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Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 14 April 2025 | Viewed by 7863

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Il-Yop Chung

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Guest Editor

School of Electrical Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
Interests: power system control and operation; renewable energy integration to grids; microgrids; power distribution systems; shipboard power systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Seon-Ju Ahn

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
Interests: distribution system; distributed energy resources; microgrid; smart grid; real-time simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lately, there has been a growing emphasis on microgrids and power distribution systems, driven by the widespread adoption of distributed energy resources and distributed power markets. The optimal control and operation of these systems can amplify the utilization of environmentally friendly renewable energy resources and enhance power grid stability by mitigating the unpredictability of renewable energy resources and electric loads. Furthermore, the emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies is addressing complex control challenges and optimizing diverse operational objectives within microgrids and power distribution systems.

This Special Issue primarily focuses on the latest research concerning state-of-the-art technologies for the control and operation of microgrids and distribution systems. Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

Microgrids;
Power distribution systems;
Distributed energy resources;
Integration of renewable energy resources;
Optimization of operation;
Energy storage systems;
Smart charging and discharging of electric vehicles;
Advanced distribution management systems (ADMS);
Distributed energy resources management systems (DERMS);
Virtual power plants;
Demand side management;
Distribution system operator (DSO);
Machine learning and AI for power systems.

Prof. Dr. Il-Yop Chung
Prof. Dr. Seon-Ju Ahn
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

microgrids
power distribution systems
renewable energy resources
control methods
optimization techniques
energy management systems

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 7289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Electrical Characteristics Analysis and Electrical Circuit Model Design of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Systems Based on Current and Flow Rate Conditions

by Seongjun Lee, Hyeonhong Jung and Yoon-Gyung Sung

Energies 2024, 17(23), 5841; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235841 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 310

Abstract

Recent research has focused on vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) to address the short lifetimes and fire risks associated with lithium battery systems. While VRFBs offer advantages in safety, they suffer from low energy density and efficiency compared with lithium batteries. To improve VRFB performance, studies are exploring improvements in materials such as anodes, cathodes, and separators and optimizing operations by controlling electrolyte flow rates. However, the impact of current magnitude on VRFB efficiency has been less studied, with few analyses addressing both current and flow rate effects. This research proposes an experimental procedure to evaluate charge/discharge efficiency, energy efficiency, and system efficiency across varying current magnitudes and electrolyte flow rates, using a 40 W VRFB stack composed of four 10 W cells in series. In addition, we introduce a design method for an electrical equivalent circuit model that simulates the VRFB stack, reflecting experimental findings. The model’s accuracy was validated by comparing it with data from 11 full charge/full discharge cycle tests, which varied current and electrolyte amounts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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22 pages, 10623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Underground Distribution System Models for Secondary Substations

by Boohyun Shin, Hyeseon Lee and Sungyun Choi

Energies 2024, 17(17), 4345; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174345 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 598

Abstract

In Korea, the demand for complete underground installation of power distribution equipment installed on roads and green areas is increasing. In addition, KEPCO is making efforts to build a more reliable system for the underground distribution system. To meet these needs, this paper proposes the S-substation. In the S-substation, an RMU, a large power transformer, and an LV-Board (including ATCB and MCCB) are installed within the underground structure. This paper proposes three models to apply the S-substation to the underground distribution system. Power flow analysis is conducted for each model by simulating a variety of loads and DERs, and the frequency fluctuations are also examined under different distribution system events. An economic analysis is also conducted to select the optimal model. The economic analysis focuses on VOLL and construction costs. Based on power flow and economic analysis, one model is selected, and the underground distribution system that the model is applied is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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19 pages, 3821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Flexible Envelope Method for the Operation Domain of Distribution Networks Based on “Degree of Squareness” Adjustable Superellipsoid

by Kewei Wang, Yonghong Huang, Junjun Xu and Yanbo Liu

Energies 2024, 17(16), 4096; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17164096 - 17 Aug 2024

Viewed by 884

Abstract

The operation envelope of distribution networks can obtain the independent p-q controllable range of each active node, providing an effective means to address the issues of different ownership and control objectives between distribution networks and distributed energy resources (DERs). Existing research mainly focuses on deterministic operation envelopes, neglecting the operational status of the system. To ensure the maximization of the envelope operation domain and the feasibility of decomposition, this paper proposes a modified hyperellipsoidal dynamic operation envelopes (MHDOEs) method for distribution networks based on adjustable “Degree of Squareness” hyperellipsoids. Firstly, an improved convex inner approximation method is applied to the non-convex and nonlinear model of traditional distribution networks to obtain a convex solution space strictly contained within the original feasible region of the system, ensuring the feasibility of flexible operation domain decomposition. Secondly, the embedding of the adjustable “Degree of Squareness” maximum hyperellipsoid is used to obtain the total p-q operation domain of the distribution network, facilitating the overall planning of the distribution network. Furthermore, the calculation of the maximum inscribed hyperrectangle of the hyperellipsoid is performed to achieve p-q decoupled operation among the active nodes of the distribution network. Subsequently, a correction coefficient is introduced to penalize “unknown states” during the operation domain calculation process, effectively enhancing the adaptability of the proposed method to complex stochastic scenarios. Finally, Monte Carlo methods are employed to construct various stochastic scenarios for the IEEE 33-node and IEEE 69-node systems, verifying the accuracy and decomposition feasibility of the obtained p-q operation domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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19 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Sensorless Pole-Zero Cancellation Output Voltage Control for Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems with a Three-Phase Inverter

by Hosik Lee, Yonghun Kim and Seok-Kyoon Kim

Energies 2024, 17(7), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071738 - 4 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1017

