Distributed Control Concepts using Multi-Agent technology and Automatic Markets: An indispensable feature of smart power grids

Multi-agent technology is state of the art ICT. It is not yet widely applied in power control systems. However, it has a large potential for bottom-up, distributed control of RES and DER in future power systems. At least two major European R&D projects (MicroGrids and CRISP) have investigated its potential. Both grid-related as well as market related applications have been studied. This paper will focus on two field tests, performed in the Netherlands, applying multi-agent control by means of the PowerMatcher concept. In the PowerMatcher concept (http://www.powermatcher.net/) software agents are used as representatives of the power producing and/or consuming installations. Via market algorithms a strategy is determined to ensure, that their operational schemes are coordinated in order to balance supply and demand according to the business case. The algorithms in the PowerMatcher use a bottom-up electronic market mechanism. Building such a system, controlling primary user processes on one hand, assuring local autonomy, and operating on the electricity market on the other hand, appears to be feasible with mainstream ICT-components. We will describe and discuss a number of results from two field tests performed with the PowerMatcher concept, and discuss further developments.