Multi-agent system for the operation of an integrated microgrid

Operation of modern power system has become a complex problem, as its focus has shifted to implementing smart grid techniques and integrating distributed renewable energy sources. Integrated microgrid is an innovative control and management architecture at distribution network level, where several microgrids are electrically interconnected with each other. This paper presents a multi-agent system (MAS) for the operation of an integrated microgrid. A hierarchical control scheme is used for maximizing the power production output of local distributed generators, and optimizing power exchanges among the microgrids as well as power exchange between the main distribution system and the integrated microgrid. This scheme was implemented on the multi-agent system. Simulation studies carried out on the developed system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-agent system for the operation of an integrated microgrid. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [ doi: 10.1063/1.3683528]