Algorithms for distributed decision-making for multi-agent microgrid power management

A key component to future smart grids may be microgrid systems capable of integrating generation, load, and storage assets into an autonomous power system entity. As a potential building block for expanding power networks, microgrids can enable the broad integration of distributed energy resources (DER), as well as providing customers a means to optimize local assets based on multiple objectives. Pivotal to the implementation of microgrids are the power management and control architectures that will operate the microgrid systems. In this paper, a multi-agent based control architecture for microgrids, capable of coordinating and cooperatively achieving user-defined objectives is presented. Herein, unique agents that comprise a distributed multi-agent system (MAS) are developed according to Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA) guidelines. The authors present a method for facilitating the fundamental self-organizing and cooperative behavior amongst the microgrid agents. The MAS formulation developed is intended to lay the groundwork for a power management architecture that incorporates the integrated and robust operation of microgrid assets.