"Pursuing Greater Resilience Through Nature-Inspired Power Grids"

Researchers are exploring nature to help them build more resilient power grids that can withstand cyberattacks, natural disasters, and other various disturbances. In a paper titled "Bio-Inspired Design of Complex Energy Systems to Achieve Robust, Efficient, and Sustainable Networks," Texas A&M University researchers presented biological ecosystem-inspired models of improved power systems that outperformed traditional security-oriented designs in terms of survivability when confronted with cyber or physical attack scenarios. Their bio-inspired approach improves power system resilience, which is critical given the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and natural disasters. The research could lead to improvements in power network design, power system operation, and even renewable energy placement. Biological ecosystems are complex networks of species that, when disrupted, are extremely resilient. These networks provide guidance for designing resilient human networks. The researchers used their topological and functional characteristics to improve the robustness of power network design, such as in power grids and operation. According to the researchers, the implementation of this type of system could result in fewer power outages due to cyberattacks and other adverse conditions, less reliance on backup measures, and a more secure power supply for critical buildings and tasks. While most conventionally designed human networks are efficiency-focused, the team investigates the redundancy-favoring design, which allows for added protection against potential disturbances by utilizing more than one source of power. This method is preferred by biological ecosystems because it increases resilience while promoting growth and development. In this application, biologically inspired redundancy enables power grids to adapt to the needs of the network. This article continues to discuss the team's exploration of nature to build better power grids that are more resistant to cyberattacks and other disturbances.

Texas A&M University reports "Pursuing Greater Resilience Through Nature-Inspired Power Grids"