Distributed Artificial Intelligence for Smart Grid Operations and Management

Ganesh Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Clemson University ABSTRACT: The modern electric power and energy system, referred to as the ‘smart grid’ is complex and one that is expected to be conscious, intelligent, distributed, and flexible. Such an electric power system architecture can facilitate secure and distributed flow of power from renewable energy sources including solar and wind. Furthermore, it can handle flexible loads and energy storage including electric vehicles. This keynote will address the potentials and promises of distributed intelligence including Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smart grid operations and control. AI has evolved over the last 40+ years to transform operations and control of complex systems. A smart grid with variable power and energy sources, bidirectional power flows, and uncertainty in forecasting and real- time availability of generation, loads, energy storage and other operational resources requires distributed intelligence and computational technologies for its operation and control. Examples of such technologies including AI for stable, secure, reliable, and efficient operations and control of smart grid will be presented.