Decentralized Microgrid Control via Multi-Agent Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power systems face challenges such as high pollution, centralized nature, inefficiency, and variability in renewable energy sources, which hinder widespread deployment of distributed microgrids due to complexities in managing variable power sources and loads.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized software and hardware architecture utilizing multi-agent systems (MAS) and model-predictive control (MPC) to harmonize power production and consumption across independently owned and operated microgrid sources and loads, enabling distributed intelligence and fine-grained coordination through networked computer systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If distributed power systems with renewable energy sources are deployed, then pollution is reduced and environmental sustainability is improved, but the variability of power output and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepollutionVSAvoidpower output variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power system into multiple independent microgrids, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows individual microgrids to manage their own variable renewable energy sources locally, reducing the impact of variability on the broader system while maintaining overall sustainability benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms that allow microgrids to adapt their operation in real-time based on varying renewable energy output and load conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to handle power variability while maintaining stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If microgrids with independently owned power sources are implemented, then decentralization and resilience are improved, but the complexity of coordinating multiple variable sources and loads increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem resilienceVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables each microgrid to autonomously manage its own power sources and loads through local control systems. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized coordination while maintaining system reliability, as each microgrid can independently balance its own supply and demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where microgrids continuously monitor their own operational status and adjust their control strategies accordingly. This distributed feedback approach simplifies coordination complexity by enabling autonomous decision-making at the microgrid level while maintaining overall system resilience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional centralized power systems are used, then power generation efficiency is maintained, but pollution increases and system vulnerability to disasters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidpollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized power system into multiple distributed microgrids, each capable of efficient local power generation using renewable energy sources. This segmentation eliminates the pollution associated with fossil fuel-based centralized generation while maintaining overall system productivity through coordinated microgrid operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If renewable energy sources are used to reduce carbon emissions, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the cost of building and operating the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon emissionsVSAvoidsystem construction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large-scale renewable energy system into smaller, modular microgrids that can be deployed incrementally. This segmentation reduces upfront construction costs by allowing phased implementation while maintaining environmental sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources in each microgrid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables microgrids to operate autonomously and manage their own resources efficiently, reducing the need for expensive centralized infrastructure and operational overhead. This self-service capability lowers both construction and operating costs while maintaining low carbon emissions through renewable energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9148019B2Computing architecture for autonomous microgrids

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA LLC

AI summary

A computing architecture that facilitates autonomously controlling operations of a microgrid is described herein. A microgrid network includes numerous computing devices that execute intelligent agents, each of which is assigned to a particular entity (load, source, storage device, or switch) in the microgrid. The intelligent agents can execute in accordance with predefined protocols to collectively perform computations that facilitate uninterrupted control of the microgrid.