Multi-agent based controller for islanding operation of active distribution networks with distributed generation (DG)

The increasing amount of distributed generation (DG) in today's highly complex restructured power networks gives more options for distribution system operators (DSOs) under contingency conditions. A low voltage distribution network with a large amount of DG can be operated as an islanded system if the distribution system is disconnected from the main grid due to the contingency. The control and management of the islanded distribution system are important, and the overall network synchronism must be maintained in the islanded distribution system. In this paper, a multi-agent based controller is proposed to stabilize the frequency and voltages of an active distribution system after it enters into the islanding operation mode. The modified IEEE 9-bus system was used to illustrate the dynamic and steady state performance of the active distribution system during islanding operation with the proposed multi-agent based controller. Case studies have been carried out using the RealTime Digital Simulator (RTDS). Case study results show that the proposed multi-agent controller can efficiently help stabilize the frequency and voltages of active distribution systems after switching to islanding operation.