Distributed control solutions for hybrid energy systems – Multi-agent systems as a key enabler for the decentralization of energy systems

Abstract

The increasing electricity generation from renewables as well as the growing importance of distributed energy resources pose substantial challenges to the utility industry that cannot be effectively tackled with central control schemes. The research project Agent.HyGrid is concerned with the implementation of a distributed control solution for hybrid energy systems. One of the key elements is the deployment of a multi-agent system, comprising so-called energy agents that are assigned to control individual technical systems. This approach makes it possible to meet high standards regarding responsiveness and resilience, while surpassing the flexibility of a central control scheme due the energy agents’ ability to dynamically form coalitions. For that purpose, energy agents are equipped with a detailed model of the technical system they are controlling, enabling them to perform simulation-based optimization on a local level. Furthermore, the formation of so-called hybrid energy networks (power, natural gas and heat) yields vast synergies with respect to the sector integration of power, heat and transport.