U.S. patent number 9,271,057 [Application Number 12/709,771] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for methods and apparatus for time synchronization and measurement of power distribution systems.
This patent grant is currently assigned to QUALCOMM Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is James Douglass DeLoach, Jr.. Invention is credited to James Douglass DeLoach, Jr..
United States Patent |
9,271,057 |
DeLoach, Jr. |
February 23, 2016 |
Methods and apparatus for time synchronization and measurement of
power distribution systems
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for time synchronization and measurement
of power distribution systems. A method includes receiving a
synchronized wireless communication signal, synchronizing to the
synchronized wireless communication signal to produce synchronized
time, performing one or more power distribution measurements based
on the synchronized time to produce synchronized power distribution
measurements, and transmitting the synchronized power distribution
measurements to a power control center. An apparatus includes a
receiver configured to receive a synchronized wireless
communication signal and to synchronize to the synchronized
wireless communication signal to produce synchronized time, a
measurement module configured to perform one or more power
distribution measurements based on the synchronized time to produce
synchronized power distribution measurements, and a transmitter
configured to transmit the synchronized power distribution
measurements to a power control center.
Inventors: |
DeLoach, Jr.; James Douglass
(San Diego, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DeLoach, Jr.; James Douglass |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
QUALCOMM Incorporated (San
Diego, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
43971509 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/709,771 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110208364 A1 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q
9/04 (20130101); Y02E 60/00 (20130101); Y04S
10/00 (20130101); Y04S 10/22 (20130101); Y02E
40/70 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04J
3/06 (20060101); H04Q 9/04 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
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Opinion--PCT/US2011/025769--International Search Authority,
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2, 2013. cited by applicant .
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McGhee J., et al., "Smart High Voltage Substation Based on IEC
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489-494, XP031790276, ISBN: 978-1-4244-6510-1. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Phunkulh; Bob
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Simon; Darren M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the method comprising: receiving a synchronized wireless
communication signal from a terrestrial wireless communication
system; synchronizing a clock to a synchronized time based on the
synchronized wireless communication signal; receiving a first
anomaly parameter, the first anomaly parameter identifying an
action to be taken in response to detecting a first anomaly;
producing a synchronized result based on one or more power
distribution measurements and the synchronized time; transmitting
the synchronized result; and receiving a second anomaly parameter
in response to transmitting the synchronized result, the second
anomaly parameter configured to replace a value of the first
anomaly parameter.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the terrestrial wireless
communication system includes a cellular communication system, the
first anomaly parameter identifies a particular action to be taken
in response to detecting a power line anomaly that is associated
with the cellular communication system, and the particular action
includes a phase measurement.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a third
anomaly parameter before transmitting the synchronized result,
wherein the terrestrial wireless communication system comprises a
code division multiple access (CDMA) system, and wherein the first
anomaly parameter and the third anomaly parameter identify one or
more power line anomalies associated with the CDMA system.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the clock is synchronized based
on transmission frames in the synchronized wireless communication
signal, wherein the one or more power distribution measurements are
based on the transmission frames, and further comprising:
identifying power line anomaly conditions based on the one or more
power distribution measurements and based on at least the first
anomaly parameter; and determining whether one or more additional
power distribution measurements are to be performed in response to
identifying the power line anomaly conditions.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining a
particular power distribution measurement of the one or more
additional power distribution measurements based on identifying a
particular power line anomaly condition of the power line anomaly
conditions; performing the particular power distribution
measurement in response to identifying the particular power line
anomaly condition to generate measurement results; and transmitting
the measurement results to a power control center.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the one or more power
distribution measurements are performed by a measurement module,
and the first anomaly parameter identifies: a threshold for
detecting the first anomaly, and a particular action to be taken at
the measurement module in response to the measurement module
detecting the first anomaly.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving anomaly
parameters corresponding to power line anomaly conditions, the
anomaly parameters including the first anomaly parameter, wherein
the power line anomaly conditions include an excessive power usage,
a voltage spike, a current spike, or a combination thereof, and
wherein the anomaly parameters include a power threshold, a voltage
threshold, a current threshold, or a combination thereof.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more power
distribution measurements are performed by a measurement module,
and further comprising: identifying a location of the measurement
module using advanced forward link trilateration; and transmitting
the location to a power control center.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first anomaly parameter
includes a threshold, and further comprising identifying an anomaly
condition in response to a first power distribution measurement of
the one or more power distribution measurements exceeding the
threshold.
10. An apparatus for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the apparatus comprising: means for synchronizing a clock
to a synchronized time based on a synchronized wireless
communication signal that is received from a terrestrial wireless
communication system; means for receiving a first anomaly parameter
that identifies an action to be taken in response to detecting a
first anomaly; means for producing a synchronized result based on
one or more power distribution measurements and the synchronized
time; and means for performing transmission of the synchronized
result, the means for receiving configured to receive a second
anomaly parameter in response to the transmission, the second
anomaly parameter configured to replace a value of the first
anomaly parameter.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the terrestrial wireless
communication system comprises a synchronous communication system,
the first anomaly parameter identifies a particular action to be
taken in response to detecting a power line anomaly that is
associated with the synchronous communication system, and the
particular action includes a phase measurement.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for receiving is
configured to receive a third anomaly parameter before the
transmission, wherein the terrestrial wireless communication system
comprises a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, and
wherein the first anomaly parameter and the third anomaly parameter
identify one or more power line anomalies associated with the CDMA
system.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the clock is synchronized
based on transmission frames in the synchronized wireless
communication signal, wherein the one or more power distribution
measurements are based on the transmission frames, and further
comprising: means for identifying power line anomaly conditions
based on the one or more power distribution measurements and based
on at least the first anomaly parameter; and means for determining
whether one or more additional power distribution measurements are
to be performed in response to identifying the power line anomaly
conditions.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the synchronized result is
associated with one or more synchronized primary power line
measurements, one or more synchronized secondary power line
measurements, or a combination thereof.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more power
distribution measurements include a power measurement, a current
measurement, a voltage measurement, a phase measurement, or a
combination thereof.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for performing
transmission is configured to transmit the synchronized result to a
power control center using a wireless transmission, a landline
transmission, or a combination thereof.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for synchronizing,
the means for receiving, the means for producing, and the means for
performing transmission are each coupled to a data bus.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the means for receiving is
configured to receive a request for one or more additional
measurements; the means for producing is configured to produce one
or more additional results based on performance of the one or more
additional measurements; and the means for performing transmission
is configured to transmit the one or more additional results.
