The deployment of Renewable Energy (RE)-based generation has experienced a sustained global growth in the recent decades, driven by many countries' interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuel for electricity generation. This trend is also observed in remote off-grid systems (isolated microgrids), where local communities, in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel dependency and associated economic and environmental costs, and to increase availability of electricity, are favouring the installation of RE-based generation. This practice has posed several challenges to the operation of such systems, due to the intermittent and hard-to-predict nature of RE sources. In particular, this thesis addresses the problem of reliable and economic dispatch of isolated microgrids, also known as the energy management problem, considering the uncertain nature of those RE sources, as well as loads. Isolated microgrids feature characteristics similar to those of distribution systems, in terms of unbalanced power flows, significant voltage drops and high power losses. For this reason, detailed three-phase mathematical models of the microgrid system and components are presented here, in order to account for the impact of unbalanced system conditions on the optimal operation of the microgrid. Also, simplified three-phase models of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are developed to reduce the level of complexity in small units that have limited impact on the optimal operation of the system, thus reducing the number of equations and variables of the problem. The proposed mathematical models are then used to formulate a novel energy management problem for isolated microgrids, as a deterministic, multi-period, Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) problem. The multi-period formulation allows for a proper management of energy storage resources and multi-period constraints associated with the commitment decisions of DERs. In order to obtain solutions of the energy management problem in reasonable computational times for real-time, realistic applications, and to address the uncertainty issues, the proposed MINLP formulation is decomposed into a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem, and a Nonlinear programming (NLP) problem, in the context of a Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach. The MILP formulation determines the unit commitment decisions of DERs using a simplified model of the network, whereas the NLP formulation calculates the detailed three-phase dispatch of the units, knowing the commitment status. A feedback signal is generated by the NLP if additional units are required to correct reactive power problems in the microgrid, triggering a new calculation MINLP problem. The proposed decomposition and calculation routines are used to design a new deterministic Energy Management System (EMS) based on the MPC approach to handle uncertainties; hence, the proposed deterministic EMS is able to handle multi-period constraints, and account for the impact of future system conditions in the current operation of the microgrid. In the proposed methodology, uncertainty associated with the load and RE-based generation is indirectly considered in the EMS by continuously updating the optimal dispatch solution (with a given time-step), based on the most updated information available from suitable forecasting systems. For a more direct modelling of uncertainty in the problem formulation, the MILP part of the energy management problem is re-formulated as a two-stage Stochastic Programming (SP) problem. The proposed novel SP formulation considers that uncertainty can be properly modelled using a finite set of scenarios, which are generated using both a statistical ensembles scenario generation technique and historical data. Using the proposed SP formulation of the MILP problem, the deterministic EMS design is adjusted to produce a novel stochastic EMS. The proposed EMS design is tested in a large, realistic, medium-voltage isolated microgrid test system. For the deterministic case, the results demonstrate the important connection between the microgrid's imbalance, reactive power requirements and optimal dispatch, justifying the need for detailed three-phase models for EMS applications in isolated microgrids. For the stochastic studies, the results show the advantages of using a stochastic MILP formulation to account for uncertainties associated with RE sources, and optimally accommodate system reserves. The computational times in all simulated cases show the feasibility of applying the proposed techniques to real-time, autonomous dispatch of isolated microgrids with variable RE sources.

