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Implementation of Digital Substation Automation Systems in Brazil -

Challenges and Findings

Marcelo E. de C. Paulino Julio C. M. Lima Pablo H. Flores *

OMICRON PUC Minas ELETROSUL

Guilherme S. Penariol Ubiratan A. Carmo Mario Roberto Bastos

OMICRON CHESF CTEEP

Marco Antonio F. Ramos Gilson Paulillo Denys Lellys

Furnas Energisa GE Grid

SUMMARY

Over the last few years, protection and automation professionals have had significant challenges when
an electrical utility wants to implement a Digital Substation Automation System (DSAS). The
definition of the requirement of an automation system is initially determined by the technical
specification and, during its life cycle, by the documentation generated in the design, manufacturing,
testing and commissioning phases. Depending on the strategy chosen by the company, taking into
account the construction and contracting models, several consequences can occur. Without making a
judgment on the different models, products and technical solutions chosen to compose this system are
important that this implementation must become economically attractive and efficient from a technical
(not only effective) point of view. The efforts to achieve the objectives of the digitization of the
electric system in Brazil have been discussed with analysis and understanding of the vision of the
electric utilities, as well as users and suppliers on the specification and documentation of the DSAS,
mainly for installations based on the IEC61850 standard. This was done by surveys carried out by CE
B5 of Cigré Brasil with several companies, involving protection and automation professionals. In this
process, it was identified different options in the market for the implementation of DSAS. This paper
describes the current state of the DSAS implementation process, the possibilities of the projects to be
implemented and the applications already made in Brazil. It also describes the main strengths and
weaknesses of the DSAS implementation processes.

KEYWORDS

Automation, Substations, Specification, Documentation

[email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION

Efforts to advance the digitization of the electric power system in Brazil have been discussed with
analysis and understanding of the vision of the Brazilian electric utilities, as well as users and
suppliers on the specification and documentation of the DSAS, mainly for installations based on the
IEC61850 standard. This has been possible from several surveys carried out with several companies,
involving protection and automation professionals.

In this process, it was identified that different options in the market are available today for the
implementation of DSAS. In addition, tools involving natural language, through PDF texts and
EXCEL spreadsheets. It was also identified, the use of tools based on IEC (International
Electrotechnical Commission) standards such as IEC 61850, IEC 61499, IEC 61131 and IEC 61970,
as well as specialized languages which were developed for each of these standards, mostly based on
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) or UML (Unified Modelling Language).

Whatever the method used, it is essential to obtain solutions and high-quality results according to
company requirements, including reliability, availability and flexible life assurance and profitable in
the future without the need for excessive unnecessary updates DSAS. Also, depending on the depth of
knowledge of professionals is given the approach used in the implementation of DSAS.

Observing the utilities methodology in the implementation of DSAS based on the IEC 61850 standard,
it was possible to verify that there are different strategies being practiced. In some cases the whole
implementation process has a strong control of the owning company itself, requiring a high knowledge
of the standard to clearly define the requirements, processes, and products to be applied. Sometimes
they are partially outsourced, through companies contracted especially in the stages of deployment,
installation, and testing. Finally, a complete outsourcing, in which the requirements are more systemic,
it being up to the outsourced to guarantee the technological attendance of adherence to the standard.

This paper presents information on electricity utilities and protection and automation professionals,
describing the current state of the DSAS implementation process, the possibilities of the projects to be
implemented and the applications already made in Brazil. It also describes the main strengths and
weaknesses of the DSAS implementation processes.

2. BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUBSTATION AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Figure 1 presents the basic characteristics of a DSAS system based on the IEC 61850 standard. They
have as basic purposes the functions of protecting, controlling and monitoring the whole system of the
substation. From the logical point of view, substation automation systems comprise three levels:

 Station level: represented by the station control computer system, composed of the operator
terminals (HMI), in addition to the gateway that communicates to a Remote Control Center or
to the Operation Center of the Electrical Power System (EPS) where the substation is inserted;

 Bay Level: with the protection and control units that, depending on the design of the facility,
may be aggregated in a single or divided unit. However, depending on the project, a Remote
Terminal Unit (RTU) can join the protection, supervision and control functions or even all the
functions shown in the three levels;

 Process Level: characterizing the primary installation of the substation, with more or less
digitized process interfaces, depending on the implemented project. In this case, conventional
equipment can be used with only analog connections using wiring and cabling, conventional
equipment with interfaces to the digital system (eg using Merging Units) or more modern
equipment, for example, non-conventional Instrument Transformer - NCIT) by setting up fully
digital substations.

