Decision making in intelligent electrical systems using distributed artificial intelligence and heuristic methods

The power systems of the future, commonly called “smart grids”, represent several advancements to the system more reliable, able to perform new functions, appropriate to the current scenario where the use of renewable energy is mandatory, and the energy market is decentralized. This perspective, smart grids have many challenges in its design and development. For example, the creation of algorithms that will be used to replicate the features of these networks where, to perform some decision-making, to collect data in a distributed way is mandatory. This paper proposes a computational model for resolution of problems as mentioned. The text suggest the use of a hybrid algorithm, combining multiagent systems and optimization heuristic methods to simulate decision making in smart grids. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method, some tests were performed to solve the electric power distribution management problem by switch reconfiguration. The simulation considered the smart grids characteristics of distributed processing, communication, and automation.