Blockchain-based approach for load frequency control of smart grids under denial-of-service attacks

• Published in: Computers & electrical engineering 2024-05, Vol.116, p.109150, Article 109150
• Main Authors: Mohamed, Mohamed vall O., Abdelaziz, Almoataz Y., Abo-Elyousr, Farag K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Denial-of-service attacks; H∞ control; Load frequency control; Microgrids; PI control
• ISSN: 0045-7906; 1879-0755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2024.109150

The presence of communication networks inside load frequency control loops exposes them to cyber–physical attacks, particularly denial-of-service and deception attacks. Potential cyber–physical attacks on power systems degrade the control performance or even cause instability. This paper proposes a blockchain-based solution against denial-of-service attacks to secure resilient smart systems. A multi-area-based PI-controllers microgrid system is examined. To protect access to the shared blockchain, a proof-of-work private blockchain approach is developed. During denial-of-service attacks, the proof-of-work based blockchain approach safeguards a copy of all data amongst smart grid parts and thus restores the true information. An H∞ control approach is developed to mitigate the uncertainty of the denial-of-service intrusions. Numerical simulations demonstrate the superiority of the proposed blockchain based H∞ controller in comparison to traditional controllers in safeguarding power systems against denial-of-service attacks. [Display omitted]