Multi-Agent Based Control Framework for an Integrated Community Energy System

This paper presents an advanced control framework for an Integrated Community Energy (ICE) system which includes a unidirectional thermal network and centralized energy generation and storage. This control structure utilizes the concepts of Multi-Agent Systems and Sequential Logic Control, in combination with conventional controllers to form a self-regulating closed loop with the ICE system. The operation of this system is able to satisfy the thermal and electrical demand of different consumers while maintaining system stability and adjusting its own set-points in real time. The strategy implemented by the developed control framework facilitates the reduction of peak electricity use and natural gas heating by approximately 42% and 65%, respectively, resulting in a 62% reduction of GHG emissions.