Towards ICT-Enabled Multi-agent Based Operations in Local Energy Communities: A Proof of Concept

The growing decentralization of energy systems requires scal-
able, flexible coordination of distributed generation, energy storage,
and demand-side flexibility among local energy communities. This work
builds upon the agent-based scheduling framework MASSIVE, extend-
ing its capabilities to operate in real-world settings. Within the exten-
sive framework, agents participate in the local electricity market by sub-
mitting bids based on operational constraints and preferences of local
energy components or aggregates, such as a campus. Optimized setpoints
derived from market clearing are sent as control signals to physical or
simulated assets. To enable the transmission to be modular, interoper-
able, and responsive in real time, we extend the MASSIVE framework
with a lightweight, MQTT-based layer. We validate the applicability of
these control signals through a series of experiments involving real hard-
ware and technical and safety constraints. Additionally, a geographically
distant battery system was incorporated in real time and it effectively fol-
lowed market-driven setpoints. The results confirm that a decentralized,
... mehr
agent-based market coordination model facilitates flexible integration of
physical energy systems. Plug-and-play functionality, heterogeneous con-
trol strategies, and interconnection across regions are collectively offered
by the framework, thereby providing a robust path to smart energy communities.