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IEC 61850 based substations methodologies evaluation and advancement for improved transformer protection and power system security
Author(s)
Makaula, Phumezile Kwanda
Date Issued
2026
Type
master thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Electricity is an essential driver of socio-economic development. However, electrical networks often experience faults resulting in the interruption of the power supply and exposure of the plant to damage. Consequently, protection schemes are meant to clear faults fast and be selective, even under challenging conditions. Some of the issues being faced by the utility companies include copper theft, vandalism of electrical networks, ageing networks and the integration of various types of equipment. IEC 61850 has transformed the mode of designing and running modern substations through the use of high-speed digital communication in place of wired signalling. Communication modes involving GOOSE Messaging, Sampled Values and fibre optic technology allow protection systems to communicate at very high speeds, thus enabling them to exchange information. It is under this premise that this study sought to propose a transformer bay protection system using IEC 61850, which utilises a peer-to-peer GOOSE communication mode to offer quick protection against faults. The Digital architecture was designed using the SEL acSELerator QuickSet 5030 and validated through the hardwarein-loop simulations using the OMICRON Test Universe. The results show that within the digital architecture, faults were cleared 60% faster than with traditional approaches while providing improved selectivity, operational security, and protection during outages. It also verifies that the entire process of transport reliability using GOOSE messages was reliable under faulty operating conditions. These findings demonstrate that digital substations based on the IEC 61850 significantly improve protection performance, interoperability and reliability.
Additional information
Thesis (MEng (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026
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Name
Makaula, PK_215180054 (1).pdf
Size
8.45 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):2956ca246165b35340b55bb77a45227a