Control centers evolve with agent technology

Energy management system (EMS) architectures are deeply influenced by power system and information system scenarios. The computer industry has been evolving continuously, and the power industry, which remained relatively stable for decades, is now undergoing revolutionary changes that require the special attention of EMS developers. The introduction of new players, the decentralization of production and processing of information, and competition will change the way control centers operate and, consequently, their architecture. Distinct areas of computer science have suggested many different approaches to tackle the problems that arise in the new decentralized scenario. Of particular interest, agent technology, proposed in the context of distributed artificial intelligence, is a very promising approach to support the construction of a new generation of EMS in an open environment.