DNV GL collaborates with industry leaders on conformance test procedures for substation engineering and device configuration tools

DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, today announces the development of a new UCAIug conformance test programme. The new programme is designed to test the compliancy of engineering and device configuration tools to the IEC 61850 standard.

Contributing to the UCAIug and the IEC 61850 community, DNV GL has spent several years working with industry leaders to develop new conformance test programs to bring the quality of Substation Configuration Language tools to the next level. With their expertise, DNV GL was chosen to pilot test the first release of the conformance tool and in doing so, gained the accreditation from UCAIug.

IEC 61850 is a global standard for communication in substations, bringing open, interoperable systems and flexible architectures, philosophies and technologies. This new test program covers all the engineering aspects of an IEC 61850 Substation to ensure that verified engineering tools comply with the basic rules in the IEC 61850 standards and guarantee the first levels of interoperability amongst devices.

Substation Configuration Language (SCL) tools are required to ensure the smooth integration of primary and secondary functions of the IEC 61850 substation and the configuration of the end-devices that are responsible for the protection and control of the substation. Covering a wide range of manufacturers and functions, these tools need to be interoperable, ensuring utilities increase efficiency by not having to spend time on trouble shooting and fixing bugs.

The successful implementation of IEC 61850 depends on having good, vendor-neutral SCL engineering tools. Without these tools, utilities cannot benefit from the basic foundations and advantages of IEC 61850 such as being vendor independent, avoiding interpretations and cost reduction through procurement and maintenance.

DNV GL started to work with industry leaders  in late 2014, and throughout 2015 the companies worked closely together pilot testing and refining the test procedures. The final testing of this program took place in late 2015 and was verified by the UCAlug on January 25th, 2016.

Bas Mulder, Senior Consultant, DNV GL commented: “For many years, DNV GL has strived to proactively contribute to the UCAlug and IEC 61850 community. Through this joint partnership , we are leading the development of new conformance test programs and providing expert knowledge. As an organisation we are committed to bringing the quality of Substation Configuration Language tools to the next level."

DNV GL will be taking part in DistribuTECH, during February 9-11 2016 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida. DNV GL will be available during this event for any interviews and discussions regarding the new conformance tool. They will be located at Booth 1254.

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