Synchronized metrology in power generation and distribution networks

A method of determining phase relationship among power meters, the method comprising the acts:

• collecting count stamped messages transmitted between nodes in a network including at least first and second power meters, the messages including zero crossing measurements of a power signal sensed at a corresponding power meter;
• from the count stamped messages, determining relative timing among clocks within the power meters;
• and
• from the relative timing and zero crossing measurements, determining relative phases between the power meters;
• wherein the power meters include a first clock for zero crossing measurements and a second clock for count-stamping a message communicated with another node in the network, and the method further includes determining relative timing between said first and second clocks.

A power meter comprising:

• a metrology unit for measuring zero crossing of a power signal;
• and
• a communication unit, in communication with the metrology unit for collecting zero crossing measurements and communicating count stamped messages including the collected zero crossing measurements to a remote node for determining relative phase between the power meter and another power meter;
• wherein the communication unit is in communication with a local clock for count-stamping messages upon transmission.

A power meter comprising:

• a metrology unit for measuring zero crossing of a power signal;
• and
• a communication unit, in communication with the metrology unit for collecting zero crossing measurements and communicating count stamped messages including the collected zero crossing measurements to a remote node for determining relative phase between the power meter and another power meter;
• wherein the communication unit is in communication with a local clock for count-stamping messages upon receipt.

A power meter comprising:

• a metrology unit for measuring zero crossing of a power signal;
• and
• a communication unit, in communication with the metrology unit for collecting zero crossing measurements and communicating count stamped messages including the collected zero crossing measurements to a remote node for determining relative phase between the power meter and another power meter;
• wherein the communication unit is in communication with a second power meter for receiving count-stamped messages and for determining phase relative to the second power meter.

A power meter comprising:

• a metrology unit for measuring zero crossing of a power signal;
• a communication unit, in communication with the metrology unit for collecting zero crossing measurements and communicating count stamped messages including the collected zero crossing measurements to a remote node for determining relative phase between the power meter and another power meter;
• and
• a first clock for providing time for the zero crossing and a second clock for count-stamping the messages.