Benefits of using IEC 61850 messages for testing conventional protection schemes

Abstract

One of the most common questions posed when considering digital systems based on IEC 61850 technology is how to test protection elements and a digital system as a whole. Test provisions in IEC 61850 are plentiful and elaborate and are covered broadly in industry publications. This paper instead focuses on the ability to use IEC 61850 messages for testing conventional commonly deployed copper-based protection schemes. It discusses implementation and usage of this approach and summarizes its benefits.