The design of integrated energy systems (IESs) is a challenging task by reason of the highly complex configurations of these systems, the wide range of equipment used, and a diverse set of mathematical models and dedicated software employed to model it. The use of digital twins allows modeling in virtual space for various IES configurations. As a result, an optimal option of IES is obtained, which is implemented in the construction or expansion of a real-world IES. The paper proposes the principles of building digital twins for solving the IES design problems. The paper presents a new methodological approach developed by the authors to design an IES with the help of its digital twin. This approach includes the following components: the architecture of the software platform to create digital twins, a set of technologies and tools to implement the platform, methods to automatically construct a digital twin based on the Model-Driven Engineering concept, an algorithm to design an IES based on its digital twin, and principles to organize a computational process using a multi-agent approach. The results of the computational experiment using the software implementation of the IES digital twin components are presented for a test energy supply scheme.

The technical complexity of organizing energy systems’ operation has recently been compounded by the complexity of reconciling the interests of individual entities involved in interactions. This study proposes a possible solution to the problem of modeling their relationships within a large system. Our solution takes into account multiple levels of interactions, imperfect information, and conflicting interests. We present a mathematical statement of the problem of optimal interactions between the centralized system and prosumers in the integrated energy system (IES) with due consideration of the layered architecture of the IES. The paper also contributes a model for arranging the interactions between centralized and distributed energy sources for cases when IES prosumers form coalitions. The implementation of this model is based on multi-agent techniques and cooperative game theory tools. In order to arrive at a rational arrangement of the interactions of prosumers in the IES, the model implements different approaches to the allocation of the coalition’s total payoff (the Shapley value, Modiclus, PreNucleolus solution concepts). Furthermore, we propose a criterion for deciding on the “best” imputation. We contribute a multi-agent system that implements the proposed model and use a test IES setup to validate the model by simulations. The results of the simulations ensure optimal interactions between the entities involved in the energy supply process within the IES and driven by their own interests. The results also elucidate the conditions that make it feasible for prosumers to form coalitions.

The current technological infrastructure in the electricity, heat, cold, and gas supply, as a rule, is formed and controlled separately by local systems and tasks. The traditionally considered energy systems unite large energy sources, such as hydroelectric power station, combined heat and power plants, boiler plants, and electric and pipeline networks distributed over a large area. New trends in the energy sector necessitate a revision of the principles of construction of energy systems and the creation of integrated energy supply systems. Combining separate different types of systems of different levels into a single integrated system with many coordinated elements can contribute to the implementation of new functionality, the use of more advanced technologies in operation and the active participation of consumers with distributed generation in the energy supply process. For the study of integrated energy supply systems it is proposed to use a multiagent approach, which is one of the promising areas of research for complex systems. This approach is used in many subject areas to study systems that include many elements with complex behavior. Such systems include integrated energy supply systems. The solution of the problem on the basis of the agent approach is developed by a multitude of interrelated agents.

The main goal of the paper is to develop and study an integrated energy supply system model in the AnyLogic software environment using a multiagent approach. Creating a single integrated system will allow: to implement new functionalities; increase reliability by improving redundancy and faster decision making in normal and emergency situations; determine the most profitable supply route individually for each consumer, based on cost and design features; participate consumers with their own energy sources in the process of energy supply of the system. The multiagent model of the integrated energy supply system was created in the AnyLogic software environment, which uses advanced technologies for modeling complex systems that will allow the most visual and detailed display of the interaction mechanisms of objects in the system and analyze the results. This study describes in detail the resulting multiagent model, its main agents, and their state diagrams. A description and analysis of an experiment conducted using this model is also provided. The results show that the multiagent model of the integrated energy supply system works correctly and performs all the specified functions.

In this work, an approach for accounting and regulating the share of distributed generation in an integrated energy system is developed. In order to model an integrated energy system, a multi-agent approach was used, which presents a technologically complex system as a combination of agents, each having individual behaviour. The essence of a multi-agent approach is as follows: an integrated energy system is represented as a combination of components modelled by their agents having an individual behaviour algorithm; each element of an integrated energy system is involved in the generation of a solution and protects its interests on the basis of efficient energy supply. The implementation of this approach was carried out using the AnyLogic software environment, which includes the basic components of agent and simulation modelling, allowing any multi-agent systems to be developed depending on the application. The custom structure of the multi-agent system for integrated energy systems was developed, factoring in its performance features and interaction of objects, the main composition and types of agents of the multi-agent system being determined. The following types of agents were distinguished: consumer agent, dynamic consumer agent, network agent, manager agent of dynamic consumer, agent of centralised energy source, network agent and advisory agent. A multi - agent model of a real power supply system of a residential area in Irkutsk, having centralised and distributed energy sources, was developed. Taking into account the efficient operation of centralised energy sources, the principles for regulating the share of distributed generation in the system were proposed, allowing the total costs of energy supply to consumers to be reduced by rearranging power between centralised and distributed generation sources. The results obtained using the developed multi-agent model were used to formulate the principles of interactions of centralised and distributed energy generation sources. The redistribution of power between these energy sources on the basis of the above principles reduced the total costs by 4.22% for heat supply and 9.94% for electricity supply to consumers.