19. An apparatus for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the apparatus comprising: a data bus; a processor coupled
to the data bus and configured to determine a synchronized time
based on a synchronized wireless communication signal received from
a terrestrial wireless communication system; a receiver coupled to
the data bus and configured to receive a first anomaly parameter
that identifies an action to be taken in response to detecting a
first anomaly; a measurement module coupled to the data bus and
configured to perform one or more power distribution measurements
based on the synchronized time, the processor further configured to
produce a synchronized result based on the one or more power
distribution measurements; and a transmitter coupled to the data
bus and configured to perform transmission of the synchronized
result, the receiver further configured to receive a second anomaly
parameter in response to the transmission, the second anomaly
parameter configured to replace a value of the first anomaly
parameter.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: the terrestrial wireless
communication system comprises a synchronous communication system,
the synchronous communication system comprises a code division
multiple access (CDMA) system, the first anomaly parameter
identifies a particular action to be taken in response to detecting
a power line anomaly that is associated with the CDMA system, and
the particular action includes a phase measurement.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the data bus, the processor,
the receiver, the measurement module, and the transmitter are
included within a common housing.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a clock in the processor is
configured to be synchronized based on transmission frames in the
synchronized wireless communication signal.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the synchronized result is
associated with one or more synchronized primary power line
measurements, one or more synchronized secondary power line
measurements, or a combination thereof, and wherein the one or more
power distribution measurements include a power measurement, a
current measurement, a voltage measurement, a phase measurement, or
a combination thereof.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the measurement module is
further configured to: identify power line anomaly conditions based
on the one or more power distribution measurements and based on at
least the first anomaly parameters; and determine whether one or
more additional power distribution measurements are to be performed
in response to the identified power line anomaly conditions.
25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the transmission includes a
wireless transmission.
26. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the transmission includes a
landline transmission.
27. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the receiver is further
configured to receive a request for one or more additional
measurements, wherein the measurement module is further configured
to perform the one or more additional measurements to produce one
or more additional results, and wherein the transmitter is further
configured to transmit the one or more additional results.
28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising
instructions which, when executed by a processor cause the
processor to: receive a synchronized wireless communication signal
from a terrestrial wireless communication system; synchronize a
clock to a synchronized time based on the synchronized wireless
communication signal; receive a first anomaly parameter that
identifies an action to be taken in response to detecting a first
anomaly; produce a synchronized result based on one or more power
distribution measurements and the synchronized time; initiate
transmission of the synchronized result; and receive a second
anomaly parameter in response to the transmission, the second
anomaly parameter configured to replace a value of the first
anomaly parameter.
29. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein: the terrestrial wireless communication system comprises a
synchronous communication system, the synchronous communication
system comprises a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, the
first anomaly parameter identifies a particular action to be taken
in response to detecting a power line anomaly that is associated
with the CDMA system, and the particular action includes a phase
measurement.
30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: generate a
synchronization signal; and control timing of at least one of the
one or more power distribution measurements based on the
synchronization signal.
31. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: initiate
performance of the one or more power distribution measurements at a
measurement module; identify a location of the measurement module
using cell sector identification; and transmit the location to a
power control center.
32. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: initiate
performance of the one or more power distribution measurements on a
power line; and determine one or more synchronized primary
measurements, one or more synchronized secondary measurements, or a
combination thereof.
33. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the one or more power distribution measurements include a
power measurement, a current measurement, a voltage measurement, a
phase measurement, or a combination thereof.
34. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the instructions when executed by the processor cause the
synchronized result to be transmitted via a wireless
transmission.
35. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein execution of the instructions by the processor causes the
synchronized result to be transmitted via a landline
transmission.
36. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 28,
wherein the instructions are executable to further cause the
processor to: receive a request for one or more additional
measurements; initiate performance of the one or more additional
measurements to produce one or more additional results; and
initiate transmission of the one or more additional results.
37. A method for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the method comprising: receiving time synchronized power
distribution measurements from a plurality of measurement devices,
wherein each measurement device is time synchronized based on a
synchronized wireless communication signal from a terrestrial
wireless communication system, and wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements include a first phase
offset associated with a first measurement device of the plurality
of measurement devices and a second phase offset associated with a
second measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices;
analyzing the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements to determine one or more power conditions of the power
distribution system; and determining an error condition based on a
comparison of the first phase offset and the second phase
offset.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: associating the one
or more time synchronized power distribution measurements with one
or more geographic locations; and correlating the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements based on the one or
more geographic locations to determine a measurement variation.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the first phase offset is a
first difference in phase between first power measurement data
collected by the first measurement device and second power
measurement data collected by a fixed device, and wherein the
second phase offset is a second difference in phase between third
power measurement data collected by the second measurement device
and the second power measurement data.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein the terrestrial wireless
communication system comprises a code division multiple access
(CDMA) system.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the first phase offset
corresponds to a first distance between the first measurement
device and the fixed device, and wherein the second phase offset
corresponds to a second distance between the second measurement
device and the fixed device.
42. The method of claim 37, wherein each of the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements is associated with a
power line of the power distribution system, and wherein the one or
more time synchronized power distribution measurements comprise a
power measurement, a current measurement, a voltage measurement, a
phase measurement, or a combination thereof.
43. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements are received via a
landline transmission.
44. An apparatus for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving one or more
time synchronized power distribution measurements from a plurality
of measurement devices, wherein each measurement device is time
synchronized based on a synchronized wireless communication signal
from a terrestrial wireless communication system, and wherein the
one or more time synchronized power distribution measurements
include a first phase offset associated with a first measurement
device of the plurality of measurement devices and a second phase
offset associated with a second measurement device of the plurality
of measurement devices; means for analyzing the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements to determine one or
more power conditions of the power distribution system; and means
for determining an error condition based on a comparison of the
first phase offset and the second phase offset.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: means for
associating the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements with one or more geographic locations; and means for
correlating the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements based on the one or more geographic locations to
determine a measurement variation.
46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements are received from a
server in the terrestrial wireless communication system.
47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the terrestrial wireless
communication system comprises a code division multiple access
(CDMA) system.
48. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein each of the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements is associated with a
power line of the power distribution system.
49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements comprise a power
measurement, a current measurement, a voltage measurement, a phase
measurement, or a combination thereof.
50. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements are received via a
landline transmission.
51. An apparatus for time synchronization in a power distribution
system, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver configured to
receive one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements from a plurality of measurement devices, wherein each
measurement device is time synchronized based on a synchronized
wireless communication signal from a terrestrial wireless
communication system, and wherein the one or more time synchronized
power distribution measurements include a first phase offset
associated with a first measurement device of the plurality of
measurement devices and a second phase offset associated with a
second measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices;
a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: analyze
the one or more time synchronized power distribution measurements
to determine one or more power conditions of the power distribution
system; and determine an error condition based on a comparison of
the first phase offset and the second phase offset.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the processor is configured
to: associate the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements with one or more geographic locations; and correlate
the one or more time synchronized power distribution measurements
based on the one or more geographic locations to determine a
measurement variation.
53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements are received from a
server in the terrestrial wireless communication system.
54. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the terrestrial wireless
communication system comprises a code division multiple access
(CDMA) system.
55. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein each of the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements is associated with a
power line of the power distribution system.
56. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements comprise a power
measurement, a current measurement, a voltage measurement, a phase
measurement, or a combination thereof.
57. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements are received via a
landline transmission.
58. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising
instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the
processor to: receive one or more time synchronized power
distribution measurements from a plurality of measurement devices,
wherein each measurement device is time synchronized based on a
synchronized wireless communication signal from a terrestrial
wireless communication system, and wherein the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements include a first phase
offset associated with a first measurement device of the plurality
of measurement devices and a second phase offset associated with a
second measurement device of the plurality of measurement devices;
analyze the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements to determine one or more power conditions of a power
distribution system; and determine an error condition based on a
comparison of the first phase offset and the second phase
offset.
59. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to:
associate the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements with one or more geographic locations; and correlate
the one or more time synchronized power distribution measurements
based on the one or more geographic locations to determine a
measurement variation.
60. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements are received from a server in the terrestrial wireless
communication system.
61. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein the terrestrial wireless communication system comprises a
code division multiple access (CDMA) system.
62. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein each of the one or more time synchronized power
distribution measurements is associated with a power line of the
power distribution system.
63. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements comprise a power measurement, a current measurement, a
voltage measurement, a phase measurement, or a combination
thereof.
64. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 58,
wherein the one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements are received via a landline transmission.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present application relates generally to the operation of power
distribution systems, and more particularly, to methods and
apparatus for time synchronization and measurement of power
distribution systems.
2. Background
The electricity industry is going through a metamorphosis with
utilities rolling out what is known as the "Smart Grid". The "Smart
Grid" is an intelligent, managed, controlled, network communication
overlay on top of the existing electric distribution network.
Essentially the Smart Grid links utility computer servers to grid
infrastructure devices and new "smart electricity meters." Several
Smart Grid services require that precise time be known. For
example, synchronized phasor measurements (time-stamped
measurements of alternating current phase), Time of Use (TOU)
metering, and scheduled load shedding are just a few of these
services.
However, determining precise synchronized time across the smart
grid can be challenging and expensive. Some higher end utility
infrastructure components use Global Positioning System (GPS)
modules to maintain precise time, but these modules are too
expensive to be deployed in individual smart meters. Thus, smart
meters must use other, less accurate and less expensive, means of
acquiring and maintaining time.
Typically, smart meters use the power line frequency itself to
measure the passing of time, filling in with expensive real-time
clock components to cover power outages. Unfortunately, this adds
significant cost to the meter, and time accuracy errors tend to
accumulate over periods of usage. The result is that time in smart
meters is nowhere near accurate enough to enable synchronized
phasor measurements, and it is barely adequate for Time of Use
metering.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a simple cost effective
mechanism that operates to provide time synchronization and
measurement for improved monitoring and failure detection for power
distribution systems.
SUMMARY
A time synchronization (TS) system, comprising methods and
apparatus, is provided that operates to provide time
synchronization and measurement for improved monitoring and failure
detection for power distribution systems.
In an aspect, a method is provided for time synchronization in a
power distribution system. The method comprises receiving a
synchronized wireless communication signal, synchronizing to the
synchronized wireless communication signal to produce synchronized
time, performing one or more power distribution measurements based
on the synchronized time to produce synchronized power distribution
measurements, and transmitting the synchronized power distribution
measurements to a power control center.
In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for time synchronization in
a power distribution system. The apparatus comprises means for
receiving a synchronized wireless communication signal, means for
synchronizing to the synchronized wireless communication signal to
produce synchronized time, means for performing one or more power
distribution measurements based on the synchronized time to produce
synchronized power distribution measurements, and means for
transmitting the synchronized power distribution measurements to a
power control center.
