Multi-agent negotiation and architecture for voltage control and flexibility on minimally monitored last mile distribution systems

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Storey, Thomas and Stephen, Bruce and Brown, Blair David and McArthur, Stephen; (2025) Multi-agent negotiation and architecture for voltage control and flexibility on minimally monitored last mile distribution systems. In: 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe). IEEE, MLT. ISBN 979-8-3315-2503-3 (https://doi.org/10.1109/ISGTEurope64741.2025.11305...)

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Abstract

Low Voltage (LV) networks face increased challenges such as voltage control and thermal limit management due to the proliferation of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs). The challenge of enhancing operation through advanced monitoring and data analytics is compounded by both the heterogeneity of LV feeders and the large number of these assets connected to distribution networks. To provide a fit and forget solution that can self-organise in many eventualities, this paper contributes a study on the potential efficacy of a Multi-Agent System (MAS) approach to alleviate these issues. MAS provides a capability for distributed intelligence which can be used co-operatively to solve system wide problems within the requirements of multiple actors, represented by agents. Machine to machine communication and information exchange is handled transparently through this approach, lending it to the LV application where assets from a variety of vendors may be installed. A novel MAS negotiation and control system applied to real LV network topologies to improve voltage profiles at the last mile of distribution is contributed, with power flow, demand forecast, and storage schedule optimisation functionality encapsulated as agents, which can then self organise according to the potential for constraint violations faced by a particular LV feeder.

ORCID iDs

Storey, Thomas ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4957-618X, Stephen, Bruce ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7502-8129, Brown, Blair David ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4734-9985 and McArthur, Stephen ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1312-8874;
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