A Time Synchronization Method Applied in Virtual Power Plants

In recent years, with the establishment of the “dual carbon” goals and the construction of new power systems, virtual power plants (VPPs) have emerged as advanced paradigms for integrating distributed energy resources. The synchronization of time among devices during their coordination process is particularly critical. This paper delves into the current state of time synchronization technologies in VPPs, exploring the communication network architecture to fully comprehend its concepts and operational mechanisms. Furthermore, it revisits the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) used within VPPs, understanding its fundamental synchronization principles, and proposes an optimization method for the PTP state model based on Kalman filters. Lastly, through simulation experiments, the Kalman filter-based PTP state model optimization method is shown to effectively reduce clock and frequency offsets, significantly enhancing synchronization accuracy. This study provides valuable insights and guidance for ensuring the efficient operation of virtual power plants.