Glossary · Energy and utilities automation
Substation automation
Also known as: Substation automation system (SAS)
German: Substation Automation
In power systems, substation automation is the use of intelligent electronic devices, communication networks and control systems to protect, control, monitor and record the operation of an electrical substation. IEC 61850 is the international standard for communication in power utility automation, including substations.
- Energy
- Standards
In one sentence
Substation automation uses intelligent electronic devices and networks to protect, control and monitor electrical substations, often per IEC 61850.
Example
In the new 110 kV substation, protection relays exchange trip signals as IEC 61850 GOOSE messages, and the station controller reports to the grid control center.
How it applies
- Engineering: Substation automation systems are engineered with configuration files that describe devices, functions and communication, which supports multi-vendor interoperability.
- Operation: Operators monitor and switch remotely; protection functions act automatically on faults.
- Security: Substations are critical infrastructure; network segmentation, access control and monitoring are essential. IEC 62351 addresses security for power system communication, and IEC 62443 is also applied.
- Documentation: Documentation includes single-line diagrams, device settings, communication configuration and switching procedures. Switching instructions must stay consistent with the actual configuration, and work in substations requires strict electrical safety procedures.
Substation automation vs. industrial automation
Industrial plants may operate their own substations, but substation automation follows power-system standards such as IEC 61850 and focuses on protection and switching. Process and machine automation typically use IEC 61131-3 controllers and industrial fieldbuses.