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Precise Time and Time Interval Applications to Electric Power SystemsThere are many applications of precise time and time interval (frequency) in operating modern electric power systems. Many generators and customer loads are operated in parallel. The reliable transfer of electrical power to the consumer partly depends on measuring power system frequency consistently in many locations. The internal oscillators in the widely dispersed frequency measuring units must be syntonized.

Elaborate protection and control systems guard the high voltage equipment from short and open circuits. For the highest reliability of electric service, engineers need to study all control system operations. Precise timekeeping networks aid in the analysis of power system operations by synchronizing the clocks on recording instruments. Utility engineers want to reproduce events that caused loss of service to customers. Precise timekeeping networks can synchronize protective relay test-sets.

For dependable electrical service, all generators and large motors must remain close to speed synchronism. The stable response of a power system to perturbations is critical to continuity of electrical service. Research shows that measurement of the power system state vector can aid in the monitoring and control of system stability.

If power system operators know that a lightning storm is approaching a critical transmission line or transformer, they can modify operating strategies. Knowledge of the location of a short circuit fault can speed the re-energizing of a transmission line. One fault location technique requires clocks synchronized to one microsecond. Current research seeks to find out if one microsecond timekeeping can aid and improve power system control and operation.
Document ID
19920024118
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Robert E. Wilson
(University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 3, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: 23rd Annual Time and Time Precise Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting
Publisher: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Volume: 3159
Issue Publication Date: January 1, 1992
Subject Category
Physics (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 23rd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: US
Start Date: December 3, 1991
End Date: December 5, 1991
Sponsors: United States Naval Observatory, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Lab
Accession Number
92N33362
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Use by or on behalf of the US Gov. Permitted.
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