Multi-Agent Systems for Power Engineering Applications—Part I: Concepts, Approaches, and Technical Challenges

TLDR

This paper is part of a two‑part series from the IEEE Power Engineering Society’s Multi‑Agent Systems Working Group. The paper examines the potential value of MAS technology to the power industry and outlines decisions and guidance for engineering MAS in the power and energy sector. It reviews fundamental MAS concepts and approaches relevant to power engineering, surveys key applications under investigation, and identifies technical issues that must be addressed to accelerate adoption.

Abstract

This is the first part of a two-part paper that has arisen from the work of the IEEE Power Engineering Society's Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) Working Group. Part I of this paper examines the potential value of MAS technology to the power industry. In terms of contribution, it describes fundamental concepts and approaches within the field of multi-agent systems that are appropriate to power engineering applications. As well as presenting a comprehensive review of the meaningful power engineering applications for which MAS are being investigated, it also defines the technical issues which must be addressed in order to accelerate and facilitate the uptake of the technology within the power and energy sector. Part II of this paper explores the decisions inherent in engineering multi-agent systems for applications in the power and energy sector and offers guidance and recommendations on how MAS can be designed and implemented.