MAS-based model of intelligent control-maintenance-management system (ICMMS) and its application

In order to realize the integration of control, maintenance and technical management of a production process automation system, the Multi-Agent System (MAS) concept and technology are applied to analyze the components of an automation system, and an MAS-based model for an Intelligent Control-Maintenance-Management System (ICMMS) is proposed. The basic structure and characteristics of the CMMA-agent are presented, and the functions and operational mechanism of the all member agents of this model are determined according to the requests of ICMMS. In addition, an implementation approach of inter-agent communication is discussed. The proposed model has been applied to an ICMMS platform for a Hydroelectric Generating Unit (HGU).