This study describes the development and use of a mathematical model that will enable mine operators to minimise the costs of electricity consumed by the ventilation and refrigeration systems used for environmental control in deep mines. This model was calibrated and tested by using actual data from a gold mine near Welkom in South Africa. In a first simulation, the mine's current practice of controlling conditions to a wet bulb temperature (Twb) of 25S°C, was optimised. The model demonstrated that this environmental condition could be sustained at lower electricity consumption. In so doing, the mine realised a saving of 30 000 kWh per day. The energy saving and load management led to a cost saving of R 1.5 million per year. However, a better indicator of environmental conditions is the Air Cooling Power index, (ACP). Research has shown that for hard physical work in hot conditions workers need an ACP of 300 w/m2. It was found that the case study mine actually supplied their workplace with a cooling capacity of 422 w/m2. The new model optimised the refrigeration and ventilation systems in such a manner that the workers were supplied with exactly 300 w/m2, no more and no less. It was found that by doing this, an electricity saving of 57 600 kWh per day could be realised when compared with the current mine practices. The energy saving and load management led to a potential cost saving of R 2.55 million per year. (Certain capital costs, such as for variable speed drives may have to be incurred to realise these savings.) The new model could be further extended to take advantage of the new Real Time Price offerings from Eskom It will be able to identify an operating point for the refrigeration and ventilation systems to supply 300 w/m2 for the workers, in real time, at the lowest electricity cost. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Peak electricity demand in South Africa will exceed the available operational generation capacity in 2007. The state utility Eskom is addressing this challenge, inter aha, with the implementation of the Demand-side Management (DSM) initiative. The aim of DSM is to defer the building of additional power stations by modifying the end-user pattern to reduce electrical load during the morning and evening peaks. At the end of 2005 the DSM programme has only achieved 30°/o of its target. Some of the biggest problems are the lack of knowledge on how to perform ESCO audits and availability of tools and procedures to enable Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to evaluate DSM potential. Studies in South Africa have shown that 20°/o of the total municipal energy is utilised in commercial buildings. Additional investigations have shown that in the commercial sector approximately 50% of energy is used for air conditioning. Energy savings of around 30% can be realised through improved management procedures and retrofit projects of HVAC systems of existing buildings. Telecommunication companies own and operate a large portfolio of diverse buildings. It was shown that these buildings are very inefficient in terms of energy usage. Performing ESCO analyses on these building portfolios present huge savings opportunities for the building owners as well as load reduction opportunities to help meet DSM targets. ESCOs however face major problems in evaluating DSM projects on telecommunication facilities. Some of these problems are: time to perform the ESCO audits on such a large portfolio of buildings; skill levels of available personnel; lack of experience and structured audit process; availability of information; data capturing of information; determining the impact of the retrofits and calculating the savings and financial benefits of retrofits. Obtaining approval for DSM projects is also a lengthy process. Smaller ESCOs cannot afford to commit resources to ESCO investigations only to recover their investment after project approval. Having an ESCO procedure that will speed up the audit process will help the ESCO to minimise resources that need to be committed to these investigations. Having a tested and reliable ESCO procedure will also help Eskom since they will receive more and better quality DSM proposals. A new ESCO procedure for telecommunications facilities was developed. The primary requirements for the new ESCO procedure are that it should be simple, stable, fast and accurate. This procedure is evaluated against the known energy management opportunities in telecommunication facilities. Some of the benefits of the new ESCO procedure are: time taken to perform ESCO analysis on all types of buildings is drastically reduced; lower qualified personnel can be used to perform the ESCO analysis; any type of HVAC system configuration can be accommodated; new data capturing procedures ensure that only essential data is captured; integrated simulation software is used that can easy and accurately simulate the building operations and retrofits on a building; retrofit options suitable for telecommunication facilities are identified; contribution to the DSM programme is evaluated; financial evaluation of the retrofits and feasibility for DSM funding and results are integrated into a standardised reporting format. The new ESCO procedure was implemented on several case studies within the telecommunication infrastructure. Five different types of buildings were selected to implement the ESCO procedure. Each step of the procedure was evaluated and tested against the requirements of the new ESCO procedure. It was proven through implementation that the new ESCO procedure is successful in solving the unique problems in performing ESCO analyses for telecommunications facilities. Valuable insight into the problems that can occur during the ESCO process was highlighted, and recommendation for future work was presented. