A minimum cut-set vulnerability analysis of power networks

In this paper, we study the vulnerability of the minimum cut-set (MCS) in power networks by assessing the effect of sequential attacks against the MCS and its corresponding effect on cascading failures triggering. Concepts of flow-networks and the DC power flow are integrated into the system model. Computational algorithms are developed to identify the target set, update power flow solutions, and maintain the system balance during network evolution. A vulnerability metric based on attack efficiency is proposed to compare the network responsible for different target selection. Case studies are used to compare MCS attacks with other network-based and electric-based attacks. The vulnerability of the MCS elements results higher than found for elements identified employing electrically extended measures.