Classical Failure Modes and Effects Analysis in the Context of Smart Grid Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract

Reliability assessment in traditional power distribution systems has played a key role in power system planning, design, and operation. Recently, new information and communication technologies have been introduced in power systems automation and asset management, making the distribution network even more complex. In order to achieve efficient energy management, the distribution grid has to adopt a new configuration and operational conditions that are changing the paradigm of the actual electrical system. Therefore, the emergence of the cyber-physical systems concept to face future energetic needs requires alternative approaches for evaluating the reliability of modern distribution systems, especially in the smart grids environment. In this paper, a reliability approach that makes use of failure modes of power and cyber network main components is proposed to evaluate risk analysis in smart electrical distribution systems. We introduce the application of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method in future smart grid systems in order to establish the impact of different failure modes on their performance. A smart grid test system is defined and failure modes and their effects for both power and the cyber components are presented. Preventive maintenance tasks are proposed and systematized to minimize the impact of high-risk failures and increase reliability.

Analysis and Consequences on Some Aggregation Functions of PRISM (Partial Risk Map) Risk Assessment Method

“…Applying any of the PRISM functions, the nature of the incident risk can be described more precisely than in the case of [30], where only the RPN function is applied. According to [13,37], the combined application of the traditional RPN and PRISM number can result in a balanced risk assessment since the effects of partial risks and risk priority number can be adjusted using any of the PRISM functions.…”

“…When more incidents have the same PRISM number, the one that has its value in more submatrices should be prioritized. As a management tool, the PRISM methodology gives a better option than traditional RM [17] or FMEA [30] in visualizing the risk assessment results, and the estimated outcomes after risk reduction actions were executed were more favorable.…”

“…Despite structured criticisms [22,23,[26][27][28][29], the method is used quite frequently in the latest publications as well without modifications applied to it. As for example, an application is given for the classical failure mode and effects analysis in the context of smart grid cyber-physical systems [30]. Selection of the set of the riskiest incidents that must be averted, mitigated, eliminated, etc., can be executed using a given or calculated threshold level.…”

“…Despite structured criticisms [22,23,[26][27][28][29], the method is used quite frequently in the latest publications as well without modifications applied to it. As for example, an application is given for the classical failure mode and effects analysis in the context of smart grid cyber-physical systems [30].…”

PFDA-FMEA, an Integrated Method Improving FMEA Assessment in Product Design

“…In addition, in recent works, we found a fusion between neutrosophic logic and best worst method to improve Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) [22]. In recent investigations, classical FMEA is still used to solve problems in the industry [23].…”