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Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 26598

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zafar Ali Khan

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Guest Editor

1. School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston University, B4 7ET Birmingham, UK
2. Department of Electrical Engineering, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, Mirpur AJK 10250, Pakistan
Interests: load forecasting; electric vehicle integration; renewable energy integration; active distribution networks; power system reliability; energy management

Dr. Muhammad Imran

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Design Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
Interests: thermal management; thermal energy storage/systems; computational fluid dynamics; sustainable environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Abdullah Altamimi

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Guest Editor

Department of Electrical Engineering, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
Interests: climate change impacts on power system; power system reliability; cyber-physical security; power system stability; renewable energy integration; microgrids; electric vehicles; power system planning

Dr. Manuel S. Alvarez-Alvarado

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Ecuador
Interests: power systems reliability; power systems optimization; asset management; system maintenance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards a sustainable energy system, the future of electric power grids is being shaped by higher penetration levels of renewable energy sources (RES), increasing adoption rates of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including cyber-physical systems and other low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), etc. The sustainability of power systems lies in the system reliability, resilience and stability, which are directly affected by climate change and the integration of RES and ICTs. In this context, there are challenges that emerge; for instance, the adoption of RES technologies endeavours to mitigate the impact of climate change, however increased the penetration of RES and enabling technologies, such as ICTs, cyber-physical system introducing unconventional constraints to power system reliability, resilience and enhance the complexity of operations. New planning and operational approaches are required to ensure sustainable future power systems, by considering a multitude of factors in studies ranging from climate change, intermittent RES integration to smart loads such as EVs. To address these and other challenges, this Special Issue aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, and engineering professionals to disseminate their research and provide solutions for future power systems.

Topics for the Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

Climate change impacts on power system
Power system reliability and resiliency
Cyber-physical security
Power system stability
Renewable energy integration
Resilient microgrids
Load forecasting
Electrical vehicles
Demand side management
Power system planning and operation

Dr. Zafar Ali Khan
Dr. Muhammad Imran
Dr. Abdullah Altamimi
Dr. Manuel S. Alvarez-Alvarado
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

climate change
cyber physical systems
distributed generation
demand side management
electric vehicles
forecasting
microgrids
power system planning
reliability, resilience
stability

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Copper Stabilizer Thickness on SFCL Performance with PV-Based DC Systems Using a Multilayer Thermoelectric Model

by Hamoud Alafnan, Xiaoze Pei, Diaa-Eldin A. Mansour, Moanis Khedr, Wenjuan Song, Ibrahim Alsaleh, Abdullah Albaker, Mansoor Alturki and Xianwu Zeng

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7372; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097372 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

Utilizing renewable energy sources (RESs) to their full potential provides an opportunity for lowering carbon emissions and reaching a state of carbon neutrality. DC transmission lines have considerable potential for the integration of RESs. However, faults in DC transmission lines are challenging due to the lack of zero-crossing, large fault current magnitudes and a short rise time. This research proposes using a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) for effective current limitation in PV-based DC systems. To properly design an SFCL, the present work investigates the effect of copper stabilizer thickness on SFCL performance by using an accurate multilayer thermoelectric model. In the MATLAB/Simulink platform, the SFCL has been modeled and tested using different copper stabilizer thicknesses to demonstrate the effectiveness of the SFCL model in limiting the fault current and the impact of the copper stabilizer thickness on the SFCL’s performance. In total, four different thicknesses of the copper stabilizer were considered, ranging from 10 μm to 80 μm. The current limitation and voltage profile for each thickness were evaluated and compared with that without an SFCL. The developed resistance and temperature profiles were obtained for various thicknesses to clarify the mechanisms behind the stabilizer-thickness impact. An SFCL with an 80 µm copper stabilizer can reduce the fault current to 5.48 kA, representing 71.16% of the prospective current. In contrast, the fault current was reduced to 27.4% of the prospective current (2.11 kA) when using a 10 µm copper stabilizer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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16 pages, 4383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact Assessment of Diverse EV Charging Infrastructures on Overall Service Reliability

by Abdulaziz Almutairi

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13295; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013295 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

A higher penetration of EVs may pose several challenges to the power systems, including reliability issues. To analyze the impact of EVs on the reliability of power systems, a detailed EV charging infrastructure is considered in this study. All possible charging locations (home, workplace, public locations, and commercial fast chargers) and different charging levels (level 1, level 2, and DC fast charging) are considered, and seven charging infrastructures are determined first. Then, the reliability impact of each charging infrastructure is determined using the two widely used reliability indices, i.e., the loss of load expectation (LOLE) and the loss of energy expectation (LOEE). The impact of mixed charging infrastructure portfolios is also analyzed by considering two different cases, which included the equal share of all charging infrastructure and charging infrastructure share based on consumer preferences. The performance is analyzed on a well-known reliability test system (Roy Billinton Test System) and different penetration levels of EVs are considered in each case. Test results have shown that fast-charging stations have the worst reliability impact. In addition, it was also observed that mixed charging portfolios have lower reliability impacts despite having a fair share of fast-charging stations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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17 pages, 3656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Optimal PV Array Configurations and MPPT under Partial Shading with Fast Dynamical Change of Hybrid Load

by Tarek A. Boghdady, Yasmin E. Kotb, Abdullah Aljumah and Mahmoud M. Sayed

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2937; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052937 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3386

