Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern power systems, Substation Automation and IEC 61850 Protocols represent the cornerstone of efficient, reliable, and intelligent grid operations. Traditionally, substations relied on a complex array of hardwired connections and proprietary communication protocols, limiting interoperability, increasing engineering complexity, and slowing down fault response. The advent of IEC 61850, an international standard for communication networks and systems in substations, has revolutionized this paradigm. It provides a unified, object-oriented data model and high-speed Ethernet-based communication protocols, enabling seamless information exchange between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) from different vendors. This standardization is critical for achieving true interoperability, facilitating advanced automation functions, and laying the groundwork for the digital substation and smart grid initiatives, transforming substations from static nodes into dynamic, responsive hubs. Without a comprehensive understanding of Substation Automation and IEC 61850 Protocols, power utilities will struggle to optimize their infrastructure, enhance grid resilience, and integrate new technologies effectively. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Substation Automation and IEC 61850 Protocols.

This intensive 10-day training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, protection engineers, SCADA specialists, system integrators, and control center personnel with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to design, implement, configure, and maintain modern substation automation systems based on IEC 61850. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the standard's architecture, including its data models, communication services (MMS, GOOSE, Sampled Values), and the Substation Configuration Language (SCL). The course will delve into topics such as process bus and station bus concepts, time synchronization (PTP), cybersecurity in digital substations, interoperability testing, and practical engineering workflows for IEC 61850 projects. By mastering the principles and practical application of Substation Automation and IEC 61850 Protocols, participants will be prepared to lead the transition to digital substations, enhance operational efficiency, reduce engineering costs, and contribute significantly to the development of highly reliable and future-proof electrical grids.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Protection Engineers
• Substation Automation Engineers
• SCADA System Engineers and Operators
• Control System Designers
• System Integrators in the Power Sector
• Utility IT/OT Professionals
• Commissioning and Maintenance Engineers
• Researchers in Power System Automation
• Equipment Manufacturers and Developers
• Project Managers for Substation Modernization

Objectives

• Understand the evolution and drivers for substation automation and its benefits.
• Learn about the architecture and components of modern substation automation systems.
• Acquire skills in comprehending the fundamental concepts of IEC 61850.
• Comprehend techniques for interpreting IEC 61850 data models and logical nodes.
• Explore strategies for utilizing Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) messages.
• Understand the importance of Sampled Values (SV) for process bus applications.
• Gain insights into MMS client/server communication in IEC 61850.
• Develop a practical understanding of the Substation Configuration Language (SCL).
• Learn about time synchronization standards (e.g., IEEE 1588 PTP) in substations.
• Master the engineering workflow for IEC 61850 projects.
• Acquire skills in performing interoperability testing of IEC 61850 compliant devices.
• Understand the cybersecurity implications and mitigation for digital substations.
• Explore advanced substation automation functions leveraging IEC 61850.
• Develop proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining IEC 61850 systems.
• Prepare to design and implement fully digital substations for enhanced grid performance.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Substation Automation

• Evolution of substation control and protection: from conventional to digital.
• Drivers for automation: reliability, efficiency, safety, cost reduction.
• Levels of substation automation: station, bay, process.
• Overview of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and their role.
• Benefits of integrated substation automation systems.

Module 2: Overview of IEC 61850 Standard

• History and purpose of IEC 61850.
• Key objectives: interoperability, free configuration, long-term stability.
• Structure of the IEC 61850 standard series (parts 1-10).
• Advantages over traditional proprietary protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3).
• The concept of a digital substation.

Module 3: IEC 61850 Data Models and Logical Nodes

• Object-oriented modeling approach in IEC 61850.
• Common Data Classes (CDCs) and their attributes.
• Logical Nodes (LNs) and their functions (e.g., MMXU, PTRC, XCBR, GGIO).
• Logical Devices and physical devices mapping.
• Naming conventions and semantic consistency in data modeling.