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 Figure 1 - Hierarchical levels of a logical scheme of the three levels of a substation
automation system

Communication between hierarchical levels and their devices can occur in several ways. Between the
three levels mentioned, we can observe the logical definition of the process bus and the station bus.

The station bus comprises the vertical communication established by the bay level and station level
devices. This communication has already been extensively digitized with the use of several
communication protocols. The IEC 61850 standard defines this communication in part 8-1 with the
mapping of communication layers using MMS and TCP / IP server client messages, GOOSE
messages, and SNTP time synchronization messages. It is worth remembering that there is not only
vertical communication but also horizontal communication between Intelligent Electronic Devices
(IEDs), for example, messages between bay units to perform functions such as blocking or triggering
information.

The process bus comprises the communication between the primary equipment and the bay units. This
connection is traditionally made using wires and cables, both for sending the information of analog
signals of voltage and current of the instrument transformers, as well as for control signals for
switchgear and circuit breakers. The new fully digital substation projects consider the use of non-
conventional instrument transformers (NCITs), such as optical transformers, or conventional
transformers using digital converters, and the establishment of digital communication over an Ethernet
network. Even in substations where conventional patio equipment is maintained, Merging Units are
used to digitize analog information called Sample Values and command and control messages as
GOOSE messages as defined in Chapters 9-1 and 9-2 of the IEC 61850 standard. The process bus also
requires time synchronization due to the fact that process bus applications require measurements of the
synchronized samples very accurately. Nowadays for reliable and security reason, some Brazilian
utilities request precision time protocol (PTP) and redundancy source (GPS and Glonass satellites).

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3. THE IE61850 STANDARD AND THE SPECIFICATION OF AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

An important aspect of the IEC 61850 standard is to cover communication for all functions being
performed at the substation for interoperability between devices. The standard supports any
philosophy covering different approaches to function integration, function distribution, and automation
system architectures.

The object-oriented data model specifies the Logical Nodes (LNs) and aggregates the necessary
attributes to promote access to all data, providing in a standardized way the information needed to
meet performance requirements. The substation automation system engineering guarantees its
interoperability by applying the Substation Configuration Language (SCL), standardizing the
engineering process and providing the means to exchange standard configuration data among the
various tools available in the market.

3.1. Importance of Bus Definition and Communication

In addition to the object model, the IEC 61850 defines the communication services for access and
exchange of data, establishing the engineering process and the mapping of services in a
communication protocol.

These services are applicable for communication on the station bus and for the process bus previously
defined. It is important to note that this separation occurs only for classification of the hierarchical
levels, assuming in the installation only a physical link where they will traffic the information of the
station and process buses for a complete implementation of the IEC 61850, including vertical and
horizontal messages.

This is based on the common allocation of functions and also on the free allocation of services in the
buses. Some allocations are very intuitive, for example, the Sampled Value service will run in the
process bus, since the samples of current and voltage coming from instrument transformers or sensors
on the process level. But the voltage samples representing the bus voltage for the synchronization can
also travel through the station bus for protection functions and Disturbance Fault Recorder (DFR).

As already described, the IEC 61850 standard is widely used in many substations and several Brazilian
utilities, especially regarding the station bus (IEC61850-8-1). However, the part concerning the
process bus (IEC61850-9-2) is still little explored, although the technology is already widely known
and the products are already available in the market.

In Brazil, since 2013 several process bus pilot projects already done installed, configured, and tested
and showed satisfactory performance in operation. All process bus interfaces of the equipment
involved are receiving the Sample Values and GOOSE messages, while the station bus interfaces are
free and independent, including that Switches adhering to the IEC 61850 standard are working with
different buses according to the configuration, although the equipment is the same (Figure 2).

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 Figure 2 – Pilot project architecture

3.2. Communication Models and Applied Architectures

As mentioned above, to specify a substation automation system, the use of the terms station bus or
process has no real functional significance due to the fact that the current architecture of the
communication network is not yet well defined. Based on the actual requirements, it is possible to use
a single physical network to which all IEDs are connected.

Therefore, it is more appropriate to designate a communication interface rather than a bus as the basis
of the communication architecture. In this way, a station interface, a bay interface, and a process
interface can be identified in the substation.

Although many projects take advantage of common architectures, already used in previous projects,
the physical architecture of the communication system depends heavily on the allocation of function
and communication requirements. And this will have an impact on the functions and performance of
the automation system.

The main challenge is still in the adequacy of existing solutions in the market and the new possibilities
offered by the available technologies. The constant emergence of new technologies hinders the
expansion of some projects.

