Power Network Synchronization via Voltage Phase Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods for industrial equipment, especially in energy production installations, face challenges in achieving precise synchronization with a synchronization voltage that may be several kilometers away and not directly accessible, while also being cost-effective and adaptable to various geographical and electromagnetic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the time offset between the supply voltage and an AC-type synchronization voltage, calculates a synchronization value, communicates this value through a communication network, and synchronizes the equipment upon detection of a specific state of the supply voltage, allowing for precise synchronization without direct access to the synchronization voltage and using existing communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio wave synchronization is used, then reliable and low-cost synchronization is achieved, but the method is unusable in certain geographical areas and environments with strong electromagnetic disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrical power supply network as an intermediary carrier to transmit synchronization information. Instead of relying on radio waves that are blocked by geography and electromagnetic interference, the synchronization data is embedded in the electrical power signal, which can be transmitted through existing power infrastructure to reach equipment in any location without being affected by electromagnetic disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power supply network serves multiple functions: it provides both electrical energy and synchronization information transmission. By utilizing the existing power infrastructure for dual purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate synchronization communication channels, thereby achieving universal applicability across all locations where power is available.
2Reliability
If a wired timing network is used, then reliable synchronization is achieved, but the installation cost increases due to requiring a dedicated timing network
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply network is used for dual purposes: providing electrical energy and transmitting synchronization information. This eliminates the need to build a separate dedicated timing network, thereby significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining reliable synchronization through the existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the energy transmission function and synchronization information transmission function into a single channel (the electrical power network). By combining these two functions, the system avoids the cost of installing separate synchronization wiring while ensuring reliable time synchronization across all connected equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If NTP protocol over Ethernet is used, then no additional cost is required, but microsecond synchronization accuracy cannot be achieved due to network latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based time protocol communication (NTP over Ethernet) with a hardware-based synchronization method using the electrical power signal. By detecting the zero-crossing points of the power voltage, the system achieves precise microsecond-level synchronization without being affected by network latencies, while still utilizing existing communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using software time protocols that suffer from network latency, the patent uses the electrical power signal as an intermediary carrier. The power signal provides a stable, precise timing reference through its zero-crossing points, enabling microsecond synchronization accuracy while avoiding the delays inherent in Ethernet communication.
4Reliability
If common supply voltage synchronization is used, then reliable and precise synchronization is achieved, but equipment cannot be synchronized with a synchronization voltage shifted with respect to the supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrical power supply network as an intermediary to transmit both the supply voltage and the shifted synchronization voltage to equipment. By embedding synchronization information in the power signal, the system can provide synchronized timing references that are phase-shifted relative to the local supply voltage, enabling equipment to synchronize with distant reference voltages while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for synchronizing an apparatus (200) connected to a communication network (110), said apparatus being linked to an electricity supply network (120) having at least an alternating power supply voltage (121). The method comprises the steps consisting of: measurement of a time lag between the power supply voltage and a synchronization voltage (131), calculation of a synchronization value, communication of the synchronization value to the apparatus, detection by the apparatus of the transition from power supply voltage to the given state, and synchronization the apparatus substantially simultaneously with the detection of the transition from power voltage to the given state on the basis of the synchronization value. The invention also relates to a synchronization device (300) and to a synchronization module (400) used while the synchronization method is being carried out.