Algorithms for Smart Microgrid Management using Multi Agent Approach

Abstract

The concept of Smart Grid (SG) is evolving as a future power grid, with enough scope for newlineimplementation of Smart Distribution System, from trading and managing perspective. In newlinethis context, integration of stakeholders in distribution system along with intelligent newlinecontrol techniques to address the trading and managing issues have assumed importance. newlineThe deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) specifically renewable energy newlineresource (RERs) and deregulation of electricity acts promotes private sectors to newlineparticipate in electricity market as stakeholders (potential sellers and buyers) for newlineeconomic benefits in Distribution Networks (DNs). The integration of these participants newlinetogether with load growth, usage of smart appliances and increased consumer newlineexpectations have changed the approach to planning, design, operation and control of newlinedistribution systems. These approaches involve many challenges in distribution newlineautomation, such as, bidding strategies of stakeholders, energy trading, optimal newlinescheduling and monitoring along with the necessary protection systems. The integration newlineof non-dispatchable stakeholders (DG units and consumers/variable loads) in DNs newlineincreases trading and managing issues. Specifically, utility faces scalability problem newlinewhile dealing with large number of small DGs and consumers in the electricity market. newlineTo address these issues Microgrid (MG) concept is introduced to work as an newlineauctioneer/aggregator to mitigate scalability problem, where the utility need not directly newlineinteract with stakeholders. The MG is a subsystem (sub grid) of the SG, which can newlineoperate either in grid-tied or islanded mode. newlineIn the MG environment, the Demand Side Management (DSM) techniques, particularly newlineemploying Demand Response (DR), can effectively ease the security constraints in a newlinemore economical way. For this, DNs will have to accommodate bi-directional power newlineflows employing suitable trading mechanism. Incorporation of these facilities into the newlinenetwork will make the DNs more complex, with chan