In the ever-evolving landscape of energy systems, the integration of renewable sources like wind and solar power has introduced new challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues is the vulnerability of these hybrid power systems to cyberattacks, particularly Denial of Service (DoS) attacks that can disrupt communication and control mechanisms. Enter Dashuang Chong, a researcher from the School of Information Technology at Henan University of Chinese Medicine in Zhengzhou, China, who has been delving into innovative solutions to safeguard these critical infrastructures.
Chong’s recent work, published in IEEE Access, focuses on developing an active secure event-triggered control (ETC) mechanism for hybrid power systems under DoS attacks. The research combines Load Frequency Control (LFC) and Virtual Inertia Control (VIC) to mitigate the uncertainties and lower inertia associated with renewable energy sources. “The goal is to ensure that the power system remains stable and resilient even when faced with disruptive cyber threats,” Chong explains.
At the heart of Chong’s approach is the Interval Secure Event-Triggered Mechanism (ISETM), which operates under a Software Defined Network (SDN). This mechanism generates both a triggering transmission and a secure triggering interval. The triggering packet is sent over the SDN data plane, while the secure triggering interval is directed to the SDN control plane to regulate cybersecurity measures. “By separating the control and data planes, we can enhance the security and efficiency of the power system,” Chong notes.
The research models a multi-area hybrid power system as a delay system with two triggering conditions, formulating the interval secure event-triggered LFC-VIC as an H∞ control problem. Using the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, Chong derives a sufficient criterion for the hybrid power system to achieve a prescribed H∞ performance level. The study also provides a co-designed method for ISETM and LFC-VIC gains using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).
To validate the effectiveness of the proposed Interval Secure Event-Triggered Control (ISETC) method, Chong simulated a two-area hybrid power system. The results demonstrated the robustness and reliability of the ISETC method in maintaining system stability under DoS attacks.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, ensuring the security and stability of hybrid power systems is paramount. Chong’s work offers a promising solution that could revolutionize how we protect these critical infrastructures from cyber threats. By integrating advanced control mechanisms and cybersecurity measures, the energy sector can move towards a more resilient and secure future.
The research, published in IEEE Access, titled “Interval Secure Event-Triggered Control of Hybrid Power System Under DoS Attack,” provides a comprehensive framework for securing hybrid power systems. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, innovations like Chong’s will be crucial in shaping a more secure and sustainable future.
