TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL: IEC61850 IN OIL & GAS APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Traditionally, Oil & Gas platform automation has had separate process control systems and electrical control systems. They either operate completely independently, except for power flow between the two, or they are interconnected using extensive hard wiring with control logic, if any, dependent heavily on manual operator intervention. However, in recent years, there have been some degree of interconnection between the electrical control system, or more commonly used term Power Management System and the Process Automation System. This have been in the form of diagnostic information being transferred from the power management system to the process automation system via different communication protocols. This usually leads to a variety of engineering tools, protocol converters, gateways and additional hardware which increases the engineering and maintenance costs. This paper explores the technology readiness level of the Ethernet based IEC 61850 in the Oil & Gas control systems, and how by utilizing the flexibility of IEC61850 along with the Internet of Things (IoT), it is possible to optimise commissioning efforts, minimise project risks and lower the total cost of ownership.