Architecture of distributed embedded network device for power grid

In this paper, we present a distributed embedded network device (DEND) based on the international standard IEC 62439-3, which supports a high available network for protecting and controlling a power system. It is designed to enable the DEND to exchange seamlessly information defined as IEC 61850 data messages. We first propose a specific architecture and then design a sample time-based DEND. To test its feasibility based on the standard IEC 61850, we implement a simple network within a hardware test environment, which consists of two end nodes, one redundancy box (RedBox) node, a grand clock master, etc. Each node is developed at the hardware board with field programmable gate array (FPGA) and Cyclone IV GX. The test results showed good operation and bumpless recovery delay although the network link was broken by faulty or abnormal situations.