Experiences with IEC 61850/61499 in Distributed Energy Resources and Substations Automation: A Standards-Driven, Open-Source Approach

Abstract

The integration of distributed energy resources and the digitalisation of substations has increased the complexity of power systems, creating new requirements for automation and knowledge management. This paper introduces a standards‑based, model‑driven framework that combines IEC 61850 for semantic communication with IEC 61499 for distributed control. The proposed solution is based on open‑source tools, ensuring cost‑effectiveness, transparency and broad accessibility, while enabling interoperable, reusable and platform‑independent automation components. A distinctive feature of the framework is its educational adaptation, which provides a unified workflow for design, simulation and deployment, supporting problem‑based learning and structured training programmes. Real‑world implementations confirm its effectiveness in bridging technical and educational needs. Three application examples illustrate the versatility of the approach: integration of distributed renewables, co‑simulation‑based education and laboratory automation. The work also evaluates the benefits and limitations of open‑source tools for knowledge management, highlighting cost‑effectiveness and transparency versus challenges in maturity and long‑term support. In conclusion, the proposed framework addresses both operational and training requirements, enabling scalable automation solutions and contributing to the modernisation of power engineering education.