Secure and resilient integration of wind energy in smart grids

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Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and wind energy are among the features that have shaped the vision of a Smart Grid (SG). The proposed program is driven by a concerning gap created by (i) the rapid integration of wind energy into SGs, (ii) extensive cyber connections between wind units and SGs, and (iii) the proliferation of cyber-attacks against SGs. To fill this gap and to securely integrate wind energy into SG major domains (i.e., transmission grids, Smart Distribution Grids (SDGs), and Microgrids (MGs)), three short-term research objectives are considered in this program. 1- Securing large-scale Wind Farms (WFs) in transmission grids: Through various incidents, it is confirmed that WFs, if not controlled or managed properly, can destabilize transmission grids and cause blackouts. Moreover, the first known cyber-attack against WFs was reported in 2019. On this basis and due to the extensive use of ICTs required for their operation, large-scale WFs are attractive targets for adversaries. Additionally, various turbine technologies and instability conditions challenge WF and grid operators to use generic security solutions. Thus, this program aims to develop new security assessment and improvement techniques for large-scale WFs. 2- Securing Wind-Based Distributed Energy Resources (WBDERs) in SDGs: The efficient and reliable delivery of energy in SDGs requires an extensive transfer of data between WBDERs and grid operators. The integrity of an SDG and its subsystems, e.g., Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), as well as the upstream HV grid can be affected by cyber-attacks on WBDERs. Moreover, the increasing penetration of wind units and the use of insecure public communication systems, among others, highlight the imperative need for analyzing the security of WBDERs in SDGs and providing effective solutions for their safe operation. 3- Securing wind-integrated MGs: MGs provide an efficient and effective tool for the integration of renewable energy resources, e.g., WBDERs, into the grid. In contrast to distribution and transmission grids, MGs have relatively low inertia. Consequently, they require communication-assisted schemes for the control and protection of their WBDERs. The use of such cyber infrastructure makes MGs-particularly in autonomous operation mode-prone to cyber-attacks. As a result, this program aims to develop effective solutions to securely and resiliently operate wind-integrated MGs. This program is among the earliest efforts to explore the security and resiliency of wind-integrated SGs. Its envisioned outputs will have a positive impact on wind energy and power system sectors by (i) providing them with tools, solutions, and technologies against cyber-attacks and (ii) training highly qualified personnel. This program will also help Canada-as one of the ten countries with the largest installations of wind turbines-by reducing the number of cyber-attack-related blackouts and by providing a secure energy infrastructure.