Using intelligent multi-agent systems for shipboard power systems reconfiguration

Many approaches have been taken on the reconfiguration of power systems, but most of these approaches use a centralized method. While these methods can be acceptable for terrestrial power system applications, doing reconfiguration on shipboard power systems has a different set of issues involved. For naval ships, that may experience damage during battle, a centralized reconfiguration method provides a limitation. Based on these constraints researchers are investigating decentralized control strategies that allow for reconfiguration using localized information. One newer technology that is showing promise in this area is intelligent multi-agent (IMA) systems. This paper discusses efforts underway at Mississippi State University to use IMA systems for reconfiguration of the power system. Agents are being implemented in multiple formats including Matlab and JADE to investigate the issues related to data sharing, communications and reconfiguration strategies