보안 강화 DER 관리 장치 (SDMD)

With the rapid increase of distributed power sources such as solar and wind power, gateway devices that remotely monitor and control them are becoming targets for hacking. Existing DER gateways lack security design, which exposes inverters connected to the grid via the internet to cyberattacks.

In response, separate security systems are often added externally, but this leads to increased costs and operational complexity due to the introduction of multiple security devices. KEPCO needed to address the limitations of this existing method, which involves cost burden and management difficulties.

Gateway + Security Integrated: SDMD has built-in security functions in the device itself without the need for external firewalls or IDS, as in the past, and performs real-time intrusion detection and blocking without separate security equipment. This greatly reduces operational complexity and costs.

Data Tampering Prevention (99.9% Accuracy): Applies a real-time tampering detection algorithm to data between power generation resources connected to the internet and the power grid, identifying and blocking abnormal data with a high accuracy of 99.9%. This prevents situations where incorrect control signals are sent due to cyberattacks, causing large-scale power outages.

Hardware-Based Authentication (100% Blocking): By embedding a strong hardware security chip in the device, it 100% blocks unauthorized devices from accessing the power grid. In other words, it fundamentally prevents attackers from connecting fake devices to the grid and causing confusion.

Smart Grid Integration: By combining DER monitoring, control, and security, real-time stability management and cybersecurity are operated as a single process. This can become a security standard platform essential for the stable expansion of the smart grid in the future.

Power Grid Operators (Power Companies) – Safely connect renewable energy facilities by installing multiple units in the distribution network (B2G or B2B: Exports to overseas power companies)

Renewable Energy Generators – Adopt to safely link their power generation facilities with the power grid (B2B)

Microgrid/Smart City Operators – Applied to regional energy networks (B2G)

Potential to Become an Essential Element of Power Infrastructure: As DER interconnection inevitably increases due to energy transition, it is a universal solution applicable to power grids worldwide. Global demand can be expected as long as the power grid protocol standards for each country are met.

KEPCO initially developed it, but is seeking to apply domestic technology to the world's power grids by promoting international standardization in the future. As cybersecurity is a core issue for national backbone networks, government-led distribution is also highly likely.

However, the conservative adoption rate and long verification cycle of the power grid equipment industry are variables. In addition, localization is necessary to meet the power infrastructure regulations and standards of individual countries.

At CES, it was well-received as an invisible innovation in industrial infrastructure. Although it is not a consumer product, it is considered a meaningful award in terms of innovation in energy security and contribution to carbon-neutral infrastructure.

Regarding technical completeness, it was noted that KEPCO had already tested it in the KEPCO demonstration network and set an unprecedented record of winning five CES Innovation Awards. This suggests that the product's technology is quite mature.

In terms of market expectations, there is optimism that it will grow into an essential technology for the digitalization of the energy industry. However, due to the conservative decision-making and long installation cycle characteristic of the power industry, there is a cautious atmosphere against excessive expectations as diffusion may take time.