Interdependencies and reliability in the combined ICT and power system: An overview of current research

Abstract

The smart grid vision implies extensive use of ICT in the power system, enabling increased flexibility and functionality and thereby meeting future demands and strategic goals. Consequently, power system reliability will increasingly depend on ICT components and systems. While adding functionality, ICT systems also contribute to failures, such as hidden failures in protection systems, as has been exemplified by recent power outages. It also brings new threats, such as that of cyber-attacks. To ensure effective power system reliability, the interdependencies between power and ICT systems need to be properly understood. This paper provides an overview of main interdependency categories, as well as methods that can be used to identify and study interdependencies. Based on a study of recent papers in major archival journals, we conclude that appropriate methods for identification of interdependencies between power and ICT systems seem to be lacking. In addition, current methods seem unable to both cover the power system at large, and at the same time take into account the full array of intentional and accidental threats. Based on these findings, we make recommendations for future research in this field.