Network Vulnerability Analysis Based on Complex Networks and Systems Theory
Speaker: Mr. Guo Chen
When: 2008-12-19 12:00:00
Venue: 78-621
Host: Professor David J Hill
Abstract:In spite of technological progress and huge investments in system reliability and security, the frequency of large scale blackouts all over the world has not decreased. The series of blackouts in the past decade expose existing problems of the current dynamic analysis models and methodologies in power systems. On the other hand, after the 9.11 event, many countries are worried that power networks would become the object for terrorists with a broad range of motives, which would probably result in more frequent blackouts. Therefore, seeking new methodology for identifying the vulnerability of power networks and enhancing them robust become a quite important and meaningful work.
This research is aiming at developing a novel methodology for vulnerability analysis of electrical power networks based on complex networks and systems theory, which will provide a new insight to investigate interconnected complex power networks. The research consists of three major parts.
(1) identificaiton of the structural vulnerability of power networks based on complex networks theory. Mathematically, an interconnected complex power grid can be described as a complex network of nodes connected by edges. Some topology parameters of complex networks, such as degree distribution, characteristic path length, betweenness distribution etc. implicate some important information of the structure. That is to say, some critical nodes and lines can have important impact on large-scale blackouts. We will investigate the impact to recognize those weak parts in power grids.
(2) investigation of the system vulnerability of power networks via complex systems theory. Power networks are complex dynamic evolutionary systems over years in response to the economic growth of countries and to continuously increasing power demand. Some properties of complex systems i.e. criticality, power law, etc. might have important relationship with large-scale blackouts. That is to say there might be some stages of evolutionary power systems that would be more likely to cause large blackouts. Thus we will investigate the relationship to recognize those weak stages of power grids.
(3) after having a well understand of the structural vulnerability and system vulnerability of power systems, a new framework will be developed for vulnerability assessment based on structural vulnerability and system vulnerability.
Biography:Mr. Guo Chen received his B.E. and M.E. degree from Chongqing University, China, in 2003 and 2006 respectively. His research interests include networks vulnerability analysis and security assessment, complex networks and nonlinear dynamical systems and their applications.
Type: ITEE Seminar
Contact:Heng Tao Shen (ITEE seminar co-ordinator)
(shenht@itee.uq.edu.au)