Precise Time Reference

Applications
Title	Precise Time Reference
Author(s)	GMV.
Level	Medium
Year of Publication	2011

Application Examples

Network synchronisation for power generation and distribution

The growing integration of networks for energy distribution and the emphasis on energy savings and efficiency require increasingly precise and accurate synchronisation. GNSS can provide the synchronisation to achieve efficient power flow. For example, measurements of perturbations must be time-tagged with errors of less than 0.001 sec. Moreover, the management of high-power generators, such as large turbo gas and large steam turbines, requires strict timing.

Electrical energy is not easily stored and, in the case of malfunctions, current or voltage surges propagate along the lines. There is a tremendous potential for cost savings through the reliable remote reading of meters. Surges are sometimes large enough to damage line equipment and cause long interruptions in service. For tracing the origin of the problem and deciding on what action to take, time-tagging the individual events is mandatory. With time synchronisation at the microsecond level, the fault can be located to within 300 m – the distance between power line towers.