Power Line Time Synchronization via Harmonic Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility systems face challenges in synchronizing data from multiple monitoring devices due to the lack of a robust and cost-effective method for aligning temporal data, particularly in power monitoring systems where time is relative and heterogeneous, leading to difficulties in aligning events across different devices and locations.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a time synchronization device generating a synchronization signal at periodic intervals, coupled over energized power conductors, which monitoring devices detect and use to synchronize their data, even those without on-board clocks, using a reference clock that can be external or internal, allowing for alignment and time-stamping of events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS time systems are used to synchronize monitoring devices, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system cost and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing power line infrastructure as an intermediary medium to transmit synchronization signals between devices. Instead of requiring direct GPS hardware in each device, the system modulates synchronization data onto power line communications, allowing devices to synchronize through the shared power infrastructure without additional specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line communication system is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power delivery and data synchronization functions simultaneously. The existing power lines serve dual purposes: providing electrical power to devices and transmitting time synchronization signals, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If GPS time systems are deployed across multiple devices, then time alignment is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to self-synchronize by listening to synchronization signals transmitted over the shared power line infrastructure. Each device autonomously receives and processes timing information from the power lines without requiring manual configuration, external hardware installation, or complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the synchronization function with the existing power distribution infrastructure. By merging time signal transmission with power delivery over the same physical medium, the system eliminates the need for separate synchronization hardware installation, reducing both installation complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If manual data alignment is performed, then data analysis accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by pre-aligning all monitoring devices to a common time reference through signals transmitted over the power lines. Events are timestamped with synchronized time stamps at the source, eliminating the need for subsequent manual alignment and allowing direct correlation of events across different devices.
4Reliability
If GPS hardware is installed in each device, then synchronization capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power line communication system serves as an intermediary that enables synchronization without requiring GPS hardware in each device. The modulation and demodulation of synchronization signals over the power lines provides a cost-effective alternative to individual GPS receivers while maintaining synchronization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A time synchronization device (TSD) that produces a synchronization signal and couples it onto energized power conductors in a power monitoring system. Monitoring devices coupled to the TSD include frequency detection algorithms, such as a Goertzel filter, for detecting the synchronization signal and interpreting the information encoded in the signal. The frequency of the synchronization signal may correspond to the fourth or tenth harmonic component of the fundamental frequency of the voltage on the power conductors. The magnitude of the signal is selected to be above the expected or established noise floor of the power monitoring system plus a predetermined threshold. The duration of the signal can be varied, such as lasting a full cycle of the fundamental frequency. Multiple TSD signals received in a predetermined sequence may be converted into digital words that convey time, configuration, reset, control, or other information to the monitoring device.