Abstract
The purpose of smart grid architecture as compared to the conventional grid is to ensure more stability, reliability and bi-directional communication between the utility and the consumer. The deployment of the same has succeeded in improving the efficiency of the distribution systems and effective co-ordination and interoperability among the different components of the grid. Smart inverters play a major role in seamless grid integration, control and conversion of power when the renewable energy sources are present. However, they come with several security challenges as well, which are of considerable concern. Certain cyber threats include physical and cyber attacks, natural phenomena which in turn can lead to grid failure, blackouts, commercial energy losses, privacy and safety issues, etc. Therefore, there is a need for critical examination of all these issues which must be considered for designing cyber secure smart inverters at the distribution level. In this comprehensive review, keeping the technological perspective in mind, the existing gaps and the necessity for the same are highlighted. The various topologies, IEEE protocols and the control strategy are presented in detail. This will enable prospective researchers to address the design issues of smart inverters with greater focus on security and reliability aspects.
Highlights
Smart grids are a revolutionary step toward a reliable, efficient and secure means of power transfer and delivery to the consumers
Cyber threats pose a major hurdle to the operation and maintenance of smart grid; Sensors that form the most important interface in the cyber-physical systems in the smart grid are most susceptible to false data injection that can once again compromise the smart grid; Co-ordination and control of different components of a smart grid along with detection, analysis and mitigation of the cyber threats continue to occupy primary research space; Newer technologies such as block chain and Internet of things (IoT) are increasingly being adopted for greater grid resilience and more reliable performance
Since the smart inverter constitutes the most significant aspect of power conversion, control and regulation and acts as the interface between the utility and consumer, the vulnerabilities of the same when subjected to cyber attacks are highlighted in detail
Summary
Smart grids are a revolutionary step toward a reliable, efficient and secure means of power transfer and delivery to the consumers. Smart grid architecture relies heavily on digital information and controls and incorporates dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources. It encourages the use of distributed resources and generation which includes renewable. Keeping consistent with the concept, smart technologies (for the purpose of grid optimization, metering, communications as well as distributed automation) and smart appliances are integrated in the grid architecture. Microgrids are an important subset of smart grids. While the former is confined to a smaller scale and operates independent of the larger utility grid, the latter operates at a larger utility level. Microgrids are community based whereas smart grids are designed for the entire power system (from the generation to distribution stages).
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