Secure Automated Home Energy Management in Multi-Agent Smart Grid Architecture

Abstract

This paper describes an approach to decentralised and automated demand response and home energy management that takes into consideration privacy and security of home users implemented using a multi-agent system. The novel approach allows the management of flexibility within the low-voltage part of the electricity distribution networks where decentralised decision making will result in better value for prosumers, efficiency and market competitiveness. The hierarchical agent architecture allows agents that represent different stakeholders to make decisions as a result of changes in energy consumption and generation using mechanisms such as optimisation and access control. The multi-agent system connects to home devices through a uniform software layer that abstracts the heterogeneity of home devices.