Colombian electrical sector adopting high-redundancy communication design on a new HV substation

The present paper describes the experience gained while adopting new design standards in order to improve the redundancy of substation-control communication networks. Due to the new expansion projects carried out in the Colombian electric-power sector, it has been possible to incorporate and apply new design elements while complying with standard IEC 61850 (Std 2). This standard requires ETHERNET communication buses to be strengthened and also adjusted synchronization times according to IEEE 1588. The paper discusses the findings of standard application from a practical viewpoint, identifying its advantages and disadvantages. This experience in Colombia might be considered a reference point to facilitate large-scale adoption of this type of improvements when designing control systems for electric power substations. The idea is to follow the line of truly redundant schemes so as to strengthen electrical systems throughout developing countries like Colombia.