Sub-agent elements for control methods in multi-agent energy management system

Increased penetration of generation and decentralised control are considered to be feasible and effective solution for reducing cost and emissions and hence efficiency associated with power generation and distribution. Distributed generation in combination with the multi-agent technology are perfect candidates for this solution. Pro-active and autonomous nature of multi-agent systems can provide an effective platform for decentralised control whilst improving reliability and flexibility of the grid. The proposed multi-agent energy management system is aimed at controlling distributed generation and performing demand side management to provide robust and effective grid with lower emissions and costs. Furthermore, appropriate strategy used in combination with the multi-agent energy management system would decrease peak demands in the wider grid. The proposed solution consists of single-type agents who control one or more gird entities which are represented as generic sub-agent elements. The agent applies one control algorithm across all elements and uses cost function to evaluate the suitability of the element as a supplier. This study shows the ability of the multi-agent energy management system to control grid entities represented by generic sub-agent elements and select suppliers according to the selection behaviour set by the user.