Heterogeneous multi-agent deep reinforcement learning based low carbon emission task offloading in mobile edge computing

Mobile edge computing is an emerging computing paradigm in the Internet of Things. Task offloading is a critical method in mobile edge computing to alleviate computational resource constraints. Nowadays, the rising number of tasks is placing greater demands on computing resources. The increasing consumption of computing resources leads to high carbon emission. Achieving environmentally friendly mobile edge computing while effectively managing low-carbon task offloading poses a significant challenge. Recently, deep reinforcement learning has made certain progress in many research fields. However, there are few deep reinforcement learning methods that consider the carbon emission in task offloading. In this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement learning based low carbon emission task offloading algorithm for minimizing carbon emission in mobile edge computing. Firstly, since different base stations exist in the mobile edge computing environment, we consider the mobile edge computing environment with multiple heterogeneous agents. Secondly, to minimize carbon emission, we consider the carbon intensity of the base station as an optimization factor. We conclude the task offloading strategy to minimize carbon emission, consequently achieving the minimization of carbon emission. Moreover, our proposed algorithm allows user devices to decide their own preference for task offloading. Based on the specific requirements and preferences of user devices, our proposed algorithm can dynamically adjust the weights of delay, energy consumption, and carbon emission, respectively. Experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm can accurately and quickly conclude the task offloading strategy to minimize carbon emission.