Energies, Vol. 19, Pages 1081: IEMI Against Power Substations: Issues, Countermeasures, Challenges and Perspectives

Energies, Vol. 19, Pages 1081: IEMI Against Power Substations: Issues, Countermeasures, Challenges and Perspectives

Energies doi: 10.3390/en19041081

Authors:
Salvatore Celozzi
Giuseppe Attolini
Magdalena Budnarowska
Marco Dionigi
Vittorio Bertolini
Francesco Tissi

Service continuity in power systems represents one of the key factors in designing the network architecture, in selecting the protection devices and in programming the maintenance operations. Standard strategies have to face a new issue represented by the possibility that intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) may occur. IEMI is defined as the “Intentional malicious generation of electromagnetic energy introducing power, noise or signals into electric and electronic systems, thus disrupting, confusing or damaging these systems”, and may affect the functionality of either power or telecommunications systems. Such hostile interferences may have different purposes: in the context of a war, for terroristic aims, or common criminal objective, e.g., requests for ransom. The focus of this work is on power substations, particularly on MV-LV installations, which often have limited surveillance and are located in proximity to easily accessible areas. The main issues are presented, and guidelines are provided for designing new substations or improving the immunity of installed apparatus, such as electronic protection devices, measurement instruments, and other tools equipping smart and traditional power grids. The challenges are put in evidence, and perspectives are provided with special reference to the possible evolution of interfering technologies.