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This paper proposes an on-line remedial action scheme (OLRAS) in order to mitigate the voltage violations caused by false data injection attacks (FDIAs) targeting under load tap changing (ULTC) transformers in smart distribution systems. The FDIA framework contains two different phases. In the attack phase, distribution system operator (DSO), being in attacker's shoe, considers cyberattack scenarios through compromising the results of volt-var optimization problem in a radial distribution grid modified with distributed energy resources (DERs) such as photovoltaic (PV) units and wind turbines (WTs). The outcome of the attack phase will be the compromised voltage profile of the distribution grid showing different rates of voltage violations. In the reaction phase, the DSO rapidly identifies a customized distribution feeder reconfiguration (CDFR) in order to update the flows of active and reactive power throughout the targeted distribution system and recover the voltage profile. The objective functions of the proposed CDFR are defined to minimize the impacts of such cyberattacks targeting ULTCs within distribution grids. This will empower DSOs to react to severe cyberattacks, bypassing the detection stage, and address the voltage violations in a timely manner. The effectiveness of the proposed OLRAS is validated on an IEEE test system.
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Recent Advances in Cyberattack Detection and Mitigation Techniques for Renewable Photovoltaic Distributed Energy CPS
Cyberattacks targeted to the energy cyber-physical system (ECPS), also known as the smart grid, could interrupt the electricity supply with major ramifications. Attackers identify and exploit any vulnerable portion of the energy power grid, including the inverters with solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels. PV presents unique challenges as electricity consumers have also become providers of solar energy for utilities. As mandates require increased PV penetration across the world for positive environmental impacts, increased cyberattacks targeted at PV systems impact reliability and efficiency within the ECPS. The new technologies continuously being introduced to manage the ECPS and ensure bi-directional communications and energy flow between components also lead to more attack surfaces, system vulnerabilities, and heightened malicious attacks. Data integrity attacks are increasing within PV systems. In this paper, we present a survey of different methods that are proposed and explored for identifying and preventing cyberattacks targeted at PV systems. The attack detection methods include voltage control, data diodes, and voltage measurement algorithms. Furthermore, we present blockchain, cyber switching, and other attack mitigation techniques for PV systems.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1828811
- PAR ID:
- 10436354
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Computing Conference
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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False data injection (FDI) attacks targeting under-load tap changing (ULTC) transformers pose a significant threat to smart distribution networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in the volt-var optimization (VVO) process, leading to potential undervoltage and voltage collapse. The increased integration of renewable energy and cyber-physical systems has expanded the attack surface, making traditional detection methods inadequate. For example, in 2023, attacks on utilities and decentralized components in the United States rose by 200%, with overall cyber threats increasing by 104%, highlighting growing vulnerabilities in distribution systems. To this end, this article proposes a two-stage remediation framework for decentralized FDI (DFDI) attacks targeting ULTC transformers. In the attack stage, vulnerabilities in ULTCs and voltage regulators are scrutinized, risking voltage collapse or blackouts in the distribution system. In the remediation stage, the distribution system operator focuses on non-attacked ULTCs, voltage regulators, distributed generation (DG) units, and smart homes to minimize reliance on compromised components. In this regard, a distinctive formulation of distribution network resilience and load management (DNRLM) problem is introduced to identify a resilient network topology and determine a situational power balance strategy. The proposed framework focuses on minimizing the system's reliance on the attacked ULTCs and voltage regulator components, thereby avoiding the intended voltage collapse caused by such DFDIs. The simulation results verify that the proposed method reduces the voltage collapse proximity index by over 60%, enhancing system resilience under DFDI attacks.more » « less
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