Mastering IEC 61850 for Modern Power Systems
Course Description
IEC 61850 represents a fundamental shift in the design, operation, and automation of power systems. It is the global standard for interoperability and digital communication in substations and generation facilities, enabling unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and efficiency. This intensive 5-day masterclass provides a comprehensive and deep theoretical understanding of the IEC 61850 standard. Designed as a progressive journey, the course begins with core principles and advances through complex system architecture and future trends. Through detailed lectures, illustrative diagrams, and real-world case studies from the power generation and utilities sector, you will gain the expert-level knowledge required to specify, design, manage, and maintain modern IEC 61850-based systems. Master the theory that powers the digital grid.
The Training Course Will Highlight ?

To ensure a productive learning experience, participants should have:

  • A basic understanding of electrical power systems (e.g., substation single-line diagrams, power generation components).
  • Familiarity with fundamental concepts of protection and control (e.g., relay functions, breaker control, SCADA).
  • Basic knowledge of serial communication and networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet) is beneficial but not mandatory.
  • A conceptual awareness of networking and communication protocols is advantageous but not essential.
Training Objective

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Articulate the architecture, components, and strategic advantages of IEC 61850 over legacy systems.
  • Interpret and Model devices using Logical Nodes (LN), Data Objects (DO), and Common Data Classes (CDC).
  • Analyze the complete IEC 61850 communication stack, including MMS, GOOSE, and Sampled Values (SV).
  • Decipher the System Configuration Language (SCL) and the engineering process flow involving SCD, ICD, and CID files.
  • Design advanced system architectures for protection, control, and automation using GOOSE and SV.
  • Formulate robust strategies for testing, commissioning, and cybersecurity in an IEC 61850 environment.
  • Evaluate the application of IEC 61850 in emerging areas like renewable integration and condition monitoring.

Target Audience

This course is critically important for professionals involved in the design, implementation, protection, and control of power generation facilities, substations, and utility networks:

  • Protection & Control Engineers
  • SCADA & Automation Engineers
  • Substation & Power Plant Design Engineers
  • System Integrators
  • Testing & Commissioning Engineers
  • Asset Management & Technical Specialists
  • Project Managers overseeing digital upgrade projects

Training Methods

This interactive Training will be highly interactive, with opportunities to advance your opinions and ideas and will include:
• Lectures
• Workshop & Work Presentation
• Case Studies and Practical Exercise
• Videos and General Discussions

Daily Agenda

Day 1: Foundation & Core Concepts

  • Module 1: The Paradigm Shift to Digital Power Systems
    • Limitations of Conventional Hardwired Systems.
    • Introduction to the IEC 61850 Standard Series and its Philosophy.
    • Core Benefits: Interoperability, Reduced Lifecycle Costs, and Enhanced Flexibility.
  • Module 2: The Object-Oriented Information Model
    • Hierarchical Structure: Server, Logical Device (LD), Logical Node (LN).
    • In-depth Analysis of Key Logical Nodes (e.g., MMXU, XCBR, PTOC).
    • Data Modeling: Data Objects (DO), Common Data Classes (CDC), and Attributes.
  • Module 3: Introduction to System Engineering
    • Overview of the System Configuration Language (SCL) based on XML.
    • Purpose and Role of Key File Types: ICD (IED Capability Description), SSD (System Specification Description), SCD (Substation Configuration Description).

 Day 2: The Communication Stack & Services

  • Module 4: Client-Server Communication with MMS
    • The Role of Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) in IEC 61850.
    • Detailed Analysis of MMS Services: Reporting, Logging, Data Sets, and Control.
    • Application in SCADA and Station-Level Communication.
  • Module 5: High-Speed Peer-to-Peer Communication with GOOSE
    • GOOSE Mechanism: Publisher/Subscriber Model and Multicast Addressing.
    • GOOSE Message Structure and Real-Time Performance Characteristics.
    • Analysis of VLANs, Priority Tagging, and Network Requirements for GOOSE.
  • Module 6: The Process Bus & Sampled Values (SV)
    • Conceptual Foundation of the Process Bus.
    • Sampled Value (SV) Communication: Streaming Mechanism and Data Structure.
    • The Role of Merging Units (MUs) and Time Synchronization Requirements (IEEE 1588 PTP).