To exemplify the many possibilities offered by these technologies, mainly with the complete
implementation of IEC 61850, two cases are shown, both with the complete digitization of the
substation automation system.

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Figure 3 – Separate Process and Station Bus Figure 4 - Interconnected Process and Station Bus

Figure 3 has a complete separation of the Process and Station Bus. Both the Merging Unit (MU) and
the IED of the Breaker are connected through the Process Bus to establish communication with the
IED1 and IED2 bay units (as protection and control). The MU provides current and voltage samples
according to IEC 61850-9-2. The Circuit Breaker provides control positions for GOOSE messages in
accordance with IEC 61850-8-1. Also, GOOSE messages are provided for commands and trip
messages for the Breaker. IEDs also are MMS servers connected to the Station Bus, exchanging
messages such as HMI or associated Gateway. Note that MU and Breakers units can be dedicated
IEDs or aggregated into a single IED.

The architecture in Figure 4 shows the combination of the Process and Station Bus. The MU, the
Breaker controller and the bay units (IED1 and IED2) are actually connected to the same bus. In this
case, network management is required to establish all communication requirements.

4. IMPACT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

The new designs of digital automation systems use the standard IEC 61850. It is important to note that
the basic functionality of an Automation System is determined by the tasks that this system must
perform and will not be changed by the application of the standard.

As communication is the basis of the automation system, the specification according to the IEC 61850
standard becomes the most important part of the definition and design of these systems.

The impact of the capabilities that the IEC 61850 standard provides for automation engineering allows
for a diversity of possibilities. The optimization of functional performance not only includes the
implementation of the best available technique, but also economic aspects such as investment,
availability, expansion capacity and maintenance facilities, that is, considering all the costs of the
system life cycle.

The first and major impact that can be seen in the process of implementing an automation system
using the IEC 61850 standard is in the initial stage of specification, design, and engineering. At this
stage, standard provides the engineering elements to create a strong description of the automation
system, based on its data model and the functional requirements of the substation. If the installation
owner does not provide this specification, with the necessary detail and appropriate to their technical
requirements, this task will be performed by the supplier or integrator who will provide a design of the
automation system according to its commercial solutions. In the absence of a consistent technical

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specification, the installation owner may be surprised by the absence of features not contemplated by
the supplier simply because they have not been formally described in the DSAS technical
documentation.

So, how is the impact on the automation projects characterized by the specification and documentation
for the implementation of these systems? The practices used today in the Brazilian scenario show that
the design process of a substation automation system based on the IEC 61850 standard is very similar
to the common projects currently executed. However, it depends on the requirements represented by
the coverage and comprehensiveness of the automation system and the topology and distribution of the
devices. Two possibilities were identified for the development of this project.

 The first possibility happens when the specification of protection, automation and control
functions are determined at the beginning of the project, regardless of equipment or suppliers.
Once the functions are determined, the IEDs that support the specified functions are chosen.
After verification of the safety and availability criteria of the function groupings (set of logical
nodes for systems based on the IEC 61850 standard), the design conditions of the
communication architecture are observed, concatenating cost and technical optimization. This
alternative was less used.

 A second alternative occurs when the project stage begins, taking into account the scope of the
project, its limits and constraints, and the performance requirements. With this information,
the project is based on an existing business solution. This determines a minimum number of
IEDs required in addition to their primary functionality. If features are not fully covered, more
IEDs will be added.

Although it was verified that the majority of the procedures for defining the documents should be a
responsibility of the utility, shared with the systems integrator, it is observed that most of the design
and construction activities are carried out by external contractors. This makes it difficult to fully
implement the functional specification. Another point is the Brazilian reality of not having
comprehensive system integration agents, which is usually performed by teams from the company that
owns the installation or by the supplier of the DSAS components. Finally, the communication
architecture is determined according to cost and technical optimization criteria. This alternative is
widely used if a large number of IEDs are available. Figure 5 shows the details of the models.

Alternative 1

Communication LNs Allocation Choice an

Interface (an Additional Setting a IED
structure Project IEDs) (Physical
Single Line
Diagram Device - PD)

SCL File Communications Project

(SSD or SCD) Architecture Detailing

Automation
System
Functionality Functional
Choice an IED
Logical device
(Physical Mapping
(LD) definition
Device - PD) (SCD->CID)
Alternative 2

Specification Project Phase

Figure 5 - Representation of the specification and design process of a SAS

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5. THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Depending on the level of knowledge of the professionals involved, the approach used in the
implementation of the automation system and its architecture is determined. There are several
possibilities but the implementation methods can be briefly described as follows:

 The entire implementation of DSAS is performed by the owner utility. In this case, a deep
knowledge of the products and processes is required, especially in relation to the use of
systems and IEDs operating with the IEC 61850 standard.

