The energy sector currently faces a number of challenges, such as the ability to ensure a reliable energy supply in a distributed generation environment as well as cyber threats, among others. Both of the aforementioned problems are related to the ability to observe the system, predict events and respond appropriately to incidents. Recent blackouts in the Balkans and Ecuador highlight how fragile our confidence in the stability of power grids can be. Variable weather conditions led to cascading system failures affecting up to 17 million people. Such incidents could have been prevented with advanced IEC 61850 technologies that use precise time synchronisation and reliable data transmission - i.e. key solutions for real-time system monitoring and energy infrastructure management.
Current threats in the energy sector
Current threats in the energy sector are increasingly diverse and complex. With an increasing number of cyber attacks and natural disasters, securing infrastructure is becoming a priority. Below we will discuss the two main types of threats: system failures and cyber attacks.
• Cascading and complex system failures
Power system failures can result from a number of factors, of which we may or may not be aware at the time and even after the failure. These include environmental impacts, technical problems, human error or natural disasters. However, there is another very important factor that will increasingly worsen system availability under conditions of distributed and dynamic RES generation and increasingly frequent reverse-flow situations. It is related to the capacity to assess the state of the infrastructure and the system in real or quasi-real time, as well as the limited capacity for complex post-failure analysis on the data we have in databases and logs and to learn from events that have occurred. This state of affairs will lead to an increased number of area wide (cascading) failures in a fairly short period of time. The way in which we can prevent this is closely related to the monitoring capabilities of the system for its digitisation automation, based on the set of solutions described in IEC68150. Solutions such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), Sampled Values (SVs) combined with precise time synchronisation and modern IT tools support existing solutions in decision-making as well as enabling post-emergency staff learning and system performance improvement. The improvement can be realised through a system reorganisation or an investment process. However, it is important that both processes take place in a conscious manner and in the most appropriate places.
• Cyber attacks
The resilience of the energy infrastructure in its current state appears to be an increasing challenge. Again, the not so numerous attacks on energy infrastructure were not indicative of its security, but rather of a lack of interest, cyber criminals concentrating on areas of the financial or political world. The situation has changed with the geopolitical change and the rise of war threats. The resilience of the State's structures to impacts is primarily the resilience of the information and notification bloodstream, and consequently the energy one, without which there would be information paralysis. Accordingly, cybercriminals are increasingly attacking energy infrastructures, testing their vulnerabilities or installing tools at ‘X’ hour, which can already lead to serious disruptions in energy supply. Such incidents can have catastrophic consequences for both network operators and consumers. It is therefore necessary, already now, to think about infrastructure in a special way, which is being done in a certain way. There are, however, two challenges. The first related to the solutions already built and the security mechanisms in place. The second with the previously mentioned challenges of migrating to new technologies, which require precise time synchronisation, low-latency broadcasting and, at the same time, a higher level of security than is currently the case. Therefore, effective security against cyber attacks requires advanced technology solutions, which BitStream offers in its products.
BitStream technologies
The technologies implemented in BitStream's solutions play a key role in ensuring the reliability and security of energy systems. Our advanced time synchronisation and data transmission solutions are designed to meet the challenges of today's energy infrastructure.
• Time synchronisation
BitStream's time synchronisation solutions offer accurate and secure time synchronisation at substations and in the field and comply with IEC 61850 standards, which is crucial for interoperability in distributed power networks.
We offer, all required synchronisation profiles standardised in the power industry, which have been tested with a variety of process and substation bus equipment for interoperability. Patented mutual protection mechanisms for time sources allow us to create reliable synchronisation architectures even under GNSS signal interference conditions.
We have a complete solution of precision time sources and its distribution realised by BITSTREAM (one manufacturer).
Thanks to innovative solutions and the combination of an industrial network switch with a time source compliant with IEC 61850 standards, the EAZ systems supported by our equipment make it possible to build transparent, easy-to-maintain and secure time synchronisation and distribution architectures integrated with communication functions.
• Data transmission
Secure and reliable data transmission that offers the required quality parameters is essential for monitoring, securing and managing energy infrastructures. BitStream offers advanced telecommunications solutions that provide reliable, secure transmission of digital, protection, control and synchronisation signals within the modern automated substation and non-station critical infrastructure. These technologies offer increased resilience to reconfiguration and cyber attacks while maintaining IEC61850 technology parameters. The secure transport of precise time synchronisation and zero packet loss technologies in the event of network reconfiguration make the solutions ready for current and future technologies.
