Ant Colony Optimization Based Energy Management Controller for Smart Grid

In this paper, we introduce a generic architecture for demand side management (DSM) and use combined model of time of use tariff and inclined block rates. The problem formulation is carried via multiple knapsack and its solution is obtained via ant colony optimization (ACO). Simulation results show that the designed model for energy management achieves our objectives, it is proven as a cost-effective solution to increase sustainability of smart grid. The ACO based energy management controller performs more efficiently than energy management controller without ACO based scheduling in terms of electricity bill reduction, peak to average ratio minimization and user comfort level maximization.