Economical and Dependable Time Sources for Distributed Energy Resources

Abstract

Computing devices are required to have time synchronization to enable meaningful logging, fault finding, and forensics. In an automation environment, there are additional requirements for SCADA. In a power environment there are specific requirements and the accuracy requirements are exacting. The solutions used in substations may be excessively complex and expensive for small distributed generation sites and roadside cabinets. A solution is identified for sites in the absence of network connectivity, which is inexpensive, highly available, and includes detection of component failure and attack.