilizes devices and determination of the parameters of the devices and
publisher-subscriber method where an IED constantly publish equivalent circuit of the network. Fig. 5 shows the RTDS

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which is stationed in the SVS laboratory. programmable logic controllers and industrial grade servers.
B. Verification and Proof of Concept for Functional
Specifications
Before the implementation of a system, functional
specifications are developed to identify the design, functions
and allocation of the functions in the system. The
specifications need to be verified in an environment which
able to simulate and experiment the functions which are
defined. This is to ensure the feasibility of the specifications
for actual implementation.
SVS laboratory has implemented this approach during the
Fig. 5. RTDS in SVS Laboratory development stage. Functional specifications were defined and
However, with the support of additional processor such as tested during the factory and site acceptance tests. With the
GTNET to the RTDS, it is possible to design a test model availability of SVS laboratory, similar approach can be
which utilizes the communication services of IEC 61850, undertaken whenever technologies related to IEC 61850 and
which in this case the GOOSE. The test model can be utilized Smart Grid are to be implemented in TNB. However, for
to actually measure the performance of peer to peer Smart Grid, currently the system and devices in SVS
communication of IEDs during transient network condition. laboratory are only able to support a small scale proof of
Furthermore, the SVS laboratory also is equipped with a concept of the technology due to its confined network
simulator for teleprotection devices. The purpose of the environment. Nevertheless, the laboratory can be further
teleprotection simulator is to simulate the communication enhanced by installation of gateways for communication with a
system between IEDs on different substations, such as larger network.
communication for current differential function using G.703
and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) communication C. Research Platform for Smart Substation and Smart Grid
technologies. In the near future, the simulator also will be Application Development
utilized to study the feasibility in implementing the new IEC Information obtained from substations in a Smart Grid
61850-90-1 standard for communication between substations. environment is meaningless without the applications to analyze
and provide decision making element using the substation
III. APPLICATIONS OF SVS LABORATORY information. Applications such as fault locator, load imbalance
detection, fault trending analysis and many others are useful
This section will discuss the application of SVS laboratory,
for system operators to make decisions in operating and
and also suggests the utilization of the laboratory for Smart
maintaining the power system network [12]. Ultimately, the
Grid environment.
applications can also propose the appropriate decision for the
A. Interoperability Test for IEC 61850 Compliant Devices system operators to undertake.
Interoperability is vital in ensuring the successful However, similar with the functional specifications, such
communication and information exchange between devices in applications need to be developed and tested accordingly to
a system. A smart grid environment consists of numerous ensure it will not jeopardize the reliability and security of the
devices to extract information from various domains and actual power system. SVS laboratory can be utilized to
nodes. Without interoperability, there will be no seamless develop and evaluate the integrity of the applications before its
information exchange between the devices thus Smart Grid deployment is actual systems.
will be rendered useless [10]. D. Facility of TNB Product Acceptance and Certification for
As one of the key enabler standard for smart grid, IEC IEDs
61850 standard was published to ensure the interoperability is
TNB has defined that products such as IEDs are required to
achieved between devices [4, 11]. However, due to the vast
undergo product acceptance procedure which consists of
nature of IEC 61850, the interpretation of the standard may
functional conformance, dynamic performance and IEC 61850
vary from one manufacturer to another. Thus, it is imperative
conformance tests (for IEC 61850 compliant IEDs).
for utilities to evaluate the interoperability of devices before
Conventionally, the first two tests were at manufacturer’s
installation in actual systems.
facility and TNB personnel will be present to witness the tests.
SVS laboratory has successfully proven the interoperability
With the completion of SVS laboratory, such tests can be
between devices using IEC 61850 standard. Devices from
performed internally in TNB to ensure the full compliance to
different manufacturers are able to exchange information and
TNB requirements and specifications. The challenge for TNB
perform the intended function such as tripping and
is to nurture dedicated and competent personnel for such tasks.
interlocking. This serves as a benchmark for future
In addition, the SVS laboratory is also aimed to be the
interoperability tests for IEC 61850 compliant devices.
facility for IEC 61850 product certification. This will require a
Example of devices includes IEDs, Ethernet switches, sensors,
more advanced tool such as the international certification

