Delayed inputs attack on load frequency control in smart grid

Current smart power grids have open communication infrastructures to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability of supply. However, their open communication architecture makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks with potentially catastrophic consequences. Here for the first time, we propose a time-delay-switch (TDS) attack by introducing time delays in the dynamics of power systems. Such an attack will have devastating consequences on smart grids if no prevention measures are considered in the design of these power systems. We considered how a TDS attack affects the dynamic performance of a power system. To do this, we first formulated a state space model of a smart power grid system under TDS attack using a hybrid systems approach. Second, we prove by analysis and demonstrate by simulation examples how a TDS attack can be used to sabotage and destabilize a smart grid.