Implementation of Iec 61850 Multi-Vendor Process Bus In A Brownfield Substation

IEC 61850 Process bus implementations are typically considered in green field substations, often utilizing a single vendor solution. However, within many utility footprints, there is larger opportunity to modernize existing stations with a Brownfield approach. This paper presents a case study of implementing a multi-vendor IEC 61850 process bus at an existing substation within its original footprint. The existing substation, designated as C-station, serves as the termination point for one 345 kV transmission line, four 115 kV transmission lines, and houses a 345/115/24 kV transformer. The substation is configured with a single 345 kV circuit breaker and three 115 kV bays arranged in a breaker-and-a-half scheme, incorporating a total of eight 115 kV circuit breakers The case study explores the key technical challenges and benefits encountered during the design, commissioning, and energization phases. It highlights the complexities of adapting conventional protection schemes to digital IEC 61850 architecture, and addresses issues involving vendors, contractors, and implementation practices. Some of the topics discussed will be: • Damage to certain merging units due to voltage spike , while others remained unaffected. • Random data packet losses for PTP and other signals, resolved through fiber replacement. • Maintaining operational functionality of conventional schemes during cutover across 4 systems of protection between 2 control houses and 4 batteries. • Field verification techniques utilized to ensure signal integrity. • Integration of non-IEC 61850 tele-protection devices within the IEC 61850 control house. • Misalignment of IEC 61850 reclosing scheme with company's standard protection practices (non-IEC 61850 station standard). After reviewing this paper, the reader will understand common issues encountered within multivendor brownfield implantations of IEC 61850 and learn the practical steps that can be taken to address these before and during a project.

Contact Information: Jiang Duan OR Larry Nelson Jr. National Grid National Grid 55 Bearfoot Rd, 55 Bearfoot Rd, Northborough, MA 01532 Northborough, MA 01532 Phone: 508-571-4130 Phone: 508-571-4236 Email: jiang.duan@nationalgrid.com Email: larry.nelson@nationalgrid.com