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

Cyber Physical Systems – Situation AnalysisDRAFT – March 9, 2012One of the technical challenges that face the smart grid is how to better store excess energy. Instead of thecurrent model of utility companies providing electricity on demand for consumers in a downhill, one-wayfashion, the smart grid must be able to handle increased generation from renewable sources as well asdirectly from customers or electric vehicles. The grid must be able to flexibly respond to changes insupply and demand. 132Since there are many different stakeholders in the smart grid, there are numerous business and policychallenges that arise. Different states will have their own policies on regulating and implementing smartgrid technologies, including advanced metering. Some states are considering passing legislation that givesthe customer the option to opt out of the installation of smart meters in their residence. 133 Standards aredeveloped based on the consensus of multiple stakeholders. While this is effective, it is taking aconsiderable amount of time. 134 Other challenges to consumers providing power to the grid include thelegal and policy implications as to who is responsibility for maintaining, operating, and repairing thenecessary equipment. 135MEASUREMENT PROBLEMS AND IMPEDIMENTSIn systems as complex and networked as the smart grid and other utilities, there are measurementproblems and challenges in various areas that continue to emerge as CPS and other technologies areintegrated.Data capture, transmission, and retention methods that are reliable and effective must be developed. Ifthere is a delay or disruption of the delivery of data from sensors or actuators, this can present multiplechallenges to control systems that will rely on real-time data. Data transmission is reliable but not entirelytrustworthy, as it is still affected by problems such as memory overflow, network overload, and slowprocessing speed, all of which can cause possible vulnerabilities. There must be methods to ensure thatdata cannot be corrupted or manipulated through a cyber attack. 136 Current data management methodswork well for small amounts of data but fail or become ineffective for larger data sets that will come fromdistribution automation and customer information. Other challenges in data management include dataidentification, validation, updating, time-tagging, and consistency across databases. 137Another challenge with data comes from not being able to effectively collect it from geographicallydistributed sources of energy. The ability to collect more accurate data from these geographicallydispersed sources would provide producers with a more effective ability to generate and route power.Without this data, it would be difficult to obtain a real-time, global picture of the state of the entiresystem. 138 New platforms must be developed that can convert various data into valuable information. 139Although there are currently large-scale simulation test beds for the power grid, these will not suffice asmore CPS technologies are integrated. Tomorrow‘s test beds should be broadly accessible and encompassaspects that extend beyond the grid, including communication and computing layers and the fuel supply132 NITRD. Winning the Future with Science and Technology for 21 st Century Smart Systems. 2011.133 U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Smart Grid Legislative and Regulatory Policies and Case Studies. 2011.134 EPRI. Report to NIST on the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap. 2009.135 Adam, Nabil. DHS. Workshop on Future Directions in Cyber-Physical Systems Security. 2010.136 Krogh, Bruce et al. Beyond SCADA: NEC4CPS. 2007.137 EPRI. Report to NIST on the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap. 2009.138 Krogh, Bruce et al. Beyond SCADA: NEC4CPS. 2007.139 Ilic, Marija. Complex Power Grids. Presentation at 2011 CPS PI Meeting.23