Research Projects

The power grids are transforming across the globe with conglomeration of nascent technologies such as ICT (information and communication technologies), IoT (Internet of Things), IIoT (Industrial internet of Things), Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Grid to Vehicle (G2V) applications, presence of ADN with higher presence of grid connected/off-grid rooftop solar PV. The growing presence of IoT devices enhances the grid management and operational capabilities. The prevalence of ICT and IIoT in the power grid infrastructure increases the probability of grid being subjected to cyber thefts and cyber-attacks compromising security and reliability of the power system. Currently, India's power grid infrastructure relies on devices sourced from a range of foreign vendors, which introduces a potential trust deficit due to varying standards and security practices. Recent incidents have shown that even devices lacking direct Wi-Fi/internet connectivity can be breached, leading to severe cyberattacks with far-reaching consequences. This raises serious concerns over the vulnerability of hardware components within the power grid infrastructure, underscoring the importance of securing these critical assets. India has made strides toward establishing a cyber-secure infrastructure, yet the global landscape highlights the persistent and evolving nature of threats against power systems. There has been reported cyber intrusion in the power grids across the globe effecting the grid in varying extent and severity. These incidents emphasize the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures within power grids, especially with higher integration of renewable resources leading to probable reduce in synchronous inertia of the grid. Researchers globally are focused on developing solutions to mitigate these cyber-related risks in power systems. Ensuring resilience against such threats requires an integrated approach that combines robust hardware security with advanced cybersecurity protocols and continuous monitoring. Further, due to integration of large scale roof-top solar PV systems at distribution level a reversal of power flow from distribution systems to transmission system is likely probable. Therefore, methods and framework to study the impact of cyber intrusion in presence of active distribution system is mandated to be performed in an integrated manner by inculcating the behavior of transmission system into account. Thus, in this project, we will be developing a test bed for edge-computing assisted block-chain based cyber resiliency enhancement of integrated transmission and distribution systems. This test bed would be utilized to study the behaviour of integrated transmission and distribution system under the presence of cyber-intrusion. Under this project we would also be developing a novel event detection and smart data storage technique for PMU data that would be tested and validated using the proposed test bed.