Summary
Protection system response to failures of the precise time synchronization is of highest importance, and one of the most discussed topics in digital substations. This paper describes the results of field-representative laboratory validation tests with two digital substations that are synchronized from central GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) grand master clocks over an MPLS-TP (Multiprotocol Label Switching - Transport Profile) based wide area communication network. The system under test was structured in two substations that included four Process Interface Units (PIUs) and three protection IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) from three different vendors. The four MPLS-TP nodes not only provided precise time synchronization according to IEEE 1588 into the substations, but they also transferred IEC 61850 GOOSE and Sampled Values between the substations in a proxy/gateway configuration.
Read more Read lessThe focus of the tests was to observe the end-to-end protection system behaviour under different failure scenarios of the communication and synchronization system.
During the whole testing phase stable behaviour of the synchronization and protection system could be observed, and the tested setup can be regarded to be fit for real applications. However, some improvement proposals to further increase protection system availability could be identified. The tests were executed between November 2025 and January 2026.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | D2_12344_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 645 KB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
MEIER Stefan - Hitachi Energy Switzerland; LUCENTE Eugenio - Hitachi Energy Switzerland; FREI Adolf - Hitachi Energy Switzerland; VOTTIS Christos - Hitachi Energy Switzerland; STOECKLI Marcel - ELECTROSUISSE / CIGRE Switzerland NC Secretary
Keywords
precistion time synchronisation, inter-substation communication, Wide Area Network, IEC 61850, sampled values, interoperability, protection
