Université Paris Saclay, CentraleSupélec, CNRS ––– Sorbonne Université
3 et 11 rue Joliot Curie – Plateau de Moulon, 91192 GIF SUR YVETTE cedex - FRANCE
https://www.geeps.centralesupelec.fr/
PhD Thesis Proposal:
Advanced Multi-Agent Control Strategies for DC Microgrids
Contacts: Vincent REINBOLD, GeePs laboratory, Vincent.reinbold@universite-paris-saclay.fr
Alessio IOVINE, L2S laboratory, Alessio.iovine@centralesupelec.fr
Imen BAHRI, GeePs laboratory, imen.bahri@universite-paris-saclay.fr
How to apply: ONLY online at
https://adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?matricule_prop=65342&site=adumR#version
Within the framework of the energy transition, the management of energy in multi-agent DC
micro-grids incorporating renewable energy sources constitutes a significant area of research. Ensuring
effective coordination among the various agents, while addressing the intermittency inherent in both
energy production and consumption, represents a critical technical and scientific challenge.
Objective: The objective of this doctoral research is to develop and implement advanced control
algorithms for direct current (DC) microgrids. These microgrids will integrate renewable energy sources,
both slow and fast energy storage systems, nonlinear loads, and connections to the alternating current
(AC) grid. The focus will be on designing scalable and modular multi-agent, multi-level control
strategies that operate at the interface between primary control (managing power converters) and
secondary control (overseeing power and energy management).
Research Scope: This research will address the challenges associated with the increasing penetration of
distributed renewable energy resources in DC microgrids. By employing multi-agent system (MAS)
frameworks, the study aims to achieve decentralized, resilient, and efficient control mechanisms in both
connected and islanded mode. The work will involve:
1. Design of Multi-Agent Control Architectures:
o Developing decentralized control schemes where agents represent various components
of the microgrid, such as generation units, storage devices, and loads.
o Ensuring agents can operate autonomously while collaborating to maintain overall
system stability and performance.
2. Integration of Renewable Energy and Storage Systems:
o Implementing control strategies that accommodate the variability and intermittency of
renewable energy sources.
o Coordinating between different types of storage systems to optimize energy utilization
and ensure reliable power supply.
3. Hierarchical Control Implementation:
o Developing control algorithms that operate at multiple levels, from primary control of
power converters to secondary control for power and energy management.
o Ensuring seamless interaction between control layers to achieve desired system
performance.
4. Real-World Implementation and Testing:
o Deploying the developed control strategies on a physical testbed located at the GeePs
(Group of Electrical Engineering – Paris) facilities.
o Validating the performance of the control algorithms under realistic operating conditions
and scenarios.
Methodology: The research will employ a combination of theoretical analysis, simulation studies, and
experimental validation. Advanced nonlinear control techniques will be explored to ensure both stability
and optimality of the control strategies for both single power converters, for example using Lyapunov-
based techniques, and their interconnection and management, for example using Model Predictive
Control (MPC). The multi-agent framework will facilitate the development of decentralized control
algorithms that can adapt to changes in the microgrid configuration and operating conditions
Expected Contributions: This PhD research is expected to contribute to the field of DC microgrid
control by:
Proposing novel multi-agent control architectures that enhance the scalability and modularity of
microgrid operations.
Developing control strategies that effectively integrate renewable energy sources and diverse
storage systems.
Providing formal verification of control algorithms to ensure they meet power system
specifications.
Demonstrating the practical applicability of the developed control strategies through
implementation on a real-world testbed.
References:
1. Q. Guo, M. Jiménez Carrizosa, A. Iovine, A. Arzandé, "Dynamic feedback linearization and singular perturbation
for a stabilizing controller for dc/dc boost converters: theory and experimental validation", IEEE Transactions on
Industrial Electronics, vol. 71, no. 8, pp. 9559-9568, Aug. 2024.
2. Q. Guo, I. Bahri, D. Diallo, and E. Berthelot. "Model predictive control and linear control of DC–DC boost converter
in low voltage DC microgrid: An experimental comparative study." Elsevier, Control Engineering Practice 131,
2023.
3. A. Iovine, M. Jimenez Carrizosa, E. De Santis, M. D. Di Benedetto, P. Pepe and A. Sangiovanni-Vincentelli,
"Voltage Regulation and Current Sharing in DC Microgrids With Different Information Scenarios," in IEEE
Transactions on Control Systems Technology, vol. 30, no. 5, pp.1905-1919,Sept.2022.
4. A. Iovine, T. Rigaut, G. Damm, E. De Santis, M. D. Di Benedetto, "Power Management for a DC MicroGrid
integrating Renewables and Storages", Control Engineering Practice, Volume 85, 2019, Pages 59-79, ISSN 0967-
0661.
5. R. Han, M. Tucci, A. Martinelli, J. M. Guerrero, and G. FerrariTrecate, “Stability Analysis of Primary Plug-and-
Play and Secondary Leader-Based Controllers for DC Microgrid Clusters,” IEEE Transactions on Power Systems,
vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 1780– 1800, May 2019.
6. N. Hatziargyriou, J. V. Milanovic, C. Rahmann, V. Ajjarapu, C. Canizares, I. Erlich, D. Hill, I. Hiskens, I. Kamwa,
B. Pal, P. Pourbeik, J. J. Sanchez-Gasca, A. M. Stankovic, T. Van Cutsem, V. Vittal, and C. Vournas, “Definition
and classification of power system stability revisited extended,” IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, pp. 1–1,
2020.
7. L. Meng, Q. Shafiee, G. F. Trecate, H. Karimi, D. Fulwani, X. Lu, and J. M. Guerrero, “Review on Control of DC
Microgrids and Multiple Microgrid Clusters,” IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics,
vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 928–948, Sept 201.
