4 - Devices and Networks

Time Synchronization Configuration

• Each device needs a single time synchronization source
• Two steps are required:
  • Configure the time source
  • Configure the devices to receive synchronizations
• Example: both a Power Monitoring Expert server and an NTP server are sending time synchronizations on the same network.
• In this case, an ION9000 should be configured to only receive time synchronizations from one of these servers (eg: Power Monitoring Expert server).

Time Synchronization Sources

• Systems where time synchronization is not critical for power quality monitoring, sequence of events recording (SER), revenue billing, or system stability, can use these sources:
  • Power Monitoring Expert Server
  • DNP
  • NTP
  • DLMS
• Systems that require stricter time synchronization (±1 ms), for example in power quality monitoring, SER, revenue billing, or system stability, can use these sources:
  • PTP
  • GPS
  • IRIG-B
• Use a protocol that is common to all devices to avoid multiple time synchronization signals in the network.

Enable time synchronization on an ION device

• Connect to the device using ION Setup.
• Change the CL1 Time Sync Source for clock on the Timezone tab.
• This can also be done on the meter front panel.

Network Performance

• Ethernet networks provide better performance than serial networks
• Communications between the software and devices consist of:
  • On-demand, real-time data requests, used for diagrams and dashboards displays
  • Periodic polling and uploading of data logs, events, and waveform records

Optimizing the on-demand and background polling performance

• Set real-time data polling periods to meet the user's needs, avoiding fast polling when unneeded
• Disable devices that are not commissioned and functional
• Only log measurements that are necessary to meet user needs
• Schedule log uploads when the system is being used less, such as at night or off hours
• Use ethernet instead of serial to connect high-end ION9000 devices with power quality monitoring features
• Use the Daisy Chain Calculator tool.

Add a site, Modbus device and an Ethernet Device

• Example:
  • BoardA, Lighting1, PM5100 series, serial (5), 192.168.100.102
  • BoardA, HVAC1, PM5350, serial (1), 192.168.100.102
  • BoardA, HVAC1, ION9000, ethernet, 192.168.100.112, 192.168.100.113, 192.168.100.116, 192.168.100.117

Meter Configuration

• Minimum parameters must be configured on all PowerLogic devices:
  • Basic Metering: system type (delta or wye), CT and PT ratios
  • Communication: serial or ethernet ports, IP address, subnet, gateway, Modbus ID, baud rate
  • Clock: internal clocks ensure accurate timestamps for alarms and data logs, synchronize with the Power Monitoring Expert server

Basic Configuration

• Can be done using the front panel or ION Setup.
• Front panel provides limited settings:
  • Metering (system type, CT, PT)
  • Communications
  • Display
  • Clock
  • Alarms
  • Language
  • Security
• ION Setup provides various settings:
  • Data recording and memory allocation
  • Power quality detection
  • Input metering for WAGES
  • Digital/analog outputs
  • Custom front panel displays

Advanced Configuration

• This configuration must be done through ION Setup.
• Parameters can be configured using:
  • Setup Screens (for Modbus devices)
  • Setup Assistant (for ION devices)

Meter Verification and Phasor Viewer in ION Setup

• Meter verification helps answer questions like:
  • Are the measurements close to the expected value?
• Phasor Viewer helps answer questions like:
  • Are the PTs and CTs wired correctly?

Time Synchronization

• Devices require time synchronization for accurate time in PME
• Different synchronization mechanisms achieve different time accuracy levels
• PME can synchronize devices to the PME server computer clock
• This can be done over serial and ethernet networks.

Enable time synchronization on an ION device

• In Management Console:
  • For ethernet devices: set Time Synch Ethernet Enabled to Yes in the ethernet device configuration.
  • For serial devices: set Time Synch ION Enabled to Yes in the Ethernet Gateway.

Key Points to Remember

• PowerLogic ION Setup is recommended for device configuration.
• This setup can be used to:
  • Create a network of devices for initial and future device configuration
  • Configure ION devices using the Setup Assistant
  • Configure Modbus devices using Setup Screens
• Minimum setup for PowerLogic devices involves:
  • Programming CT and PT ratios and system type (delta or wye)
  • Configuring communication settings
  • Configuring clock and time synchronization for devices with onboard alarms and data logs.

This quiz covers the configuration of time synchronization sources in power systems, emphasizing the importance of a single time source for devices. Learn about various synchronization protocols and their application in scenarios that require precise timekeeping for monitoring and billing.