Reliable and Cost-Effective Supply Model using Multi Agent Smart Grid Controller

Abstract

The energy sector is moving towards renewable energy generation. Renewable energy generation is the key technology for a smart grid operation. These renewable producers’ electricity generation capacity varies significantly with change in weather conditions and causes system unreliability. To improve acceptability of this intermittency either renewable generation should be such that it meets the load demand round the corner or there should be a successful coordination between renewable power generation and the grid, so that consumer gets a reliable and cost efficient power. This paper presents a computer-based model of a multi-agent Smart Grid Controller (SGC). The design objective is to provide reliable and cost optimized electricity to the consumers. The Smart Grid Controller continuously monitors the power availability and demand on hourly basis and switches between price-based demand fulfilment and priority-based demand fulfilment algorithm accordingly. Two case studies – Renewable with Grid Power (RwGP) and Renewable without Grid Power (RwoGP) are taken into consideration. The design is validated on the data of a township. The impact of normal and extreme weather conditions on renewable producer agent’s operating capacity is simulated. System’s performance is analysed on daily and monthly data. Results show that the model not only is reliable but also provides cost optimized solution to consumers as compared to only Grid supplied system.