Secure Overlay Communication Model for Decentralized Power Grid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power grid architectures are centralized and vulnerable to attacks, lacking resilience and efficiency in power distribution and management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secure overlay communication model (SOCOM) for decentralized control architectures and bus controllers, utilizing TCP/IP communication infrastructures to create a logically decentralized network for efficient operation and self-healing within power grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized control architecture is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but security against attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control architecture into multiple decentralized control nodes distributed across the power grid. Each node operates independently with local decision-making capabilities, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized systems. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even when individual nodes are compromised, directly addressing the security vulnerability of centralized architectures.
2Reliability
If decentralized control architecture is implemented, then security and resiliency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol and standardized control interface that enables diverse decentralized nodes to interact through common rules. This multi-functionality allows the same communication framework to handle various control tasks, data exchanges, and coordination functions across different grid components, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from heterogeneous node implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network layer as an intermediary that facilitates coordinated control among decentralized nodes without requiring direct complex point-to-point connections. This mediator layer manages data routing, synchronization, and coordination protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the benefits of decentralized control for security and resiliency.
3Reliability
If overlay communication model is added, then security and decentralization are improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay communication model is designed to operate on top of existing TCP/IP network infrastructure, making the communication system multi-functional by supporting both traditional utility control and decentralized peer-to-peer communication using the same physical network resources. This approach avoids duplicating communication infrastructure while enabling secure decentralized operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized nodes autonomously establish and manage their own communication connections and security credentials without requiring dedicated infrastructure provisioning. Each node self-configures its communication parameters and cryptographic identities, eliminating the need for extensive manual infrastructure deployment and reducing overall system costs while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for autonomous control in power systems is disclosed. In particular, a secure overlay communication model (“SOCOM”) is disclosed, the system including a combination of hardware and software for detecting power grid states, and determining appropriate actions for addressing detected states. The SOCOM is a logic-based system deployed onto computing devices such as field programmable gate arrays installed at bus controllers, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (“SCADAs”), Intelligent Electronic Devices (“IEDs”), or other computing devices in power grid stations and substations. The logic-based nature of the SOCOM allows for seamless integration with preexisting power system equipment. In response to detecting various power grid faults such as line failures and over-current states, the system automatically rearranges power line configurations at the power stations and/or substations. The SOCOM further provides improvements relating to optimal power flow, cost-based power distribution, load management, voltage/volt-amp reactance (“VAR”) optimization, and self-healing.