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Virginia Tech

Cyber-Resilient Control of Synchronous Condensers

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The growing integration of inverter-based resources (IBR) within electrical power systems leads to new challenges to grid stability in weak networks and creates heightened cybersecurity vulnerabilities due to the extensive reliance on information and communication technologies. This dissertation investigates and proposes methodologies to enhance the stability and resilience of contemporary power systems through sophisticated control and detection frameworks for synchronous condensers (SC). The research establishes robust exciter control algorithms that effectively address nonlinear dynamics and measurement uncertainties present in weak grid environments while simultaneously developing advanced techniques for the detection and localization of false data injection attacks (FDIA). A comprehensive cyber-resilient exciter control architecture is formulated, integrating these approaches to ensure system stability under both physical uncertainties and malicious cyber intrusions. The efficacy of the proposed methodologies is substantiated through theoretical analysis and PSCAD/EMTDC simulations, demonstrating reliable voltage regulation capabilities and robust cyberattack mitigation strategies. These contributions facilitate sustainable power system operation in environments characterized by high IBR penetration, thereby advancing the power system security and stability.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Electrical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Electrical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2025

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Sharifi, Fatemeh
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Mehrizi-Sani, Ali
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Centeno, Virgilio A.
  • Hoang, Thang
  • Burgos, Rolando
  • Rahman, Saifur

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:44195
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/135472

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Sharifi, Fatemeh. Cyber-Resilient Control of Synchronous Condensers. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 2025. https://hdl.handle.net/10919/135472