A Practical Implementation of a Distributed Control Approach for MicroGrids

Lyons, P.F.; Trichakis, P.; Taylor, P.C.; Coates, G.

Abstract

Public low voltage feeders containing a mixture of several micro-sources, distributed energy storage units (ESUs) and controllable loads, which appear to the upstream distribution network as controllable entities, are known as MicroGrids. Through intelligent co-ordination of micro-generators and ESUs, coupled with demand side management techniques, MicroGrids have the potential to offer significant improvements in the commercial value and environrnental impact of installed micro-generators. Furthermore, using appropriate active control techniques, MicroGrids could potentially overcome the low voltage distribution network constraints associated with high levels of micro-generation. The reseazch described in this paper builds upon previous research carried out at Durham University, which proposed a preliminary distributed control approach for MicroGrids. The fast steps in this approach have now been implemented using agent technology on the laboratory based Experimental MicroGrid at Durham University. Results from this practical implementation of fast-stage agent-based control are presented and discussed. Finally, the agent-based controllers are evaluated based on their suitability to satisfy the specific control requirements of MicroGrids.

Citation

Lyons, P., Trichakis, P., Taylor, P., & Coates, G. (2010). A Practical Implementation of a Distributed Control Approach for MicroGrids. Intelligent Automation & Soft Computing: An International Journal, 16(2), 319-334. https://doi.org/10.1080/10798587.2010.10643084

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2014
• Journal: AutoSoft Journal - Intelligent Automation and Soft Computing
• Print ISSN: 1079-8587
• Electronic ISSN: 2326-005X
• Publisher: Tech Science Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 319-334
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10798587.2010.10643084
• Keywords: Distributed generation, Micro-generation, Microgrids, Multi agent systems.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1552517