Development of Cyber-Physical Security Simulation Testbed in RTDS using Modbus Communication

This paper presents the development of a cyber-physical security simulation testbed for carrying out cyberattacks and analyzing its impact on distribution systems. The testbed consists of two parts: the physical layer (distribution systems) is modeled in RTDS, and the cyber layer (communication systems) is modeled using NS-3 network simulator. The testbed is specifically designed to use the Modbus protocol for all communication, a commonly used protocol in industrial automation applications. The application of the developed testbed is demonstrated through a modified IEEE 13-bus feeder system with the installation of four distributed energy resources that offer flexibility. Furthermore, a man-in-the-middle attack is executed where the attacker with malicious intent in mind, changes the flexibility offered by all the distributed energy resources to zero, resulting in the generator loading more than the rated MVA capacity, and therefore the frequency falls. The results for the case studies without and with cyberattack, and increased communication delay are presented. The developed testbed would be useful in studying and experimenting with different cyber-related events and assist in developing mitigation strategies.