BURLINGTON, MA--(Marketwire - August 18, 2010) - Power system protection -- along with substation instrumentation, controls and automation -- is becoming an ever more important issue for utilities in the evolving smart grid future. KEMA, a leading authority in energy and utility business and technical consulting, is hosting a one-day training course on the IEC 61850 data communication standard. KEMA experts will help utilities and others involved in and / or serving the utility industry understand how operational and cost advantages of IEC 61850 can enhance substation design and overall system performance. The training is part of KEMA Academy that organizes a wide range of courses and workshops that cover the whole spectrum of the electricity and gas energy supply chains.
The KEMA IEC 61850 training is scheduled for September 29, 2010, at the Embassy Suites in Raleigh, N.C.
"We've designed our IEC 61850 course based on our experience working with utilities on their system protection, control, and automation," said Ron Willoughby, vice president, KEMA, Inc. "The training offers insight into the features of IEC 61850 and the configuration language needed to ensure automation equipment 'talk' to each other as efficiently as possible."
Substation automation is a critical component in the smart grid system. It helps to control and protect during normal and faulty system conditions. Substation automation also offers new levels of real-time data to monitor distribution operations and equipment conditions.
IEC 61850 applies to utility data communication transmitted digitally among metering, protection, control, transformers, and switching devices within and between substations. IEC 61850 is the NIST standard for smart grid interoperability. Standardized communication provides a cost-effective, open solution for the utility industry. IEC 61850 offers the following additional benefits:
- It is optimized for efficient and reliable data transfer
- It is designed for use over a high speed network
- It provides operational advantages.
The course is designed for utility industry professionals engaged in defining communication requirements and long-term strategies, making decisions, managing assets, and achieving cost efficiencies related to substation automation. KEMA is authorized by the UCA® International Users Group to perform IEC 61850 Conformance Testing in accordance with the Users Group Quality Assurance Testing Program Procedures.
During the course, KEMA experts will:
- Present an overview of the scope, objective, capabilities, and benefits of IEC 61850, relative to substation automation, including NIST smart grid roadmap standards
- Teach fundamental issues and practical methodology to help utilities prepare their organizations for implementation of the standard
- Help participants build a foundation to effectively present advantages of the protocol to stakeholders
- Review recent developments, practical experiences, pitfalls, and guidelines for IEC 61850, including critical steps for successful implementation.
Additional information and registration
Reduced fees are available for early registration (on or before September 10, 2010). Government and academic attendees may receive a 35% discount. Learn more about KEMA's IEC 61850 training or register online at www.kema.com/IEC61850Training.
About KEMA
Founded in 1927, KEMA is a global provider of business and technical consulting, operational support, measurement and inspection, testing and certification for the energy and utility industry. With world headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, KEMA employs more than 1,600 professionals globally with offices and representatives in more than 20 countries. KEMA's U.S. subsidiary, KEMA Inc. is headquartered in Burlington, Mass., and serves energy clients throughout the Americas and Caribbean.
For KEMA media contacts, visit: www.kema.com/press_releases.
Contact Information:
Americas, Caribbean:
Kristen Brewitt
tel +31 26 3 56 2607