Today's power industry is facing increasing challenges due to rising energy demand, the integration of renewable energy sources and the need for uninterrupted power supply. In the context of these changes, precise time synchronisation and reliable data transmission have become the cornerstone of modern energy networks. Without these advanced technologies, it would be impossible to ensure effective management of distributed resources, monitoring of infrastructure status and prevention of failures. In this article, we will discuss why time synchronisation and data transmission technologies are crucial to the energy industry and how BitStream is supporting the sector with its innovative solutions.
Why is precise time synchronisation crucial in the power industry?
In the power industry and its critical transmission infrastructure, precise time synchronisation is key to the implementation of mechanisms for real-time stabilisation and monitoring of transmission and distribution networks based on the WAMS wide-area monitoring concept.
Today, the performance and operation of electricity systems is significantly affected by the emergence of renewable energy sources (RES), introducing new challenges and unforeseen problems at the system-wide level.
In the transmission network, an important issue is the intermittent nature of RES, resulting in a high level of system state variability, as well as real-time operating uncertainty, which can cause abnormal frequency deviations and stability issues. In addition, the complexity and fast response of converter-coupled generators of RES generation have introduced new types of stability problems. The development of distributed renewable energy sources, will enforce the need for active coordination of their operation. Hence, the concept of active distribution networks is emerging. In addition, the changing nature of loads has an increasing impact on the overall dynamics of the power system. Multi-point, monitoring of the parameters of voltage, current, phase, frequency (U,I,f,ϕ) and its variability, as well as spatial-temporal correlation of these parameters, therefore becomes necessary. Without precise time synchronisation, this is not feasible.
With precise synchronisation, network operators can implement new technologies and obtain new data quality. This allows them to react immediately to anomalies preventing failures. Analysing the highest quality data after a failure allows algorithms and operators to learn system behaviour. This is crucial not only for maintaining network stability, but also for minimising the loss of energy resources.
Figure 1: Communication structure at the substation with examples of message exchange highlighted.
Advanced time synchronisation technologies - PTP and synchronous Ethernet
Two technologies particularly stand out in the context of time synchronisation: PTPv2 (Precision Time Protocol) and synchronous Ethernet. PTPv2, which complies with the IEEE 1588v2 standard, enables precise time transmission over Ethernet networks with nanosecond accuracy. This is critical in the power industry, where every operation must be synchronised to ensure consistent and stable system operation. It is important to understand that special profiles have been created for the power industry, i.e. PTP Power Profile, Utility Profile not used in telecommunications and automation and not operational with them. It is therefore important to use proven and dedicated solutions for the power industry.
Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), on the other hand, ensures that all devices on the network operate on the same clock, which improves the quality of PTP time in the synchronisation chain. These technologies are particularly important in applications such as power substation control, where synchronisation between devices is crucial to ensure reliable operation of the entire infrastructure. BitStream implements these technologies in its devices, thus guaranteeing the highest level of precision and security.
Data transmission in the modern energy industry
Just as important as time synchronisation is reliable and deterministic data transmission that guarantees minimal delays and packet fluctuations. Modern energy networks rely on data collected from distributed sensors, meters and control devices. For the system to operate efficiently, this data must be transmitted in real time, without delay or interference.
Data transmission technologies such as Ethernet and fibre optics allow large amounts of data to be transmitted with high throughput and minimal delay. In power networks, redundancy - the duplication of key connections - is essential so that if one connection fails, data can be immediately rerouted via another path. BitStream offers solutions with built-in redundancy mechanisms that ensure uninterrupted operation even in the event of link failure. Hence, the use of high-speed data transmission solutions of up to 10Gbit/s and zero packet loss protection such as Parallel Redundancy Protocol PRP or High Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) is already a mandatory requirement.
BitStream as a solution provider for the energy industry
BitStream has been providing advanced solutions dedicated to the energy industry for years. The HYPERION series switches and fibre optic multiplexers are designed for the most demanding applications such as power stations, wind farms or Smart Grid systems. These devices not only provide precise time synchronisation, but also secure and reliable data transmission in harsh industrial environments complying with and even exceeding IEC61850 requirements.
For example, the HYPERION-500 switches successfully support the required including lossless connection redundancy and use security protocols such as MACsec, ensuring encrypted data transmission and precise time synchronisation. The PTP and SyncE precision time server integrated into the switch, equipped with a multisystem and multi-frequency GNSS precision time receiver with advanced jamming and spoofing event detection, allows for stable and secure synchronisation of devices installed in the infrastructure. Furthermore, this concept reduces one level of interoperability testing. Other innovative and patented solutions further secure synchronisation and data transmission reliability. Thanks to such solutions, power systems can operate uninterrupted, even in the face of environmental exposures.
Figure 2: Example of communication architecture at a substation and between substations.
The future of synchronisation and data transmission systems in the power industry
Technologies related to precise time synchronisation and data transmission will play an increasingly important role in the development of the energy industry. With the rise of renewable energy sources and the integration of new technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), even more precise network management and monitoring will be required.
The future of energy is smart grids (Smart Grid), which require continuous real-time data exchange. Time synchronisation will become even more important, as it will allow full automation of processes and faster response to changes in the network. As a leading manufacturer in the field of time synchronisation and data transmission, BitStream will continue to develop innovative solutions for time-sensitive networks that meet the demands of the future.
We are constantly evolving, and our latest innovation, MOD-RTR.1, a new router module for the Hyperion 500 switch, is proof of this. The module is 90 per cent complete, yet it has already attracted a great deal of interest, especially in terms of its advanced security features. Its key features include a communication speed of 1Gbps between switch and router, an operating temperature of -40 to +85°C, support for dynamic routing protocols such as RIP, OSPF, BGP and the high-speed RAY routing protocol. In addition, the MOD-RTR.1 offers advanced security features, including IPSEC, VPN and Firewall, as well as support for VRRP, VRF protocols, Load Balancing and Zeropacketloss technology for the L3 layer, making it the perfect solution for demanding network applications.
Fot. Bitstream
BitStream's activity in the energy industry
BitStream not only provides cutting-edge technologies, but also actively participates in the life of the energy and related industries by taking part in numerous trade fairs and conferences. Later this year, we will be presenting our solutions at events such as the SPIN Conference in Ustrzyki Dolne, the KAE Conference in Warsaw, the InSec Conference in Warsaw, the ITSF Conference in Seville, the SIWE Conference in Wisła and Energetics in Lublin, among others.
In addition, this year we have already organised a Technical Workshop for Electrical Power Engineering Designers at the Arche Hotel in Lublin on 26-27 June. These were two intensive days, full of valuable knowledge and practical skills. The event was attended by specialists from the power sector, who had the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and acquire new competences necessary in their everyday work. Participants particularly appreciated the practical approach to the issues discussed. The training programme covered a wide range of topics, from presentations of Hyperion and Quazar products, to IEC 61850 technologies, to secure communication with distributed energy resource systems.
Summary
Time synchronisation and data transmission are the cornerstones of today's power grids, ensuring reliable and secure operations. With technologies such as PTPv2 and synchronous Ethernet, power systems can operate with the utmost precision and stability. BitStream plays a key role in providing advanced solutions that meet the needs of the most demanding industrial applications. Designed for extreme conditions, our devices are used in critical energy infrastructures around the world. We are constantly improving our technologies, and our presence at trade shows and industry conferences only strengthens BitStream's position as a leading manufacturer of time synchronisation and data transmission solutions for the energy sector - both in Poland and in international markets.
Magdalena Oleszko
Bitstream Marketing Specialist
www.bitstream.pl
