Towards Secure And Resilient Networked Power Distribution Grids: Process And Tool Adoption

Development and evaluation of communication-based control applications for networked Smart Grid systems are challenging tasks. The complexity is caused by the tight interaction of the control applications with communication networks and physical components, such as sensors and actuators in a complex cyber-physical system. In this context, it is challenging to develop and test novel cyber-security measures and integrate existing ones. In order to support engineers in the assessment and development of cyber-security measures for smart grids, suitable processes and tools need to be developed. In this paper, we extend an established process for rapid control prototyping by measures for supporting the development and evaluation of secure and resilient Smart Grid control applications. Tool support for this process takes the form of a co-simulation framework we have coupled the communication system simulator OMNeT++ to the power system simulator DIgSILENT PowerFactory using a flexible middleware. OMNeT++ is used to model the cyber-security attacks. We have used our process and tools to evaluate a coordinated voltage control system that has been developed and is currently operated in rural low voltage grids in Austria.