Graph-based Model of Smart Grid Architectures

TL;DR

This paper introduces an automated method to generate integrated smart grid models combining energy and communication networks, facilitating co-simulation and security analysis of complex grid architectures.

Contribution

It presents a novel automated approach for creating coupled smart grid models from electrical distribution data using a generic architectural template.

Findings

Effective generation of smart grid models demonstrated

Supports network planning and intrusion detection setup

Enhances co-simulation accuracy and efficiency

Abstract

The rising use of information and communication technology in smart grids likewise increases the risk of failures that endanger the security of power supply, e.g., due to errors in the communication configuration, faulty control algorithms, or cyber-attacks. Co-simulations can be used to investigate such effects, but require precise modeling of the energy, communication, and information domain within an integrated smart grid infrastructure model. Given the complexity and lack of detailed publicly available communication network models for smart grid scenarios, there is a need for an automated and systematic approach to creating such coupled models. In this paper, we present an approach to automatically generate smart grid infrastructure models based on an arbitrary electrical distribution grid model using a generic architectural template. We demonstrate the applicability and unique features of our approach alongside examples concerning network planning, co-simulation setup, and specification of domain-specific intrusion detection systems.