Benefits for the energy sector
The use of BitStream technology brings numerous benefits to the energy sector, including increased reliability, reduced risk of outages and improved resilience to disruption and cyber attacks. We outline these benefits in more detail below:
• Increased network reliability
Precise time synchronisation and secure data transmission minimise the risk of outages, which increases the reliability of the power grid. BitStream's solutions allow the implementation of modern IEC61850 technologies and therefore real-time network state estimation, detection and response to disturbances, reducing the risk of widespread failures and long-term outages.
• Increased network observability
With BitStream's solutions, it becomes possible to quickly detect and respond to disruptions. This makes it possible to avoid prolonged outages, which is key to maintaining the continuity of energy supply. Precise time synchronisation and fast transmission under critical conditions is the basis for the operation of modern network state estimation technologies. Under conditions of distributed generation and bi-directional flows, the implementation of IEC61850 solutions is becoming an essential factor for the continued operation of the grid. With BitStream's solutions, network operators can manage the energy infrastructure more effectively and minimise the risk of failure.
• Resistance to disruption and cyber attacks
The security of data transmission systems protects against attacks by cyber criminals, while advanced time synchronisation technologies increase network stability and enable the deployment of modern technologies. This makes the energy infrastructure more resilient to disruptions and attacks, which is key to ensuring energy security.
Fot. Bitstream
PRP/HSR lossless transmission technologies and precise time synchronisation
Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) and High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) transmission technologies and precise time synchronisation play a key role in the security of the energy sector. PRP and HSR ensure that data is transmitted without interruption, even if one of the transmission channels fails, which is essential for continuity of operations in modern critical infrastructure systems. Precise time synchronisation, implemented through protocols such as IEEE 1588v2 (Precision Time Protocol) in appropriate profiles, enables accurate coordination of operations in distributed networks, which is crucial for maintaining the stability and reliability of energy supply.
Dedicated devices for the power industry
BitStream offers a wide range of devices designed for the energy sector that meet stringent reliability and security requirements. Below are some of the most important products dedicated to this industry.
Industrial 10Gbit/s Ethernet switch and multifunctional hardware platform in a modular system features 8 slots dedicated to mounting advanced modules including:
- multi-system, multi-frequency Global Navigation Synchronisation Systems (GNSS) precision timing modules,
- redundant modules (REDBOX) and protection mechanisms with zero packet loss PRP/HSR,
- routing and firewall modules with low latency for L3 layer and zero packet loss,
- MACSEC AES 256bit security modules with precise time synchronisation transfer,
-SFP/UTP transmission modules with advanced diagnostics and protection mechanisms,
- serial data transmission modules
- other specialised IEC61850 modules.
The solution is dedicated to building a high-performance station bus with precise time synchronisation for IEC61850 technology.
Precision GNSS time server and time synchronisation and transmission quality monitoring probe for critical infrastructure. Quazar-700 enables monitoring of time and frequency synchronisation status, delay in the station network, allowing stable and efficient network operation for IEC61850-defined conditions.
Industrial L2+ managed switch with 4x 10/2.5/1G and 8/16/24/32 10M/100M/1G RJ45 PoE÷High PoE ports or 100/1000M SFP slots. The switch is a high-performance, multi-port 10Gbit/s modern IEC61850 process bus switch in a 1U, 19’ configuration.
Managed industrial Ethernet switch with PTPv2 time synchronisation server function and with 4x 1/2.5/10 Gbps and 8/16x 10M/100M/1G RJ45 PoE÷High PoE IEEE802.3bt or 8/16x 100M/1G SFP interfaces. The switch is a high-performance, multi-port 10Gbit/s modern IEC61850 process bus switch in DIN rail configuration.
Industrial 10-port managed Ethernet switch equipped with 2x 100M/1000M/2.5G FO SFP and 6x 100M/1000M FO SFP or 8/2x 10M/100M/1G RJ45 PoE÷PoE+, additional control and measurement interfaces.
Industrial time server with GNSS module equipped with 4-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet switch and optional 8x 10M/100M/1G RJ45 or 8x 100M/1G SFP interfaces.
Fibre-optic multiplexer of eight I/O interfaces and an RS-232/RS-485/422 interface. Transparent data stream transmission combining information from I/O and RS232/422/485 ports, creates a flexible spectrum of potential applications where the shortest possible delay time is important.
Summary
The technologies offered by BitStream play a key role in migrating to IEC 61850 and enhancing the security of the energy sector. With increasing demands on system observability and threats such as cyber attacks, investing in advanced time synchronisation and data transmission solutions with enhanced security qualities is essential to ensure the continuity of energy supply and the protection of critical infrastructure. With BitStream's innovative products, the energy sector can effectively address the challenges of the modern age and ensure a secure and reliable energy supply.
Magdalena Oleszko
BitStream Marketing Specialist
www.bitstream.pl
