Microgrid control via powerline communications: Network synchronization field tests with prime modules

Advanced optimization of Smart Micro Grids (SMGs) requires precise electrical measurements in amplitude and phase, the latter requiring precise clock synchronization between devices. In this context, the paper presents some field test results for SMG synchronization using the powerline communication standard PRIME. The performance of PRIME is first tested in a realistic scenario corrupted by impulsive noise, showing that robust non-standard coding method are required. Then, a synchronization protocol based upon a NTP (network time protocol) like algorithm with a further frequency offset correction is proposed and tested. The protocol is implemented at the MAC layer. By use of a very light message exchange every 10 s, it assures a synchronization error below 10 μs, making it adequate for the SMG scenario.