 Day 3: Advanced System Engineering & Architecture

  • Module 7: The Complete System Engineering Workflow
    • Step-by-Step System Configuration Process: From SSD to SCD.
    • The Role of the System Engineer and the System Configuration Tool.
    • Configuration of Communication Networks and Data Flow Mapping.
  • Module 8: Advanced GOOSE & SV Application Design
    • Architectural Design for Interlocking Schemes using GOOSE.
    • Designing Line Differential and Busbar Protection Systems with Process Bus (SV).
    • Case Study: IEC 61850 Architecture in a Combined Cycle Power Plant.
  • Module 9: Cybersecurity Principles & Implementation
    • Threat Analysis for an IEC 61850 System.
    • Applying IEC 62351 Security Standards: Authentication, Encryption, and Access Control.
    • Network Security Design: Segmentation, Firewalls, and Security Hardening.

 

 Day 4: Testing, Maintenance & Special Applications

  • Module 10: Testing & Commissioning Methodologies
    • The Paradigm Shift in Testing: From Wiring Checks to Signal Subscription.
    • Strategies for System Integration Testing, FAT, and SAT.
    • Tools and Techniques for Validating GOOSE, SV, and MMS Communication.
  • Module 11: Maintenance and Asset Management
    • Leveraging IEC 61850 for Condition-Based Maintenance.
    • Analysis of Logical Node HLTH for device health monitoring.
    • Concepts of Data Engineering and the Digital Twin.
  • Module 12: IEC 61850 for Power Generation & DERs
    • Application of IEC 61850-7-420 for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Solar, Wind, and BESS.
    • Modeling of Inverters, Controllers, and Meteorological Data.
    • Case Study: Grid Integration of a Large-Scale Solar Farm.

Day 5: The Future & System Integration

  • Module 13: IEC 61850 Beyond the Substation Fence
    • Overview of IEC 61850-90-1 for Inter-Substation Communication.
    • The Role of IEC 61850 in Wide-Area Monitoring and Control (WAMS).
    • Integration with other standards: CIM, DNP3, and Web Services.
  • Module 14: Capstone System Design Exercise
    • A comprehensive, instructor-led design challenge.
    • Participants will architect an IEC 61850 system for a given scenario, defining the system structure, communication flows, and configuration strategy.
  • Module 15: Course Consolidation & Future Outlook
    • Synthesis of Key Learnings and Architectural Principles.
    • Final Q&A Session with the Expert Instructor.
    • Post-test and Certificate of Completion Distribution.

Why This Course is Your Strategic Advantage

  • Structured Progression: A carefully crafted curriculum that builds knowledge from the ground up, ensuring a solid theoretical foundation before advancing to complex topics.
  • Vendor-Neutral Expertise: Gain a pure, standards-based understanding of IEC 61850, empowering you to evaluate different vendors and technologies objectively.
  • Expert-Led Insight: Learn from a seasoned industry expert who provides real-world context, practical architectural wisdom, and answers to your most challenging questions.
  • Future-Focused Curriculum: Explore the cutting-edge applications of IEC 61850 that are shaping the future of power systems, from renewables to digital twins.
  • Strategic Decision-Making Power: Equip yourself with the deep technical knowledge required to make informed decisions on specifications, project scoping, and technology roadmaps.

Equip your team with deep theoretical knowledge to lead the digital transformation of the power grid.

Contact us today to enroll or to discuss a dedicated in-house session for your organization.

Accreditation

RECTUS attendance certificate will be awarded to all participants who complete at least 80% of the total course duration.

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Course Rounds : (5 -Days)


Code Date Venue Fees Register
EP158-01 11-01-2026 Dubai USD 5450
EP158-02 13-04-2026 Istanbul USD 5950
EP158-03 12-07-2026 Manama USD 5450
EP158-04 11-10-2026 Dubai USD 5450
Prices doesn't include VAT

UpComing Date


Details
  • Start date 11-01-2026
  • End date 15-01-2026

Venue
  • Country UAE
  • Venue Dubai

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