Communication protocols in substation automation and IEC 61850 based proposal

The automation of control systems of substations in the energy industry uses a variety of specialized standards, technologies and protocols. Among the most frequently used belong MODBUS, IEC60870, DNP3 and IEC61850 protocols. The present paper analyses and compares approaches to data communication among the abovementioned protocols with the main focus on modern standard IEC61850. The paper was created on the basis of experience while implementing data communications for ČEPS a.s., the national distributor in the Czech Republic.