An approach to energy distribution between sources in a hierarchical integrated energy system using multi-agent technologies

Abstract

Nowadays, researchers from all over the world pay increasingly more attention to the creation and development of models and methods to investigate the operation and management of integrated energy systems since this strand could provide significant advantages in the future in comparison with traditional energy systems. The optimal distribution of energy among sources in an integrated energy system is quite a complex and relevant issue since the growing number of distributed generation facilities and the increasing role of prosumers in the energy supply process can cause various problems, which require new methods to solve them. In this regard, this paper proposes an approach to the rational energy distribution among sources in a hierarchical integrated energy system using multi-agent technologies. This approach employs the principle aimed at coordinating solutions in three stages, starting with the calculation of load-controlled consumers and ending with the entire integrated energy system, and, thanks to such calculation principles, energy is distributed evenly among sources and there is no significant increase in costs for an individual consumer. The multi-agent technologies are used as a tool that has recently been successfully used by scientists worldwide to solve problems of various complexity and dimension. Based on the proposed approach, a multi-agent model of an integrated energy system was developed and a computational experiment was carried out to verify the developed principles of interaction among the components of an integrated energy system, and formulate a compromise energy supply solution taking into account the preferences, interests and capabilities of all participants in the integrated energy system.