A Multigraph Modeling Approach to Enable Ecological Network Analysis of Cyber Physical Power Networks

Abstract

The design of resilient power grids is a critical engineering challenge for the smooth functioning of society. Bioinspired design, using a framework called the Ecological Network Analysis (ENA), is a promising solution for improving the resilience of power grids. However, the existing ENA framework can only account or for one type of flow in a network. Thus, the previous applications of ENA in power grid design were limited to the design and evaluation of the power flows only and could not account for the monitoring and control systems and their interactions that are critical to the operation of energy infrastructure. The present work addresses this limitation by proposing a multigraph modeling approach and modified ENA metrics that enable evaluation of the network organization and comparison to biological ecosystems for design inspiration. This work also compares the modeling features of the proposed model and the conventional graphical model of Cyber Physical Power Networks found in the literature to understand the implications of the different modeling approaches.