Time Synchronization Sensitivity Analysis of Power System Phasor Measurement Applications

Insufficient resiliency of time synchronization of elements spread over wide areas is the main obstacle in transition from mission supportive WAM systems to mission critical WAMPAC systems. This paper presets an overview of time synchronization elements and principles currently implemented in Croatian Transmission System Operator – HOPS. Analysis of time synchronization error impacts to WAMPAC revealed that more robust but less accurate synchronization techniques such as NTP can be used in all elements except PMUs. GPS receivers are that are in use exclusively for time synchronization in PMUs nowadays can easily fail to provide exact timing due to low reception signal level under negative influences of natural phenomena or manmade signals. A proposal of several potential alternatives to GPS time synchronization is given paper.