Cyber-Physical Testbed Integrating RTAC with RTDS for Game-Theoretic Topology Control Under Load Altering Attacks

Abstract

This paper introduces a cyber-physical testbed that integrates the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) with the Real-Time Automation Controller (RTAC) to enhance cybersecurity in electrical distribution networks. Focused on addressing vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, our testbed employs an advanced control algorithm developed in Python and executed through real-time controllers. Key to our approach is the seamless integration of the host PC machine, RTDS, and RTAC via the Modbus protocol. We present a game theory-based topology control strategy as an effective response to cyber attacks, specifically targeting smart meters. This testbed validates the efficacy of our method in fully eliminating voltage violations due to load altering attacks, showcasing substantial advancements in smart grid cybersecurity via the innovative use of RTDS and RTAC to simulate and counteract complex cyber threats.