Testing IEC 61850 based multi-vendor substation automation systems for interoperability

Verifying interoperability is part of the site commissioning test to ensure an IEC 61850 based substation automation system will function as it should. It is vitally important to check all virtual point-to-point logical connections associated with a distributed function, especially if GOOSE tripping over the LAN is part of the scheme. This paper discusses the types of interoperability testing in-house and on-site, and the issues that make it necessary. The paper also presents the interoperability testing initiative sponsored by hydro one conducted at the Kinectrics Interoperability Testing Lab, where IEDs and systems from seven major manufacturers are connected to the Testing LAN and exchanging information via the global standard IEC 61850. An interoperability testing case is given in the paper to demonstrate the interoperability between IEDs and systems from ABB, AREVA, GE, SEL, and Siemens, which are connected to a test LAN consisting of a couple of RuggedCOM switches.