Implementation of a Graph-Based Modelling and Analysis Approach for Network Infrastructures

Integrated electrical and ICT networks form cyber-physical systems, which can be modelled and simulated in a co-simulation to study their behaviour. An existing co-simulation framework is to be extended in this work to provide additional analytical capabilities by analysing a cyber-physical system to identify critical components and assess the vulnerability and resilience of the system. For that, a graph-based representation of network infrastructures and their interdependencies is to be implemented, including physical properties of the network elements as additional attributes of vertices and edges of the graph. Existing approaches to construct automation systems based on electrical networks can be extended. Furthermore, algorithms to calculate hybrid metrics for analysis of the network are to be implemented, taking into account both topological features and domain-specific properties of the networks. A suitable visual representation of the analysis is to be developed and implemented to prepare information in a comprehensible way.

• Critical literature review on state-of-the-art for modelling and analysis of interdependent systems, with a focus on network infrastructures and power systems
• Conceptualization of a graph-based representation of network infrastructures and interdependencies based on required information for modelling and analysis, considering: 
  • Requirements derived from modelling and analysis approaches
  • Interoperability with existing co-simulation framework
  • Visualization of analysis results
• Implementation of the graph-based representation, i.e., data model
• Implementation of suitable metrics for analysis, including:
  • Common topological metrics
  • Topological metrics for multi-domain systems
  • Hybrid metrics, including domain specific characteristics in addition to network topologies
• Implementation of the analysis results visualization
• Definition of a relevant example case
• Modelling of the example system in the implemented representation and test of the implemented algorithms and results visualization

• Knowledge of power systems and automation systems is helpful
• Experience with programming, specifically Python
• Knowledge of pandapower and mosaic is helpful

[1] D. van der Velde, Ö. Sen and I. Hacker, "Towards a Scalable and Flexible Smart Grid Co-Simulation Environment to Investigate Communication Infrastructures for Resilient Distribution Grid Operation," 2021 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies (SEST), Vaasa, Finland, 2021, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/SEST50973.2021.9543387.

[2] J. V. Milanovic und W. Zhu, „Modeling of Interconnected Critical Infrastructure Systems Using Complex Network Theory“, IEEE Trans. Smart Grid, Bd. 9, Nr. 5, S. 4637–4648, Sep. 2018, doi: 10.1109/TSG.2017.2665646.