Evaluating the Differences Between Direct and Indirect Interdependencies and Their Impact on Reliability in Cyber-Power Networks

With the emergence of smart grids, cyber-power network applications have increased dramatically. A cyber-power system is a type of cyber-physical system where the physical network is the high-voltage power network. In these applications, the cyber network controls, protects and monitors the power system. Without the cyber network and communication system, the efficient and reliable operation of the power network is not possible. Previous studies have subdivided cyber-power dependencies into direct and indirect interdependencies. This paper discusses these two types of interdependencies and compares their impact on power network reliability. The paper also details applications of each interdependency. To better illustrate differences, a numerical case study is presented and results are compared.