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Eskom is under increasing pressure to provide reliable and sustainable electricity. Demand Side Management (DSM), offers a short– to medium–term solution to this problem. During 2009, the mining sector consumed approximately 16% of the domestic electricity supplied by Eskom. This made the mining sector one of the major targets for Eskom–initiated DSM programmes. The mining industry uses compressed air for a wide variety of applications and production purposes. This creates many opportunities to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. Reducing the airsystem demand may however not result in significant electrical energy savings, unless the compressed–air supply is accurately managed to meet the reduced demand. Until recently, compressor control in the mining sector generally consisted of operating the compressors continuously, regardless of the actual demand for compressed air. Excessive compressed air is blown off into the atmosphere resulting in energy loss. This usually occurs when the compressors are operated manually. A computer–controlled compressor management solution, which optimises the efficiency potential of the compressed–air supply, is required to obtain significant electrical energy savings. The need for such a solution was addressed by the development of an energy management solution for mine compressor systems. This solution is referred to as Energy Management System (EMS) and is capable of starting, stopping, loading and unloading compressors. In addition to this, compressor output can be controlled to maintain a desired pressure set–point. In this study, the development and implementation of EMS on ten different mine compressor systems is presented. Automatic compressor capacity control was implemented, while an operator manually initiated compressor starting; stopping; loading and unloading, according to EMS control schedules. Centralised compressor control is one of the main advantages offered by EMS, especially for compressed–air systems with multiple compressor systems at different geographic locations. EMS facilitated effective and sustainable electrical energy reductions for all these compressed–air systems. / Thesis (M. Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Eskom is under increasing pressure to provide reliable and sustainable electricity. Demand Side Management (DSM), offers a short– to medium–term solution to this problem. During 2009, the mining sector consumed approximately 16% of the domestic electricity supplied by Eskom. This made the mining sector one of the major targets for Eskom–initiated DSM programmes. The mining industry uses compressed air for a wide variety of applications and production purposes. This creates many opportunities to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. Reducing the airsystem demand may however not result in significant electrical energy savings, unless the compressed–air supply is accurately managed to meet the reduced demand. Until recently, compressor control in the mining sector generally consisted of operating the compressors continuously, regardless of the actual demand for compressed air. Excessive compressed air is blown off into the atmosphere resulting in energy loss. This usually occurs when the compressors are operated manually. A computer–controlled compressor management solution, which optimises the efficiency potential of the compressed–air supply, is required to obtain significant electrical energy savings. The need for such a solution was addressed by the development of an energy management solution for mine compressor systems. This solution is referred to as Energy Management System (EMS) and is capable of starting, stopping, loading and unloading compressors. In addition to this, compressor output can be controlled to maintain a desired pressure set–point. In this study, the development and implementation of EMS on ten different mine compressor systems is presented. Automatic compressor capacity control was implemented, while an operator manually initiated compressor starting; stopping; loading and unloading, according to EMS control schedules. Centralised compressor control is one of the main advantages offered by EMS, especially for compressed–air systems with multiple compressor systems at different geographic locations. EMS facilitated effective and sustainable electrical energy reductions for all these compressed–air systems. / Thesis (M. Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

A series hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle that is powered by both an engine and a battery pack. An electric motor provides all of the mechanical motive power to the transmission. Engine power is decoupled from the transmission by converting engine power into electricity which powers the electric motor. The mechanical decoupling of the engine from the transmission allows the engine to be run at any operating point (including off) during vehicle operation while the battery back supplies or consumes the remaining power. Therefore, the engine can be operated at its most efficient operating point or in a high-efficiency operating region. The first objective of this research is to develop a dynamic model of a series hybrid diesel-electric powertrain for implementation in Simulink. The vehicle of interest is a John Deere M-Gator utility vehicle. This model serves primarily to test energy management strategies, but it can also be used for component sizing given known load profiles for a vehicle. The second objective of this research is to develop and implement multiple energy management strategies of varying complexity from simple thermostat control to an optimal control law derived using dynamic programming. These energy management strategies are then tested and compared over the criteria of overall fuel efficiency, power availability, battery life, and complexity of implementation. Complexity of implementation is a critical metric for control designers and project managers. The results show that simple point-based control logic can improve upon thermostat control if engine efficiency maps are known. All control method results depend on the load profile being used for a specific application.