In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for time synchronization in
a power distribution system. The apparatus comprises a receiver
configured to receive a synchronized wireless communication signal
and to synchronize to the synchronized wireless communication
signal to produce synchronized time, a measurement module
configured to perform one or more power distribution measurements
based on the synchronized time to produce synchronized power
distribution measurements, and a transmitter configured to transmit
the synchronized power distribution measurements to a power control
center.
In an aspect, a computer program product is provided for time
synchronization in a power distribution system. The computer
program product comprises a computer-readable medium embodying
codes executable by a processor to receive a synchronized wireless
communication signal, synchronize to the synchronized wireless
communication signal to produce synchronized time, perform one or
more power distribution measurements based on the synchronized time
to produce synchronized power distribution measurements, and
transmit the synchronized power distribution measurements to a
power control center.
In an aspect, a method is provided for time synchronization in a
power distribution system. The method comprises receiving one or
more time synchronized power distribution measurements from one or
more measurement devices, respectively, wherein each measurement
device is synchronized to a synchronous wireless communication
system, and analyzing the one or more time synchronized power
distribution measurements to determine one or more power conditions
of the power distribution system.
In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for time synchronization in
a power distribution system. The apparatus comprises a transceiver
configured to receive one or more time synchronized power
distribution measurements from one or more measurement devices,
respectively, wherein each measurement device is synchronized to a
synchronous wireless communication system, and a processor coupled
to the transceiver and configured to analyze the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements to determine one or
more power conditions of the power distribution system.
Other aspects will become apparent after review of the hereinafter
set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Description, and the
Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects described herein will become more readily
apparent by reference to the following Description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary time synchronization system for use in a
power distribution system;
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary time synchronization apparatus
constructed in accordance with the time synchronization system;
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary power control center constructed in
accordance with the time synchronization system;
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method for time synchronization and
measurement in accordance with the time synchronization system;
FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method for receiving and processing time
synchronized measurements in accordance with the time
synchronization system;
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary time synchronization apparatus
constructed in accordance with the time synchronization system;
and
FIG. 7 shows an exemplary power control center constructed in
accordance with the time synchronization system.
DESCRIPTION
The following description describes aspects and implementations of
a time synchronization system that operates to provide time
synchronization and measurement for improved monitoring and failure
detection for power distribution systems.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary time synchronization system 100 for use
in a power distribution system. A power distribution line 102 is
shown that is part of a distribution grid that distributes power
over a selected geographic region. For example, the power
distribution line 102 may distribute power over a neighborhood,
community, city, county, or any other region. Coupled to the power
distribution line 102 are time synchronization apparatuses (TSAs)
104, 106, 108, 110, and 112. For example, the TSAs may be located
at businesses, residences, government buildings, selected
geographic locations, or at any location where it may be desirable
to monitor the power distribution line 102. Each TSA is operable to
communicate with a wireless communication server. For example, the
TSAs 104 and 108 can communicate with wireless communication with
server 114, and the TSAs 106, 110, and 112 can communicate with
wireless communication with the servers 116, 118 and 120,
respectively.
In one implementation, the wireless communication servers 114, 116,
118, and 120 are part of a code division multiple access (CDMA)
wireless communication system that provides synchronous wireless
communications to allow multiple nodes to communicate with each
other and with other entities coupled to a network infrastructure.
The CDMA system derives its time synchronization from a universal
time system, such as a global positioning system (GPS). Thus, all
communications are performed in a time synchronized manner. It
should be noted that the time synchronization system is suitable
for use with any wireless communication system operable to provide
synchronous communications and is not limited to use with only CDMA
systems.
Each TSA is assigned an identifier that identifies the TSA and
provides a mechanism to establish its position relative to the
power distribution line 102. Each TSA comprises a wireless
modem/radio allowing it to utilize signals transmitted from the
wireless communication servers to acquire time synchronization from
these signals. As a result, all TSAs become synchronized to within
a particular threshold or accuracy. For example, utilizing CDMA
signal transmissions, the TSAs may achieve time synchronization to
within one microsecond.
In one implementation, knowledge of time developed inherently in
the radio modem is output to clock processing circuitry at the TSAs
and any measurements taken by the TSAs are tagged with this highly
accurate time source. This enables each TSA to perform highly
accurate phasor measurements, perform power measurements in precise
intervals of time, perform any other type of measurement, and
schedule tasks very precisely.
Synchronizing to the synchronous wireless transmissions allows the
TS system to prevent or eliminate the problem of accumulating time
errors found in conventional systems. For example, each TSA
acquires and maintains time synchronization based on received radio
transmissions from the time synchronized wireless servers. Thus,
each TSA maintains accurate time synchronization with no
accumulating time errors, unlike conventional systems which utilize
local timing circuits that may experience accumulating time
errors.
Once synchronized, the TSAs operate to perform any desired power
line measurements. For example, the TSAs operate to measure phase,
voltage, current, power utilization or any other parameters
associated with the power distribution line 102. This results in a
set of measurements at known locations along the power distribution
line 102 that are accurately time synchronized. For example, it is
possible to obtain a set of time synchronized phase measurements
along the power distribution line 102.
Referring now to TSA 106 having identifier #2, the TSA 106 acquires
time synchronization utilizing received wireless signals from
wireless server 116. The TSA 106 then makes desired power line
measurements to produce synchronized power line measurements. The
TSA 106 then transmits these synchronized measurements to a power
control center (PCC) 122. The measurements are transmitted
wirelessly using the wireless server 116, as illustrated by path
126, or by using a landline communication system, as illustrated by
path 124. The landline communication system comprises telephone,
network, fiber optic communication systems or other type of wired
communication system, including using the power line 102.
The phase measurements effectively measure the line frequency of
the power distribution line 102. Typically, the frequency of the
power waveform is a 60 hertz sine wave. By measuring this frequency
at one microsecond time intervals, the frequency (and associated
phase) can be finely resolved. During processing, the measurements
are correlated in real time across the entire grid to determine
phase variations that may be problematic. The identity of each TSA
is mapped to a geographic position which allows the locations of
excessive phase variations to be determined. All TSAs shown in FIG.
