μPMU based on wireless IEEE 1588 PTP

Abstract

An important application in the Smart Grid area is the large-scale application of measuring systems in Distribution Networks (DNs) with the Micro Phasor Measurement Unit ($\mu$PMU). The majority of traditional $\mu$PMUs and Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) use GPS as time synchronization signals. However, this time synchronization system limits the installation of $\mu$PMUs only to outdoor applications and they will remain expensive. In this context, IEEE 1588 comes as an effective way to enhance performance in time synchronization, it can allow microsecond accuracy and is designed for wired and wireless networks. Moreover, the wireless Precision Time Protocol (PTP) reduces the convergence time and the number of packets required for synchronization without compromising on the synchronization accuracy. On the other hand, using the embedded systems the Micro Phasor Measurement Unit ($\mu$PMU) becomes possible since the volume of PMU will be small and easy to be installed. This paper proposes a novel PMU synchronized by a wireless IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (WPTP) which enables precise synchronization of clocks via packet networks.