Multi-Agent Approach for Real-Time Optimal Control of Electro Microgrid

The objective of this paper is to discuss the possibility of applying multi-agent approaches for tasks of control and management of microgrids. It presents an attempt to synthesize a Multi-Agent System (MAS) and to define its structure and functionality to optimize the real-time operation of a microgrid by optimally scheduling its distributed generation and managing demand and supply. The economic and environmental factors, as well as standardized electric power reliability indices were adopted as optimization criteria.

I. Introduction

At present time, research on smart grids applications has become very significant, in both academia and practice, due to various advantages that smart grids have, compared to conventional electrical grids, such that they are more reliable, adjustable, efficient and flexible in network topology, as well as the capability of increasing the applications of renewable energy resources. European Technology Platform SmartGrids defines a smart grid as “an electricity network that can intelligently integrate the actions of all users connected to it - generators, consumers and those that do both – in order to efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity supplies”, considering that smart grids deployment must include not only technology, market and commercial considerations, environmental impact, regulatory framework, standardization usage, information & communication technology, and migration strategy but also social requirements and governmental edicts [1], [2]. One of the most relevant and developing research areas related to smart grids are microgrids, which are, according to CIGRE, “electricity distribution systems containing loads and distributed energy resources, (such as distributed generators, storage devices, or controllable loads) that can be operated in a controlled, coordinated way either while connected to the main power network or while islanded”. [3]