In this work, we introduce Log(v) 3LPF, a linear power flow solver for unbalanced three-phase distribution systems. Log(v) 3LPF uses a logarithmic transform of the voltage phasor to linearize the AC power flow equations around the balanced case. We incorporate the modeling of ZIP loads, transformers, capacitor banks, switches and their corresponding controls and express the network equations in matrix-vector form. With scalability in mind, special attention is given to the computation of the inverse of the system admittance matrix, Ybus. We use the Sherman-Morrison-Woodbury identity for an efficient computation of the inverse of a rank-k corrected matrix and compare the performance of this method with traditional LU decomposition methods in terms of FLOPS. We showcase the solver for a variety of network sizes, ranging from tens to thousands of nodes, and compare the Log(v) 3LPF with commercial-grade software, such as OpenDSS.

In recent times, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) has gained significant attention for its potential application in the energy sector. Utilizing blockchain and DLT has demonstrated the ability to enhance the resilience of the electric infrastructure, which will support a more flexible infrastructure and advance grid modernization. However, the deployment of these technologies increases the overall attack surface. The MITRE ATT&CK® matrices have been developed to document an adversary’s tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. The MITRE ATT&CK® matrices provide a common taxonomy for offense and defense and have become a valuable conceptual tool across multiple cybersecurity disciplines for conveying threat intelligence, performing testing through red teaming or adversary emulation, and enhancing network and system defenses against intrusions. The MITRE ATT&CK® for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) matrix was created to provide knowledge about adversary behavior in the ICS technology domain. This study analyzes the relevance of various tactics and techniques across a seven-layer DLT engineering and cybersecurity stack, known as the DLT stack, designed by the Cybersecurity Taskforce under IEEE P2418.5 - Standard for Blockchain in Energy working group sponsored by Power and Energy Systems - Smart Buildings, Loads and Customer Systems (PES/SBLC) Technical Committee. Additionally, this paper identifies specific mitigation strategies tailored to the energy ICS environment.

This work establishes and validates a Grid Graph Signal Processing (G-GSP) framework for estimating the state vector of a radial distribution feeder. One of the key insights from GSP is the generalization of Shannon's sampling theorem for signals defined over the irregular support of a graph, such as the power grid. Using a GSP interpretation of Ohm's law, we show that the system state can be well approximated with relatively few components that correspond to low-pass Graph Fourier Transform (GFT) frequencies. The target application of this theory is the formulation of a three-phase unbalanced Distribution System State Estimation (DSSE) formulation that recovers the GFT approximation of the system state vector from sparse Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) measurements. To ensure convergence of G-GSP for DSSE, the proposed solution relies on a convex relaxation technique. Furthermore, we propose an optimal sensor placement algorithm for AMI measurements. Numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.

Smart contracts (SCs) are a set of logical procedures that can be run by individual peers participating within a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) network. By design, smart contracts inherit many of the benefits of DLT, including its immutability, scalability and security properties. Nevertheless, they may introduce additional attack vectors, which can lead to cybersecurity explorations that could jeopardize the endapplication's ability to operate as intended or result in data leaks, and privacy violations. In this work an exploration of known problems, and possible attack scenarios will be presented. This is followed by a set of proposed best practices that are intended to assist developers, researchers and other relevant stakeholders to develop secure SC implementations.

The modern power systems are evolving in parallel to the development of other technological trends such as decarbonization and digitalization. While the penetration of renewable energy resources is increasing within the national and regional energy mix, emerging digitalization technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology are shaping modern power systems. Especially blockchain technology has a very high potential to disrupt the current and future energy sector landscape by enabling various use cases in this domain. This paper aims to prioritize different energy use cases where blockchain technology can actively be utilized to create additional value. This study proposes a Type-2 Neutrosophic Number (T2NN) based Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) to evaluate and rank a set of existing use cases of an energy blockchain system. Testing and validation of the model is done through a comparison against one alternative T2NN based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model and an existing approach from literature. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is performed, revealing that changing criteria weightings do not affect the ranking order of the use cases of the energy blockchain system. Prioritizing the use cases can assist the companies, standardization bodies, and related government authorities to make better decisions for their operations, such as ranking the investment decisions.

