SOLUTION BRIEF
Software defined substations –
the path towards cost effective
and future-proof solutions
Summary
Unlike renovating the entire secondary system of power Fact box
substations, adding software defined functions save time
and cost. Retrofitting the virtual Merging Unit running on a • Due to the energy transition
Substation Server offers an efficient future proof upgrade. TSOs and DSOs move to data
Simply add a substation server, some sensors and the v irtual driven system operations
Merging Unit application and get IEC61850 interoperability, requiring digital substations.
advanced measurements, and a future proof platform for • Based on the average age of a
virtualized applications. substation, typically over 50%
of legacy substations is not
supporting the digitalization
need of TSOs and DSOs.
Challenges • Renovation of a secondary
system for a substation takes
The electrification of society and increase of intermittent 6 months of planning,
energy sources pose an ever-increasing challenge for engineering, and installation.
network operators. Energy networks are becoming • The time to upgrade substation
congested, and supply and demand must be matched in real automation functionality can
time.There is an increasing shortage of technical human and be reduced by 50-80% by
financial resources to simply increase the capacity in the grid, introducing software defined
CAT-SB-software-defined-substations-V1.1 EN ed. 03/2022 Welotec GmbH
let alone the ecological impact of construction and cabling. substation technology.
This requires a new approach to System Operations driven
by data. However, the required level of detail is often not
supplied by existing substation automation systems.
Substations are designed for longevity. Often the need
to renovate substations for digitization purposes arises
much earlier than the economic lifetime. Renovation also
requires scarce resources. A simple retrofit method is
therefore requested by many TSOs and DSOs.
www.welotec.com D-48366 Laer +49 2554 9130 00
SOLUTION BRIEF
Software defined substations – the path towards cost effective and future-proof solutions
Application Example
The use of smart technologies offers a solution to the challenges of the energy transition. IoT
has already proven itself in the industry and is also entering the network operator world. The
introduction of sensors, utilization of data analytics and applications of smart algorithms
offers possibilities for real-time monitoring, protection, and control of the grids.
Locamation's virtual Merging Unit realizes functional flexibility and availability of data in
substations as known from the IT space. By using utility grade current and voltage sensors
at bay level and an IEC 61850-3 Welotec server running a real time operating system and a
virtualized Merging Unit application at station level, substation digitalization has become as
simple and affordable as it can get. The existing secondary installation can remain untouched,
the sensors are placed in the bays as an add-on.
Application Example 1: Virtual Merging Unit in addition to IED’s for Protection
CAT-SB-software-defined-substations-V1.1 EN ed. 03/2022 Welotec GmbH
Advantages
• Simple, affordable, and flexible way to implement IEC61850 process bus and station bus.
• Virtualization of applications offers future extensible and upgradeable functionality.
• Rugged, fan less Welotec Substation server specially made for power substations certified
according to IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613
• Supports ultimate flexibility for bay replacements or extensions with IEC61850 IEDs
• Various migration paths towards a full Software Defined Substation.
• Configurable data stream for advanced measurement and monitoring including API
towards data analytics applications
• Engineering and testing through IEC61850 System Configuration Language (SCL)
• State-of-the-art Cyber Security by design
www.welotec.com D-48366 Laer +49 2554 9130 00
SOLUTION BRIEF
Software defined substations – the path towards cost effective and future-proof solutions
Application Example 2: Software defined substation
Station level Station level
HMI interface HMI interface
Remote Remote
Terminal Terminal
unit (RTU) unit (RTU)
61850 station bus
+ =
Fault Bay level Bay level extension Bay level
recorder Power-quality
recorder 61850
Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection
relay relay relay relay relay relay relay
CAT-SB-software-defined-substations-V1.1 EN ed. 03/2022 Welotec GmbH
61850 process bus
VIM BIM VIM
Process level CIM CIM CIM Process level CIM CIM CIM CIM Process level
Conventional Virtual Software defined substation
www.welotec.com D-48366 Laer +49 2554 9130 00
SOLUTION BRIEF
Software defined substations – the path towards cost effective and future-proof solutions
About Welotec
For over 50 years, Welotec has offered tailor-made solutions for the transformation of the
industry, specializing in Substation Automation for transmission and distribution grids as
well as for HVDC and FACTS transmission. Welotec designs and builds digital solutions and
services that support power grids around the world with their IT / OT convergence.
Welotec is the inventor of IEC 61850 Rugged Substation Automation Computer (RSAPC).
Through virtualization, more applications and advanced OT security in digital substations are
possible. Headquartered in Laer, Germany, Welotec has supported DSOs and TSOs since 1969.
About Locamation
Locamation, founded in 1983 has a long history in time-sensitive, mission-critical process
automation technology. Since 2000 the company focusses on automation systems for
power substations. Locamation SASensor-systems have been installed worldwide including,
the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and China.
SASensor offers Centralised Protection, Automation and Control functionality in software.
Locamation is widely recognized as a pioneer of centralized substation automation. Over
the last years Locamation invested substantially in a new generation of SASensor adhering
to the IEC 61850 standard. Together with leading and innovative European grid operators
Locamation creates an ecosystem delivering the foundation for an open Software Defined
Substation.
www.locamation.com 7521 PV Enschede +31 (0)88 1660 100
CAT-SB-software-defined-substations-V1.1 EN ed. 03/2022 Welotec GmbH
www.welotec.com D-48366 Laer +49 2554 9130 00
