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

TL;DR

This paper investigates how cyberattacks on communication infrastructure can disrupt Volt/VAR optimization in distribution networks with renewable DERs, using a real-time co-simulation setup to evaluate impacts on voltage regulation and system stability.

Contribution

It introduces a real-time co-simulation framework to assess cyberattack impacts on VVO, highlighting vulnerabilities in communication protocols and their effects on grid stability.

Findings

Corrupted messages can cause voltage violations.

Cyberattacks increase VR setpoint updates.

Economic losses result from communication tampering.

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.