Synchronized Time Improves Power Plant Reliability

The nation’s power grid depends heavily upon continuous, accurate time for the precise synchronization of supervisory control systemsgenerator cycles and stability control. Generation control requires time synchronization to 10 milliseconds. Such accuracy is required by event and fault recorders that supply information used to correct grid problems and improve operation. Stability control prevents generator shutdown, loss of load and separation of the power grid. To avoid these problems, synchronization to 46 microseconds is necessary. Networked controls also have have requirements to within 4.6 microseconds.

Traveling wave fault locators find faults in the power grid by timing waveforms that travel down power lines at velocities near the speed of light. Because the high voltage towers are spaced approximately 300 meters apart, the timing requirement is 1 microsecond or the period of a 300 meter wavelength. New measurement techniques, such as synchronized phasor measurements, require time synchronization to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). A local time reference must be applied to each phasor maeasurement u nit, and GPS is currently the only system that can meet these requirements.

Wireless synchronized clock systems take time changes off the to-do list by eliminating the need for manual time changes. These intuitive timekeepers automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time, springing ahead one hour at the start of Daylight Saving Time, and falling back one hour when Daylight Saving Time ends each year. Wireless synchronized clocks receive an official time signal from a radio frequency transmitter, while IP Network clocks receive time over a local (LAN) or wide (WAN) network. The result-your business is ready for business as usual on Monday morning without ever touching a single clock.

Synchronized clocks go beyond Daylight Saving Time. Since every clock displays the same exact time over multiple departments and work stations, schedules are streamlined, people are punctual and processes are precise, creating efficiency, improving productivity and promoting employee accountability. It is estimated that a synchronized clock system can save an average of $500 per employee per year on top of annual Daylight Saving maintenance labor savings (assuming they make $15 per hour).

Find a better use of your ladder and your time. Save time, angst and money with Synchronized Clocks.