Research Projects

The proposed project addresses a pressing challenge in the evolving landscape of modern power systems—developing a unified, adaptive, and cyber-resilient protection and control framework for converter-dominated grids with high renewable energy penetration and Multi-Terminal DC (MTDC) interconnections. As conventional synchronous generators are phased out, the grid is increasingly reliant on power electronic interfaces, particularly grid-forming inverters (GFMs), which offer essential functionalities such as voltage and frequency regulators, inertia response emulation, and black-start capabilities. However, the wide deployment of GFMs in converter-dominated networks introduces significant operational and stability challenges. Further, the adoption of inverter-based renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, coupled with advanced DC transmission technologies, has significantly altered system dynamics. This transition has led to reduced system inertia and fault current contribution, thereby challenging the effectiveness of conventional protection and control strategies. One of the major issues in such systems is the reduced Short Circuit Ratio (SCR), which affects the electrical strength of the grid at the point of interconnection (POI). Low SCR conditions impair the accuracy and responsiveness of traditional distance and overcurrent relays, often leading to maloperation or delayed fault detection. The backup zones of distance relays frequently underreach in these conditions, primarily because of the interaction of multiple GFMs and MTDC interfaces in a meshed network can result in complex dynamic behavior, including small signal stability, harmonic interactions, and miscoordination of control and protection schemes. In addition, inadequately tuned power plant controllers may fail to respond effectively during grid disturbances. This can result in voltage instability, delayed recovery, and even cascading failures or large-scale blackouts. Conventional settings and coordination methods based certain assumptions of the system operating conditions are no longer sufficient. Thus, there is an urgent need for a protection and control strategy that is capable of adapting to changing grid conditions in real time. The proposed solution integrates several advanced technologies and methodologies to form a comprehensive control and protection framework. It begins with real-time SCR estimation using data from Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). PMUs provide time-synchronized, high-resolution data that can help monitor grid strength dynamically and detect abnormal events across wide areas. Based on this information, secured back up protection can be achieved in real time to prevent wide area blackout. Further, the framework incorporates adaptive inverter control by embedding Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) dynamics. This enables inverters to provide synthetic inertia, voltage regulation, and oscillation damping during disturbances. These features are particularly important in MTDC-integrated systems, where system strength varies across the network and conventional voltage control methods often fall short. Dynamic adjustment of control loops based on real-time measurements will ensure stability, fast fault clearance, and resilient recovery. A vital component of the project is the cybersecurity layer. As Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS) rely on data communication and synchronization, they are vulnerable to cyber threats such as false data injection, spoofing, or denial-of-service attacks. The proposed framework includes cyber anomaly detection, data validation, and intelligent response mechanisms to ensure secure and trustworthy operation under both cyber and physical disturbances. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver a scalable, interoperable, and intelligent control and protection framework that supports coordinated operation across multi-level transmission systems with high levels of VRE integration.