Opportunity to get funded by the NATO Public Diplomacy Division in the framework of “Science for Peace” for the realization of the project SfP 983805 ‘Designing Intelligent, Resilient, Scalable and Secure Next Generation SCADA Infrastructure’ was an incredible experience. This framework is completely well organized and allows clearly defined ways of Project realization.
Research focus of this project was establishment of a simulation platform where different threats to the future power system could be investigated. The major goal is to simplify the process of finding better solutions for the optimal system design and sufficient control. This research was based on utilization of novel concepts and tools, using real systems operating conditions as inputs, as well as planned developments of the grid in the light of changes regarding sustainable development. Hybrid approach, incorporating software-hardware interactions, was selected as best way to investigate different dimensions of the reliability and safety and then later lead to their integration in the possible whole system solution.
During three years Project has succeeded to utilize different software platforms and realize several systems. Software platforms were used to model and simulate different aspects of the problem: physical (PowerWorld), functional (AnyLogic), and structural (Algor and Ansys). Built systems were used to generate realistic data about operation and to connect with software platforms. Four systems are built at campus: smart grid (measurement & control), hybrid renewable system (wind and PV), PV system and Solar characterization system (also installed outside campus). Created SCADA could be used to interact with simulations and with real systems. This altogether represents complete platform for investigating realistic and simulated complexity of various behaviors caused by the emergent phenomena in the power system.
Granted funding in the amount of more than 200 thousands EUR has created resources for training and meeting of other researchers from all-around the world (used 34% of the budget). The next 30% of the budget was used for information technology (hardware and software) which has allowed the completion of the research laboratory (server and network) and equipment for main researchers (personal computers). Laboratory was completed with 16% of budget resources used for the measurement and distributed generation equipment. Next 17% of the budget was used for student stipends and miscellaneous expenditures in order to make project run smoothly over all three years. Finally 3% percent of the budget was used in order to follow current publications (books and journals) related to research.
With direct and full support from this Project’s funding main researchers were able to travel for training and participation to over 20 different conferences. Total of 17 scientific papers was result related to this Project. Ambitious network of software tools and models connected with designed and built measurement and distributed generation systems is enabling and will allow in the future research work for PhD students and other researchers. The results of this Project are also incredible foundations for better education of undergraduate students.
It can be concluded that half of funding amount was used to increase knowledge and learning capabilities (i.e., direct benefit), and the other half to increased scientific capacity, improve education, help establish research network all relaying multiplicative influence to improve national economy (i.e., longer term benefit).
Total benefit from NATO SfP funding could be estimated to 300 k€ (based on Z. Griliches, R&D and productivity, 1995). Benefits for society are harder to estimate and based on the same reference it could be expected that, because of the engineering nature of the Project, they could be around or exceeding the level of totally invested amount(i.e., 400 k€ or more).
