Multi-agent system-based microgrid protection using angular variation: An embedded approach

This paper presents a new approach for protecting microgrids based on multi-agent systems and using the angular variation of currents. The multi-agent system was structured using a congregation organization with three agents: section agent, circuit breaker agent, and switch agent. In this proposal, section agents are located at the microgrid lines, obtaining the difference in current angles between the buses. Then, if a threshold is reached, it sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker agent. This agent is responsible for receiving the trip signals and determining the correct line to be isolated. Finally, the switch agent is responsible for monitoring the microgrid operating scenario and updating the adequate thresholds of the agents. The proposed method was assessed firstly using simulations in PSCAD. Next, the multi-agent strategy was embedded into a low-cost microcontroller unit and tested through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). The experimental and simulation results indicated the feasibility of the proposed method.