IEC TR 61850-90-27-2023 PDF

Full title and description

Communication networks and systems for power utility automation - Part 90-27: Use of IEC 61850 for thermal energy systems connected to electric power. This technical report provides guidance, information models and logical node definitions to support information exchange between electrical power networks and connected thermal energy resources (generators, storage and loads), including specific unit types such as power‑to‑heat (P2H) and combined heat and power (CHP).

Abstract

IEC TR 61850-90-27:2023 describes how IEC 61850 can be applied to thermal energy systems that are connected to electrical power networks (focusing on residential and commercial/district thermal services rather than industrial thermal systems). It presents use cases, derives the exchanged information needed for those use cases, maps requirements to logical nodes (LNs), and defines both generic and certain specific LNs for resources and operations that interact with the electric grid. The report excludes thermal systems isolated from power networks and excludes many non‑electrical thermal components such as gas boilers and most HVAC elements.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid (Technical Report).
• Publication date: 16 August 2023.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 57.
• ICS / categories: 33.200 (Telecontrol, telemetering and associated telecommunications for power systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2023).
• Number of pages: 180 pages (approx.).

Scope

The report addresses use of the IEC 61850 framework for information exchange between electric power networks and thermal energy systems that are electrically connected. It covers modelling of thermal energy resources relevant to grid operation, including electrical aspects of P2H loads and CHP generators, alarms and ratings for those resources, and operations that can support grid management. The TR intentionally excludes purely industrial thermal systems, thermal systems that are electrically isolated from the grid, and many non‑electrical thermal subcomponents (e.g., gas boilers, heat exchangers, most HVAC control elements).

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of thermal energy resources connected to power networks and their roles in grid operation (demand response, flexibility, local generation).
• Use cases for typical thermal‑system operations and derived information exchange requirements.
• Mapping of use‑case requirements to IEC 61850 logical nodes (LNs) and data objects.
• Definitions of generic logical nodes for thermal resources and specific LNs for P2H and CHP units.
• Guidance on alarms, ratings, status and control points needed for integration with distribution and transmission operations.
• Recommendations for applying IEC 61850 information modelling to support interoperability between building/district energy systems and utility systems.

Typical use and users

Primary users include utility engineers, distribution system operators, manufacturers of energy management and building automation equipment, system integrators, and consultants working on integration of thermal energy resources (heat pumps, P2H systems, CHP) with electrical grid control and market participation. The TR is useful for teams specifying data models for device vendors, designing control/monitoring interfaces between utilities and thermal resource aggregators, and for research or pilot projects integrating buildings and districts with distribution network operations.

Related standards

IEC TR 61850-90-27 is part of the IEC 61850 family (communication networks and systems for power utility automation). Related documents include core IEC 61850 parts (data models, services, and engineering), other 90‑series technical reports that address specific applications and mappings, and IEC TC 57 publications that cover power systems information exchange and interoperability topics. Users will typically reference IEC 61850 foundational parts (e.g., parts 6, 7‑x, 8‑x, and 90‑series TRs) when implementing the models in this TR.

Keywords

IEC 61850, thermal energy systems, power‑to‑heat, P2H, combined heat and power, CHP, logical nodes, information modelling, distribution systems, demand response, grid integration, thermal storage, TC 57.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is IEC TR 61850‑90‑27:2023, a Technical Report providing guidance and information models for using IEC 61850 to integrate thermal energy systems connected to electric power networks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers use cases, required exchanged information, mappings to logical nodes, and specific LN definitions for generic thermal resources and for power‑to‑heat (P2H) and combined heat and power (CHP) units that have electrical interfaces to the grid. It excludes isolated thermal systems and many non‑electrical thermal components.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utility engineers, device manufacturers, system integrators, building/district energy managers, and researchers working on interoperability between thermal energy resources and electric power networks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The TR was published on 16 August 2023 and is the first edition (Edition 1.0). The IEC webstore lists its stability date (validity) extending to 2026, so it is current as published (users should check IEC publications for any future amendments).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61850 series (communication networks and systems for power utility automation) and specifically one of the 90‑series technical reports that address application‑specific uses of IEC 61850. Implementers normally use this TR alongside the core IEC 61850 parts.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Thermal energy systems, IEC 61850, P2H, CHP, logical nodes, information modelling, grid integration, demand response, distribution automation.