Abstract
Physical-engineered critical infrastructures (CIs) are characterized as large scale, spatially distributed, complex networks—either open or closed. According to Dueñas-Osorio and Vemuru (2009), these systems are made of “a large number of interacting components (real or virtual), show emergent properties difficult to anticipate from the knowledge of single components, are characterized by a large degree of adaptability to absorb random disruptions and are highly vulnerable to widespread failure under adverse conditions.” Indeed, small perturbations can trigger cascades and large-scale consequences in CIs; furthermore, disruptions may also be caused by targeted malicious attacks.
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Notes
- 1.
Definition of the N-1 security criterion specifies that “any probable single event leading to a loss of a power system element should not endanger the security of the interconnected operation, that is, trigger a cascade of trippings or the loss of a significant amount of consumption. The remaining network elements, which are still in operation, should be able to accommodate the additional load or change of generation, voltage deviation or transient stability regime caused by the initial failure.” (Union for the Coordination of Transmission of Electricity 2008).
- 2.
Now ENTSO-E.
- 3.
According to Webster Dictionary: The act of bringing or coming together. (Mech.) A device or contrivance which serves…. to connect adjacent parts.
- 4.
The sector energy, for instance, is divided into the subsectors electric power, oil, and gas supply.
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Kröger, W., Zio, E. (2011). Properties of Critical Infrastructures. In: Vulnerable Systems. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-655-9_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-655-9_2
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