Cyber Physical Systems – Situation Analysis - Energetics Meetings ...

Cyber Physical Systems – Situation AnalysisDRAFT – March 9, 2012Smart Grid and UtilitiesINTRODUCTIONMany aspects of our lives, including finances, transportation, and emergency services, depend on thereliable production, transfer, and distribution of energy, including electricity, oil, and natural gas. 72Today‘s electric grid is a complex system of systems, with many different stakeholders and customers.The National Academy of Engineers has named the development of ―electrification,‖ which includestoday‘s electric system, as the greatest engineering achievement of the twentieth century. 73 The watersupply and distribution system is also listed as a great engineering achievement; the supply of safe, clean,and reliable water is important to health, quality of life, and emergency services. Yet even though thesesystems are great achievements, they need to be modernized in order to increase their efficiency andreliability. Existing infrastructure is aging and control systems can be highly improved.Cyber-physical systems (CPS) stand to have a significant impact on large-scale, computer-mediatedphysical distributed systems such as the electric grid and water distribution systems. The cyber andphysical components integrated in the system have many interactions the can affect the entire operation,but are poorly understood. The electric grid and other utilities can use CPS technologies to help thesystem become smarter and more efficient. 74 The infrastructure for both the electric grid and waterdistribution systems is aging and face technical and reliability problems. The Environmental ProtectionAgency reports that there are 240,000 water main breaks per year in the United States, and as a systemages the number of main breaks increases. 75 New technologies, including those in CPS regarding sensorsand control, may help to increase the effectiveness of water utility distribution systems.The electric power industry in the United States is a $737 billion industry, representing 3% of real grossdomestic product (GDP). About 70% of industries, U.S. businesses, and consumers are served byshareholder-owned electric companies. The electric industry is spending about $75 billion per year ininvestments, which include upgrades for the smart grid. 76 The U.S. water industry is estimated to haverevenues upwards of $150 billion per year. Water utilities increasingly rely on wireless and automated72 Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program (NITRD). Winning the Future with Science andTechnology for 21 st Century Smart Systems. 2011.73 National Academy of Engineering. ―Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century.‖ 2012.http://greatachievements.org/74 National Science Foundation (NSF). Report: Cyber-Physical Systems Summit. 2008.75 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ―Water Distribution Systems.‖ 2012.76 Edison Electric Institute. Key Facts About the Electric Power Industry. 2011.16