Using a Distributed Agent-Based Communication Enabled Special Protection System to Enhance Smart Grid Security

Future smart grid capabilities promise to leverage network technologies to revolutionize the production, transmission, distribution, and consumption of electrical power. This smart grid revolution is more than just smart meters. Improvements in situational awareness are also likely to enhance security and reliability in power transmission systems. However, reliance on Internet-like communication networks also exposes vulnerabilities to increased risk from cyber-attack and other forms of Byzantine (i.e., anomalous) behavior. This article advocates the use of an agent-based decentralized protection system using peer-to-peer communications, reputation-based trust and a data retransmission scheme to combat malicious attacks and other Byzantine failures. The research presented used the electric power and communication synchronizing simulator (EPOCHS) federated simulation platform to demonstrate the added robustness provided to a special protection system in the face of an adversary by successfully defending against malicious attacks. Simulation results show promise for this approach.