Using IEDScout software for managing multivendor IEC61850 IEDs in substation automation systems

Digital Technology has significantly contributed to the advancement of Protection and Automation gear; recent years have witnessed a great development of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) which can be described as multipurpose and multifunctional relays. These devices are fitted with various communication interfaces such as serial and Ethernet. Proprietary protocols for the communication of IEDs are no longer sufficient. Hence, protocols such as IEC1850, which utilize Ethernet networks, were developed to harness the full potential of IED-to-IED communication, as well as to standardise all aspects of Control and Automation communication functions. However, connecting several IEDs from different vendors via IEC 61850 standard and configuring them is not a trivial task. Various parameters should be known and inputted to communication software. This paper illustrates how IEC61850 based Protection IEDs are deployed, configured and managed over Omicron´s IEDScout software. Victoria University´s portable IEC 61850 test rack which is composed of several IEDs has been utilized in this research work. It provides valuable hands-on experiences to researchers and professionals who would like to keep abreast with IEC61850 standard and the equipment which is compatible with it. There many vendors with many Software packages to interact with relays and carry out the necessary configuration. Future work will discuss other substation automation packages and procedures.