Volt/VAR Optimization in the Presence of Attacks: A Real-Time Co-Simulation Study

Mohd Asim Aftab*, Astha Chawla, Pedro P. Vergara, Shehab Ahmed, Charalambos Konstantinou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Traditionally, Volt/VAR optimization (VVO) is performed in distribution networks through legacy devices such as on-load tap changers (OLTCs), voltage regulators (VRs), and capacitor banks. With the amendment in IEEE 1547 standard, distributed energy resources (DERs) can now provide reactive power support to the grid. For this, renewable energy-based DERs, such as PV, are interfaced with the distribution networks through smart inverters (SIs). Due to the intermittent nature of such resources, VVO transforms into a dynamic problem that requires extensive communication between the VVO controller and devices performing the VVO scheme. This communication, however, can be potentially tampered with by an adversary rendering the VVO ineffective. In this regard, it is important to assess the impact of cyberattacks on the VVO scheme. This paper develops a real-time co-simulation setup to assess the effect of cyberattacks on VVO. The setup consists of a real-time power system simulator, a communication network emulator, and a master controller in a system-in-the-loop (SITL) setup. The DNP3 communication protocol is adopted for the underlying communication infrastructure. The results show that corrupted communication messages can lead to violation of voltage limits, increased number of setpoint updates of VRs, and economic loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2023 IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665455541
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Event14th IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: Oct 31 2023Nov 3 2023

Publication series

Name2023 IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023 - Proceedings

Conference

Conference14th IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period10/31/2311/3/23

Keywords

  • co-simulation setup
  • conservation voltage reduction (CVR)
  • cyberattacks
  • cybersecurity
  • distributed network protocol (DNP3)
  • Volt/VAR optimization (VVO)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Control and Optimization
  • Artificial Intelligence

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