1 perform the same functions as TSA 106 and also transmit their
synchronized measurements to the power control center 122.
The power control center 122 operates to receive the synchronized
measurement transmissions from TSAs located along the power
distribution line 102. The PPC 122 is aware of the position of each
TSA through its identifier. The synchronized measurements are
received wirelessly or through the landline system. The power
control center 122 operates to analyze the synchronous measurements
to determine various conditions or operating states of the power
distribution line 102. For example, the power control center 122
can determine from the synchronized measurements and the TSA
identifiers whether there is an unacceptable power or phase
variation at a particular location along the power distribution
line 102. The power control center 122 can also send commands or
instructions to the TSAs to adjust when synchronized measurements
are to be performed and which measurements to perform. Using the
TSA identifiers, the power control center 122 can also communicate
with selected TSAs to request that additional measurements or other
actions be taken. Additionally, the PCC 122 can communicate anomaly
parameters to dynamically control how TSA detect anomaly conditions
on the power line 102. A more detailed description of the anomaly
parameters is provided below.
Furthermore, the PCC 122 supports a communication channel 130 that
allows communication with other PCCs of the distribution grid. The
communication channel 130 allows information to be exchanged
between PCCs and/or allows distributed processing of power line
measurements performed by the TSAs
In another implementation, each TSA may "self-locate" its position
and report its position to the appropriate PCC. For example, each
TSA utilizes one or more position determining capabilities of the
wireless modem/radio to determine a geographic position. These
position determining capabilities include, but are not limited to,
cell sector identification and Advanced Forward Link Trilateration
(AFLT). In AFLT, a TSA takes measurements of signals from nearby
cellular base stations (towers) and reports the time/distance
readings back to the PCC, which are then used to calculate an
approximate location of the TSA. In general, three surrounding base
stations are used to get an optimal position determination.
In another implementation, a TSA may determine its own position by
interfacing to other servers or network entities. For example, each
TSA comprises a network interface 128 to exchange any type of
information with other network entities to determine it own
position.
As a result of using one or more of the self locating techniques,
each TSA reports an approximate latitude and longitude (with a
known uncertainty) to the PCC to provide positional context to each
power measurement. This simplifies the management of the system
since the PCC would operate to self learn TSA positions rather than
having to carefully maintain a database tying TSA identities to
addresses and corresponding locations.
Alternatively, if the PCC does maintain a position database, having
an approximate latitude and longitude delivered by the TSAs can be
used to spot errors in such a database. Note that a very accurate
self location determination would not be necessary. Even a basic
cell sector position capability (provided by many wireless
technologies) would be adequate to determine the location of grid
problems or to maintain the position database.
It should be noted that a TSA can be part of every node on the
distribution grid. Compared to conventional systems, which utilize
a few high end infrastructure components each having expensive
position finding electronics, the TSAs can be implemented with
relatively minor cost and provide a virtually unlimited number of
synchronized measuring points throughout the grid.
Therefore, the time synchronization system operates to provide time
synchronization and measurement in a power distribution system. The
system allows a large number of synchronized measurements to be
acquired in a cost effective manner, and these measurements are
communicated to a power control center for analysis. For example,
the large number of synchronized measurements allows slight phase
variations across the distribution grid to be detected. The system
also allows the power control center to communicate requests for
additional measurements or other actions to one or more TSAs to
allow more detailed investigations of distribution conditions or
inefficiencies.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary TSA 200 for use in accordance with the
time synchronization system. For example, the TSA 200 is suitable
for use as the TSA 106 shown in FIG. 1. The TSA 200 comprises
processor 202, measurement module 204, landline transceiver 206,
and wireless transceiver 208 all coupled to communicate using data
bus 210. It should be noted that the TSA 200 is just one
implementation and that other implementations are possible.
The wireless transceiver 208 comprises hardware and/or hardware
executing software that operates to allow the TSA 200 to
communicate data or other information with other entities using a
wireless communication system. In one implementation, the
transceiver 208 comprises a radio modem that is configured to
communicate over a wireless communication system. For example, the
transceiver 208 comprises a receiver portion that is operable to
receive synchronized transmission frames 212 from a wireless
communication server, such as a server operating in a CDMA
communication system.
The transceiver 208 includes a transmitter portion that is operable
to send data or other information to other entities using the
wireless communication system. Thus, the transceiver 208 utilizes
the radio modem to communicate using the wireless communication
system to receive instructions from a power control center through
the transmission frames 212 or may transmit synchronized
measurements 214 to the power control center.
The transceiver 208 also acquires time synchronization utilizing
the transmission signals of the wireless communication system. For
example, during communication with the wireless communication
system, the transceiver 208 inherently acquires accurate time
synchronization and passes this time synchronization to timing
logic 222 of the processor 202.
The landline transceiver 206 comprises hardware and/or hardware
executing software that operates to allow the TSA 200 to
communicate data or other information with other entities using a
landline communication system. The landline communication system
comprises telephone, network, or fiber optic communication systems
or other type of wired communication system, including using the
power line itself. For example, the transceiver 208 is operable to
send or receive data or other information to other entities using
the landline communication system. For example, the transceiver 208
comprises transmitter and receiver portions that can communicate
using the landline communication system to receive instructions 216
from a power control center or may transmit synchronized
measurements 218 to the power control center.
The measurement module 204 comprises hardware and/or hardware
executing software that operates to receive a sync signal from the
processor 202 and perform one or more measurements of a power line
220. For example, the processor 202 controls when and which
measurements are to be performed by the measurement module 204. The
measurements comprise power, voltage, current, phase, usage history
and/or any other type of measurement. Voltage, current, and phase
are primary measurements. Power; however is a derived measurement
in that it is derived from other primary measurements. The
measurement module 204 is operable to determine any type of derived
measurements, including load factor, harmonic content, other
reactive qualities, or any other type of derived measurement. The
measurements are synchronized by the received sync signal and
passed to the processor 202.