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Energy-related costs are increasing steadily. This is especially true in South Africa where we have been dealing with an energy crisis during the past couple of years. The increase in energy-related costs puts energy dependent industries under financial pressure. It is therefore imperative to find ways to improve the efficiency with which energy is being consumed in order to decrease the amount of money that has to be allocated to energy costs. The efficient consumption of energy at a facility is crucial and to increase that efficiency, Energy Management Programs (EMPs) should be implemented. An important component of EMPs is ascertaining the current energy consumption of a facility in order to identify areas where possible improvements can be made. This is done by completing an energy audit at the facility. After the energy audit has been completed and Energy Conservation Methods (ECMs) have been identified, the implementation of these methods should commence. The aim of this study is to determine how Industrial Engineering (IE) methods can play a more integral role in making South Africa more energy efficient. As part of this study, research was done to identify current EMCs being implemented in different areas and for different equipment in facilities. This information was compared to IE methods to identify the possible relationship between the ECMs and IE methods. Content analyses were completed on both IE and energy efficiency corpora using the Content Analysis Toolkit (CAT) program. These analyses identified important topics in these corpora and correlations between these topics in order to show correlations between the IE and energy efficiency fields. The most significant correlations identified, were between statistical methods and various energy efficiency topics. A case study was completed at a company in the Western Cape that manufactures electronic and integrated circuit products to implement the relevant ECMs. As part of the case study, an energy audit was completed at the facility. The implementation of a number of the ECMs has shown reductions in the daily kilowatt hours (kWh) consumptions. These reductions were obtained through the implementation of a Shut Down Management program, which highlights the importance of management in an energy conservation project. The application of optimisation algorithms for energy efficient design was examined through the optimisation of lighting design, using a Genetic Algorithm. It was found that a Genetic Algorithm is applicable to lighting design but requires further refinement in order to generate the most optimal design solutions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kostes verbonde aan energieverbruik is voortdurend besig om toe te neem.Dit is veral relevant in Suid-Afrika waar ons tans ’n energiekrisis beleef. Hierdie toename in energieverwante kostes plaas energie-afhanklike industrieë onder groot finansiële druk. Dit is daarom belangrik om maniere te vind om energieverbruik meer effektief te maak sodat die bedrag geld wat aan energieverwante kostes toegestaan word, verminder kan word. Effektiewe energieverbruik by ’n fasiliteit is kritiek en om hierdie effektiwiteit te verbeter behoort ’n energiebestuursprogram by die fasiliteit geïmplimenteer te word. ’n Belangrike komponent van energiebestuursprogramme is die bepaling van die huidige energieverbruik en dit word gebruik om die areas te identifiseer waar moontlike verbeteringe aangebring kan word. Die energieverbruik word bepaal deur ’n energie-oudit. Nadat die energie-oudit voltooi en die energiebesparingsmetodes bepaal is, moet hierdie metodes by die fasiliteit geïmplementeer word. Hierdie studie probeer vasstel hoe bedryfsingenieurswesemetodes ‘n groter rol kan speel in die proses om Suid-Afrika meer energie-effektief te maak. Navorsing is gedoen oor energiebesparingsmetodes wat in verskillende areas en vir verskillende toerusting in fasiliteite geïmplementeer word. Hierdie inligting is daarna vergelyk met bedryfsingenieurswesemetodes om juis die moontlike verhouding tussen hierdie twee tipe metodes te identifiseer. Analises was gedoen in bedryfsingenieurswese en energie-effektiwiteitskorpusse met die gebruik van die ‘Content Analysis Toolkit’ program. Belangrike onderwerpe en verwantskappe tussen hierdie onderwerpe in die korpusse is identifiseer om sodoende korrelasies tussen die bedryfsingenieurswese- en energie-effektiwiteitsveld uit te lig. Die mees betekenisvolle korrelasies was tussen statistiese metodes en verskeie energieeffektiwiteitsonderwerpe identifiseer. ’n Gevallestudie is by ’n maatskappy in die Wes-Kaap wat geïntegreerde elektroniese stroombane vervaardig gedoen, om die relevante energiebesparingsmetodes te implementeer. ’n Energie-oudit is as deel van die gevallestudie by die fasiliteit gedoen. Die aantal energiebesparingsmetodes wat wel geïmplementeer is, het ’n verlaging in die kilowatture (kWh) teweeggebring. Hierdie verlagings is verkry deur die implementering van ’n afskakelingsbestuursprogram wat die belangrikheid van bestuur in ’n energiebesparingsprogram uitlig. Die toepaslikheid van optimiseringsalgoritmes vir energie-effektiewe ontwerp is getoets deur die optimisering van ’n liguitlegontwerp met behulp van ’n genetiese algoritme. Daar is gevind dat ’n genetiese algoritme wel toegepas kan word, maar dat dit verbeteringe benodig.

