Time synchronisation solutions for the energy sector

Time servers and clocks for power utilities

Time synchronisation plays a key role in the energy sector. Accurate time management enables to optimise energy production, distribution and consumption.

Accurate synchronisation is paramount for ensuring the reliability, stability and efficiency of electricity networks. Energy management systems rely on accurate timestamping for coordinating operations, detecting and isolating breakdowns, as well as optimising the use of resources.

How does time synchronisation work in the energy sector and how important is it?

Time synchronisation relies on advanced technologies ensuring accurate and reliable time distribution across all energy systems.

Time servers are key devices in the synchronisation network. Indeed, they receive the exact time from reliable sources, such as GPS satellites, and they distribute it to other devices on the network. These time servers ensure that all operations in the energy sector are carried out with an accurate time, thus reducing the risks of inefficiencies or breakdowns.

Once time servers receive the accurate time, they are able to distribute it to all devices and synchronised clocks. This distribution is usually carried out via network protocols such as the NTP or the PTP, guaranteeing time transmission with a high level of accuracy.

Clocks play a key role by displaying the accurate time in the different areas of the energy infrastructure. Whether in power plants, distribution stations or control centres, these clocks ensure that all operators and systems operate in full coordination. A set of well-synchronised clocks reduces human errors and enhances operational efficiency.

By making sure that all devices and systems operate on the same time base, time synchronisation helps reduce risks of breakdowns and malfunctions. Events can be traced accurately, thus making it easier to quickly identify and solve problems.

Time synchronisation and distribution optimises the allocation of energy resources. Operators can adjust productions and distributions in real time, leading to more efficient energy use and significant savings.

Accurate and reliable synchronisation is also paramount for network security. It allows anomalies and intrusions to be quickly detected, thus ensuring enhanced protection against cyberattacks and other threats.

Time servers for reliable synchronisation in power plants

Time servers play a key role in power plants by achieving accurate and reliable time synchronisation.

They can receive exact timestamps from time sources, and distribute them to all systems and equipment of the power plant in a reliable and secure way.

This synchronisation enables all operations (from energy production to its distribution) to be carried out with an accuracy down to nanoseconds.

This helps to minimise all risks, to optimise operational processes and ensure a timely response. In the case of anomalies, time servers make it easy to quickly and accurately detect events, thus enhancing the security and efficiency of power plants.

Analogue and digital clocks for the energy sector

Accurate time distribution is essential in the energy sector, in different operational environments. Clocks are synchronised via time servers using protocols such as the NTP or the PTP, thus ensuring time consistency across all the energy infrastructure.

With their traditional and intuitive display, analogue clocks offer quick and easy time reading, making them suitable for areas where immediate visualisation is required.

In multiple application fields, the quality of the HANDI®range of analogue clocks is a reference in terms of accuracy, readability and robustness.

Digital clocks provide increased accuracy with additional features such as the display of the date and seconds.

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They enable operators and technicians to work with the same time reference, thus reducing errors and enhancing the efficiency and the coordination of operations.

Whether in control rooms or in the field, synchronised clocks are essential tools for maintaining the reliability and precision in the energy sector.