A Novel Scheme for Performance Evaluation of an IEC 61850-Based Active Distribution System Substation

With the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into the distribution networks, the Active Distribution Network Management is becoming quite challenging. The DERs are integrated into the distribution networks through distribution substations. For achieving greater control and ease of operation substations are being automated by employing substation communication network based on standardized communication. IEC 61850 standard has emerged as the most popular standard due to its object-oriented modeling and interoperability features. To ensure smooth and efficient operation of substation automation system, the performance requirements for intra substation communication needs to be evaluated. This paper presents modelling of data traffic in the substation according to IEC 61850 and provides validation through simulation as well as through experimental setup. In the experimental setup, a real bay is replicated in the laboratory for performance validation. The scheme has been validated for VLAN and priority tagging implementation with the obtained simulation results.