Les bâtiments devenant de plus en plus performants énergétiquement, l'impact de l'activité humaine devient prépondérante. Afin de limiter cet impact, les bâtiments ont tout d'abord vu leur niveau d'automatisation augmenter. Toutefois, des études menées dans des bâtiments résidentiels et de bureaux ont mis en évidence que l'automatisation ne réduisait pas l'écart entre la consommation d'énergie prévue en phase de conception la consommation d'énergie réellement constatée. Afin d'atteindre une faible consommation en phase d'exploitation du bâtiment, les occupants doivent être impliqués dans la gestion d'énergie. Le travail proposé fait partie d'un projet de recherche visant à mettre en place un gestionnaire énergétique redonnant le pouvoir aux occupants via des services énergétiques. Ces services permettront à l'utilisateur de définir ses propres objectifs et le conseillera sur les meilleures actions à mettre en place pour les atteindre. Une analyse de la littérature sociologique est menée afin de permettre l'implémentation de services pertinents et favorisant de réels et durables changements de comportement. La mise en place de ces services requiert un modèle thermique et aéraulique du bâtiment faciles à configurer et ne nécessitant aucune donnée experte. Le travail présenté dans cette thèse se concentre sur l'implémentation d'un tel modèle. Cela implique de définir dans un premier temps la structure de modèle adéquate : permettant d'atteindre à la fois les précisions requises à la prédiction à horizon 24 heures tout en ne nécessitant que peu d'informations expertes. Dans un deuxième temps, il s'agit d'étudier les différentes méthodes d'estimation paramétrique répondant au cahier des charges. Des validations du modèle sont faites sur deux cas d'études réel : un bureau et un appartement. Cette thèse décrit la méthodologie nécessaire à la détermination de structures de modèles pertinentes. Ces structures doivent être génériques afin de s'adapter à la fois à des cas d'études mono et multi-zones. De plus, elles doivent se baser sur le moins de capteurs et de connaissance experte possible. / As buildings become more energy-efficient, the effect of human activities on their global consumption increases. To limit this impact, a first attempt was made to increase the level of automation in buildings. However, from surveys led in residential and office buildings, Carassus and Sidler conclude that automation does not reduce the gap between predicted and effective consumption. This work reveals that static rules can not be sufficient. In order to reach the goal of low energy consumption in the operation phase of buildings, occupants must then be involved in the energy management process. The proposed work is part of a research project focusing on a system embedding energy services with a high level of interaction to empower users with energy services. The role of these energy services is to allow users to define their own objective and consequently generate information and advice regarding the best strategies to apply on building systems (HVAC systems, sun-shading devices, windows opening,…) and envelope configuration. An analysis of the sociological literature was made in order to implement relevant services for the users, favouring real and durable changes in their behaviours. Some of these services require thermal and aeraulic behavioural models easy to set up and little expert knowledge. This thesis focuses on the development and implementation of a model relevant for energy management end-user services. It involves to deal with the definition of relevant model structures together with parameter estimation methods to tune the parameter values. The model must be simple enough to ease its set up with estimation and prediction capabilities. The limits in terms of complexity and computational time are discussed. The energy management services should be configured by occupants thus it must not require much expert knowledge. Consequently, some sensors are needed to estimate the thermal and aeraulic model. Tests have been performed to limit the needed instrumentation. Relevant model structures are discussed because they should be generic: it should adapt to both mono-zone and multi-zone case studies and it should be based on a minimal number of sensors and require little expert knowledge.

Augmenter la durée de vie d'une pile, voire s'en passer est aujourd'hui devenu une obligation pour les microsystèmes. En effet, à cette échelle, le remplacement des piles et leur rejet dans l'environnement sont problématiques. La voie préconisée pour répondre à cet enjeu est d'utiliser des sources d'énergie renouvelables (solaire, thermique et mécanique). Pour cela, nous proposons de développer une plateforme de récupération d'énergie multi-sources/multi-charges (MANAGY) capable de s'adapter à son environnement pour en extraire le maximum d'énergie et répondre à des applications diverses. L'architecture est constituée de chemins directs et de chemins indirects où l'énergie provenant des sources est d'abord transférée dans une unité de stockage avant d'être réutilisée par les charges du microsystème. L'utilisation de cette nouvelle architecture permet d'optimiser le transfert d'énergie entre sources et charges et améliore le rendement du système de 33%. Avant de développer une architecture multi-sources, nous avons cherché à améliorer le rendement de la source photovoltaïque (PV) qui, au vu de l'état de l'art, a la densité de puissance la plus élevée. La recherche du rendement maximum de la source PV revient à la recherche du point de puissance maximum (MPPT). Il existe pour chaque condition d'irradiance, de température, et d'énergie extraites un couple tension-courant permettant à la source de fournir un maximum de puissance (MPP). Grâce à l'utilisation de deux chemins de puissance, nous arrivons simultanément à créer une boucle de régulation faible puissance agissant sur le rapport cyclique du système de gestion d'énergie (MPPT) et une boucle de régulation de la tension de sortie agissant sur le transfert de l'énergie. La modélisation du système nous a permis de spécifier ses performances. Pour atteindre les performances requises, des architectures innovantes ont été réalisées qui ont fait l'objet de trois brevets. De plus, des blocs ne sont activés qu'aux instants