article · IEEE Access
Active distribution networks are replacing traditional passive power networks by incorporating bi-directional power flow, distributed energy resources, energy storage, and advanced control systems. These modern grids rely extensively on communication, sensing, and computational layers for monitoring, control, and protection. However, this high reliance on information and communication technologies significantly increases their vulnerability to cyber attacks. While previous security reviews have primarily addressed smart grid threats at the transmission level, active distribution networks face distinct vulnerabilities across their critical operations and operational components. Key hardware and sensing equipment under threat include phasor measurement units, smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure, and protection relays. In addition, integration with emerging drivers such as microgrids, electric vehicles, the Internet of Things, and smart homes introduces specific cyber-physical challenges, which require targeted communication standards, protocols, and industrial solutions.
Power distribution systems are increasingly digitalised and connected to household smart meters, renewable generators, and electric vehicles. Understanding the cyber-physical vulnerabilities of these local distribution networks is essential to prevent cyber attacks from disrupting daily electricity supplies, damaging physical infrastructure, or compromising consumer data across critical energy operations.
The review maps vulnerabilities and existing industry security solutions across grid assets like smart meters, relays, and electric vehicle connections. Grid operators, utility equipment manufacturers, and cybersecurity software developers can use these findings to guide the design of secure communication protocols, sensors, and protective hardware. As an analytical review of recent literature and industrial practices, the work is informative rather than an applied technological product.
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Distribution systems are evolving from traditional passive networks into, what is known as, Active Distribution Networks (ADNs). Unlike traditional distribution networks, ADNs are characterized by bi-directional power flow, the high penetration of DERs, storage capabilities and sophisticated control strategies. Multiple layers of communications, sensing and computation are being integrated into ADNs for monitoring, control and protection of a variety of components and critical operations. This enhanced dependency on information and communication technologies, however, increases the exposure of ADNs to cyber-attacks. Several papers have been published in recent years with a focus on cyber-physical security (CPS) of smart grids. However, the published survey papers primarily emphasize the transmission level of smart grid threats and challenges, with little focus on the ADNs. Given the rapid deployment of ADNs and the increasing cyber threats against power grids and critical infrastructures, we are motivated, in this article, to present a review and survey focused, instead, on the latest research advancements in the area of CPS for ADNs. This paper represents the first survey of timely research in the area of CPS of ADNs with a focus on ADN critical operations and components. The cyber-physical aspects of each critical operation/component are analyzed. In addition, the challenges and requirements of associated communication protocols and standards are presented. Cybersecurity of ADN devices and sensors including Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure and protection relays are discussed in detail. Moreover, a thorough study of ADNs application drivers and enablers including microgrids, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Internet-of-Things (IoT) and smart homes is conducted. Potential and existing solutions by industry are highlighted. Finally, survey outcomes and directions for future work are presented to highlight emerging avenues of research.
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DOI: 10.1109/access.2024.3364362
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