OpenPLC61850: An IEC 61850 MMS compatible open source PLC for smart grid research

Abstract

OpenPLC61850 is an enhancement to the existing OpenPLC software. OpenPLC has been widely used by the research community for the testbedding and validation of the logic on programmable logic controllers. Although OpenPLC supports only Modbus and DNP3 protocols, modernised electrical substations in smart grid implement IEC 61850 protocols. Hence, the evaluation of control strategies in such a system is increasingly required. To address this challenge, OpenPLC61850 software is proposed in this paper. This software supports the IEC 61850 (manufacturing message specification) protocol, in addition to the existing OpenPLC protocols. With the motivation of benefiting industrial practitioners and research community, the enhanced OpenPLC61850 software is open-sourced.

Keywords

• OpenPLC61850
• OpenPLC
• IEC 61850
• Programmable logic controllers
• Cyber security