Improving the Resilience of Smart Distribution Networks against Cyber Attacks

Abstract

Accurate observability for all nodes of the grid is significantly essential, especially with the smart grids, which focus on integrating new technologies and increasing the use of information technology. Transmission and generation level assets are the most critical and expensive parts; thus, full observability is highly needed to monitor, detect and clear any fault that can impact the grid. On the other hand, usually, the distribution systems are not fully monitored as it is economically not feasible However, the application of the smart grids at the distribution level opens the opportunity of increasing the automation level and the information technology, which brings chances of being cyber attacked. This work focuses on increasing the observability of distribution systems and enhancing the resilience against False Data Injection (FDI) cyber-attacks. The proposed research will be done in three stages a) Optimally allocate SCADA meters in the grid to minimize the cost of the system and get better observability with help of state estimation and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic algorithm (NDSGA II), b) Detect false data injection through the existing monitoring devices in the grid with help of state estimation associated with probability density function (PDF) curve of any reading in the system, c) Optimal allocation of monitoring devices considering the attack and its impact on observability. IEEE 38 bus system has been tested with different allocations and variable numbers of monitoring devices to get the best results for observability and estimation accuracy. Allocating Devices with help of the metaheuristic approach NSDGA II improved the computational performance more than using exact traditional approaches. FDI has been initiated with many scenarios to test the resilience of some allocations in the system. Integrating all these features will give us insight for tackling the FDI before sabotaging the system and save us lots of effort and money later.