A Multiagent-Based Dispatching Scheme for Distributed Generators for Voltage Support on Distribution Feeders

Abstract

This paper illustrates how a multiagent system (MAS)-based scheme can be developed for a control/optimization problem. The prototype problem considered is the dispatching of distributed generators on a distribution feeder to provide voltage support. The popular control net protocol (CNP) for MAS has been adopted to facilitate distributed control. This paper illustrates that characterization of the optimal solution is necessary in order to develop a protocol for the MAS to implement. This paper also shows that MAS facilitates a model-free control procedure, as it can monitor the local sensitivities. Test results, based on simulations on a prototype feeder, show that the proposed MAS-based control scheme is very effective in obtaining the solution for the prototype problem. The proposed method needs fast communication among the distributed generators (DGs) in order to assure fast response during emergency conditions. Communication requirements have also been identified in this paper