Advancing Power System Time Synchronization: A PTP-based Solution with Hardware-in-the-Loop

Time synchronization is crucial for the efficient operation and reliability of power systems. This paper introduces a precise, more reliable, and traceable terrestrial-based Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based timing solution and compares its performance against traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based synchronization, i.e., Network Time Protocol (NTP). While GNSS-based methods are widely used, they are prone to errors, interruptions, and a lack of traceability, making it difficult to diagnose and correct timing discrepancies. The paper discusses several power system use cases that can benefit from this novel solution and examines two representative cases—one in the distribution system and the other in the transmission system. Through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, we evaluate the new PTP solution alongside a satellite-synchronized Global Positioning System (GPS) clock through laboratory experiments. The experiment includes a real-time co-simulation setup, connecting to a remote PTP master clock to assess synchronization performance. Fault scenarios are conducted in a realistic three-feeder distribution network using a proposed reconfiguration algorithm and in a transmission system employing different time-domain relay protection strategies. The paper explores how timing errors with desynchronization can disrupt both transmission and distribution systems. Results demonstrate the improved reliability and accuracy of the PTP-based solution over conventional satellite-based NTP timing.