OPC server software enables multi-vendor substation automation

Software package based on IEC-61850 standard protocol.

By Control Engineering Staff July 10, 2008

ReLab Software LLC (Concord, CA) has introduced an OPC server software package based on IEC-61850 standard protocol. The OPC server for IEC-61850 protocol is an easy-to-use solution for customers creating multi-vendor substation automation systems of any size.

The use of the IEC-61850 protocol in substation automation installations has been increasing for many years. Using ReLab’s ClearView-SCADA product together with its OPC Suite reportedly

The advantages of the IEC 61850 standard protocol include:

A comprehensive set

Multi-vendor IED interoperability and integration;

Simplified specification, design, and configuration of the system;

Reduced cost of installation, commissioning, and maintenance;

Intuitive hierarchical and structured data modeling;

Enforced standards for naming conventions;

Implements a self-describing protocol and automatic object discovery;

Eliminates hardware dependencies by normalizing IED configuration file formats and enabling exchange of configuration between devices;

Enables fast communication and multi-cast messaging for inter-relay communication; and,

Provides a scalable approach to support future system evolution.

The ReLab OPC server reportedly requires little knowledge of IEC-61850 and allows configuration of systems in minutes. Users can connect to a single device or run the entire substation on a single PC.

This is not ReLab Software’s first OPC venture. The Concord, CA, company is a supplier of OPC based substation automation solutions for native SEL protocol, IEC-61850 standard protocols, and IEEE C37.118 synchrophasor. “Last year we released the Synchrophasor IEEE C37.118 OPC Server, which has unique performance characteristics and can serve as a super phasor data concentrator,” said spokesman Vladimir Deryugin. “According to my knowledge, there is no comparable product available on the market now.”

–Edited by Renee Robbins, Senior editor, renee.robbins@reedbusiness.com , Control Engineering Information Control eNewsletter Register here and scroll down to select your choice of free eNewsletters .