In one implementation, the measurement module 204 operates to
measure the steady-state average "phase offset" of a TSA relative
to a fixed point in the network. This enables an estimate of
distance between any two TSAs. Phase offset generally does not
become ambiguous for at least 5,000 kilometers, thus for all
practical purposes it is unambiguous within any power operator's
territory. The difference in phase offset between any two TSAs is
an estimate of the difference in distance that the power took to
travel to the two respective positions. If one TSA that is supposed
to be in a particular neighborhood or region has a much different
phase than other TSAs in the region, then an error condition is
indicated which may require further investigation.
The measurement module 204 also comprises anomaly parameters 224.
The anomaly parameters 224 identify power line anomaly conditions
to be detected by the measurement module 204. The anomaly
conditions may require the measurement module 204 to determine
derived measurements. The anomaly parameters set bounds and
thresholds for the primary and derived measurements associate with
each anomaly condition. If the bounds or thresholds associated with
an anomaly condition are exceeded, then it is determined that the
anomaly condition exists. Thus, the anomaly parameters provide the
bounds or thresholds for anomaly detection and in addition, the
actions to be taken should one or more anomaly conditions be
detected.
In one implementation, the measurement module 204 operates to
detect the power line anomaly conditions asynchronously, such that
any time an identified anomaly condition occurs, it will be quickly
detected by the measurement module 204.
In one implementation, the anomaly parameters 224 are
pre-configured at the measurement module 204. For example, the
anomaly parameters are configured at manufacture or installation of
the TSA 200. In another implementation, the anomaly parameters 224
are configured, updated, and maintained by a PCC. For example, at
any time a PCC may download anomaly parameters 224 using the
transceiver 208 or the transceiver 206. This allows the PCC to
dynamically control anomaly detection performed by the TSA 200.
Furthermore, the anomaly parameters 224 identify additional
measurements associated with each anomaly condition. The additional
measurements are measured when the corresponding anomaly condition
is detected. For example, the measurement module 204 detects a
particular anomaly condition based on the anomaly parameters 224.
The measurement module 204 then accesses the anomaly parameters 224
to determine additional measurements to be performed based on the
detected anomaly condition. The additional measurements are
performed and the detected anomaly and associated measurements are
passed to the processor 202 for transmission to the PCC.
The processor 202 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor, gate
array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executing
software. The processor 202 operates to control the measurement
module 204 to perform selected measurements. The processor 202
comprises timing logic 222 that generates a sync signal that is
sent to the measurement module 204 to control when measurements are
to be taken. The timing logic 222 obtains synchronization from the
transceiver 208 which has acquired its synchronization from
received wireless transmission frames. For example, received
synchronized transmission frames are received by the transceiver
208 and are analyzed by the transceiver 208 to determine an exact
time reference which is indicated to the timing logic 222, which
then generates the sync signal to indicate the precise time at
which particular measurements are to be performed by the
measurement module 204.
The processor 202 also comprises interface logic to support
communication link 226, which provides network communication with
various network entities. For example, the processor 202 may
communicate with other network entities using the link 226 to self
locate the position of the TSA 200. Any suitable location
techniques may be performed and the results are reported by the
processor 202 to a PCC using the transceiver 206 and/or transceiver
208.
The processor 202 is also operable to receive instructions from a
power control center using a wireless communication system or a
landline communication system. For example, the power control
center may encode the instructions into the received wireless
transmission frames 212 that are received by the wireless
transceiver 208. The power control center may also encode the
instructions into landline communications 216 that are received by
the landline transceiver 206. In either case, the received
instructions are passed to the processor 202.
The processor 202 decodes the instructions and determines if any
actions are necessary. For example, if additional measurements are
requested, the processor 202 controls the measurement module 204 to
perform the additional measurements. The processor 202 then
transmits the additional measurements to the power control center
using either the landline transceiver 206 or the wireless
transceiver 208. The processor 202 may also perform any other
action requested by the power control center and is not limited to
obtaining just additional power line measurements. For example, the
instructions may include anomaly parameters 224 that are stored at
the measurement module 204. The anomaly parameters 224 are used to
allow a PCC to dynamically control anomaly detection and
processing. A more detailed description of the operation of the TSA
200 is provided in another section below.
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary power control center 300 constructed in
accordance with the time synchronization system. For example, the
PCC 300 is suitable for use as the PCC 122 shown in FIG. 1. The PCC
300 comprises processor 302, landline transceiver 304, wireless
transceiver 306, TSA database 308, all coupled to communicate using
data bus 310. It should be noted that the PCC 300 is just one
implementation and that other implementations are possible.
The wireless transceiver 306 comprises hardware and/or hardware
executing software that operate to allow the PCC 300 to communicate
data or other information with other entities using a wireless
communication system. For example, the transceiver 306 comprises a
transmitter portion that is operable to transmit information,
instructions, or other data to one or more TSAs using synchronized
transmission frames 314 of a synchronized wireless communication
system, such as a CDMA communication system. The transceiver 308
also comprises a receiver that is operable to receive synchronized
measurements 312 from one or more TSAs using the synchronized
wireless communication system.
The landline transceiver 304 comprises hardware and/or hardware
executing software that operate to allow the PCC 300 to communicate
data or other information with other entities using a landline
communication system. For example, the transceiver 304 comprises a
receiver portion that is operable to receive synchronized
measurements 316 from one or more TSAs using the landline
communication system. The transceiver 304 also comprises a
transmitter that is operable to transmit instructions 318 or other
data to one or more TSAs using the landline communication
system
The TSA database 308 comprises information about TSAs stored in any
suitable memory that is accessible via the bus 310. The database
308 identifies TSAs by their assigned identifier and includes any
other information necessary to process synchronized measurements
received from any TSA. The database also associates TSA identifiers
with geographic locations so that a location for each received
synchronized measurement can be determined.
