In this paper, we present an analysis of the vulnerability of a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme in the context of cyber-security. We consider different types of the so-called insider attacks. In particular, we consider the situation where one of the local controllers sends false information to others to manipulate costs for its own advantage. Then, we propose a popular scenario-based mechanism to protect or, at least, relieve the consequences of the attack in a typical DMPC negotiation process. The theoretical and algorithmic properties of this defense mechanism are also analyzed. A real case study based on a four tank plant is provided to illustrate both the consequences of the attacks and the defense mechanisms.

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A real-time control scheme informed by a streamflow forecast is presented for the optimal operation of water resources systems composed of multiple and spatially distributed systems, affected by hydroclimatic disturbances. The approach uses a two-layer scenario-based hierarchical and distributed model predictive controller (HD-MPC) to deal with the operational water management problem under dynamical uncertainty. The higher layer collects and coordinates forecast information, which is rendered into possible realizations of the uncertainties and sent to the local agents. The lower layer solves a distributed optimization problem related to the actual management objectives. The HD-MPC method is demonstrated through a simulation of the North Sea Canal system as a real-world case study. The results show the benefits of the proposed compared to over other types of MPC controllers.@en

In this paper, we present an analysis of the vulnerability of a distributed model predictive control scheme. A distributed system can be easily attacked by a malicious agent that modifies the reliable information exchange. We consider different types of so-called insider attacks. In particular, we analyze a controller that is part of the control architecture that sends false information to others to manipulate costs for its own advantage. We propose a mechanism to protect or, at least, relieve the consequences of the attack in a typical distributed model predictive control negotiation procedure. More specifically, a consensus approach that dismisses the extreme control actions is presented as a way to protect the distributed system from potential threats. Two applications are considered as case studies, ie, an academic example involving the control of a distributed system with a single coupled input and a distributed local electricity grid of households. The results are presented via simulations to illustrate both the consequences of the attacks and the defense mechanisms.

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In this paper, we present an analysis of the vulnerability of a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme in the context of cyber-security. We consider different types of the so-called insider attacks. In particular, we consider the situation where one of the local controllers sends false information to others to manipulate costs for its own advantage. Then, we propose a popular scenario-based mechanism to protect or, at least, relieve the consequences of the attack in a typical DMPC negotiation procedure. The theoretical and algorithmic properties of this defense mechanism are also analyzed. A realistic case study based on a local energy grid of households is provided to illustrate both the consequences of the attacks and the defense mechanisms.

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Autonomic computing requires reliable coordination between different systems. The unexpected behavior of any component may endanger the performance of the overall system. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent and detect this type of situations and to develop methods to react accordingly and to mitigate the possible consequences. In this work, we present an analysis of the vulnerability of a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme in the context of cybersecurity. We consider different types of so-called insider attacks. In particular, we consider the presence of a malicious controller that broadcasts false information to manipulate costs for its own benefit. Also, we propose a mechanism to protect or, at least, relieve the consequences of the attack in a typical DMPC negotiation procedure. More specifically, a consensus approach that dismisses the extreme control actions is presented as a way to protect the distributed system from potential threats. Simulations are carried out to illustrate both the consequences of the attacks and the defense mechanisms.@en