Multi-Source Time Distribution Device for Power Grid Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision time sources in electric power transmission and distribution systems are susceptible to failures due to factors like spoofing, jamming, and limited accuracy, which can affect the reliability of time-dependent applications such as synchrophasor calculations and network synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting failures in precision time sources, utilizing a time distribution device that receives multiple time signals from various sources, compares their accuracy, and selects the best available time source, with the ability to switch to a secondary source during holdover periods, ensuring robust and accurate time reference distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single precision time source is used in the power system, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of time reference is compromised due to susceptibility to spoofing, jamming, and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple time sources (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, and terrestrial sources) into a unified time distribution system. The time distribution device receives time signals from multiple sources simultaneously and processes them to provide a reliable time reference, thereby improving reliability without requiring separate systems for each time source
Solution Approach 2:
The time distribution device is designed to handle multiple types of time sources universally. It can process satellite-based time signals (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) and terrestrial time signals through a single device, comparing and selecting the best available source. This multi-functional approach improves reliability while managing system complexity through consolidation
2Measurement precision
If multiple time sources are monitored and compared, then the reliability and accuracy of time reference is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comparison and validation of time sources before selecting the best one. The time distribution device continuously monitors multiple time sources, pre-evaluates their accuracy and reliability, and maintains a ready list of alternative sources. This preliminary action ensures high measurement precision while managing complexity through structured evaluation protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of time source accuracy. The time distribution device compares time signals from multiple sources in real-time, detects discrepancies or failures, and automatically switches to alternative sources when needed. This feedback mechanism ensures high measurement precision while automating the complexity management through continuous validation and switching
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the system switches between multiple time sources during holdover periods, then the continuous provision of accurate time reference is maintained, but the complexity of source management and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares alternative time sources in advance as backup options. When the primary time source fails or enters holdover period, pre-validated alternative sources are immediately available to maintain continuous time reference provision. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous operation while simplifying switching complexity through pre-established backup protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The time distribution device automatically manages time source switching without external intervention. It autonomously monitors time source health, detects failures, selects alternative sources, and maintains continuous time reference provision. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation while managing switching complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting the failure of a precision time source using an independent time source are disclosed. Additionally, detecting the failure of a GNSS based precision time source based on a calculated location of a GNSS receiver is disclosed. Moreover, the system may be further configured to distribute a time derived from the precision time source as a precision time reference to time dependent devices. In the event of a failure of the precision time source, the system may be configured to distribute a time derived from a second precision time source as the precision time signal during a holdover period.