The processor 302 comprises at least one of a CPU, processor, gate
array, hardware logic, memory elements, and/or hardware executing
software. The processor 302 operates to process synchronized
measurements received by the transceivers 304 and 306 to determine
one or more power line conditions associated with a power
distribution line. For example, the received synchronized
measurements are associated with identified TSAs and the processor
302 is able to access the TSA database to determine a location
associated with each received synchronized measurement. The
processor 302 is then able to determine one or more power line
conditions by analyzing the measurements taken at each location.
For example, if one or more TSAs report low voltage conditions, the
processor 302 can access the TSA database 308 to determine the
location of the low voltage conditions. Similarly, synchronized
phase measurements reported by the TSAs can be correlated in real
time by the processor 302 to determine the location of any phase
variation that may indicate loading problems or a potential
blackout condition.
The processor 302 is also operable to determine if any additional
measurements or actions are desired from one or more TSAs. If so,
the processor 302 can control the wireless transceiver 306 to
transmit instructions in the synchronized transmission frames to
one or more TSAs. The instructions instruct the particular TSAs to
take additional measurements, update anomaly parameters, or perform
additional actions and report back the results.
The processor 302 also supports a communication channel 320 that
allows communication with other PCCs of the distribution grid. The
communication channel 320 allows information to be exchanged
between PCCs and allows distributed processing of power line
measurements performed by the TSAs. The communication channel 320
comprises any suitable communication link allowing multiple PCCs to
communicate.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method for time synchronization and
measurement in accordance with the time synchronization system. For
clarity, the method 400 is described below with reference to the
TSA 200 shown in FIG. 2. In one implementation, the processor 202
executes one or more sets of codes to control the TSA 200 to
perform the functions described below.
At block 402, synchronized wireless communication signals are
received. For example, the wireless communication signals are
received from a synchronized wireless communication system, such as
a CDMA system, or from any other type of system that can provide
synchronized communication signals. In one implementation, the
transceiver 208 receives the synchronized wireless communication
signals from a wireless communication server, such as the server
116 shown in FIG. 1.
At block 404, time synchronization is acquired by synchronizing to
the synchronized wireless communication signal. In one
implementation, the transceiver 208 determines time synchronization
from the received synchronized wireless communication signals. For
example, the received synchronized wireless communication signals
comprise transmission frames which are synchronized to a GPS time
standard. The transceiver 208 is able to analyze these received
frames to acquire (or lock in) time synchronization. For example,
using CDMA transmission frames, time synchronization can be
determined to within one microsecond so that any device receiving
the transmission frames can synchronize to this level of accuracy.
The time synchronization is then indicated to the timing logic 222
which generates a corresponding sync signal.
At block 406, updated anomaly parameters are received. In one
implementation, the anomaly parameters are received by the
transceiver 208 and stored at the measurement module 204 as anomaly
parameters 224. The anomaly parameters identify power line
anomalies to be detected and actions to be taken in response.
At block 408, synchronized power distribution measurements are
performed. In one implementation, the timing logic 222 provides the
sync signal or trigger to the measurement module 204. The
measurement module 204 responds by measuring the phase or other
parameters of a power distribution line. The measurement module 204
is operable to measure the phase to any desired level of accuracy
and its measurement is synchronized by the sync signal. The
measurement module is also operable to perform any other type of
power line measurement.
At block 410, the measurements are transmitted to a power control
center using the wireless communication system. For example, the
measurement module 204 controls the wireless transceiver 208 to
transmit the synchronized phase measurements to the power control
center using the wireless communication link 214.
At block 410, in an optional operation, the synchronized phase
measurements are transmitted to a power control center using a
landline communication system. For example, the measurement module
204 controls the landline transceiver 206 to transmit the
synchronized phase measurements to the power control center using
the landline communication links 218. The landline communication
system comprises telephone, network, or fiber optic communication
systems or other type of wired communication system, including
using the power line itself.
At block 412, a determination is made as to whether a request for
additional measurements or other actions has been received. For
example, a request for additional measurements may be generated by
a PCC and transmitted to the TSA 200 using the wireless
transmission frames 212. If a request for additional measurements
or other actions has not been received, the method proceeds to
block 418. If a request for additional measurements or other
actions has been received, the method proceeds to block 416. The
processor 202 makes this determination.
At block 416, additional measurements or actions are performed. For
example, the processor 202 controls the measurement module 204 to
perform the additional phase measurements or other power
distribution measurements. Once the additional measurements or
actions are performed, the method proceeds to block 410 to transmit
the measurements.
At block 418, a determination is made as to whether any power line
anomalies are detected. For example, in one implementation, the
measurement module 204 is pre-configured with anomaly parameters
224 that identify a set of power line anomalies to be checked.
These anomalies include excessive power usage, voltage or current
spikes, or any other type of anomaly associated with the power line
102. In another implementation, the PCC provides the anomaly
parameters at block 406. For example, the PCC can dynamically
adjust the anomalies to be detected by providing and/or updating
the anomaly parameters 224 at any time. The anomaly parameters
identify boundaries and thresholds for primary or derived
measurements. If the boundaries or thresholds are exceeded, the
measurement module determines which if any anomaly conditions
exist. If one or more anomaly conditions exist, the method proceeds
to block 420. If no anomaly conditions exist, the method proceeds
to block 406.
At block 420, additional measurements or actions are performed. For
example, the anomaly parameters 224 comprise additional
measurements to be performed for each detected anomaly. For
example, if a low voltage anomaly is detected; additional
measurements, such as power or current measurements may be
performed. The processor 202 controls the measurement module 204 to
perform the additional measurements based on the anomalies detected
and corresponding measurements identified in the anomaly parameters
224. Once the additional measurements or actions are performed, the
method proceeds to block 410 to transmit the results to a PCC.
