Large-Scale Co-Simulation of Power Grid and Communication Network Models with Software in the Loop

TL;DR

This paper presents a large-scale co-simulation test bed integrating power grid and ICT network models with software in the loop to validate software deployment protocols and interactions during roll-out failures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel co-simulation framework combining power grid and communication network simulators with containerized software for large-scale testing.

Findings

Successful integration of ICT and power grid simulators.

Ability to simulate software deployment and failures.

Enhanced validation of large-scale software roll-out protocols.

Abstract

Power grids are transitioning from an infrastructure model based on reactive electronics towards a smart grid that features complex software stacks with intelligent, pro-active and decentralized control. As the power grid infrastructure becomes a platform for software, so does the need for a reliable roll-out of software updates on a large scale. In order to validate resilient large-scale software roll-out protocols, corresponding test beds are needed, which mirror not only ICT networks, but also include the actual software being deployed, and show the interaction between the power grid and the ICT network during the roll-out, and especially during roll-out failures. In this paper, we describe the design implementation of a large-scale co-simulation test bed that combines ICT and power grid simulators. We pay specific attention to the details of integrating containerized software in the simulation loop.