Time Synchronization in Power Distribution Grids: A Hardware-in-the-Loop Co-Simulation Experiment

Time synchronization is crucial for the efficient operation and reliability of power systems. This paper examines the role of precise time referencing in power distribution network operations, comparing traditional Global Positioning System (GPS)-based synchronization techniques with Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based methods. It introduces an innovative solution from Hoptroff Limited that enhances the accuracy and traceability of PTP timing. The paper discusses several use cases that can benefit from this novel solution. Specifically, it presents a Fault Detection, Isolation, and Restoration (FDIR) use case where remote-controlled switches can be quickly actuated using smart timing and a proper reconfiguration algorithm to restore the fault before it reaches the system reliability thresholds. Using the Typhoon HIL digital real-time simulator, the paper presents simulation results of fault scenarios, along with logs of preand post-fault waveforms. A Hardware-in-the-loop co-simulation experiment tests various time synchronization methods, including GPS and PTP. The findings from the real-time simulation on a three-feeder realistic distribution grid are finally presented.