Precision Time Protocol (PTP) increases reliability of substation data
ARNHEM, the Netherlands - 16 March - GE Energy Connections’ Grid Solutions business is the first company in the world to receive a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) functional and performance verification report, issued by DNV GL. GE receives the report for their DS AGILE system (supported by the upcoming switch H49 and the Bay Control Unit C264), an intelligent electronic device (IED) with an integrated PTP transparent clock function.
A PTP verified device gives network operators better trust in their power system operation as equipment performance data is more reliable. And on reliable data it is safer to steer and improve the reliability of a substation. Furthermore it decreases the costs by avoiding a dedicated PPS network. The Precision Time Protocol dictates time-synchronization which reduces the risks inherent to interoperability between IED’s and process bus apparatus.
Time accuracy requirements keep increasing in substation automation applications. These requirements are supported by new technologies, such as for instance the Precision Time Protocol (PTP, specified in IEEE 1588), which is becoming more and more widespread. PTP is a protocol used to synchronize clocks throughout a computer network. In a local area network, it achieves clock accuracy in the sub-microsecond range, making it suitable for distributed protection applications.
DNV GL has in-depth and consolidated knowledge of protocol testing. Recently, they setup a test environment and developed test procedures that enable manufacturers like GE to demonstrate the quality of their PTP implementation. GE is now the first company in the world to receive a PTP verification report, proving their device functioning and performing as expected.
Chloé Boegler-Cazenove, project and industrialisation manager from Grid Solutions: “We make every effort to make our customers aware of the quality of the devices that we develop and manufacture. As part of the comprehensive IEC61850-3 and IEEE1613 certification of our products, we deemed it necessary to have features such as HSR, PRP and PTP certified by a laboratory like DNV GL, whose expectations of performance and quality meet and even exceed those of our customers. PTP clock synchronization has now become an essential part of digital substations”
Pierfrancesco Cioci from DNV GL: “Our aim is to help our customers deliver more reliable and safe grid services. In a more and more digitalized world, grids become more complex and vulnerable, jeopardizing security of supply. I am very pleased and proud with the excellent cooperation in the project that resulted finally in the ability to issue this first PTP functional and performance verification report for GE.”
Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/pctc and www.gegridsolutions.com
DNV GL
Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. We provide classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.
In the Energy Industry
In DNV GL we unite the strengths of DNV, KEMA, Garrad Hassan and GL Renewables Certification. DNV GL’s 2,500 energy experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable energy supply. We deliver world-renowned testing, certification and advisory services to the energy value chain including renewables and energy efficiency. Our expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar, conventional generation, transmission and distribu¬tion, smart grids and sustainable energy use, as well as energy markets and regulations. Our testing, certification and advisory services are delivered independent from each other. Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/energy.