"UW-Platteville Faculty, Student Researchers to Create Microgrid Cybersecurity Testbed"

A team of University of Wisconsin (UW)-Platteville faculty and student researchers seek to contribute solutions to the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. UW-Platteville will soon house a smart microgrid cybersecurity testbed with help from the UW System Ignite Grant Program and several industry partners, including ABB Inc. Microgrids typically serve a specific geographic area, which can range from as small as a single building or campus to as large as a small town. They can run while connected to the traditional power grid or independently, and they can use fossil fuel generators or renewable energy sources like solar power or wind. Modern communication technology is enabling a new generation of smart grids that focus on the overall benefits of load balancing, pricing, consumer integration, and various scenario-automation rather than a simple source-switching control. However, the rise of smart grid technology comes with an increased risk of cyberattacks. Therefore, the team is developing a smart microgrid testbed prototype that will enable research and development of smart microgrid and cybersecurity technologies. Students from over a dozen courses across several programs can work with the testbed, thus presenting rare hands-on experience for undergraduates that will help them develop highly demanded skills. With the help of ABB Inc., an industry leader in smart grid solutions, the smart microgrid project will integrate cutting-edge technologies and industrial products. Local industry partners will also be able to learn from the testbed. This article continues to discuss the microgrid cybersecurity testbed that UW-Platteville researchers will build. 

UW reports "UW-Platteville Faculty, Student Researchers to Create Microgrid Cybersecurity Testbed"