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Multi-Agent Systems’ Asset for Smart Grid Applications

Gregor Rohbogner¹, Ulf J.J. Hahnel¹, Pascal Benoit¹ and Simon Fey^{1, 2}

1. Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Division Electrical Energy Systems
   Heidenhofstraße 2 79110 Freiburg, Germany
   {Gregor.Rohbogner, Ulf.Hahnel, Pascal.Benoit}@ise.fraunhofer.de
2. Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
   Badstraße 24 77652 Offenburg, Germany
   Simon.Fey@hs-offenburg.de

Abstract

Multi-agent systems are a subject of continuously increasing interest in applied technical sciences. Smart grids are one evolving field of application. Numerous smart grid projects with various interpretations of multi-agent systems as new control concept arose in the last decade. Although several theoretical definitions of the term ‘agent’ exist, there is a lack of practical understanding that might be improved by clearly distinguishing the agent technologies from other state-of-the-art control technologies. In this paper we clarify the differences between controllers, optimizers, learning systems, and agents. Further, we review most recent smart grid projects, and contrast their interpretations with our understanding of agents and multi-agent systems. We point out that multi-agent systems applied in the smart grid can add value when they are understood as fully distributed networks of control entities embedded in dynamic grid environments; able to operate in a cooperative manner and to automatically (re-)configure themselves.

Key words

computer science, information systems, multi-agent systems, smart grid, power systems, agent-based control systems

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.2298/CSIS130224072R

Publication information

Volume 10, Issue 4 (October 2013)
Special Issue on Advances in Model Driven Engineering, Languages and Agents
Year of Publication: 2013
ISSN: 2406-1018 (Online)
Publisher: ComSIS Consortium

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How to cite

Rohbogner, G., Hahnel, U. J., Benoit, P., Fey, S.: Multi-Agent Systems’ Asset for Smart Grid Applications. Computer Science and Information Systems, Vol. 10, No. 4, 1799-1822. (2013), https://doi.org/10.2298/CSIS130224072R