HVDC Measuring Device Satellite Timestamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, accurately synchronizing current measurements across widely distributed measuring devices is challenging due to signal propagation times and processing delays in fiber optic cables, making precise time synchronization impossible without a time stamp.
Innovation Solution
The use of a satellite navigation system, such as GPS, to provide a time signal for assigning a timestamp to measured values, allowing for decentralized synchronization of measurement signals, and potentially combining this with Network Time Protocol (NTP) for enhanced accuracy, along with an external antenna to mitigate electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If measuring devices are widely distributed in HVDC systems, then measurement coverage is improved, but time synchronization precision deteriorates due to signal propagation times and processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning time stamps to measurement signals at the source (measuring devices) before transmission. Each measuring device independently timestamps its measurements using satellite navigation system time signals, eliminating the need for post-transmission synchronization and avoiding the precision loss that would result from centralized time distribution in widely distributed systems.
2Reliability
If a central clock device is used for synchronization, then time coordination is improved, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by distributing the time synchronization function to individual measuring devices rather than using a central clock. Each measuring device independently receives time signals from satellite navigation systems and timestamps its own measurements, dividing the centralized time coordination function into multiple independent units. This reduces system complexity and eliminates single points of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each measuring device to independently obtain time synchronization from satellite navigation systems without relying on a central time server. Each device autonomously timestamps its measurements, making the system self-synchronizing and eliminating the need for complex centralized time management infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If NTP time stamping is used, then time synchronization is improved, but actual accuracy deteriorates to only a few microseconds due to system clock deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite navigation system time signals as an intermediary reference that bypasses the flawed local system clocks. By using externally sourced atomic clock references from satellites as a mediator, the system achieves microsecond or nanosecond precision without being constrained by the accuracy limitations of local NTP-synchronized system clocks.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical device (12), particularly for high- and medium-voltage applications, comprising at least one measuring device (14a-c) for acquiring measured values. The invention is characterized by at least one receiver (17a-c) for receiving and processing signals from a satellite navigation system (18), which is configured to assign a timestamp to an acquired measured value by means of a time signal from the satellite navigation system. The invention further relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention, in which the timestamp is assigned to the acquired measured value by means of the time signal from the satellite navigation system.