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NETWORK / 23 / JULY/AUGUST 2017 Taken together, the standard enables distributed automation and significant information exchange – vital for the rollout of smart grids. The architecture of IEC 61850 is based on the principle of "abstract" data, whereby data groupings and naming con- ventions are abstracted from underlying protocols, meaning the language is the same regard- less of which manufacturer has made the device. The crea- tion of such a vendor-neutral standard is a major step forward for interoperability, as well as offering speed, security and cost benefits. "With this standard and similar peer-to-peer communica- tions standards, you can set up a LAN within either the control room or the whole substation," says Randolph Brazier, head of innovation and development at the Energy Networks Associa- tions. "You essentially have a network like you would have in an office, and that allows devices within that substation to talk directly to each other or to multiple devices." The benefits of IEC 61850 are multiple: l Because communications happen over an Ethernet system, they use fibre optic cables, which are not suscep- tible to magnetic interfer- ence. Therefore, interference in the substation, or faults, don't affect the communica- tions. l Traditionally when two de- vices needed to communicate within the substation, they would use copper cables run- ning between them. With the new standard, there may be just one or two point-to-point copper cables, connected in to one or two Ethernet rings. The saving on copper cables represents a significant cost saving – which can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds for a single substa- tion, and cut labour costs for installation. l The need for copper cable is further reduced by the ability to convert signals, such as those for a measurement of voltage or current, from analogue to digital. l The standard enables devices to talk to each other that pre- viously were unable to, be- cause it is consistent across all devices in the station. Whereas previously some manufacturers' devices could only talk to other devices from the same manufacturer. With this common proto- col, any devices can talk to each other. l The standard enables communications within the substation to be future- proofed. When one device fails or comes to the end of its natural life, rather than reinventing the whole wheel with the communications system in that substation, that device can simply be pulled out and replaced with a new one in that speaks the same language. l The protocol has been ex- tended to include windfarms and other forms of distrib- uted generation. l The standard offers improved security of communica- tions, because signals are prioritised and are repeated. Previously, when one device was meant to, say, send a message to another device to isolate a line, that message could sometimes get lost, through interference or just a fault. With this protocol, the device repeats the signal so it can't be lost. l Communication is physically faster than using traditional methods, which again helps network security. IEC 61850 is currently being rolled out by networks across the UK, and its use for wide- area networks is being trialled. "Using peer-to-peer communica- tions within the actual control room itself is quite common now, whereas using it outside in the substation yard is not so common," says Brazier. "We're on the cusp of doing that – the networks are all trialling it. They realise it's definitely the way of the future." N SPONSOR'S WORD Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has launched RN2d, a ring main unit for medium-voltage networks up to 13.8kV. An evolution of the exist- ing Ringmaster RN2c, the RN2d has been designed for indoor and outdoor use with reliability, safety, longevity and smart integration in mind. The accessories and new design offers greater flexibility with multiple applications and configurations. Its compact and flexible design makes it easy to operate and maintain, while minimising the installa- tion footprint. The RN2d serves multiple industries and can be used anywhere, delivering optimal performance in harsh climatic and environmental conditions. RN2d offers the best safety for personnel, plant and other assets through a combination of features: l cable boxes internally are rated at 13.1kV, l additional test access, l a touch-proof metallised screen tank, l compliant with the latest IEC standards, l new clear and unambiguous mimic, and l standard operating voltages down to 3.3kV. Its robust switch and breaker mechanism has been designed for reliability and endurance. It uses type C bushings with multiple cabling options, and VIP4 se- ries self-powered micro- processor-based protection relays are also included for transformer protection up to 3.5MVA. The earth circuit for the latest Ringmaster has been relocated inside the equipment to deter theft and minimise interruption to operations. The RN2d can be used in conjunction with Easergy T300, an innovative feeder automa- tion RTU for smart, advanced network management. Having role-based access control, it complies with the latest cybersecurity standards and offers directional fault passage indication and wireless LV monitoring to meet the needs of the modern distribution network. John Langley-Davis, product marketing manager at Schneider Electric, said: "Our customers are look- ing for high-quality, safe and versatile ring main units that can stand the test of time and withstand challenging envi- ronmental conditions. We have used our experience and the latest design and modelling technologies to provide this reassurance. "One of the greatest benefits of the RN2d is that it combines over 40 years of Ringmaster excellence with smart technology, enabling ad- vanced communication when used with the Easergy T300." The RN2d is the latest in a line of heritage Ringmaster products, first created in Leeds in 1975. With 100 years of expertise, the 430 employees at the Leeds plant are still responsible for manufactur- ing the range today, alongside other Schneider Electric products. The Ringmaster has a global presence with over 100,000 installed in 18 coun- tries worldwide. To learn more about the Ringmaster range, visit www.schneider-electric.co.uk