How Infrastructure Can Become Reborn by Becoming Born Robust

Abstract

Systems Modeling Language (SysML) is a tool for guiding engineers in designing power grid circuits sufficiently robust to withstand known electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). Careful examination of existing data shows that EMPs, and sometimes geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) that accompany EMPs are truly a powerful threat to power grid survival. Systems engineers, employing SysML can isolate power grid failure susceptibilities and areas for necessary power grid design improvements with selected SysML packages defined as enclaves associated with risk. These enclaves can be decomposable into stereotyped components available for risk categorization, building simulation libraries, or follow–on tests. As an example, a stereotype Source, instantiated as a Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter, increasingly important in microgrid renewable energy, is linked to a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) microgrid risk enclave package. Simulation allows evaluation of SysML use cases with EMP Actors. Real world test, construction, and strategic grid readjustment can then segue quickly.