Implementation of a multi-agent multi-criteria negotiation protocol for self-sustainable smart grids

Abstract

Smart grids, IoT and big data are the drivers of change in the energy sector. The presented research builds on these concepts by establishing a cooperative model that supports autonomous, self-sustainable and self-organised energy communities. It is based on a multi-agent and multi-criteria negotiation protocol in which consumers are involved on one side, while suppliers take part on the other side. The model maximises utility functions and gains of both sides according to the changing real-time demand and supply of electricity. The negotiation support system aims to automate, aid and structure the decision-making process in the energy sector by the means of monotonic concession protocol and autonomous agents. In addition, machine learning is applied to find patterns in big data pertaining to energy consumption, while blockchain is introduced to reliably store distributed data and to manage contractual relationships between actors in the market. The system hence consists of several interconnected modules that deal with data, knowledge, intelligence, decision-making, negotiation and communication.