Keynote address: Developing a testbed for the smart grid

Changes taking place in one of the largest and most complex cyber-physical systems out there, the Electric Power Grid are posing interesting challenges. Legacy systems utilizing ancient technology are coupled with cutting-edge implementations for the new smart grid. Smart Metering, Smart Sensors like Phasor Measurement Units, Pluggable Hybrids, Renewable Energy Resources, and increasing interaction between the consumers and the suppliers of the electricity are examples of the evolutions that are posing challenges. With the world rapidly progressing towards a smarter grid, those challenges must be overcome and done so in a manner that provides confidence in their deployment. This talk will examine some of the above challenges in this space and how effective solutions that address those challenges are being designed and evaluated through a testbed as part of the DOE/DHS sponsored Trustworthy Cyber Infrastructure for the Power Grid (TCIPG) Center. Material covered will include setting up the testbed, various hardware and software utilized, unique issues presented, experiences, and lessons learned. The talk will conclude by providing some open issues and suggestions for future direction of research.