IEC 61850-5:2013

Overview

IEC 61850-5:2013 (Edition 2.1, consolidated 2022) is part of the IEC 61850 family for communication networks and systems for power utility automation. It specifies communication requirements for functions and device models used in power utility automation systems, extending the focus from substation automation systems (SAS) to broader utility automation. The standard defines system requirements for communications between Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and includes interfaces for substation–substation and communications beyond substation boundaries.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and system description
  • Formal system description needs and logical/physical identification.
• Function and device modelling
  • Definition and modelling of application functions using Logical Nodes and the PICOM approach (Process Information COMponents).
• Message types and performance classes
  • Message classification by performance (examples in the standard include Type 1–6 messages: Protection, Automatics, Operator, Samples, File transfer, Command/File with access control).
• Time synchronization and transfer time
  • Requirements for accurate time synchronization and defined transfer-time/synchronization classes.
• Data and communication quality
  • Data integrity, reliability, recovery delay, and communication redundancy requirements.
• Interoperability and conformance
  • Static and dynamic interoperability goals, conformance test requirements, and approach to interoperability across devices/vendors.
• Additional data-model requirements
  • Semantics, self-description, addressing and administrative requirements to support scalable engineering and integration.
• Application examples covered
  • Substation–Substation, Substation–Network Control Center, Wind, Hydro, DER and distribution automation, FACTS, feeder automation.

Practical applications

• Designing and engineering substation automation systems (SAS) and wider utility automation architectures.
• Specifying communication behavior and performance for protection, control, metering, and monitoring functions.
• Guiding manufacturers of IEDs, gateways, and communication equipment to ensure interoperability.
• Developing network designs that meet time-critical messaging, redundancy and recovery targets for utilities.
• Informing system integrators and test laboratories in conformance testing and acceptance procedures.

Who should use this standard

• Utility power system engineers and architects
• IED and substation equipment manufacturers
• System integrators, vendors and consultants
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Project managers for substation and grid automation projects

Related standards

• IEC 61850 series (other parts covering data models, mappings, and engineering processes) - IEC 61850-5 is a central part of this family and should be used alongside other IEC 61850 parts for a complete automation solution.

Keywords: IEC 61850-5, power utility automation, substation automation, IED communication, logical nodes, PICOM, message performance, time synchronization, interoperability, device models.