The global IEC 61850 standard for communication in substations is set to bring open, interoperable systems and flexible architectures to substation automation applications
Global power utilities seeking to safeguard their investment in substation automation equipment require flexible, future-proof systems to cope with changing requirements, philosophies and technologies. The industry has responded by releasing a new standard, IEC 61850, which establishes key criteria such as: interoperability between devices from different suppliers; free allocation of functions; capability to follow the fast changing communication technology; and ease of engineering and maintenance.
As well as taking a leading role in drawing up the standard, ABB has developed a new common range of products that fully embrace IEC 61850, rather than simply upgrading older platforms. In creating this new 670 Series of protection, control and monitoring IEDs, ABB has adopted an evolutionary path that builds on its many decades of protection experience. So customers will be reassured to find that the protection and control algorithms, as well as parts of the hardware platform, have been carried over from the successful 500 Series - with over 40,000 units installed worldwide.
Currently, the 670 Series covers the following products:
· Line distance protection IED REL670
· Line differential protection IED RED670
· Transformer protection IED RET670
· Bay control IED REC670.
Each IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) is delivered ready-to-use, pre-configured and type-tested for different type of applications. This makes them easy to use, from selection to operation and maintenance. There are also three or four different option packages available for each product, enabling them to be easily adapted to meet specific customer requirements.
The existing 500 Series of transmission and distribution products can also be used in 61850 data buses with corresponding protocol converters. This ensures seamless upgrades to the new standard as far as connectivity is concerned.
In addition to the 670 Series, ABB has released a number of other products that comply with IEC 61850, including: REB 500 busbar protection V7.3; PCM 600 tool for the 670 Series; MicroSCADA Pro substation and network control products.
VERIFIED IEC 61850 CONFORMANCE
ABB has established a System Verification Centre to verify the correct implementation of IEC 61850 throughout its portfolio.
Each and every product, system component, application and tool is tested in a real-life system environment to prove its appropriate working and performance - functionally and interactively. Certain products have also been certified by independent agencies such as KEMA.
IED 670 product highlights
● Further enhancement of the proven 500/316 Series protection algorithms ensures state-of-the-art performance
● Increased protection and control functionality, such as multi- terminal line capability
● New user-friendly HMI with large multi-page LCD for quick overview of the process and local operation
● Powerful and modular hardware and software enable fast execution of advanced algorithms for protecting and controlling multiple objects with only one IED
● Full IEC 61850 implementation.