OPNET University Program

1. Comparison of different Ethernet Network Topologies for Power Substation Automation (Mital Kanabar)

I am analyzing the performance indices for different Ethernet network topologies for power substation automation system. In 2003, IEC has published IEC 61850 standard named as “Communication Networks and Systems in Substations”. This standard has received world wide acceptance. IEC 61850 has recommended Ethernet as the communication platform. IEC 61850 have not suggested any fixed network topology for substation. Ethernet networks can be applied to a number of topologies, the most common of which are the bus, star, and ring layouts. OPNET Modeler is the industry’s leading environment for network modeling and simulation, which facilitates the design and study of communication networks, devices, protocols and applications with unmatched flexibility and scalability. Using Modeler’s object-oriented modeling approach, Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), which is one kind of workstation of substation automation systems, would be modeled in detail. Further, the most popular network topologies along with developed different IEDs would be simulated and their performance would be compared with the help of OPNET Modeler.

2. Performance evaluation of Communication Networks of Substation Automation System (Palak Parikh)

I am studying the performance parameters, such as time delay, network utilization, etc. for communication networks of power substation automation systems (SAS). Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), which are Instrumentation & Control (I&C) devices built using microprocessors, are the most important elements of a SAS. IEC 61850 based substation automation system would be implemented using IEDs and different network communication technologies. IEC61850 recommends substation LANs using high speed communication network to obtain the necessary response times of < 3ms for transmission level protective relaying. Hence, it is important to model IEDs in order to evaluate the performance of IEC 61850 based SAS. For this purpose, OPNET Modeler (industrially recognized) software has been used to model different type of IEDs such as, Merging Unit (MU) IED, Breaker IED, and Protection & control (P&C) IED. Using OPNET Modeler, complete substation communication network would be simulated in order to understand the total time delay for raw data transmission on Ethernet based process bus.

We are studying the design of novel OLT and ONU-level bandwidth scheduling mechanisms for use in EPON settings. EPONs have emerged as the best candidate for next-generation access networks. Propelled by rapid price declines in fiber optics and Ethernet components, these new EPON architectures combine the latest in optical and electronic advances, and are poised to become the dominant means of delivering bundled services over a single platform. However, the overall adoption of EPON technologies in access networks has met with various obstacles. As a result, notable research efforts are underway in order to evolve more capable technical solutions at highly cost-effective price points. The OPNET tool provides a comprehensive environment for conducting this development and testing the performance of the full end-to-end scheme under realistic end-user traffic conditions.

Kanabar, P.M.; Kanabar, M.G.; El-Khattam, W.; Sidhu, T.S.; Shami, A, "Evaluation of communication technologies for IEC 61850 based distribution automation system with distributed energy resources," IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, July 2009

Sidhu, T.S. Yujie Yin, "IED modelling for IEC61850 based substation automation system performance simulation," IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 2006.