Agent Based Distributed Control (ABDC) Framework for Next Generation Ships

Intelligent Automation, Inc (IAI) team is proposing a novel Agent Based Distributed Control (ABDC) framework for Next Generation Integrated Power Systems (NGIPS). ABDC addresses the issue of monitoring and adjusting energy generation, energy storage, and system loads for increased efficiency, enhanced shipboard performance during normal/faulty conditions. It has the capability to work seamlessly with other highly-efficient energy generation concepts such as hybrid drive, fuel cells, and waste heat recovery systems while ensuring backward compatibility to retrofit the existing fleet. The key focus is developing a distributed agent based controller that works on the switching sequence evolution of the power module rather than its averaged dynamics. This yields a significantly better performance compared to conventional control schemes. Phase 1 of the project demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the ABDC framework. For phase II, IAI team will expand and refine the design based on the detailed Navy requirements (energy, power, efficiency, reliability and sustainability) and build a prototype agent based system for a much larger, higher fidelity ship power system model.