Datanetworking Aspects of Power Substation Automation Josef Horalek, Vladimir Sobeslav Department of information technologies, Faculty of Informatics and Management University Hradec Kralove Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove Czech Republic josef.horalek@uhk.cz, vladimir.sobeslav@uhk.cz Abstract: The aim of this paper is to explore some aspects of utilization traditional computer networks in power substation automation. This paper is divided into two main parts. First we analyse the interconnection between IEC61850 standard, TCP/IP network stack and ethernet technologies. Second part of this paper presents proposed solution for substation automation in the Czech Republic in cooperation with the national distributor EPS, a.s. Key-Words: - Substation, IEC 61850, remote access, network topology, security, network topology 1 Introduction Substation automation in power industry is recently up to date. We can see this approach in many countries around the world including Czech Republic and other European countries. Substation automation encounters the challenge of power distribution reliability and efficiency. Potential risk factors such as lighting, accidents, system faults or financial efficiency leads to developement of standardization process [1], [2]. IEC 61850 standards and appropriate technologies help to contribute to the following issues: • Reduce settings and configuration effort • Create more capability and flexibility • Stimulate more interoperability • Lower installation cost • Reduce manual effort & errors Furthermore, IEC 61850 brings many assets for technology development and implementation. The standardization process brings the convention for object modelling and programming, the use of modern networking technologies, commands schemas, data representation, data transfer, encapsulation and many more. IEC 61850 is a huge standard and consist of many substandard. It would be impossible to cover all topics; more information can be found here [3], [4], [5]. According to EU direction 96/92/EC, only one operator is responsible for power distribution. Distribution and power production is separated to ensure the competition on the market. In the Czech Republic EPS, a.s. serves distribution services. This company, controlled by the government, ensures the allocation of power resources, transformation capacities, management and security issues. Dispatching centre grants neighbouring countries interconnection for international collaboration in Europe, respecting UCTE [6] rules for electricity power exchange. Bilateral cooperation is currently in progress with distribution operators in Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia. National substation automation project has started and opened many challenges in different areas such as brand new accounting software, security issues, changes in dispatching centres, communication technologies etc. Not every high capacity substation operates with IEC 61850 standardization recommended by International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) Technical Committee 57 (TC57). Substation automation system project - SAS has to be supported by multiple suppliers, as an independent solution. Experience and existing automation systems show this as a legal request. System architecture is logically separated into controlling and protection parts. This will be discussed later in relation to IEC communication types. SAS project should solve the following requirements in the area of data networks: • Create vendor independent system and methodology use IEC 61850 • Define internal system networking topology • Define method for EPS WAN and substation network interconnection • Ensure security and remote access for selected vendors and divisions • Re-evaluate the way of connection between substation and dispatching centre over MPLS WAN technology instead of serial communication Communication and Management in Technological Innovation and Academic Globalization ISBN: 978-960-474-254-7 147