cyber-physical energy systems

Zaint A. Alexakis

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Zaint Alexakis’ research focuses on cybersecurity and resilience of cyber-physical energy systems, renewable energy integration, power system real-time simulation and modeling, and power system stability and control.

Load-Altering Attacks Against Power Grids under Low-Inertia Conditions

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Load-Altering Attacks Against Power Grids under COVID-19 Low-Inertia Conditions: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our society by forcing shutdowns and shifting the way people interacted worldwide. In relation to the impacts on the electric grid, it created a significant decrease in energy demands across the globe. Recent studies have shown that the low demand conditions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns combined with large renewable generation have resulted in extremely low-inertia grid conditions. In our work, in collaboration with Subhash Lakshminarayana, University of Warwick, UK, and Juan

Mitigation of Cyberattacks through Battery Storage for Stable Microgrid Operation

1 min read ·
Mitigation of Cyberattacks through Battery Storage for Stable Microgrid Operation: Power grids are undergoing radical changes to meet energy demands, comply with environmental regulations, and improve the quality of service and system resilience. The inclusion of information and communication technologies and embedded devices enables the remote coordination, and control of microgrids (MG) and has transformed traditional power systems into cyber-physical systems. The security of MG-enabled power systems should not be overlooked given the plethora of cyberattacks against this pillar of critical

An Effective Security Scheme for Attacks on Sample Value Messages in IEC 61850 Automated Substations

1 min read ·
The trend of transforming substations into smart automated facilities has led to their swift digitalization and automation. To facilitate data exchange among equipment within these substations, the IEC 61850 standard has become the predominant standard. However, this standardization has inadvertently made these substations more susceptible to cyberattacks, which is a significant concern given the confidential information that is transmitted. As a result, cybersecurity in substations is becoming an increasingly critical topic. IEC 62351 standard provides guidelines and considerations for

Distributed Energy Resources Cybersecurity Outlook: Vulnerabilities, Attacks, Impacts, and Mitigations

1 min read ·
The digitization and decentralization of the electric power grid represent crucial steps toward achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. In pursuit of this objective, distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles, are increasingly integrated into power systems. These DERs offer several advantages to power utilities by reducing operational costs and deferring investments for the expansion of the power system network while also affording users and aggregators greater control over their electricity generation and