Browsing by Author "Biswas, Shuchismita"

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    Chance-Constrained Optimal Distribution Network Partitioning to Enhance Power Grid Resilience
    Biswas, Shuchismita; Singh, Manish K.; Centeno, Virgilio A. (2021-03-10)
    This article proposes a method for identifying potential self-adequate sub-networks in the existing power distribution grid. These sub-networks can be equipped with control and protection schemes to form microgrids capable of sustaining local loads during power systems contingencies, thereby mitigating disasters. Towards identifying the best microgrid candidates, this work formulates a chance-constrained optimal distribution network partitioning (ODNP) problem addressing uncertainties in load and distributed energy resources; and presents a solution methodology using the sample average approximation (SAA) technique. Practical constraints like ensuring network radiality and availability of grid-forming generators are considered. Quality of the obtained solution is evaluated by comparison with- a) an upper bound on the probability that the identified microgrids are supply-deficient, and b) a lower bound on the objective value for the true optimization problem. Performance of the ODNP formulation is illustrated through case-studies on a modified IEEE 37-bus feeder. It is shown that the network flexibility is well utilized; the partitioning changes with risk budget; and that the SAA method is able to yield good quality solutions with modest computation cost.
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    Power Grid Partitioning and Monitoring Methods for Improving Resilience
    Biswas, Shuchismita (Virginia Tech, 2021-08-20)
    This dissertation aims to develop decision-making tools that aid power grid operators in mitigating extreme events. Two distinct areas are focused on: a) improving grid performance after a severe disturbance, and b) enhancing grid monitoring to facilitate timely preventive actions. The first part of the dissertation presents a proactive islanding strategy to split the bulk power transmission system into smaller self-adequate islands in order to arrest the propagation of cascading failures after an event. Heuristic methods are proposed to determine in what sequence should the island boundary lines be disconnected such that there are no operation constraint violations. The idea of optimal partitioning is further extended to the distribution network. A planning problem for determining which parts of the existing distribution grid can be converted to microgrids is formulated. This partitioning formulation addresses safety limits, uncertainties in load and generation, availability of grid-forming units, and topology constraints such as maintaining network radiality. Microgrids help maintain energy supply to critical loads during grid outages, thereby improving resilience. The second part of the dissertation focuses on wide-area monitoring using Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data. Strategies for data imputation and prediction exploiting the spatio-temporal correlation in PMU measurements are outlined. A deep-learning-based methodology for identifying the location of temporary power systems faults is also illustrated. As severe weather events become more frequent, and the threats from coordinated cyber intrusions increase, formulating strategies to reduce the impact of such events on the power grid becomes important; and the approaches outlined in this work can find application in this context.
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    Understanding the Impacts of Data Integrity Attacks in the Context of Transactive Control Systems
    Biswas, Shuchismita (Virginia Tech, 2018)
    The rapid growth of internet-connected smart devices capable of exchanging energy price information and adaptively controlling the consumption of connected loads, has paved the way for transactive control to make inroads in the modern grid. Transactive control frameworks integrate the wholesale and retail energy markets, and enable active participation of end users, thereby playing a key role in managing the rising number of distributed assets.However, the use of internet for the communication of data among the building, distribution,and transmission levels makes the system susceptible to external intrusions. A skilled adversary can potentially manipulate the exchanged data with the intention to inflict damage to the system or increase financial gains. In this thesis, the effect of such data integrity attacks on information exchanged between the distribution systems operator and end-users is investigated. Impact on grid operations is evaluated using different categories like operational, financial, user comfort and reliability parameters. It is shown that attack impact depends on a number of factors like attack duration, time of attack, penetration rate etc besides the attack magnitude. The effect of an attack continues to persist for some time after its removal and hence effective detection and mitigation strategies will be required to ensure system resilience and robustness.