Automatic restoration system for power distribution networks based on multi-agent systems

The advance on smart grid calls for the development and application of distributed intelligent control strategies based on open platforms that provides interoperability. The distributed control must be able to ensure reliable and secure operation of the power systems and enhance supply quality to consumers. The development of a multi-agent system for automatic restoration system (MARS) applied to a real power distribution network is presented. The agents of the MARS are embedded in external hardware to the intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and communicate with each other via standard Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents open protocols. To evaluate the MARS performance, a computer simulator was developed in Java to represent the distribution system. Experimental tests were performed in laboratory with the simulator integrated to the MARS via TCP/IP. The tests results have shown that the MARS was able to locate and isolate branches under permanent fault condition and restore healthy branches efficiently through a given switching sequence taking into account the system operational constraints. The proposed MARS has proved the effectiveness of distributed control scheme based on multi-agent system that runs independently of the current technologies of the IEDs of control and protection.