Design considerations of implementing process bus and PTP along an IEC 61850-based main line traction power system

In the realm of modern energy systems, the deployment of advanced technologies is reshaping the way power grids are monitored and managed. The IEC 61850 suite of standards has emerged as a key player in enhancing communications and interoperability within substations, enabling efficient data exchange and control. This paper outlines the design considerations when implementing and piloting advanced IEC 61850 monitoring and file collection capabilities in a system using Sampled Values (SV) on a process bus and Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) file services in a Network Rail substation on the Great Western Main Line (GWML). The objective of this advanced IEC 61850 monitoring and file collection system is to independently manage, process, and act upon measurements and fault information retrieved from substations and traction power infrastructure. This paper discusses the operational benefits derived from this trial project, the challenges faced when implementing these systems, and the remedial actions introduced to mitigate these challenges. Time synchronisation forms a critical component when implementing a process bus solution. This paper describes several architectures and deployment methods that must be considered when deploying Precision Time Protocol (PTP) across the network and it presents some of the issues identified during the implementation of the system. These challenges can be further exacerbated when considering both a larger network and intersubstation communications for protection and control applications. This paper further outlines the cybersecurity requirements that were fulfilled as part of the implementation.