Abstract

This article presents a proportional–derivative (PD) type output voltage regulator without the current feedback, taking into account system parameter and load variations. The main advantages are given as follows: First, the first-order output voltage derivative observer is developed without the requirement of system parameter information, which makes it possible to stabilize the system without current sensing. Second, a simple self-tuner implements the feedback-loop adaptation by updating the desired dynamics accordingly. Third, the observer-based active damping injection for the PD-type controller results in the closed-loop system order reduction to 1 by the pole-zero cancellation, including the disturbance observer as a feed-forward term. The prototype uninterruptible power supply system comprised of a 3 kW three-phase inverter, inductors, and capacitors verifies the practical merits of the proposed technique for linear and nonlinear loads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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18 pages, 4289 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deep Learning-Based Algorithm for Internal Fault Detection of Power Transformers during Inrush Current at Distribution Substations

by Sopheap Key, Gyu-Won Son and Soon-Ryul Nam

Energies 2024, 17(4), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040963 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

The reliability and stability of differential protection in power transformers could be threatened by several types of inferences, including magnetizing inrush currents, current transformer saturation, and overexcitation from external faults. The robustness of deep learning applications employed for power system protection in recent years has offered solutions to deal with several disturbances. This paper presents a method for detecting internal faults in power transformers occurring simultaneously with inrush currents. It involves utilizing a data window (DW) and stacked denoising autoencoders. Unlike the conventional method, the proposed scheme requires no thresholds to discriminate internal faults and inrush currents. The performance of the algorithm was verified using fault data from a typical Korean 154 kV distribution substation. Inrush current variation and internal faults were simulated and generated in PSCAD/EMTDC, considering various parameters that affect an inrush current. The results indicate that the proposed scheme can detect the appearance of internal faults occurring simultaneously with an inrush current. Moreover, it shows promising results compared to the prevailing methods, ensuring the superiority of the proposed method. From sample N–3, the proposed DNN demonstrates accurate discrimination between internal faults and inrush currents, achieving accuracy, sensitivity, and precision values of 100%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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20 pages, 13064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of PWM Techniques for Interleaved Full Bridge Converter in an AC Battery Application

by Tuan Anh Do, Quang Dich Nguyen, Phuong Vu, Minh Duc Ngo and Seon-Ju Ahn

Energies 2024, 17(2), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020375 - 12 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1497

Abstract

The AC battery utilizing second-life time batteries has gained great interest currently with the advantages of both power solutions and economic benefits. In this system, the power converters play a crucial role in the stable and effective operation of the system. This paper focused on the AC/DC stage with the chosen topology being the interleaved full bridge (IFB) converter due to its flexibility and the ability to increase the power rate of the system. For the sake of high-performance operation, various pulse width modulation (PWM) methods for this converter are analyzed. First, based on the theory of the traditional PWM methods for a full bridge inverter in combination with the interleaved technique, this paper proposed three interleaved PWM methods for the IFB converter. Secondly, the proposed methods are theoretically compared in terms of the output current, common-mode voltage, and power losses. Finally, the evaluation is carried out by both the simulation and the experimental prototype, in which the results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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20 pages, 6519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Hybrid Wind–Solar–Energy Storage AC/DC Microgrid System and Its Stability during Smooth State Transitions

by Qiushuo Li, Xinwei Dong, Mengru Yan, Zhao Cheng and Yu Wang

Energies 2023, 16(24), 7930; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16247930 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

The hybrid AC/DC microgrid is an independent and controllable energy system that connects various types of distributed power sources, energy storage, and loads. It offers advantages such as a high power quality, flexibility, and cost effectiveness. The operation states of the microgrid primarily include grid-connected and islanded modes. The smooth switching between these two states is a key technology for ensuring the flexible and efficient operation of the microgrid. In this paper, the typical structure of an AC–DC hybrid microgrid and its coordination control strategy are introduced, and an improved microgrid model is proposed. Secondly, an adaptive current–voltage–frequency integrated control method based on signal compensation is proposed to solve the impulse current and voltage generated during the switching between a grid-connected state and an off-grid state. Finally, in response to unplanned grid-connected scenarios, an improved pre-synchronization control strategy based on BP neural networks is introduced to rapidly restore stable operation. The proposed control strategies enhanced the steady-state and transient stability of the hybrid wind–solar–energy storage AC/DC microgrid, achieving seamless grid-connected and islanded transitions without disturbances. The simulation and experimental results validated the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed theories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Operation of Microgrids and Power Distribution Systems)

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