Precise Time Synchronization for mission critical inter-substation Applications in a multi-vendor Setup

Protection system response to failures of the precise time synchronization is of highest importance, and one of the most discussed topics in digital substations. This paper describes the results of field-representative laboratory validation tests with two digital substations that are synchronized from central GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) grand master clocks over an MPLS-TP (Multiprotocol Label Switching - Transport Profile) based wide area communication network. The system under test was structured in two substations that included four Process Interface Units (PIUs) and three protection IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) from three different vendors. The four MPLS-TP nodes not only provided precise time synchronization according to IEEE 1588 into the substations, but they…