What is BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 about?
BS EN IEC 61850 is a series on communication networks and systems for power utility automation. A communication network is the pattern of directions in which information flows in the organization. BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 defines the IEC 61850 information models to be used in the exchange of information with distributed energy resources (DER) and Distribution Automation (DA) systems. Distributed energy resources include distribution-connected generation systems, energy storage systems, and controllable loads, as well as facility Distributed energy resources management systems, including aggregated DER, such as plant control systems, facility Distributed energy resources energy management systems (EMS), building EMS, campus EMS, community EMS, microgrid EMS, etc. DA equipment includes equipment used to manage distribution circuits, including automated switches, fault indicators, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and other power management devices.
In BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 while defining Distributed energy resources and Distribution Automation specific logical nodes to provide the necessary data objects for Distributed energy resources and Distribution Automation functions, including for the Distributed energy resources interconnection grid codes specified by various countries and regions. Although BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 explicitly addresses distribution-connected resources, most of the resource capabilities, operational functions, and architectures are also applicable to transmission-connected resources.
BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 specifies that Communications for Distributed energy resources plants involve not only local communications between Distributed energy resources units and the plant management system but also between the Distributed energy resources plant and the operators or aggregators who manage the Distributed energy resources plant as a virtual source of energy and/or ancillary services.
Who is BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 for?
BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 on communication networks is useful for:
- Industries with power system elements
- Design engineer
- Administration sector
- IT sector
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61850-7-420?
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation is a group of nodes interconnected by telecommunication links that are used to exchange messages between the nodes. BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 introduces distributed energy resources systems as these systems are being interconnected to electric power systems throughout the world. As distributed energy resources technology evolves and as the impact of dispersed generation on distribution power systems becomes a growing challenge – and opportunity – nations worldwide are recognizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of integrating distributed energy resources technology within their electric infrastructure.
DSOs and distributed energy resources manufacturers recognize the growing need to have BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 that defines the communication and control interfaces for all distributed energy resources devices. Such standards, along with associated guidelines and uniform procedures would simplify implementation, reduce installation costs, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the reliability of power system operations.
The information concepts discussed in BS EN IEC 61850-7-420 are focused on distributed energy resources but may also be applicable to central-station generation installations that are comprised of groupings of multiple units of the same types of energy conversion systems that are covered in BS EN IEC 61850-7-420. This applicability to central-station generation is strongest for photovoltaics and fuel cells, due to their modular nature.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61850-7-420:2021 supersedes BS EN 61850-7-420:2009. BS EN IEC 61850-7-420:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 61850-7-420:2009. These include:
- Generic approach of modelling to support any kinds of DER including generation, storage and controllable loads
- A generic approach to support physical and virtual aggregation of DERs
- Full support of a wide range of operational functions to cover grid codes functions as expressed in IEEE 1547 and EN 50549 or IEC 62786
