Analysis of a real-time co-simulation framework for smart and secure EV charging infrastructures

The development of sophisticated and secure charging infrastructures that can effectively manage energy demand while ensuring resilience against cyber threats is imperative due to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. In order to jointly validate cost-effective control algorithms and assess the resilience of electric vehicles’ charging systems under cyberattacks, this study suggests a real-time co-simulation framework that incorporates the electrical grid and the information and communication technology infrastructure. Thus, in addition to ICT models based on the OCPP 1.6 protocol and WebSocket communication, the framework employs a modified IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder simulated using Typhoon HIL. This setup allows a thorough assessment of the effects of control commands issued by the central system on power system dynamics and the potential for malicious interventions to spread across the infrastructure. Analysis of network traffic validates the integrity and timing of message exchange. Overall, this co-simulation environment offers a robust foundation for testing algorithmic strategies and modelling cyberattack scenarios, thereby supporting the development and validation of resilient and secure charging infrastructures.