Integration of distributed energy resources (DES), especially renewable energy and storage resources, into the electrical power grid has introduced new challenges such as bidirectional power flow, distributed energy markets, trust between participants, etc. As a result, it is needed to share and trade energy among participants in a trusted environment for distributed markets, either as individuals or aggregators, by negotiating based on demand, price, time of day or others. Transactive Energy Systems (TESs) provide a unique environment to engage end participants and non-traditional resources to address the grid challenges, while Blockchains provide a unique technology to address the trust problem through the use of a distributed ledger, cryptocurrencies, and the execution of smart contracts. This study explores the automation features - commonly referred to as smart contracts - of blockchain technology. This paper also aims to reflect the international industrial, academic and entrepreneurial perspectives.

Modern power systems are evolving towards decarbonization and digitalization phases leading to Transactive Energy Systems (TES). Application of technology like Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to develop a TES is not an unheard topic of research. The joint operation of TES and DLT is providing various new opportunities and business models where smart contracts can play an enabler role to amalgamate interconnected systems like power systems and digital infrastructure and services. Furthermore, the current global environmental and political climate accentuates the need for clean energy sources combined with the need for deregulation, decentralization, decarbonization, digitalization, and democratization in the energy ecosystem. This work aims to demystify the potential of smart contracts as an enabler technology for the Digital Green Transition of the energy industry from a TES perspective. The work also explores how smart contracts can be used in various TES use cases. Furthermore, some insight into how policy, legal, and legislative requirements can impact the use of a smart contract for future energy grid is also provided.

Digitization in the power industry enables wide connectivity among multiple new entrants such as DERs, prosumers, and P2P counterparts within or outside the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The use of DLT to improve resilience in the power grid has growing support, but new technology provides new opportunities for adversaries to cause harm. This work completed by the Cybersecurity focused task force of IEEE SA P2418.5 evaluates the potential risks by applying the MITRE ATT&CK ICS matrix to the DLT Engineering and Cybersecurity Stack designed for power systems applications.

Fast-acting smart inverters that utilize preset operating conditions to determine real and reactive power injection/consumption can create voltage instabilities (over-voltage, voltage oscillations and more) in an electrical distribution network if set-points are not properly configured. In this work, linear distribution power flow equations and droop-based Volt-Var and Volt-Watt control curves are used to analytically derive a stability criterion using \lyapnouv analysis that includes the network operating condition. The methodology is generally applicable for control curves that can be represented as Lipschitz functions. The derived Lipschitz constants account for smart inverter hardware limitations for reactive power generation. A local policy is derived from the stability criterion that allows inverters to adapt their control curves by monitoring only local voltage, thus avoiding centralized control or information sharing with other inverters. The criterion is independent of the internal time-delays of smart inverters. Simulation results for inverters with and without the proposed stabilization technique demonstrate how smart inverters can mitigate voltage oscillations locally and mitigate real and reactive power flow disturbances at the substation under multiple scenarios. The study concludes with illustrations of how the control policy can dampen oscillations caused by solar intermittency and cyber-attacks.

This applied research paper introduces a novel framework for integrating hardware security and blockchain functionality with grid-edge devices to establish a distributed cyber-security mechanism that verifies the provenance of messages to and from the devices. Expanding the idea of Two Factor Authentication and Hardware Root of Trust, this work describes the development of a Cryptographic Trust Center(TM) (CTC(TM)) chip integrated into grid-edge devices to create uniform cryptographic key management. Product managers, energy system designers, and security architects can utilize this modular framework as a unified approach to manage distributed devices of various vendors, vintages, and sizes. Results demonstrate the application of CTC(TM) to a blockchain-based Transactive Energy (TE) platform for provisioning of cryptographic keys and improved uniformity of the operational network and data management. This process of configuring, installing, and maintaining keys is described as Eco-Secure Provisioning(TM) (ESP(TM)). Laboratory test results show the approach can resolve several cyber-security gaps in common blockchain frameworks such as Hyperledger Fabric.

Author(s): Peisert, Sean; Arnold, Daniel; Roberts, Ciaran; Ngo, Sy-Toan; Sankur, Michael; Scaglione, Anne; Losada Carreno, Ignacio; Saha, Shammya; Kocheturov, Anton; Fradkin, Dmitriy; Pinney, David; Mahoney, Ryan; Slaughter, Lisa

This work proposes a framework to generate synthetic distribution feeders mapped to real geo-spatial topologies using available OpenStreetMap data. The synthetic power networks can facilitate power systems research and development by providing thousands of realistic use cases. The location of substations is taken from recent efforts to develop synthetic transmission test cases, with underlying real and reactive power in the distribution network assigned using population information gathered from United States 2010 Census block data. The methods illustrate how to create individual synthetic distribution feeders, and groups of feeders across entire ZIP Code, with minimal input data for any location in the United States. The framework also has the capability to output data in OpenDSS format to allow further simulation and analysis.

