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Multi-agent-based smart grid applications have gained much attention in recent times. At the same time, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a crucial part of the smart grid infrastructure. The key intention of this work is to present a comprehensive review of the literature and technological frameworks for the application of multi-agent system (MAS) and ICT infrastructure usages in smart grid implementations. In the smart grid, agents are defined as intelligent entities with the ability to take decisions and acting flexibly and autonomously according to their built-in intelligence utilizing previous experiences. Whereas, ICT enables conventional grid turned into the smart grid through data and information exchange. This paper summarizes the multi-agent concept of smart grid highlighting their applications through a detailed and extensive literature survey on the related topics. In addition to the above, a particular focus has been put on the ICT standards, including IEC 61850 incorporating ICT with MAS. Finally, a laboratory framework concepts have been added highlighting the implementation of IEC 61850.

To meet the fast-growing energy demand and, at the same time, tackle environmental concerns resulting from conventional energy sources, renewable energy sources are getting integrated in power networks to ensure reliable and affordable energy for the public and industrial sectors. However, the integration of renewable energy in the ageing electrical grids can result in new risks/challenges, such as security of supply, base load energy capacity, seasonal effects, and so on. Recent research and development in microgrids have proved that microgrids, which are fueled by renewable energy sources and managed by smart grids (use of smart sensors and smart energy management system), can offer higher reliability and more efficient energy systems in a cost-effective manner. Further improvement in the reliability and efficiency of electrical grids can be achieved by utilizing dc distribution in microgrid systems. DC microgrid is an attractive technology in the modern electrical grid system because of its natural interface with renewable energy sources, electric loads, and energy storage systems. In the recent past, an increase in research work has been observed in the area of dc microgrid, which brings this technology closer to practical implementation. This paper presents the state-of-the-art dc microgrid technology that covers ac interfaces, architectures, possible grounding schemes, power quality issues, and communication systems. The advantages of dc grids can be harvested in many applications to improve their reliability and efficiency. This paper also discusses benefits and challenges of using dc grid systems in several applications. This paper highlights the urgent need of standardizations for dc microgrid technology and presents recent updates in this area.

An LCL filter utilized in an active front end (AFE) converter can generate significant resonance, which can affect quality and stability of the system. Thus, a proper active or passive damping technique and/or a suitable controller is required to be designed for the converter. The duty cycle constraint-though inevitable in practical inverter systems-is often ignored in most of the existing literature. The effects of measurement noise on filter control system performance must be considered and evaluated under different conditions. Finally, almost all inverter control systems are implemented digitally using microcontrollers. Consequently, the effects of sampling on control system stability and performance should be evaluated as well. Thus, this paper presents stability analysis of an AFE converter-based filter design with a complete practical system configuration, including saturation and sampling blocks and measurement noises. Mathematical analysis and simulations have been carried out to validate the proposed method.