A multi-agent approach for decentralized voltage regulation in power distribution networks within distributed generators

Voltage regulation (VR) is a procedure to keep voltages in a distribution network (DN) within normal limits. Conventionally, a voltage regulator can read voltage levels from predefined measures, and regulate the voltages. However, due to lacking of a distributed generator’s (DG) information, the unexpected electricity from a DG will mislead readings on voltages levels, so as to disturb the VR in a DN. Adjusting a DG’s reactive power output is an alternative way for VR. However, because of limited penetration levels, DGs need to collaborate with other devices in order to provide an effective voltage regulation. Therefore, how to efficiently manage DGs to coordinate with other electrical components by considering the dynamics of a DN is a big challenge. In this paper, an innovative multi-agent approach is proposed to solve this problem. The proposed approach employs decentralized control of agents on local VR, and also supports agents collaboration on global VR through dynamic task allocation and communication.