Advanced engineering tools for next generation substation automation systems: The added value of IEC 61850 and the InPACT project

Automation systems according to IEC 61850 are a powerful solution for station automation. Engineering of such distributed systems is however a non-trivial task which requires different approaches and enhanced tool support. In this paper the authors (i) present how IEC 61850 is viewed and is being adopted by a utility and vendor, (ii) discuss its engineering potential and current issues, (iii) point-out global requirements for next generation tools, (iv) present the InPACT project which is tackling some of these concerns and (v) propose key elements of visual languages as one contributing enhancement.