Australia’s first use of IEC 61850 was fully installed and implemented at an Electranet transmission facility in February.
IEC 61850 is the enabling technology required to integrate all protection, control, measurement and monitoring functions within the substation.
In the turnkey solution, Siemens designed, manufactured, supplied, installed and commissioned all components, including a substation automation system, protection schemes, ancillary equipment and portable switchroom.
“The control system is based on our SICAM Power Automation System (PAS) substation automation system and includes the Siprotec range of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and various third party IEDs,” Siemens vice president of energy, Steve Robinson said.
“We have also maximised the capabilities of the existing ethernet communications network to provide the highest levels of security and stability for all of the IT architecture.”
The standard was installed on all four units at Eraring power station in NSW. The contract included the design, supply, installation and commissioning of protection schemes based on Siprotec 4 and third-party relays.
ElectraNet will use the control room as a training facility for staff before it is installed. It is estimated it will save ElectraNet approximetly $500,000 over the lifecycle of the switchgear.
“The HIS equipment is able to provide such reduced lifecycle costs because it is essentially maintenance-free when compared to the air insulated (AIS) equivalent. The corrosion-free enclosures and self-lubricating motor drives ensure a long service life – the first inspection of the switchgear is not due until 25 years into its service life,” Mr Robinson said.
Siemen first installed IEC 61850 in 2004 in Switzerland using SICAM PAS control system in accordance with the new standard throughout the substation.
To date Siemens has installed over 1000 IEC 61850 based substations worldwide.