 Part of the work is outsourced. Thus, deeper knowledge is required in outsourced parties, and
the depth of knowledge required depends on which parts will be outsourced. It is worth
emphasizing that the systemic vision of DSAS is essential for the success of the enterprise.

 All DSAS implementation is outsourced (turn-key projects), including commissioning and

system power-up processes. In this case, a minimum knowledge of the utility professionals
involved in this process is required. However, this knowledge must be sufficient for the
company to be able to specify the requirements for the solutions to be implemented, to
adequately evaluate the proposals in a technical and economical way, and to supervise the
quality of the supplies made by the outsourced.

In addition to the technical knowledge of the tools available for the technical specification of DSAS,
another factor that greatly limits the successful implementation of IEC61850 is related to
organizational structures often inadequate to the implementation and management of DSAS based on
this technology. The teams of design, control, automation, telecommunications and protection studies
continue, in general, working in separate departments, often with different objectives, especially
telecommunication teams, so the network topology is usually defined by the proposer.

This reality requires a greater effort for the management of documentation, as well as problems for the
definition and compliance of specifications. It was found that the companies tried to set up
multifunctional teams at the time of implementing the DSAS, to work on various stages of the project.
However, this is still a timid initiative considering the implementation impacts of IEC 61850. It was
found that it is common at the end of the implementation of the system to doubt which department
should be assigned responsibility for archiving and maintaining the DSAS documentation.

6. CHALLENGES AND FINDINGS

It was verified by the authors that in several Brazilian electric power utilities, although a large number
of substations are already in operation using the protocols established by the standard IEC 61850, the
digitalization process is only partial and the Process Bus is not used. A big challenge to be overcome
is the decision to use this level of automation on the facilities.

In addition to being identified as the most used turn-key method, outsourced implementation, modern
SAS designs using IEC 61850 have been impacted by inadequate preparation of their specifications
and documentation. This often happens because several companies do not take the necessary care with
integrating the solutions. The specification model practiced by the companies' engineering is still
constructed in a textual way, causing problems of interpretation by suppliers and customers.
Sometimes IEC 61850 is treated as a communication protocol and not as a more comprehensive
standard.

The adoption of a formal model is fundamental for the elimination of this type of problem, making the
commissioning and integration process more efficient, although important points have already been
identified for the success of the projects, such as:

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  Domain Technique and Tools Available
 Common User Interface
 System Tools
 Organizational Structure of the Company

A major effort in enterprises has been to document the specification through the System Specification
Description - SSD file, initiating the DSAS deployment process correctly.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] IEC 61850 Ed. 2: 2013 Communication networks and systems for power utility automation

[2] Brand, K. P; Brunner, C.; Wimmer, W. - “Design of IEC 61850 Based Substation Automation
Systems According to Customer Requirements”; in Session CIGRE 2004, Paris. 2004

[3] Lellys, D.; Paulino, M. E. C.; Carmo, U. A.: Process Bus (IEC 61850-9-2) Experiência de
aplicação, Instalação Configuração e Ensaios em Campo em Subestações no Brasil – XVI ERIAC -
Encuentro Regional Iberoamericano do CIGRÉ, 2015.

[4] Paulino, M. E. C.; Cascaes A., Ferreira., D. G.; Lellys, D.; Lima, J. C. M.; Penariol, G. S.; Carmo,
U. A.; Bastos M. R.; Flores, P. H.: “Tendências e Orientações de Critérios para Especificação e
Documentação Propostos para o Ciclo de Vida de Sistemas Digitais de Automação de Subestações no
Brasil”; in XIII STPC Seminário Técnico de Proteção e Controle, Brasília, DF, 2016.

[5] Flores, Pablo H.; Júnior, Francisco C.R H.; Santos, Túlio L.D.; Oliveira, Roniere H.D.; Lellys,
Denys; Neto, Floriano T.; Yonemura, Rogerio K.W.; Matos, Rafael R.: “Preparando o futuro: Projeto
piloto de barramento de processo (IEC61850-9-2) Merging Unit e Relé de Proteção na subestação de
Palhoça 138 kV da Eletrosul”; in XXIII SNPTEE Seminário Nacional de Produção e Transmissão de
Energia Elétrica, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, 2015