IEC TC 57
IEC TC 57 is the technical committee within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) responsible for international standards for power systems management and associated information exchange. Its full name is IEC Technical Committee 57: Power systems management and associated information exchange.
The committee's work encompasses a wide range of standards development, primarily focusing on the communication protocols, data models, and architectures necessary for interoperability between various devices and systems within electrical grids. These standards are crucial for enabling smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distributed energy resources (DER) integration, and overall efficient and reliable power system operation.
Key areas of focus for IEC TC 57 include:
- IEC 61850: A key standard for communication networks and systems in substations. It defines a comprehensive object-oriented model for substation automation, enabling interoperability between devices from different manufacturers.
- IEC 60870-5: A standard for telecontrol equipment and systems, widely used for remote monitoring and control of power systems. While older than IEC 61850, it remains relevant in many existing installations.
- IEC 62351: A series of standards addressing cybersecurity aspects of power system control operations and data exchange.
- Common Information Model (CIM): IEC TC 57 contributes to the development and maintenance of the CIM, a common data model used for representing power system resources and their relationships. The CIM is essential for enabling data exchange and integration between different applications and systems.
IEC TC 57's standards are globally recognized and adopted by utilities, manufacturers, and system integrators. They play a vital role in modernizing power grids, enabling the integration of renewable energy sources, and improving the overall efficiency and reliability of electricity supply. The committee's work involves collaboration among experts from various countries and organizations to develop and maintain standards that address the evolving needs of the power industry.