Multi-agent based controller for islanding operation of active distribution networks with distributed generation

The increasing amount of distributed generation (DG) in today’s highly complex restructured power networks gives more options for distribution system operators (DSOs) under contingency conditions. A low voltage distribution network with a large amount of DG can be operated as an islanded system if the distribution system is disconnected from the main grid due to the contingency.

In order to successfully operate distribution systems under islanding mode, the possibility of small power islands within the distribution system needs to be considered. The control and management of these small power islands are important, and the overall network synchronism must be ensured in the islanded distribution system.

In this paper, a multi-agent based controller has been proposed to stabilize the frequency and voltages of an active distribution system after it enters into the islanding operation mode. The modified IEEE 9-bus system was used to investigate the dynamic and steady state performance of the active distribution system during islanding operation.

Case studies have been carried out using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) based simulation platform. Case study results show that the proposed multi-agent controller can efficiently help stabilize the frequency and voltages of active distribution systems.