Transactive Energy for Flexible Prosumers Using Algorithmic Game Theory

In modern smart grids, the focus is increasingly shifted towards distributed energy resources and flexible electricity assets owned by prosumers. A system with high penetration of flexible prosumers, has a very large number of variables and constraints, while a lot of the information is local and non-observable. Decomposition methods and local problem solving is considered a promising approach for such settings, particularly when the implementation of a decomposition method features a market-based analogy, i.e. it can be implemented in a Transactive Energy fashion. In this paper we present an auction-theoretic scheme for a setting with non-convex prosumer models and resource constraints. The scheme is evaluated on a particular case study and its scalability and efficiency properties are tested and compared to an optimal benchmark solution. A game-theoretic analysis is made with respect to how an intelligent agent, that bids on behalf of a prosumer can try to strategize within the auction, in order to make itself better-off. Our simulations show that there is an alignment of incentives, i.e., when the prosumers try to strategize, they actually improve the auction's efficiency.

Automated summary

In modern smart grids, there is a focus on distributed energy resources and flexible electricity assets owned by prosumers. Decomposition methods and local problem solving are considered promising approaches for systems with high penetration of flexible prosumers.