Virtualized Experiential Learning Platform (VELP) for Smart Grids and Operational Technology Cybersecurity

The advent and the rapid expansion of Industry 4.0 solutions and technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital twinning, is causing industrial companies, utilities, and other organizations to either retrain their workforce or hire experts from other industries who have the knowledge or hands-on experience working with such technologies. With the emergence of remote working routines, providing such hands-on training programs becomes difficult. As such, BCIT's Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team has developed an advanced Virtualized Experiential Learning Platform (VELP) with the support of the Future Skills Centre and its industry partner to provide trainees from industry and academia with hands-on experience in the fields of smart grids, substation automation systems and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity utilizing virtualization technologies such as digital twins, AI, and cloud apps. This paper aims to introduce VELP, its features, and functionalities, and explain how monitoring and control layers can be migrated into cyberspace. Moreover, this paper proposes a reliable communication network and a cybersecure topology that can be utilized in similar virtualization platforms. The results of this paper show that such technologies can be applied to other digital experiential learning programs where reliable and secure remote access to physical assets is essential to support relevant experiential learning pedagogical models.