Active local distribution network management for embedded generation

Traditionally, distribution networks have been operated as passive networks with uni-directional power flows. With the connection of increasing amounts of distributed generation, these networks are becoming active with power flowing in two directions, hence requiring more intelligent forms of management. The report into issues for access to electricity networks published by the Ofgem/DTI Embedded Generation Working Group in January 2001 called for new work in the area of active distribution network management. The report suggested an evolution from the present passive network control philosophy to fully active network control methods. In line with these recommendations Econnect is developing a new type of distribution network controller, called GenAVC. GenAVC is a controller for electricity distribution networks that aims to increase the amount of energy that can be exported onto the distribution networks by generating plants. The UK is leading the world in electricity de-regulation and one aspect of this is the increasing demand for the connection of distributed generation. Active distribution network management is seen to be essential for networks to accommodate the levels of distributed generation that are predicted for 2010. The work being undertaken as part of this project is therefore at the forefront of international network management technology

Exploiting multi-agent system technology within an autonomous regional active network management system

This paper describes the proposed application of multi-agent system (MAS) technology within AuRA-NMS, an autonomous regional network management system currently being developed in the UK through a partnership between several UK universities, distribution network operators (DNO) and a major equipment manufacturer. The paper begins by describing the challenges facing utilities and why those challenges have led the utilities, a major manufacturer and the UK government to invest in the development of a flexible and extensible active network management system. The requirements the utilities have for a network automation system they wish to deploy on their distribution networks are discussed in detail. With those requirements in mind the rationale behind the use of multi-agent systems (MAS) within AuRA-NMS is presented and the inherent research and design challenges highlighted including: the issues associated with robustness of distributed MAS platforms; the arbitration of different control functions; and the relationship between the ontological requirements of Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agent (FIPA) compliant multi-agent systems, legacy protocols and standards such as IEC 61850 and the common information model (CIM)

A Logical Architecture for Active Network Management

This paper focuses on improving network management by exploiting the potential of “doing” of the Active Networks technology, together with the potential of “planning,” which is typical of the artificial intelligent systems. We propose a distributed multiagent architecture for Active Network management, which exploits the dynamic reasoning capabilities of the Situation Calculus in order to emulate the reactive behavior of a human expert to fault situations. The information related to network events is generated by programmable sensors deployed across the network. A logical entity collects this information, in order to merge it with general domain knowledge, with a view to identifying the root causes of faults, and to deciding on reparative actions. The logical inference system has been devised to carry out automated isolation, diagnosis, and even repair of network anomalies, thus enhancing the reliability, performance, and security of the network. Experimental results illustrate the Reasoner capability of correctly recognizing fault situations and undertaking management actions

Application of multi-agent approach in the electric power control systems within the active energy complex

This paper provides an analytical overview of artificial intelligence technologies used in the tasks of technological management of the electric power industry. The relevance of using multi-agent systems is proved for solving energy problems. The concept of an intelligent energy system is considered with an active adaptive network (IES AAN). A block diagram of the electric power system management system is given within the IES AAN. It is shown that the developed centralized management principles are not fully applicable for small distribution networks - microgrid, with the use of storage devices and renewable sources. The article describes the active energy complex in Russia in the context of an analog of the Microgrid concept. The required functionality of a intelligent controllable connection (ICC) is studied, the main algorithm of the ICC operation is given, and the proposed structure is described for building a distributed system of intelligent multi-agent control of the AEC that implements the required functions. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

The role of intelligent systems in delivering the smart grid

The development of "smart" or "intelligent" energy networks has been proposed by both EPRI's IntelliGrid initiative and the European SmartGrids Technology Platform as a key step in meeting our future energy needs. A central challenge in delivering the energy networks of the future is the judicious selection and development of an appropriate set of technologies and techniques which will form "a toolbox of proven technical solutions". This paper considers functionality required to deliver key parts of the Smart Grid vision of future energy networks. The role of intelligent systems in providing these networks with the requisite decision-making functionality is discussed. In addition to that functionality, the paper considers the role of intelligent systems, in particular multi-agent systems, in providing flexible and extensible architectures for deploying intelligence within the Smart Grid. Beyond exploiting intelligent systems as architectural elements of the Smart Grid, with the purpose of meeting a set of engineering requirements, the role of intelligent systems as a tool for understanding what those requirements are in the first instance, is also briefly discussed

Practical applications of multi-agent systems in electric power systems

The transformation of energy networks from passive to active systems requires the embedding of intelligence within the network. One suitable approach to integrating distributed intelligent systems is multi-agent systems technology, where components of functionality run as autonomous agents capable of interaction through messaging. This provides loose coupling between components that can benefit the complex systems envisioned for the smart grid. This paper reviews the key milestones of demonstrated agent systems in the power industry and considers which aspects of agent design must still be addressed for widespread application of agent technology to occur

Multi-agent systems for power engineering applications - part 1 : Concepts, approaches and technical challenges

This is the first part of a 2-part paper that has arisen from the work of the IEEE Power Engineering Society's Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) Working Group. Part 1 of the paper examines the potential value of MAS technology to the power industry. In terms of contribution, it describes fundamental concepts and approaches within the field of multi-agent systems that are appropriate to power engineering applications. As well as presenting a comprehensive review of the meaningful power engineering applications for which MAS are being investigated, it also defines the technical issues which must be addressed in order to accelerate and facilitate the uptake of the technology within the power and energy sector. Part 2 of the paper explores the decisions inherent in engineering multi-agent systems for applications in the power and energy sector and offers guidance and recommendations on how MAS can be designed and implemented

Smart grid architecture for rural distribution networks: application to a Spanish pilot network

This paper presents a novel architecture for rural distribution grids. This architecture is designed to modernize traditional rural networks into new Smart Grid ones. The architecture tackles innovation actions on both the power plane and the management plane of the system. In the power plane, the architecture focuses on exploiting the synergies between telecommunications and innovative technologies based on power electronics managing low scale electrical storage. In the management plane, a decentralized management system is proposed based on the addition of two new agents assisting the typical Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system of distribution system operators. Altogether, the proposed architecture enables operators to use more effectively—in an automated and decentralized way—weak rural distribution systems, increasing the capability to integrate new distributed energy resources. This architecture is being implemented in a real Pilot Network located in Spain, in the frame of the European Smart Rural Grid project. The paper also includes a study case showing one of the potentialities of one of the principal technologies developed in the project and underpinning the realization of the new architecture: the so-called Intelligent Distribution Power Router.Postprint (published version

Multi-Agent System Control and Coordination of an Electrical Network

Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) have the potential to solve Active Network Management (ANM) problems arising from an increase in Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The aim of this research is to integrate a MAS into an electrical network emulation for the purpose of implementing ANM. Initially an overview of agents and MAS and how their characteristics can be used to control and coordinate an electrical network is presented. An electrical network comprising a real-time emulated transmission network connected to a live DER network controlled and coordinated by a MAS is then constructed. The MAS is then used to solve a simple ANM problem: the control and coordination of an electrical network in order to maintain frequency within operational limits. The research concludes that a MAS is successful in solving this ANM problem and also that in the future the developed MAS can be applied to other ANM problems. © 2012 IEEE