de changement d'état du système et sont conçus, quand cela a été possible, avec des transistors fonctionnant en mode faible inversion. Toutes ces optimisations permettent au système de fonctionner sur une large plage de variation de l'éclairement (de conditions intérieures supérieures à 500 lux à extérieures) avec un rendement proche de 90%. / Enhancing the life time of battery or being able to work without it is today mandatory for microsystems. Most of systems are nowadays limited by the capacity of the embedded battery. Moreover the replacement and waste of baterries is no more possible at this scale. One way to achieve longer life time is the use of renewable energy sources (solar, thermal, or kinetic). This work proposes to develop a new energy harvesting platform with numerous sources and loads (MANAGY) able to adapt itself to the surrounding environment in order to extract the maximum of energy while answering to various of applications. The architecture is composed of directs and indirects power paths where the extracted energy coming from renewable sources is firstly transferred to a storage unit before being used by loads. This novel architecture makes it possible to optimize the energy transfer between sources and loads and to achieve a 33% gain. Before developing this architecture with numerous sources, we have searched to enhance the efficiency of the photovoltaic source which has the best power density at the state of the art. Looking for improving the efficiency of the PV source is the same as tracking the maximum power point (MPPT). There is for each irradiance, temperature and quantity of energy extracted a couple of voltage and current enabling the PV source to deliver the maximum of power (MPP). Thanks to the two power paths used we are able to create a low power feedback loop adjusting the duty cycle from the power management unit (MPPT) while having a second feedback loop optimizing the power transfer and regulating the output voltage. Thanks to a high level model we have specified the system performances. To achieve the performances required we have realized novel architectures protected through three patents. Moreover, blocs are only activated when the system changes its state and furthermore there are designs, when achievable, with transistors working in weak inversion. All these optimizations make the system working for a large range of irradiance (from inside conditions higher than 500 lux to outdoor conditions) with an efficiency close to 90%.

As Redes Elétricas Inteligentes podem ser entendidas como o uso intensivo de tecnologias de informação e comunicação nas redes elétricas, permitindo um fluxo bidirecional de informações e eletricidade pela rede, de forma a obter uma infraestrutura capaz de automaticamente monitorar, proteger e otimizar a operação de seus elementos. A modernização da infraestrutura elétrica no sentido das Redes Elétricas Inteligentes é inevitável e trará profundas mudanças em todos os segmentos do sistema elétrico. Embora a tecnologia necessária para essa modernização já exista a um custo razoável, ainda restam várias questões que devem ser resolvidas. Indefinições em relação aos padrões a serem adotados, regulamentações, segurança, privacidade e vários aspectos tecnológicos dificultam uma implementação coerente, adiando essa modernização. Assim, este trabalho busca apresentar esse cenário em relação às Redes Elétricas Inteligentes, investigando as tendências e situação atual. Dentre essas tendências, há um grande interesse em definir e implementar mecanismos que incentivem uma maior conscientização dos consumidores em relação ao seu uso de energia, além de uma participação ativa dos mesmos no mercado de energia. Isso exigirá a utilização de ferramentas que possibilitem a redução de custos através do uso mais eficiente da energia. Assim, é também proposto um framework para a construção e análise dessas ferramentas que buscam auxiliar os consumidores nesse cenário em formação. O framework proposto foi construído utilizando uma abordagem por Sistemas Multiagentes e possibilita a construção, simulação e análise de diversos sistemas, em diferentes cenários, com variados tipos de equipamentos, tanto reais como virtuais, sob diferentes protocolos de comunicação e com a possibilidade de uso de diversos algoritmos para a operação conjunta dos equipamentos. / Smart Grids can be understood as the intensive use of information and communication technologies over the electricity networks, allowing a bidirectional flow of information and electricity through the network. It is a system that tries to optimize the supply and demand of energy through the integration of distributed generation and renewable energy resources, and through the active participation of consumers as well as an intense trade relationship between all the segments of the electricity sector. The modernization of the electrical infrastructure towards Smart Grids is inevitable and it will bring deep changes in all segments of the electrical system. Although the necessary technology for this modernization already exists at a reasonable cost, there are still several issues to be solved. Uncertainties regarding standards to be adopted, regulations, security, privacy and many technological aspects difficult a consistent implementation and, therefore, delay this modernization. Thus, this study aims to present the Smart Grid scenario, by the investigation of its current situation and tendencies. Among these tendencies, there is a great interest to define and implement mechanisms to encourage consumer to take care about their electrical energy use and to stimulate their active participation in the energy market. This will require tools that will help them to reduce costs through a more efficient use of energy. Therefore, this work proposes also a framework for the development and analysis of these tools that help consumers at this scenario under construction. The proposed framework is built using a Multiagent System approach which allows the construction, simulation and analysis of various systems in different scenarios. In addition, it allows the use of several types of equipments, both real and virtual, under different communication protocols and with the possible use of various algorithms for a joint operation of all Smart Grid equipments.