APPLICATION OF MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS TO ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, New Mexico) is researching multi-agent systems for control of complex systems. A multi-agent system is one way to provide an autonomous distributed control system. A multi-agent system consists of a group of intelligent software agents that have the capability to sense their local environments, analyze their current operating conditions, and execute commands which have the potential to improve their conditions. Agents communicate with other agents and remote control centers. Agents also have the ability to learn from past events. Applications in electric power systems that may benefit from multi-agent systems are distributed control of some functions of the electric power grid, simulation tools to perform analysis of operation of the power grid, and software tools for simulation or implementation of power sales. Sandia is seeking an expression of interest from product developers and manufacturers in the electric power industry. It is anticipated that Sandia will eventually form a partnership with an industry partner with the objective of developing product(s) in this field. Initial activities will be supported by in-kind funding from each partner. Respondents to this announcements must be active participants in the power industry, understand how the power grid currently operates, demonstrate knowledge of how the industry is changing as a result of deregulation, and have an interest in developing products for the power industry that utilize multi-agent systems. The expression of interest should be limited to three pages and must include at least the following information: 1)Date and Title of this CBD Notice, 2)Company name, address, phone/fax numbers of Principal Contact, 3)Primary business activity, 4)Description of applicable capabilities, and 5)Business interests in the future development of products utilizing multi-agent systems. All expressions of interest will be evaluated and Sandia will determine who is technically and financially able to bring the project to completion. Please respond by mail or fax to Joanne Trujillo no later than March 1, 1999 at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 843-4175. E-MAIL: Joanne Trujillo, jmtruji@sandia.gov. Posted 02/10/99 (W-SN296852).

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