Module 4: IEC 61850 Communication Services

• Overview of Abstract Communication Service Interface (ACSI).
• Client/Server communication using Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS).
• Reporting mechanisms: Buffered Reports (BRCB) and Unbuffered Reports (URCB).
• Logging services for event recording.
• Command handling: direct operate, select before operate.

Module 5: Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE)

• Principles of GOOSE messaging: fast peer-to-peer communication.
• Publisher/Subscriber model for GOOSE.
• GOOSE message structure and payload.
• Applications of GOOSE: interlocking, trip signals, status indications.
• Configuration and testing of GOOSE communication.

Module 6: Sampled Values (SV) for Process Bus

• Introduction to the Process Bus concept in IEC 61850.
• Principles of Sampled Values (SV) for current and voltage measurements.
• Merging Units (MUs) and their role in digitizing analog signals.
• SV message format and sampling rates.
• Applications of SV: digital protection, metering, power quality monitoring.

Module 7: Substation Configuration Language (SCL)

• Importance of SCL (IEC 61850-6) for configuration and engineering.
• SCL file types: CID, ICD, SCD, SSD.
• Information flow in SCL: from system specification to IED configuration.
• Tools for SCL engineering and validation.
• Practical exercises in creating and modifying SCL files.

Module 8: Networking and Communication Infrastructure

• Ethernet-based communication for IEC 61850 networks.
• Network topologies: star, ring, mesh.
• Redundancy mechanisms: PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol), HSR (High-availability Seamless Redundancy).
• VLANs for network segmentation.
• Bandwidth requirements for station bus and process bus.

Module 9: Time Synchronization in Substations

• Importance of precise time synchronization for protection and control.
• Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP).
• Precision Time Protocol (PTP - IEEE 1588): principles and application in IEC 61850.
• Grandmaster clocks and PTP slave devices.
• Impact of time synchronization accuracy on substation operations.

Module 10: IEC 61850 Engineering Workflow and Tools

• Steps in an IEC 61850 project lifecycle: specification, design, configuration, testing, commissioning.
• Role of System Configurator tools.
• IED configuration tools and parameterization.
• Data flow between different engineering tools.
• Managing multi-vendor environments with IEC 61850.

Module 11: Interoperability and Conformance Testing

• The concept of interoperability in IEC 61850.
• Conformance testing for IEC 61850 compliant devices.
• Test tools and procedures for GOOSE, SV, and MMS.
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for IEC 61850 systems.
• Addressing interoperability issues and troubleshooting common problems.

Module 12: Cybersecurity for Digital Substations

• Identifying cybersecurity risks in IEC 61850 networks.
• IEC 62351 standards for securing power system communications.
• Authentication, authorization, and encryption in IEC 61850.
• Network segmentation, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
• Best practices for securing substation automation systems.

Module 13: Advanced Substation Automation Functions

• Bay control and interlocking schemes using IEC 61850.
• Automatic transfer schemes (ATS) and busbar protection with GOOSE.
• Synchrophasor data (PMU) integration and applications.
• Condition monitoring and asset management using IEC 61850 data.
• Future trends in substation intelligence and autonomous operations.

Module 14: Migration Strategies and Legacy Integration

• Strategies for migrating existing substations to IEC 61850.
• Integration of legacy devices (Modbus, DNP3) into IEC 61850 systems using gateways.
• Hybrid architectures: combining traditional and IEC 61850 components.
• Phased implementation approaches.
• Challenges and lessons learned from real-world migration projects.

Module 15: Practical Applications and Case Studies

• Hands-on exercises configuring and testing IEC 61850 communication using simulation tools.
• Analyzing GOOSE and SV messages with network sniffers.
• Troubleshooting common communication and configuration issues.
• Case studies of successful IEC 61850 deployments in transmission and distribution substations.
• Discussion of real-world challenges and solutions in digital substation projects.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.