Integration of IEC 61850 and OPC UA for Smart Grid automation

Smart grid (SG) is motivated to use information available in the power grid to increase the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the conventional power grid. Sophisticated control techniques using information are required for realizing SG. One major challenge is the presence of distributed heterogeneous components in SG requiring distribution of control functions. Automation intended should also support such distributed execution. One major challenge in the development of distributed control is the interoperability among devices from different manufacturers, and various conceptual entities in SG. Standardization is required for interoperability, and distributed control. IEC 61850 has emerged as the de facto standard in substation automation. On the other hand, OPC UA is being increasingly used in industrial automation. In this investigation, we illustrate the need for integration of data models following IEC 61850 and OPC UA for SG control and as enabler for new vistas like multi-agent systems, hierarchical control, and diagnosis and monitoring using suitable examples.