Smart Grids: A Cyber–Physical Systems Perspective

TLDR

Smart grids are electric networks that use advanced monitoring, control, and communication technologies to deliver reliable, secure energy, improve operational efficiency, and offer flexible options for prosumers, while also representing a complex integration of physical and cyber systems that face many technological challenges. The paper presents an overview of cyber‑physical system challenges in smart grids, outlines potential contributions of cyber‑physical systems, and discusses implications of current technological advances. The authors outline how cyber‑physical systems can contribute to smart grids and identify the challenges that smart grids pose to these systems.

Abstract

Smart grids are electric networks that employ advanced monitoring, control, and communication technologies to deliver reliable and secure energy supply, enhance operation efficiency for generators and distributors, and provide flexible choices for prosumers. Smart grids are a combination of complex physical network systems and cyber systems that face many technological challenges. In this paper, we will first present an overview of these challenges in the context of cyber-physical systems. We will then outline potential contributions that cyber-physical systems can make to smart grids, as well as the challenges that smart grids present to cyber-physical systems. Finally, implications of current technological advances to smart grids are outlined.