DNV GL Collaborates With Industry Leaders on Conformance Test Procedures for Substation Engineering and Device Configuration Tools

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwired - Feb 11, 2016) -

• New test procedures will help to ensure Substation engineering and device configuration tools comply with IEC 68150 standards for open interoperability
• Test procedures and further details of the verification programme to be discussed during DistribuTECH 2016 in Orlando, Florida between 9-11 February

DNV GL, the world's largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, today announces the development of a new UCAIug conformance test programme. The new programme is designed to test the compliancy of engineering and device configuration tools to the IEC 61850 standard.

Contributing to the UCAIug and the IEC 61850 community, DNV GL has spent several years working with industry leaders to develop new conformance test programmes to bring the quality of Substation Configuration Language tools to the next level. With their expertise, DNV GL was chosen to pilot test the first release of the conformance tool and in doing so, gained the accreditation from UCAIug.

IEC 61850 is a global standard for communication in substations, bringing open, interoperable systems and flexible architectures, philosophies and technologies. This new test programme covers all the engineering aspects of an IEC 61850 Substation to ensure that verified engineering tools comply with the basic rules in the IEC 61850 standards and guarantee the first levels of interoperability amongst devices.

Substation Configuration Language (SCL) tools are required to ensure the smooth integration of primary and secondary functions of the IEC 61850 substation and the configuration of the end-devices that are responsible for the protection and control of the substation. Covering a wide range of manufacturers and functions, these tools need to be interoperable, ensuring utilities increase efficiency by not having to spend time on trouble shooting and fixing bugs.

The successful implementation of IEC 61850 depends on having good, vendor-neutral SCL engineering tools. Without these tools, utilities cannot benefit from the basic foundations and advantages of IEC 61850 such as being vendor independent, avoiding interpretations and cost reduction through procurement and maintenance.

DNV GL started to work with industry leaders in late 2014, and throughout 2015 the companies worked closely together pilot testing and refining the test procedures. The final testing of this programme took place in late 2015 and was verified by the UCAIug on January 25^th, 2016.

Bas Mulder, Senior Consultant, DNV GL commented: "For many years, DNV GL has strived to proactively contribute to the UCAlug and IEC 61860 community. Through this collaboration, we are leading the development of new conformance test programmes and providing expert knowledge. As an organisation we are committed to bringing the quality of Substation Configuration Language tools to the next level."

DNV GL is taking part in DistribuTECH, during February 9-11 2016 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida. DNV GL is available during this event for interviews and discussions regarding the new conformance test service. They will be located at Booth 1254.

About DNV GL
Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organisations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL provides classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. It also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. DNV GL, whose origins go back to 1864, operates globally in more than 100 countries with its 16,000 professionals dedicated to helping their customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

In the Energy industry
In DNV GL we unite the strengths of DNV, KEMA, Garrad Hassan, and GL Renewables Certification. DNV GL's 3,000 energy experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. We deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our testing, certification and advisory services are delivered independent from each other.

Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/energy