Interoperability of intelligent electronic devices in a substation

The automation of electric utility substations has, until recently, progressed at a slower pace in North America than in Europe. The reasons include financial constraints, unwillingness to submit to the lack of interoperability between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that would constitute part of an automated substation, conservative attitudes, and other factors. Those utilities installing substation automation have experienced a large number of protocol options offered by vendors, resulting in needs for protocol converters and gateways if IEDs are purchased from different manufacturers. A brief overview of the most widely used protocols in substations to communicate between IEDs is included in this report. Examples of experiences are included. Finally, the paper includes an overview of the international standardization efforts presently underway in this area