A Risk Assessment Framework for Cyber-Physical Security in Distribution Grids with Grid-Edge DERs

Xue Gao, Mazhar Ali and Wei Sun ()
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Xue Gao: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Mazhar Ali: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Wei Sun: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Integration of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) is reshaping the landscape of distribution grids to fulfill the socioeconomic, environmental, and sustainability goals. Addressing the technological challenges of DER grid integration requires an adaptive communication layer for efficient DER management and control. This transition has given rise to a cyberphysical system (CPS) architecture within the distribution system, causing new vulnerabilities for cyberphysical attacks. To better address potential threats, this paper presents a comprehensive risk assessment framework for cyberphysical security in distribution grids with grid-edge DERs. The framework incorporates a detailed CPS model accounting for dynamic DER characteristics within the distribution grid. It identifies vulnerabilities in DER communication systems, models attack scenarios, and addresses communication latency crucial for inverter control timescales. Subsequently, the quantification of attack impacts employs an attack probability model including both the vulnerability and criticality of cyber components. The proposed risk assessment framework was validated through testing on the modified IEEE 13-node and 123-node test feeders.

Keywords: cyberattack; cyberphysical system; cybersecurity; grid-edge; inverter-based DER; risk assessment; virtual oscillator controller (VOC) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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