Research Article
Quantum Communication-Assisted Synchronization Framework for Distributed 3D Power Grid Models Across Multi-Regional Control Centers
@ARTICLE{10.4108/eetsis.12031, author={Youhui Chen and Zhonghua Lv and Ruixue Hu and Xinying Zhao and Dongxue Li}, title={Quantum Communication-Assisted Synchronization Framework for Distributed 3D Power Grid Models Across Multi-Regional Control Centers}, journal={EAI Endorsed Transactions on Scalable Information Systems}, volume={12}, number={8}, publisher={EAI}, journal_a={SIS}, year={2026}, month={2}, keywords={Quantum communication, Power grid, Digital twin, Quantum entanglement, Distributed energy resources}, doi={10.4108/eetsis.12031} }- Youhui Chen
Zhonghua Lv
Ruixue Hu
Xinying Zhao
Dongxue Li
Year: 2026
Quantum Communication-Assisted Synchronization Framework for Distributed 3D Power Grid Models Across Multi-Regional Control Centers
SIS
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eetsis.12031
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The synchronization of three-dimensional digital twin models across geographically distributed power grid control centers represents a critical challenge in modern power system operations. Traditional synchronization methods including Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) achieve only millisecond-level accuracy, which proves fundamentally insufficient for monitoring and responding to critical power grid transients that occur on sub-millisecond timescales. The proliferation of renewable energy sources and distributed generation resources further intensifies synchronization requirements. OBJECTIVES: This research develops a comprehensive quantum communication-assisted synchronization framework designed to achieve unprecedented temporal accuracy for distributed 3D power grid models spanning multi-regional control centers while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. METHODS: A hierarchical quantum-classical hybrid architecture is proposed that strategically utilizes quantum entanglement channels for time-critical synchronization signals and classical communication channels for bulk data transmission. An adaptive fault-tolerance mechanism dynamically adjusts quantum error correction strategies based on real-time quantum channel quality assessments, with graceful degradation to classical protocols when necessary. RESULTS: Extensive simulations utilizing 128 IEEE 118-bus system models demonstrate sub-10 nanosecond synchronization precision—representing 10,000-fold improvement over NTP—with end-to-end latencies maintained below 10 microseconds. The framework exhibits robust performance with synchronization success rates exceeding 90% under 15% node failure conditions and demonstrates logarithmic O(log M) time complexity compared to O(M²) scaling for classical consensus protocols. CONCLUSION: The quantum communication-assisted framework delivers superior accuracy, scalability, and fault tolerance compared to classical synchronization protocols, establishing viability for next-generation smart grids with extensive distributed energy resources.
Copyright © 2026 Y. Chen et al., licensed to EAI. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, which permits copying, redistributing, remixing, transformation, and building upon the material in any medium so long as the original work is properly cited.
