State description of cyber-physical energy systems

The integration of ICT into power systems has increased the interdependencies between the two systems. The operation of power system depends on several ICT-enabled grid services which manifest the interdependencies. ENTSO-E system state classification is a tool that is widely used by operators to determine the current operational state of the power system. However, it does not adequately describe the impact of ICT disturbances on the operation of the power system. Despite their interconnections, the operational states of both systems have been described separately so far. This paper bridges the well-established ENTSO-E systems state classification with an ICT system state classification, forming a new model considering the state classification of the ICT-enabled grid services. The model is developed by first identifying the ICT-enabled services, remedial actions and the respective performance requirements that are required by the power system. Then the states of these services are specified based on the supporting ICT system. The resulting joint state description shows how performance degradation of ICT-enabled services (introduced by disturbances) can affect the operation of the interconnected power system. Two case studies of such ICT-enabled services, namely state estimation and on-load tap changer control, are investigated in terms of how their operational states affect the states of the power system. A third case study highlights the interdependencies that exist between the services. These case studies demonstrate the interdependencies that exist between power and ICT systems in modern cyber-physical energy systems, thus highlighting the usage of a unified system state description. © 2020, The Author(s).