Voltage Control Method Using Distributed Generators Based on a Multi-Agent System

Abstract

This paper presents a voltage control method using multiple distributed generators (DGs) based on a multi-agent system framework. The output controller of each DG is represented as a DG agent, and each voltage-monitoring device is represented as a monitoring agent. These agents cooperate to accomplish voltage regulation through a coordinating agent or moderator. The moderator uses the reactive power sensitivities and margins to determine the voltage control contributions of each DG. A fuzzy inference system (FIS) is employed by the moderator to manage the decision-making process. An FIS scheme is developed and optimized to enhance the efficiency of the proposed voltage control process using particle swarm optimization. A simple distribution system with four voltage-controllable DGs is modeled, and an FIS moderator is implemented to control the system. Simulated data show that the proposed voltage control process is able to maintain the system within the operating voltage limits. Furthermore, the results were similar to those obtained using optimal power flow calculations, even though little information on the power system was required and no power flow calculations were implemented.

Keywords

• distributed generation (DG)
• fuzzy inference system (FIS)
• multi-agent system (MAS)
• particle swarm optimization (PSO)
• reactive power control
• voltage control