Modernizing Power System Design with IEC 61850: Breaking Free from Hardware Constraints
The power industry is under pressure to rapidly expand infrastructure to meet growing demands from both consumers and producers. But sticking to traditional design and construction methods may no longer be enough. One of the biggest bottlenecks? Hardware dependencies—like waiting on control wiring or specific components—that delay commissioning and inflate project timelines.
This presentation explores how embracing IEC 61850, a globally recognized standard for power system communication and configuration, can unlock new efficiencies. By shifting more functionality into software and adopting a standardized, vendor-neutral approach, engineers can accelerate deployment, improve system quality, and simplify integration.
We will demystify the IEC 61850 data model and show how it builds intuitive, scalable protection and control systems. You will learn how it reduces vendor lock-in, streamlines troubleshooting, and supports a more agile design process. Real-world case studies will highlight successful implementations, and we will share a practical roadmap to help you begin your journey toward a fully digitized power system.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- Zio Fraedo’s
- 611 Gregory Lane
- Pleasant Hill, California
- United States 94523
- Starts 23 September 2025 11:00 AM UTC
- Ends 18 November 2025 07:00 AM UTC
- Admission fee ?
Speakers
Darren De Ronde of Tesco Automation
Modernizing Power System Design with IEC 61850: Breaking Free from Hardware Constraints
Biography:
Darren De Ronde is a Principal Protection & 61850 Integration Engineer with over 20 years of experience in power systems engineering, specializing in digital substation design and IEC 61850-based protection systems. Currently at Tesco Automation, Darren leads the development of advanced protection and control solutions for utility and mission-critical infrastructure. Prior to his current role, Darren was instrumental in modernizing Google’s global data center protection systems, where he architected scalable, vendor-agnostic solutions that enhanced reliability and operational efficiency across continents. His work has helped bridge the gap between traditional utility practices and next-generation digital automation. Darren’s career spans key engineering roles at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Xcel Energy, and Ulteig Engineers, where he gained deep expertise in relay protection, substation design, and system commissioning. He holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Calvin University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and Minnesota.
A frequent contributor to industry knowledge-sharing, Darren is passionate about training, mentoring, and advancing the adoption of digital substation technologies.
Agenda
No-host social at 5:30pm
Presentation at 6:00pm
Dinner at 7:00pm
Presentation continues at 7:45pm
Adjourn by 8:30pm