Robust Distributed Resource Aggregation Control in Smart Grid based on a Novel Hierarchical Consensus

Multi-agent system control based on consensus algorithm is an important solution to coordinate distributed energy resources within micro and nanogrids. A significant challenge in the application of consensus algorithm is delay among agents particularly in networks with hubs. In this paper, a novel hierarchical consensus algorithm based on the idea of virtual reduction of hub agents is proposed. As a result, significant gain in consensus speed is obtained which offers a potential time margin for applying techniques against delay, communications failure and other risks to information exchange among agents. The algorithm application is studied in the coordination of distributed photovoltaic resources of several nanogrids as a possible scale-free network with hub via simulation as well.