Integrated multi-agent testbed for decentralized control of active distribution networks

This paper describes the development of a testbed for multi-agent based decentralized control of active distribution networks. The testbed takes into account new challenges in electric power system such as de-regulation, de-centralization, introduction of new actors, increased communication and standardization of data models and exchange. It serves the purpose of design, testing and verification of agent based distributed control and automation application development for research and education. Special considerations have been given to multi-vendor industrial compliance and standardization, e.g. IEC 61850, in the development of the testbed. The paper describes motivation for development of the platform, its architecture, components and examples of case studies that are using this testbed.