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simulator developed by KEMA [13]. [10] Kwan, Chun Ming, Sit, Pitney Kwok Choi “Smart Grid and Information
Strategy”, CIGRE-AORC 2011, Thailand, 26th -28th October 2011
E. Training platform for TNB personnel [11] IEEE Std 2030TM – 2011 “IEEE Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability
of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the
User acceptance is the key factor to measure the success of Electric Power System (EPS), End-Use Applications, and Loads”, IEEE
the implementation of new technologies. Without proper Standards Coordinating Committee 21
education and training, end users will be having difficulties in [12] Woohyun Hwang, et al. “Smart Power Grid Case Study in Jeju Test Bed
for Key Technology and Construction Procedure”, CIGRE-AORC 2011,
accepting and appreciating the new technologies. Thailand, 26th -28th October 2011
Consequently, end users will resist change and revert to [13] Nam-Ho Lee, et al. “Construction of the Integrated Simulator for the
conventional means in their daily work. Substation Automation system based on IEC 61850”, The International
Conference on Electrical Engineering 2009, Hong Kong, 18th – 20th
Therefore, for IEC 61850 related technologies, the SVS March 2009
laboratory serves as the center of excellence for users to
understand and have a practical experience regarding the
technology.

IV. CONCLUSION
As the public electric utility company in Malaysia, TNB is
aware with the technology advancements related to Smart
Grid. For a start, the TNB IEC 61850 SVS laboratory was
developed to ensure the successful implementation of Smart
Grid related technologies in TNB. The SVS laboratory serves
as a vital platform for testing and verifying the technologies
and also in bridging the gap between technologies and user
acceptance in TNB.

V. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledged the management of
TNB and TNB Research Sdn Bhd for the approval of research
and development fund which was utilized to develop the IEC
61850 SVS laboratory.
The authors also would like to thank PSI Incontrol who was
the collaborator in developing the laboratory.

VI. REFERENCES
[1] M.C Janssen, A. Apostolov “IEC 61850 Impact on Substation Design”,
Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, Chicago, IL,
USA, 21st -24th April 2008
[2] R.E. Mackiewicz, “Overview of IEC 61850 and Benefits”, Transmission
and Distribution Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, Texas, USA, 21st –
24th May 2006
[3] NIST Special Publication 1108 “NIST Framework and Roadmap for
Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 1.0” January 2010.
[Online]. Available:www.nist.gov/smartgrid/
[4] IEC SMB Smart Grid Strategic Group (SG3) “IEC Smart Grid
Standardization Roadmap”, Edition 1.0 June 2010. [Online]. Available:
http://www.iec.ch/smartgrid/downloads/sg3_roadmap.pdf
[5] Aminuddin Musa “IEC 61850, Enabler of Smart Substations”,
Proceedings of 1st TNB ICT Technical Conference, College of
Information Technology, 21-22 February 2011
[6] Philippe Auscher, Bruno Leforgeais, “How and Why, Using IEC 61850
Protocol Should Help the Global Management of An Electrical Control
System”, Petroleum and Chemical Industry Europe Conference
Proceedings (PCIC Europe) 7-9 June 2011
[7] Mini S. Thomas, et al. “Design, Development, and Commissioning of a
Substation Automation Laboratory to Enhance Learning”, IEEE
Transaction on Education 2010
[8] Klaus-Peter Brand, “The Standard IEC 61850 as Prerequisite for
Intelligent Application in Substations”, IEEE Power Engineering Society
General Meeting, 10th June 2004
[9] INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IEC 61850-7-2, Communication
networks and systems in substation–“Part 7-2: Basic communication
structure for substation and feeder equipment–Abstract communication
service interface (ACSI)”, First edition 2003-05