Create and Configure an SCL File

You import the configuration for the SCL database item from the SCL file that is generated by the substation. In IEC 61850, the device configuration is described in Substation Configuration description Language (SCL) and stored in an XML file. You import this SCL file into Geo SCADA Expert in order to obtain a hierarchy of the IEC 61850 nodes on that device. The hierarchy includes:

• a node for the SCL file
• nodes for the IEDs that are under the SCL node
• nodes for the logical devices that are under each IED node
• nodes for the logical nodes that are under each logical device node.

To create and configure an IEC 61850 SCL File database item:

1. Display the Database Bar (see Display an Explorer Bar).
2. In the Database Bar, right-click on the System or Group folder to which you want to add the new item.
   A context-sensitive menu is displayed.
3. Select the Create New option.
   A further context-sensitive menu is displayed.
4. Select the IEC 61850 option.
   A further context-sensitive menu is displayed.
5. Select the SCL File option from the further menu.

   An SCL File is added to the root of the System or the Group (depending on your selection in step 1). It is selected automatically, ready for you to enter its name. This will be an empty database item, and you have to import the SCL file to complete the configuration.

Importing an SCL File

In order to populate the SCL File database item, you get the substation with which Geo SCADA Expert is to interact to generate an SCL file and then import that SCL file into Geo SCADA Expert. The SCL file can either be in .scd or .cid format. This file contains data representation for substation device entities, its associated functions represented as logical nodes, communication systems, and capabilities.

To import the SCL file:

1. Right-click on the SCL File database item to display a context-sensitive menu. Select the Import SCL File pick action.
   An Import SCL File window is displayed.
2. Use the Browse Button to display a File Name window. Use the window to browse to and select the required SCL file.
   
   
3. In the Description field, enter the SCL file description. This field is optional.
4. Click OK.

Once the SCL file import is complete, use the Create or Update IEDs pick action to create the IED database items that are defined by the contents of the SCL file. For more information see Create and Configure an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED).

To export the SCL file:

1. Right-click on the SCL File database item to display a context-sensitive menu. Select the Export SCL File pick action.
   An Export SCL File window is displayed.
2. In the File Name field, enter the required SCL file name and use the Browse Button to select the location where you want to save the SCL file.
   
3. Click OK.