Desiderata for agent-based power regulation protocols in smart grids

In this work we focus on one particular area of the smart grid, namely, the challenges faced by distribution network operators in securing the balance between supply and demand in the intraday market. Typically, the intraday market is used as a mechanism for coping with various unplanned operational incidents that may arise in the grid. It is anticipated that it will gain even more significance, as a growing number of load controllable devices and small-scale, intermittent generators coming from renewables are expected to pervade the system. On one hand, this means that the task of managing the network efficiently becomes increasingly complex and stochastic due to the large number of decentralized autonomous actors embedded in the network. On the other hand, their dynamic adaptability and capability to conform to higher volatility can lead towards compelling solutions. In this position paper we propose a set of desiderata for a multi-agent design to facilitate coordinating the various actors and alleviate these drawbacks. As the network is becoming more reliant on the power generated by DERs, the role of the balancing market is expected to gain significant importance.