A co-simulation environment to evaluate cyber resilience in active distribution grids utilising behind-the-meter assets

• Published in: Electric power systems research 2024-05, Vol.230, p.110254, Article 110254
• Main Authors: Hacker, Immanuel, Lenzen, Johannes, Schmidtke, Florian, van der Velde, Dennis, Ulbig, Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Co-simulation; Cyber resilience; Energy distribution systems; Smart grid
• ISSN: 0378-7796; 1873-2046
• DOI: 10.1016/j.epsr.2024.110254

This paper introduces an advanced co-simulation environment developed to assess the cyber resilience of active distribution grids, with a focus on demand side management concepts. By integrating energy systems, communication networks, and operational technologies, the framework evaluates the impact of cyber threats on the functionality and stability of distribution grids. The focus of this paper is the newly introduced communication simulator, which provides a solution to simulate the communication flow between the different actors with a generalised representation of the protocols used. This approach enables the investigation of system architectures without requiring the specific implementation of, for example, protocol stacks. Utilising the STRIDE framework for comprehensive threat modelling, the framework then simulates cyber–physical disruptions in an abstract manner, thereby allowing for a nuanced understanding of potential vulnerabilities and resilience strategies. A case study demonstrates the application of the framework, highlighting its potential to enhance grid resilience through strategic simulation of various cyber attack scenarios. •Co-simulation to investigate the cyber resilience of demand side management.•Flexible solution for attack simulation based on threat modelling concepts.•Case study investigating a resilience enhancing fallback mechanism.