Therefore, in one implementation, the method 400 is performed by a
TSA at any location associated with a power distribution line to
determine synchronized phase measurements or other power
distribution parameters and to transmit those measurements to a
power control center using wireless and/or landline transmission
links. It should be noted that the method 400 is just one
implementation and that the operations of the method 400 may be
rearranged or otherwise modified within the scope of the various
implementations. Thus, other implementations are possible.
FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method 500 for receiving and processing
synchronized measurements in accordance with the time
synchronization system. For clarity, the method 500 is described
below with reference to the PCC 300 shown in FIG. 3. In one
implementation, the processor 302 executes one or more sets of
codes to control the PCC 300 to perform the functions described
below.
At block 502, updated anomaly parameters are transmitted to one or
more TSAs. For example, the processor 302 generates the anomaly
parameters and transmits them to the identified TSAs using the
transceiver 306.
At block 504, synchronized power distribution measurements are
received from one or more TSAs. For example, the synchronized power
distribution measurements are received from a landline
communication system using the transceiver 304 or a wireless
communication system using the transceiver 306. Each of the
synchronized power distribution measurements is associated with an
identified TSA.
At block 506, the received measurements are analyzed to determine
one or more power line conditions. For example, the processor 302
analyzes measurements from multiple TSAs to determine fluctuations
in power, voltage, current, phase or any other parameter. In one
implementation, the processor 302 determines a location of a
particular power line condition indicated by one or more TSAs by
determining the location of the TSAs from the TSA database 308. For
example, to determine phase variations, the processor 302
correlates received synchronized phase measurement in real time to
detect any phase variations that may be problematic. The locations
of the detected phase variations can then be determined based on
the TSA identifiers and corresponding locations obtained from the
TSA database 308.
At block 508, a determination is made as to whether additional
measurements or actions are desired. For example, additional
measurements may be desired from one or more TSAs to fully analyze
a particular power line condition. If no additional measurements or
actions are required, the method ends. If additional measurements
or actions are required, the method proceeds to block 508. The
processor 302 makes this determination.
At block 510, one or more TSAs are identified to perform additional
measurements or actions. For example, the processor 302 determines
one or more power line conditions based on previous synchronized
measurements and identifies one or more TSAs from which additional
measurements are desired to perform further analysis. The TSAs are
identified by their location and/or unique identifier. For example,
if a phase variation is detected at a particular location, the
processor 302 operates to request additional phase measurements
from TSAs located at or near that location.
At block 512, requests for additional measurements or actions are
transmitted to the identified TSAs. The processor 302 identifies
the TSAs and associated measurements to be obtained in one or more
requests. The requests are forwarded to the wireless transceiver
306 for transmission to the identified TSAs using the transmission
frames 312 of the wireless communication system. The method then
proceeds to block 502 to update anomaly parameters.
Therefore, the method 500 is operable to analyze synchronized
measurements reported by a plurality of TSAs and if desired,
request additional measurements or actions from one or more
particular TSAs. It should be noted that the method 500 is just one
implementation and that the operations of the method 500 may be
rearranged or otherwise modified within the scope of the various
implementations. Thus, other implementations are possible.
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary time synchronization apparatus 600
constructed in accordance with the time synchronization system. For
example, the TSA 600 is suitable for use as the TSA 200 shown in
FIG. 2. In an aspect, the TSA 600 is implemented by at least one
integrated circuit comprising one or more modules configured to
provide aspects of a time synchronization system as described
herein. For example, in one implementation, each module comprises
hardware and/or hardware executing software.
The TSA 600 comprises a first module comprising means (602) for
receiving a synchronized wireless communication signal, which in an
aspect comprises the transceiver 208. The TSA 600 also comprises a
second module comprising means (604) for synchronizing to the
synchronized wireless communication signal to produce synchronized
time, which in an aspect comprises the transceiver 208. The TSA 600
also comprises a third module comprising means (606) for performing
one or more power distribution measurements based on the
synchronized time to produce synchronized power distribution
measurements, which in an aspect comprises the measurement module
204. The TSA 600 also comprises a fourth module comprising means
(608) for transmitting the synchronized power distribution
measurements to a power control center, which in an aspect
comprises the transceiver 208.
FIG. 7 shows an exemplary power control center 700 constructed in
accordance with the time synchronization system. For example, the
PCC 700 is suitable for use as the PCC 300 shown in FIG. 3. In an
aspect, the PCC 700 is implemented by at least one integrated
circuit comprising one or more modules configured to provide
aspects of a time synchronization system as described herein. For
example, in one implementation, each module comprises hardware
and/or hardware executing software.
The PCC 700 comprises a first module comprising means (702) for
receiving one or more time synchronized power distribution
measurements from one or more measurement devices, respectively,
wherein each measurement device is synchronized to a synchronous
wireless communication system, which in an aspect comprises the
transceiver 306. The PCC 700 also comprises a second module
comprising means (704) for analyzing the one or more time
synchronized power distribution measurements to determine one or
more power conditions of the power distribution system, which in an
aspect comprises the processor 302.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may
be implemented in hardware, software to be executed by a computer,
firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software,
the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more
instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and
communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer
of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media
may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By
way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media
can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired
program code in the form of instructions or data structures and
that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is
properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the
software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote
source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of
medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),
laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk
and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically,
while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of
the above should also be included within the scope of
computer-readable media.
The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and
circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein
may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other
programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed
to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose
processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the
processor may be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any
person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention.
Various modifications to these aspects may be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein
may be applied to other aspects, e.g., in an instant messaging
service or any general wireless data communication applications,
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects
shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with
the principles and novel features disclosed herein. The word
"exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects.
Accordingly, while aspects of a time synchronization system have
been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that
various changes can be made to the aspects without departing from
their spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the
disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be
illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *