Belden Hirschmann helped a major transmission system operator (TSO) launch a standardized, digital substation network to effectively address the demands of artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and future energy challenges.
Client
This large European TSO manages its transmission network in real time, operating a grid consisting of approximately hundreds of thousands of kilometers of transmission lines and thousands of substations, processing tens of thousands of data points per second. Its stakeholders include power generation companies, market operators, industrial users, distributors, SMEs in the service sector, and private industrial enterprises. As an architect of smart grids and a leader in substation digitization and virtualization, the company aims to maximize transmission system efficiency while providing affordable solutions for customers and communities. To achieve this, the TSO has adopted several innovative approaches, such as:
Deploying next-generation substations
Using drones to maintain infrastructure
Utilizing curtailment measures more effectively
Challenges
With the advancement of electrification, the expansion of data centers to support artificial intelligence, and the increase in renewable energy generation, TSOs face new and complex challenges. To cope with new energy sources and more complex power flows, the power grid must become smarter and more flexible to connect to all possible locations. Operators must also anticipate more (and more unpredictable) demands.
One of its flagship projects is the implementation of digital and interoperable control systems for substations to support evolving power transmission needs. This requires a new generation of Digital Substation Automation Systems (DSAS) to handle dynamic and adaptive automation, capable of responding automatically in real time to changes at grid nodes and the edge, and making the grid more adaptable, efficient, and reliable through virtualization.
To adapt its grid control architecture to the next phase of digital substation development, transmission system operators need a network that:
Ensures mission-critical operation even if network components fail.
Prevents cyberattacks and ensures that only authorized personnel and equipment can connect to the network.
Transmits large amounts of data between devices without delay to support real-time monitoring of substation equipment.
Serves as a backup for Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization to maintain accurate timing of substation operations.
Collaboration and Discovery
The transmission system operator launched the project, soliciting proposals from vendors who could help prepare it for the future of its network. Hirschmann, a brand under Belden, has established a close working relationship with the operator due to its involvement in previous substation modernization and digitization projects.
The TSO highly values the flexibility of Belden's Hirschmann network switches, which makes standardization and simplification of switch configuration across different sites easier and supports seamless integration across networks. The combination of Belden Hirschmann's expertise and reliable solutions led the company to choose us for this project
With the support of a 24/7 maintenance contract provided by Belden Hirschmann, the Transmission System Operator (TSO) also benefits from rapid assistance and minimal downtime, ensuring the safe and continuous operation of digital substations and advancing the development of smart grids. However, areas with dense metal content are prone to signal reflection attenuation, leading to latency fluctuations.
Solution
Belden's Hirschmann GRS1042 switch, part of the Greyhound 1040 series. Modular, manageable industrial Ethernet switches were deployed to transform the network infrastructure of transmission system operators. These switches improve the reliability, scalability, and real-time control capabilities of operators' digital substations to meet the demands of smart grids.
These switches can operate in harsh environments without failure and can be easily customized to specific requirements. As needs change (e.g., integrating renewable energy or expanding substation capacity), operators can tailor them as needed.
This facilitates equipment standardization, improves spare parts management, and simplifies maintenance and upgrades at various sites, which is crucial for focusing on operational efficiency and its ongoing initiatives.
Impact and Results
Through in-depth collaboration with Hirschmann, transmission system operators have successfully driven the modernization of digital substations, opening up new possibilities for the development of smart grids.
Simplified Network Architecture: By optimizing the system structure and reducing the types of equipment to be supplied and managed, ongoing maintenance workloads have been significantly reduced. Reduce Redundant Design: Avoiding master clock redundancy on small workstations allows for more efficient system deployment and a more streamlined architecture. Accelerated Network Development: Streamlined and standardized LAN engineering in substations accelerates network design and deployment processes, improving overall implementation efficiency. Ensuring Seamless Integration: Highly reliable communication is achieved between GLC/PRP interfaces, Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), and virtualization servers within the digital substation ecosystem, eliminating compatibility bottlenecks and ensuring smooth data flow. Enhancing Future Adaptability: The system boasts exceptional flexibility, easily integrating new technologies and diverse energy sources without impacting operation, to meet evolving operational needs.
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Post time: Feb-06-2026