Exploiting Multi-agent System Technology within an Autonomous Regional Active Network Management System

This paper describes the proposed application of multi-agent system (MAS) technology within AuRA-NMS, an autonomous regional network management system currently being developed in the UK through a partnership between several UK universities, distribution network operators (DNO) and a major equipment manufacturer. The paper begins by describing the challenges facing utilities and why those challenges have led the utilities, a major manufacturer and the UK government to invest in the development of a flexible and extensible active network management system. The requirements the utilities have for a network automation system they wish to deploy on their distribution networks are discussed in detail. With those requirements in mind the rationale behind the use of multi-agent systems (MAS) within AuRA-NMS is presented and the inherent research and design challenges highlighted including: the issues associated with robustness of distributed MAS platforms; the arbitration of different control functions; and the relationship between the ontological requirements of Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agent (FIPA) compliant multi-agent systems, legacy protocols and standards such as IEC 61850 and the common information model (CIM).

[1]  Fabio Bellifemine,et al.  Developing Multi-Agent Systems with JADE (Wiley Series in Agent Technology) , 2007 .

[2]  Stephen McArthur,et al.  Using evidence combination for transformer defect diagnosis , 2006 .

[3]  Agostino Poggi,et al.  Developing Multi-agent Systems with JADE , 2007, ATAL.

[4]  J.R. McDonald,et al.  Applying multi-agent system technology in practice: automated management and analysis of SCADA and digital fault recorder data , 2006, 2006 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting.

[5]  A.L. Dimeas,et al.  Operation of a multiagent system for microgrid control , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[6]  Satoru Araki.  FIPA ACL Message Structure Specification , 2000 .

[7]  M. Lehtonen,et al.  An agent concept for managing electrical distribution networks , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[8]  S.D.J. McArthur,et al.  Multi-Agent Systems for Power Engineering Applications—Part I: Concepts, Approaches, and Technical Challenges , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[9]  H. Sasaki,et al.  A multi-agent approach to power system restoration , 2000, PowerCon 2000. 2000 International Conference on Power System Technology. Proceedings (Cat. No.00EX409).

[10]  Graham Ault,et al.  Active power-flow management utilising operating margins for the increased connection of distributed generation , 2007 .

[11]  S.D.J. McArthur,et al.  The design of a multi-agent transformer condition monitoring system , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[12]  I.S. Baxevanos,et al.  Implementing Multiagent Systems Technology for Power Distribution Network Control and Protection Management , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[13]  M.E. Baran,et al.  A Multiagent-Based Dispatching Scheme for Distributed Generators for Voltage Support on Distribution Feeders , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[14]  Ira Rudowsky,et al.  Intelligent Agents , 2004, Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst..

[15]  F. Ashcroft,et al.  VIII. References , 1955 .