Multi-agent-based autonomous power distribution network restoration using contract net protocol

A novel multi‐agent‐based system based on the contract net protocol (CNP), intended to achieve a distributed approach to power distribution network restoration, is proposed. In the proposed system, agents are assigned to areas sectioned by switches and constantly exchange environmental information among themselves. The information is used to construct a CNP overlay network to guard against network accidents. The parameters of the CNP required for robustness and effectiveness are optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) in the operation phase. When a network accident occurs, the agents restore power distribution service autonomously through the CNP overlay network constructed. Simulation experiments indicate that CNP allows an effective power distribution network restoration strategy to be created by cooperation among agents. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 56–63, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20661