Adjustable speed drives are widely used in industrial facilities and power plants to power single-phase and three-phase induction motors. The behavior of ASDs and motor assemblies has been explored at the component level but little investigation has been completed of transient behaviors of ASDs. Point-on-wave analysis is used here to evaluate motor drive behavior with respect to single-phase to ground and three-phase to ground faults external to the power plant with simulations completed in MATLAB Simulink. Results provide motor speed, positive sequence terminal voltage and real power, DC bus voltage, instantaneous real and reactive power, terminal current, and other metrics for comparison under various fault conditions. Findings indicate that power consumption stays constant at a value lower than the steady state value for a single-phase fault that occurs below a threshold voltage of 85%. For a three-phase fault, the ASD works as a constant power load above a specific threshold terminal voltage of 86%. Below that value, however, the power drops to zero but not linearly as assumed in the dynamic model of an ASD. Results also show that the positive sequence real power absorption profile differs between a single-phase and three-phase fault for the same amount of voltage dip which dictates the importance of including the fault type while deriving a positive sequence model of the drive for dynamic simulation.

Centralized electric grids provide power to much of the world's population, yet cost and technical constraints prevent grid extension to 1.2 billion people living without power today. Off-grid and micro-grid power systems are solutions to electrifying remote areas of developing countries. Generally, these systems include a mix of renewables, storage, conventional generation, and demand response or metering, with a wide variety of controllers needed to address the many possible power system configurations and component specifications. Existing low-cost technologies have limited interoperability and flexibility to span the problem space. This paper seeks to address this need and describes the motivation, requirements, specifications, prototyping, and early testing of a Universal Charge Controller (UCC) that integrates with various sources, loads, and storage. The UCC meets load requirements for a household or other small building up to 500W peak load capacity. Power source connections include solar photovoltaics (18-24VDC), battery storage (12-24VDC), an AC micro-grid (110/220VAC), or a DC micro-grid (50-70VDC). This flexibility, combined with intelligent controls, permits the UCC to serve as the keystone in connecting various energy architectures as a community develops over time. The UCC can charge a 12V or 24V Lead Acid or Lithium-Ion battery from one or more sources (current controlled or voltage controlled). Storage charging efficiency is improved with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) during the conversion of solar power. The accuracy of the design parameters was analyzed by testing different use cases on a commercial development board with results used to refine specifications and schematics of the UCC prototype. Technical specifications and design documentation are in development through an open source partnership with IEEE Smart Village to promote widespread adoption.

The fossil fuel is decreasing rapidly and excessive use of such fuels is also hazardous for the environment. Hence, renewable energy usage is the inevitable alternative to meet up electricity demand for the developing country like Bangladesh. Although solar technology has nearly been successful in rural areas where most of the technologies are adopted based on Solar Home System(SHS), it has not yet been effective in urban areas after the imposed rule of installing solar system to get new electricity connection from power utility for various reasons. In this paper, the investigation result of the installed solar system in an area in Dhaka is presented. The overall problems regarding the connection of the system components are analyzed. Efficiency calculation for the active solar home systems is provided through cost comparison analysis by HOMER software. Some proposals are provided which can be implemented to make the concept of solar home system popular in urban ares of Bangladesh to decrease the pressure on our national grid.

Electricity is the base of development of a country and the need of electricity is increasing every moment. Developing countries like Bangladesh are facing severe energy crisis. Most of the power generation in Bangladesh is based on natural gas and fossil fuel which makes it hard to meet the increasing demand. As a tropical country, Bangladesh is blessed with renewable energy resources all over the country and it is high time to utilize these resources to generate electricity. So a hybrid power system utilizing renewable energy resources can be a partial solution to the energy crisis. Having a large coastal area containing tidal, wind and solar resources, a hybrid system, utilizing all these resources can be a better option to solve energy crisis in coastal area of Bangladesh. This paper proposes a detail design and cost analysis of a hybrid power system utilizing solar, wind and tidal resources with a diesel generator backup and using the pricing of the available batteries and Solar Panels in the Sandwip island of Bangladesh.