Research Focus

Enhancing Cybersecurity Resilience in Energy Infrastructure

The CESAR Project’s testbed development is a critical component in our mission to create a secure, carbon-neutral power grid. The testbed serves as a comprehensive platform for research, education, and innovation, enabling the simulation, analysis, and improvement of power grid technologies in a controlled, real-world environment. This initiative brings together advanced technologies, expert knowledge, and collaborative efforts from UNC Charlotte, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina State University.

Objectives and Scope

The primary objective of the testbed development is to create an extensible and versatile research and education infrastructure. This infrastructure will support the security and resilience of distributed energy resources (DERs), transmission and distribution systems, and management/aggregator systems. The testbed is designed to facilitate cutting-edge research in cybersecurity, power system management, and renewable energy integration, addressing the evolving challenges of the modern power grid.

Components and Capabilities

  1. Geographically Distributed T&D Systems: The testbed will include geographically distributed transmission and distribution (T&D) systems, allowing researchers to simulate and analyze real-world scenarios. This setup will help in understanding the impact of DERs and other variables on grid stability and security.
  2. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation: HIL simulation is a key feature of the testbed. It integrates real hardware components with virtual simulations, providing a realistic environment for testing and validating new technologies and strategies. This approach enables the assessment of hardware performance, reliability, and security under various operational conditions.
  3. Cybersecurity Analysis and Modeling: The testbed will incorporate advanced cybersecurity tools and methodologies to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities in the power grid. This includes the development of knowledge repositories, automated exploit generation, malware analysis, and security policies. Researchers will focus on creating robust defenses against potential cyber threats.
  4. Data Collection and Ontology Development: An essential part of the testbed is the collection of data on known vulnerabilities, hardware specifications, software versions, and user application scenarios. This data will be used to develop accurate ontology models, which will enhance the understanding of software and vulnerability evolution. The continuous monitoring and analysis of this data will inform ongoing research and development efforts.
  5. Real-Time and Faster-than-Real-Time Simulation: The testbed will support real-time and faster-than-real-time large-scale co-simulation systems. These systems will enable the dynamic reconfiguration of microgrids, the management of energy resources, and the simulation of severe events, such as blackouts and cyber-attacks. This capability is crucial for validating the scalability and effectiveness of proposed solutions.
  6. Integration with Educational Modules: The testbed will be integrated into educational programs to develop and deliver innovative courses on the security of the future power grid. This includes remote hands-on exercises and professional training for current and future workforce, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills to manage and protect the power grid.

Assessment and Sustainability

To ensure the success and sustainability of the testbed, the CESAR Project has established an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) and a formal evaluation process. The IAB, composed of experts from leading utilities, research firms, and organizations, will meet quarterly to review progress and provide critical feedback. Annual workshops will also be held to evaluate the testbed’s development plans, research activities, and overall impact.

Assessment criteria include the efficiency of research activities, the number and diversity of educational modules developed, the impact on workforce training, and the success in securing new research grants and partnerships. The project aims to convert research achievements into deployable practices through technology transfer, patents, and collaborations with industrial partners.

The CESAR Project’s testbed development is poised to transform North Carolina into a leading hub for research and education in cybersecure, carbon-neutral power grid technologies. By combining expertise from multiple institutions and fostering strong industry partnerships, the testbed will drive innovation and support the sustainable development of the energy sector.

  • Threat Detection and Analysis: Our research in threat detection and analysis focuses on developing advanced algorithms and methodologies to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats targeting energy systems. Leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we enhance our ability to identify anomalous behavior patterns indicative of potential cyber attacks. By analyzing large volumes of data from energy infrastructure sensors and network logs, we can swiftly detect and mitigate security breaches, safeguarding critical energy assets from cyber threats.
  • Secure Communication Protocols: In the realm of secure communication protocols, our research aims to design and evaluate robust encryption and authentication mechanisms tailored to the unique requirements of energy systems. We develop cryptographic protocols that ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of data transmitted across energy networks, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and tampering. Through rigorous testing and validation, we ensure that our communication protocols meet the stringent security standards necessary to withstand sophisticated cyber attacks.
  • Vulnerability Assessment and Management: Our research efforts in vulnerability assessment and management involve conducting thorough evaluations of energy infrastructure to identify potential weaknesses and security vulnerabilities. We employ a combination of automated scanning tools, penetration testing techniques, and risk assessment methodologies to assess the security posture of energy systems comprehensively. By prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact, we provide actionable recommendations for remediation and risk mitigation, empowering energy operators to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
  • Resilience of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Our research on the resilience of distributed energy resources (DERs) explores the interplay between cyber threats, grid disturbances, and the operational resilience of DERs. We analyze the susceptibility of DERs to cyber attacks and their impact on grid stability, reliability, and resilience. By developing models and simulation frameworks, we assess the effectiveness of DER control strategies, grid integration techniques, and resilience measures in mitigating the consequences of cyber incidents. Our research findings inform the design of resilient DER systems capable of withstanding cyber threats and contributing to the overall resilience of energy networks.
  • Incident Response and Recovery: In the domain of incident response and recovery, our research focuses on enhancing the preparedness and effectiveness of energy industry stakeholders in responding to cyber incidents. We develop comprehensive incident response plans, protocols, and procedures tailored to the unique challenges of energy cybersecurity. Through tabletop exercises, simulation drills, and training programs, we equip energy operators, emergency responders, and cybersecurity professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to detect, contain, and recover from cyber attacks swiftly. By fostering a culture of resilience and readiness, we minimize the impact of cyber incidents on energy operations and infrastructure, ensuring the continuity and reliability of energy supply.