Deep Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Cost Efficient Distributed Load Frequency Control

The rise of microgrid-based architectures is heavily modifying the energy control landscape in distribution systems making distributed control mechanisms necessary to ensure reliable power system operations. In this paper, we propose the use of Reinforcement Learning techniques to implement load frequency control without requiring a central authority. To this end, we approximate the optimal solution of the primary, secondary, and tertiary control with the use of the Multi- Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm. Generation units are characterised as agents that learn how to maximise their long-term performance by acting and interacting with the environment to balance generation and load in a cost efficient way. Network effects are also modelled in our framework for the restoration of frequency to the nominal value. We validate our Reinforcement Learning methodology through numerical results and show that it can be used to implement the load frequency control in a distributed and cost efficient way.