Abstract of Research

The power system as critical infrastructure lays in the fact that it is increasingly essential for
functioning of, other critical infrastructures (ICT, hospitals, etc.). Existing complexity has been
proved as challenge in order to keep high reliability and safety of the power system, especially
in the context of smart cities, incorporating smart grids, deregulated energy markets and high
utilization of distributed energy sources. Security challenges in this context are extremely high.
Research focus in this project is on establishment of a simulation platform where different
threats to the future power system can be investigated. The major goal is to simplify the
process of finding better solutions for the optimal system design and sufficient control. This
research is based on utilization of state-of-the-art concepts and tools, using real systems
operating conditions as inputs, as well as planned developments of the grid in light of global
policy changes regarding sustainable development.

Major Objectives

• Putting future SCADA systems in context of smart cities and smart grids;
• Studying and assessing the current status of SCADA deployment (emphases on Italy and Croatia);
• Assessing priorities in future SCADA testbed architecture specification and development;
• Proposing a novel architecture for SCADA interaction modeling, based on cooperative agent negotiation, to bridge model with increased reliability and security;
• Formally and empirically prove the improvements in security, safety and resilience of this architecture over the ones commonly used;
• Developing a common understanding of industrial needs and requirements regarding the security of control systems and the related standardization, accompanied by a raising awareness programme reaching all end-users;
• Identifying and disseminating best practice, possibly in a joint endeavor between manufacturers and end users, resulting in a increased capability and defined technology taxonomy of security solutions;
• Development and deployment a SCADA testbed platform for analysis of emergent phenomena in power systems;
• Interfacing with similar projects, focusing on smart grids and smart cities.

Overview of Achievements since the Start of the Project until 04 Apr. 2011

• NATO Research laboratory has been established and is in active use by the project staff;
• Thoroughly researched current related state of the art by the project team and young scientists;
• Functional specification for a model smart energy system has been finalized, publicized and is being partly implemented in current work;
• Two-day education seminar on SCADA systems held for all participating project staff in Zagreb;
• Selected project researchers undergone specialist training in main software tool for modeling and simulation (i.e., AnyLogic);
• Research staff and young researchers individual tasks and tools defined, active mobilization towards deliverables (software models in preparation, 3 research papers drafted);
• Five (5) young researchers stipendiary and ten (10) volunteer student researchers have been involved in the project related work;
• NATO project a major ground base for related student seminars and projects;
   

Milestones for the Next Six Months

• Development of at least 2 models of smart energy systems (and pertinent SCADA model):
  • Smart building energy systems level;
  • Smart city energy systems level.
• Publication of at least 2 conference papers;
• Preparation of at least 1 journal paper;
• Smart metering system within a building installed on premises of FER (host institution);
• Renewable energy system installed on premises of FER;
• First observations on a real-life smart building made;
• Gaining full insight into existing SCADA systems in the Croatian Utility Company (HEP) completed.

Implementation of results
Project results will be implemented at the research/education laboratory at the Faculty of
electrical engineering and computing at the University of Zagreb.

General overview

NATO Research laboratory has been established and is in active use by the project staff:

• Functional specification for a model smart energy system finalized, publicized and i being implemented in current work;
• Research staff and young researchers individual tasks and tools defined, active mobilization
• Research papers production;

• 1 published journal paper
• 3 published conference paper
• 1 conference paper under review
• 1 working paper ready for publishing at select conference
• 2 research papers under preparation

• Two-day education seminar on SCADA systems held for all participating project staff in Zagreb;
• Project website updated continously;
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Full 2nd progress report can be downloaded here.