Quantum Computing in Modern Power Systems

Hualong Liu, Wenyuan Tang

Seyed Amir Hosseini, Antonello Monti, Saeed Peyghami

The incorporation of renewable energy and the expanding size of power systems have elevated operational uncertainty, thereby raising the risk of load loss. Additionally, the analysis duration has been extended as a consequence. Swift and imperative risk assessments are vital for guaranteeing the safety and reliability of modern power systems operations. In this paper, the utilization of Quantum computing methodologies to enhance the efficiency of the risk assessment in modern power systems is explored. Two prevalent methods, namely Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian networks, are the focus of this study. The first part introduces a Quantum Monte Carlo circuit designed to analyze risk with greater efficiency compared to the conventional Monte Carlo simulations commonly employed on classical computers. Moreover, the exploration of Quantum computing in Bayesian networks offers a novel approach for modeling and analyzing dependencies within power systems. The potential of Quantum computing to redefine risk assessment methodologies in the domain of power system reliability is illuminated by this research.

Rahul Mishra

Quantum mechanics (QM) forms the basis for quantum computation (QC), a paradigm that provides distinctive problem-solving abilities. Although quantum computing (QC) has demonstrated potential in theoretical physics and computer science, its practical applications, particularly in power systems, have not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this work is to highlight the use of quantum computing (QC) as a solution for addressing the rising computational difficulties in power systems. The text provides an introduction to the historical history and essential concepts of QC, and then explores its modern applications in solving intricate power system problems. The aforementioned subjects comprise the study of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)” power flow, contingency analysis, state estimation, modeling of electromagnetic transients, fault diagnostics, unit commitment, and challenges related to facility location-allocation.” Despite the existing limits of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices, the potential of quantum computing to address significant power system concerns on a wide scale holds promise, mostly driven by anticipated advancements in technology and increased research endeavors.

Zeynab Kaseb

Jasgurpreet Singh Chohan, Jatinder Kumar, Krishna Kant Dixit +6 more

Brian Goncalves, Arash Mahari, Atefeh Mashatan +2 more

Quantum computing, power systems, and communication represent three distinct fields that converge to address the complexities involved in the quantum cybersecurity of power systems. Quantum computers present a serious threat to cybersecurity by potentially affecting traditional encryption methods, which could compromise sensitive data and disrupt the integrity of secure communications. As communication and data transformation serve as the backbone of modern power grid monitoring, control, and protection systems, the growing awareness of cyber-vulnerabilities in power grids has made cybersecurity a pressing concern. The IEC 62351 standard family has been developed to provide security recommendations for various power system communication protocols and is emerging as a leading cybersecurity standard for power systems. However, the vulnerabilities of these standards to quantum threats have yet to be fully explored. This article conducts a comprehensive analysis of security threats and vulnerabilities in modern power systems against quantum attacks. It systematically reviews the security considerations outlined in IEC 62351 for safeguarding various aspects, such as IEC 61850 messages, key management, XML file security, and TCP/IP profiles. The analysis reveals that almost all encryption algorithms mandated and recommended by IEC 62351 are vulnerable to quantum attacks such as Grover's and Shor's algorithms.