Recent Advances in Precision Clock Synchronization Protocols for Power Grid Control Systems

Jones, Terry; Arnold, Doug; Tuffner, Francis K.; Cummings, Rodney; Lee, Kang

doi:10.3390/en14175303

Cited by 15 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…To enable the analysis, diagnostics, and operational decisions, the measurement data should be timestamped to be sorted chronologically as the accuracy of the timestamped data with respect to the single time reference is needed for various monitoring and control applications of the distribution system. For example, the aim of the decentralized distribution system is to attain stable voltage and frequency levels of the distribution network with the help of synchronized distributed generation (DGs) parameters [22], [23], [24]. Likewise, DSOs are responsible for the grid monitoring device testing.…”

Section: B Significance Of Time Accuracy In Distribution Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

IEEE 1588 Time Synchronization in Power Distribution System Applications: Timestamping and Accuracy Requirements

Khan

Hayes

2023

IEEE Systems Journal

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The monitoring and control of power distribution systems requires an accurate and stable time synchronization infrastructure. The major requirement for a time synchronization system is sharing a global time throughout the network. This article provides an overview of the synchronization techniques implemented in power distribution systems. The implementation of different techniques for time synchronization due to heterogeneous communication infrastructure creates various challenges in the system. Therefore, this article aims to propose a homogeneous, uniform approach for a network-based synchronization mechanism in or to implement multiple distribution system applications. For this purpose, the precision time protocol (PTP), IEEE 1588, is tested experimentally for various time criticality with an Ethernet-based communication network. The testbed uses single board computers to explore different criticality of the timestampings for IEEE 1588 (PTP) to determine how various applications need different type of timestamping depending upon the performance, cost, and accuracy requirements. These different levels of timestamping requirements for synchronization affect the performance of a range of nextgeneration distribution system applications. The proposed solution provides monitoring for each application using only a single time synchronization technique with an Ethernet-based network.

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Section: B Significance Of Time Accuracy In Distribution Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

IEEE 1588 Time Synchronization in Power Distribution System Applications: Timestamping and Accuracy Requirements

Khan

Hayes

2023

IEEE Systems Journal

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“…When synchronizing virtual environments on software-defined networks, additional synchronization errors may occur [90]. The second option for time synchronization is to deploy an atomic clock for each network device [91]. However, the second method is not applicable in most cases due to its high cost.…”

Section: B Time-based Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Quantum Sensing Potential for Systems Applications

et al. 2023

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The current rise of quantum technology is compelled by quantum sensing research. Thousands of research labs are developing and testing a broad range of sensor prototypes. However, there is a lack of knowledge about specific applications and real-world use cases where the benefits of these sensors will be most pronounced. This study presents a comprehensive review of quantum sensing state-of-practice. It also provides a detailed analysis of how quantum sensing overcomes the existing limitations of sensordriven systems' precision and performance. Based on the review of over 500 quantum sensor prototype reports, we determined four groups of quantum sensors and discussed their readiness for commercial usage. We concluded that quantum magnetometry and quantum optics are the most advanced sensing technologies with empirically proven results. In turn, quantum timing and kinetics are still in the early stages of practical validation. In addition, we defined four systems domains in which quantum sensors offer a solution for existing limitations of conventional sensing technologies. These domains are 1) GPS-free positioning and navigating services, 2) time-based operations, 3) topological visibility, and 4) environment detection, prediction, and modeling. Finally, we discussed the current constraints of quantum sensing technologies and offered directions for future research.

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“…The use of PTP provides several benefits in networked systems, such as improved system resiliency, better monitoring of transmission and distribution networks, and the ability to meet the high-accuracy requirements of modern digital substations [20]. Furthermore, PTP is suitable for systems that include clocks of various resolution, precision, and stability and allows them to synchronize to a single time reference with sub-microsecond accuracy.…”

Section: Iec 61850 and Time Synchronizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attacking IEC 61850 Substations by Targeting the PTP Protocol

et al. 2023

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Digital substations, also referred to as modern power grid substations, utilize the IEC 61850 station and process bus in conjunction with IP-based communication. This includes communication with switch yard equipment within the substation as well as the dispatch center. IEC 61850 is a global standard developed to standardize power grid communications, covering multiple communication needs related to modern power grid substations or digital substations. Unlike the legacy communication standards, IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3, IEC 61850 is specifically designed for IP-based communication. It comprises several communication models and supports real-time communication by introducing the process bus to replace traditional peer-to-peer communication with standard network communication between substation equipment and the switch yard. The process bus, especially Sampled Measured Values (SMV) communication, in modern power grid substations relies on extremely accurate and synchronized time to prevent equipment damage, maintain power grid system balance, and ensure safety. In IEC 61850, time synchronization is provided by the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). This paper discusses the significance and challenges of time synchronization in IEC 61850 substations, particularly those associated with PTP. It presents the results of a controlled experiment that subjects time synchronization and PTP to cyber-attacks and discusses the potential consequences of such attacks. The paper also provides recommendations for potential mitigation strategies. The contribution of this paper is to provide insights and recommendations for enhancing the security of IEC 61850-based substations against cyber-attacks targeting time synchronization. The paper also explores the potential consequences of cyber-attacks and provides recommendations for potential mitigation strategies.

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Recent Advances in Precision Clock Synchronization Protocols for Power Grid Control Systems

Cited by 15 publications

References 18 publications

IEEE 1588 Time Synchronization in Power Distribution System Applications: Timestamping and Accuracy Requirements

IEEE 1588 Time Synchronization in Power Distribution System Applications: Timestamping and Accuracy Requirements

Exploring Quantum Sensing Potential for Systems Applications

Attacking IEC 61850 Substations by Targeting the PTP Protocol

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