Co-simulation and Discrete Event Simulation for Reliability Assessment of Power System and ICT: A Comparison

Modern power systems are increasingly relying on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support their operation. This digitalization process introduces new complexity, which requires novel methodologies to assess the reliability of power systems. Currently, co-simulation and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) are the most popular approaches to analyse the complexity of power grids seen as cyber-physical systems, and to help decision makers in identifying potential sources of failures and implement mitigation actions. This paper compares these two methods. Co-simulation and DES approaches are applied to a power system voltage regulation case study, and the capability of the methods to assess unsolved overvoltages due to simultaneous failures of power system and ICT system is comparatively discussed. Simulation time and assessment of voltage regulation operational costs for both methods are also compared. The paper’s main goal is to provide guidance to researchers in evaluating and developing the most suitable simulation approaches for reliability studies in cyber-physical power systems.