Multi-Node Echo Method for Power System Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data synchronization techniques for current differential protection in power systems, such as the echo method, assume symmetrical communication channels, leading to unreliable clock synchronization and potential mal-tripping when channels become asymmetrical due to changes in communication routing.
Innovation Solution
The Multi-Node Echo Method (MNEM) detects asymmetrical status and calculates channel delays by relaying echo messages clockwise and anti-clockwise among multi-node loops, allowing for symmetrical status detection and accurate delay calculation, even in asymmetrical channels, providing a more reliable method than GPS-based synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional echo method is used for data synchronization, then the synchronization is simple to implement, but the synchronization reliability deteriorates when communication channels become asymmetrical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channel detection into multiple independent echo loops, each tested separately for asymmetry. By dividing the network into discrete loops and testing each one, the system can identify specific asymmetrical channels without requiring complete network reconfiguration, thus maintaining ease of implementation while improving reliability through targeted detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of channel asymmetry before synchronization errors occur. By continuously monitoring echo loop characteristics and identifying asymmetrical conditions in advance, the system can take preventive actions such as adjusting synchronization parameters or alerting operators, thereby maintaining reliable synchronization without complex real-time corrections.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based synchronization is used, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates due to GPS signal vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary echo loop detection mechanism that operates independently of external GPS signals. This intermediary system uses the existing communication infrastructure to measure and compensate for channel asymmetry, providing an additional layer of synchronization that does not rely on vulnerable external signals while maintaining high accuracy through precise delay measurement and compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the communication system to self-correct for asymmetry using its own infrastructure. By utilizing the existing echo capability already present in the communication equipment, the system performs self-diagnosis and self-compensation without requiring external GPS assistance, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy while improving reliability through reduced external dependencies.
3Measurement precision
If multi-node echo method is used to detect asymmetrical channels, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing communication equipment perform multiple functions: normal data transmission and echo loop detection. By utilizing the same communication channels and equipment for both purposes, the system achieves precise asymmetry detection without adding dedicated detection hardware, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables communication nodes to automatically perform asymmetry detection on their own using built-in echo capabilities. Each node sends test signals and measures the echo characteristics, eliminating the need for external detection equipment. This self-service approach achieves high detection precision while avoiding the complexity of additional specialized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a new synchronization method named Multi-Node Echo Method (MNEM), which settles the problem of clock/data synchronization with asymmetrical channels. In MNEM, the echo messages are relayed among multi-node loop both by clockwise and anti-clockwise. Based on Multi-Node Echo Method, the invention further provides a method to detect symmetrical status of a communication network, a method to detect asymmetrical status of any channel in a communication network, and a method to calculate the sending and receiving delay values of any channel in a communication network, even when the channel is asymmetrical.