Cybersecurity of Networked Microgrids: Challenges Potential Solutions and Future Directions

Technical Report · Tue Dec 22 04:00:00 EST 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1738879· OSTI ID:1738879

Hossain-McKenzie, Shamina ^[1]; Reno, Matthew J. ^[1]; Bent, Russell ^[1]; Chavez, Adrian R. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Networked microgrids are clusters of geographically-close, islanded microgrids that can function as a single, aggregate island. This flexibility enables customer-level resilience and reliability improvements during extreme event outages and also reduces utility costs during normal grid operations. To achieve this cohesive operation, microgrid controllers and external connections (including advanced communication protocols, protocol translators, and/or internet connection) are needed. However, these advancements also increase the vulnerability landscape of networked microgrids, and significant consequences could arise during networked operation, increasing cascading impact. To address these issues, this report seeks to understand the unique components, functions, and communications within networked microgrids and what cybersecurity solutions can be implemented and what solutions need to be developed. A literature review of microgrid cybersecurity research is provided and a gap analysis of what is additionally needed for securing networked microgrids is performed. Relevant cyber hygiene and best practices to implement are provided, as well as ideas on how cybersecurity can be integrated into networked microgrid design. Lastly, future directions of networked microgrid cybersecurity R&D are provided to inform next steps.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Electricity (OE); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525; 89233218CNA000001
• OSTI ID: 1738879
• Report Number(s): SAND--2020-13723; 692990
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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