A Novel FDIA Model for Virtual Power Plant Cyber–Physical Systems Based on Network Topology and DG Outputs

Shuo Wu, Junhao Gong, Shiqu Xiao (), Jiajia Yang and Xiangjing Su ()
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Shuo Wu: College of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Junhao Gong: College of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Shiqu Xiao: School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Jiajia Yang: College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
Xiangjing Su: Offshore Wind Power Research Institute, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-22

Abstract: Virtual power plant (VPP) is a critical platform for modern distribution systems with distributed generators (DGs). However, its cybersecurity is susceptible to cyber-attacks such as false data injection attacks (FDIAs). The impacts of FDIAs on VPP-distribution cyber–physical power systems have not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. This study concentrates on the distribution–VPP joint system and designs a new FDIA framework, topology-distributed-generator attack (TDA), that manipulates power network topology and DG outputs. An attack vector is designed carrying incorrect topology, falsified DG outputs, and tampered power flow information that can bypass the existing bad data detection and topology error identification, misleading the decision-making in the control center. Additionally, TDA models are formulated to optimize attack vectors based on objectives of attack investment, VPP economic loss, and operational security. A hybrid solution framework is then proposed for the optimization problem above, where the corresponding submodules realize the bad data detection, topology error identification, and optimal dispatching in the optimal attack vector. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposal are numerically verified on a 62-node cyber–physical system. Key findings highlight that VPP-integrated distribution systems are more vulnerable under low-level renewable energy penetration and the urgent need for enhancing backup power supplies to mitigate such threats.

Keywords: cyber-topology attacks; false data injection attacks; hybrid optimization; virtual power plant (VPP) (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: 2025
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