A Digital Grid Security Architecture Based on Quantum Key Interaction and Web Engineering for Distributed Energy Systems

Abstract

The modernization of distributed energy systems introduces complex cyber-security challenges as grid infrastructures become increasingly digitized, decentralized, and web-connected. This paper presents a novel security architecture that integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) with semantic web technologies to provide end-to-end secure, scalable, and adaptive protection for distributed energy resource (DER) networks. The proposed framework features a modular system design, incorporating BB84-based QKD protocols for quantum-resilient key generation, a metadata-driven policy layer using OWL ontologies and SWRL reasoning, and a web interface for operator access and real-time monitoring. Extensive performance evaluation in a simulated multi-domain microgrid environment demonstrates that the system achieves an average key generation rate of 2.3 kbps with quantum bit error rate (QBER) maintained below 5.2% across 40 km optical links. Session establishment latency averaged 435 ms, 29.8% lower than a traditional TLS/PKI baseline, while semantic access validation achieved 100% accuracy in 42 adversarial test cases. These cases were evaluated using automated semantic validation scripts simulating spoofed roles, malformed sessions, and unauthorized requests. The system sustained encrypted throughput of 110 messages per second per node and maintained service continuity under quantum noise and cross-domain attack simulations. Usability trials with six engineers yielded a system usability scale (SUS) score of 88.3, and the average DER onboarding time was reduced from 10.1 to 5.5 minutes. These findings affirm that QKD-enhanced, semantically governed web architectures can provide strong cryptographic guarantees while supporting dynamic policy enforcement and intuitive user workflows. The proposed solution demonstrates a viable path for deploying future-proof security mechanisms in next-generation smart grid environments.