Architecture of a multi-agent system for SCADA level in smart distributed environments

Multi-agent and holonic systems have been successfully investigated for several decades; nevertheless, their real industrial applications are still rare. This paper contributes to their utilization in practice. It discusses possibilities for integration and deployment of such systems into standard or legacy automation systems, which are distributed and should satisfy common global goals. These requirements are widespread for example in the area of virtual power plants. The proposed architecture addresses a SCADA level of the automation pyramid. The results are demonstrated on a use-case dealing with a set of distributed combined heat and power units, which should be integrated into a single virtual power plant. This virtual energy source has to satisfy common goals of the whole community, which are managed centrally, and local goals in terms of heat required by users.