Enhancement to the mesh networks communication security in smart grid systems

The smart grid systems have been considered as the next generation power grid for power supply and electricity distribution. Compare with the traditional power grids, smart grid systems integrated the distributed electricity resources such as solar panels and wind turbines. The renewables energy supply becomes an important portion for balancing the power supply so that the unexpected power failures can be prevented and the efficiency of the power systems can be improved as well. To achieve the connectivity and communication among various power resources and smart devices used in the distribution networks, a complex and intelligent computer communication network must be stablished and the security of the network systems must be protected from the various attackers and intruders. All layers of the communication networks need to be well protected including power generation systems, power transmission systems, power distribution systems where Neighborhood Area Networks (NAN) is located. In this project, student studied the features and infrastructures of the smart grid system and security issues in communication networks. The existing protection protocols were reviewed and compared to explore the potential opportunities for improvements. Lastly, a new protocol was proposed based on the existing protection schemes and authentication methods. The logical correctness was examined by BAN logic and security of the new protocol was verified in AVISPA (SPAN). The system performance based on new authentication process was evaluated as well. With proposed protocol, the mesh networks communication security in NAN of the smart grid systems could be enhanced.Bachelor of Engineerin