Implementing multiagent systems technology for power distribution network control and protection management

Power distribution network protection and restoration are significant issues in terms of quality and reliability of the supplied electrical energy. In this paper, an extended research in possible high-end protection and control methods is presented. The authors intend to show the efficiency of combining modern IT techniques with the equipment provided by distribution automation evolving technology. As a result, a flexible and versatile multiagent system (MAS) is proposed. The effected MAS is fault isolation and power restoration oriented, as shown in the case studies. The structure of the proposed system (software and hardware aspects) is introduced. Both microscopic and macroscopic procedures are revised. Power line communications technology is implemented. Results acquired from computer simulations are evaluated. Conclusions concerning the perspectives of implementing the proposed system are finally presented.