scope:

This part of IEC 61850 applies to power utility automation systems with the core part of substation automation systems (SAS). It standardizes the communication between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and defines the related system requirements to be supported.

The specifications of this part refer to the communication requirements of the functions in power automation systems. Most examples of functions and their communication requirements in this part are originated primarily from the substation automation domain and may be reused or extended for other domains within power utility automation if applicable. Note that sometimes instead of the term substation automation domain the term substation domain is used, especially if both the switchyard devices (primary system) and the automation system (secondary system) is regarded.

The description of the functions is not used to standardize the functions, but to identify communication requirements between Intelligent Electronic Devices within plants and substations in the power system, between such stations s (e.g. between substation for line protection) and between the plant or substation and higher-level remote operating places (e.g. network control centres) and maintenance places. Also interfaces to remote technical services (e.g. maintenance centres) are considered. The general scope is the communication requirements for power utility automation systems. The basic goal is interoperability for all interactions providing a seamless communication system for the overall power system management.

Standardizing functions and their implementation is completely outside the scope of this standard. Therefore, it cannot be assumed a single philosophy of allocating functions to devices. To support the resulting request for free allocation of functions, a proper breakdown of functions into parts relevant for communication is defined. The exchanged data and their required performance are defined.

The same or similar intelligent electronic devices from substations like protective and control devices are found in other installations like power plants also. Using this standard for such devices in these plants facilitates the system integration e.g. between the power plant control and the related substation automation system. For some of such other application domains like wind power plants, hydro power plants and distributed energy resources specific standard parts according to IEC 61850 series have been already defined and published.