Future trends in smart grid by applying digital modern substations

Modern substation automation system based on IEC61850 is a well accepted technology to provide infrastructure of smart grid in transmission system, but an ongoing evolution should be implemented to find this visions. In this paper Firstly, the future trends for this issued development in power systems are assessed. Then the important evolution factors for developing the substations in the smart grid concept based on ICT (information & communication technology) are identified. Regarding this trend, the authors describe the case of the Iran transmission network by exploring current paradigm and future trends. As utilities turn to IEC61850 for refurbishing or expanding existing substations as well as introducing new digital ones, the foundation for system-wide seamless integration is laid out. By this development, it can be provided advanced EMS (energy management system) and asset management within smart transmission grid.