Abstract

The characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) are directly affected by partial shading (PS) conditions due to the non-uniform irradiance. The PV system can be compromised based on the shading pattern as well as the shading area. Thus, the need for a solution that can deal with non-uniform irradiance has increased significantly. Consequently, this paper proposes a thorough analysis of the impact of PS patterns on different PV array configurations such as SP, TCT, and BL. The five optimization algorithms PSO, DA, MLS-SPA, IGWO, and BWO, were used to tune the variable step of the conventional P&O technique to extract the maximum power point. The proposed PV array is

4 \times 4

with a fixed location, yet changing electrical connections. The main objective and novelty of this paper is to locate the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) of a PV array while the occurrence of different PSC with fast change of hybrid load e.g., (resistive and pump load). The results showed the superior performance of the IGWO algorithm regarding the maximum power tracking and disturbance rejection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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14 pages, 4432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grid Connection Studies for Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farms Considering High Penetration of Regional Renewables

by Namki Choi, Beomju Kim, Dohyuk Kim, Bohyun Park, Sangsoo Kim and Byongjun Lee

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14021015 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3441

Abstract

There is a global focus on adding renewable energy sources to the mix of energy supplies. In this study, the grid connections for large-scale offshore wind farms in areas that have high penetration of renewable energy sources were examined. System strength evaluation considering the interaction of wind farms and inverter-based resources (IBRs) was performed; the fault current was then analyzed to determine their contribution to the total fault current at a bus level. These studies revealed that the interaction between offshore wind farms and IBRs may make the power system weaker, and it is possible that fault current contributions from offshore wind farms can violate the capacity limit of existing circuit breakers. The results of steady-state analysis were verified through case studies focused on the southwest area of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) system where large-scale offshore wind farms are planned to be established and connected. Power system planners will benefit from the results of this study with a better understanding of the factors to consider when integrating large-scale wind farms in areas with high penetration of renewables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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16 pages, 5015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability Enhancement of Electric Distribution Network Using Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation

by Sanaullah Ahmad and Azzam ul Asar

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011407 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4911

Abstract

As energy demand is increasing, power systems’ complexities are also increasing. With growing energy demand, new ways and techniques are formulated by researchers to increase the efficiency and reliability of power systems. A distribution system, which is one of the most important entities in a power system, contributes up to 90% of reliability problems. For a sustainable supply of power to customers, the distribution system reliability must be enhanced. Distributed generation (DG) is a new way to improve distribution system reliability by bringing generation nearer to the load centers. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area in which much innovation and research is going on. Different scientific areas are utilizing AI techniques to enhance system performance and reliability. This work aims to apply DG as a distributed source in a distribution system to evaluate its impacts on reliability. The location of the DG is a design criteria problem that has a relevant effect on the reliability of the distribution system. As the distance of load centers from the feeder increases, outage durations also increase. The reliability was enhanced, as the SAIFI value was reduced by almost 40%, the SAIDI value by 25%, and the EENS value by 25% after injecting DG into the distribution network. The artificial neural network (ANN) technique was utilized to find the optimal location of the DG; the results were validated by installing DG at prescribed localities. The results showed that the injection of DG at proper locations enhances the reliability of a distribution system. The proposed approach was applied to thte Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS). The implementation of the ANN technique is a unique approach to the selection of a location for a DG unit, which confirms that applying this computational technique could decrease human errors that are associated with the hit and trial methods and could also decrease the computational complexities and computational time. This research can assist distribution companies in determining the reliability of an actual distribution system for planning and expansion purposes, as well as in injecting a DG at the most optimal location in order to enhance the distribution system reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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Review

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109 pages, 17398 KiB

Open AccessReview

Smart Distribution Mechanisms—Part I: From the Perspectives of Planning

by Shahid Nawaz Khan, Syed Ali Abbas Kazmi, Abdullah Altamimi, Zafar A. Khan and Mohammed A. Alghassab

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316308 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

To enhance the reliability and resilience of power systems and achieve reliable delivery of power to end users, smart distribution networks (SDNs) play a vital role. The conventional distribution network is transforming into an active one by incorporating a higher degree of automation. Replacing the traditional absence of manual actions, energy delivery is becoming increasingly dependent on intelligent active system management. As an emerging grid modernization concept, the smart grid addresses a wide range of economic and environmental concerns, especially by integrating a wide range of active technologies at distribution level. At the same time, these active technologies are causing a slew of technological problems in terms of power quality and stability. The development of such strategies and approaches that can improve SDN infrastructure in terms of planning, operation, and control has always been essential. As a result, a substantial number of studies have been conducted in these areas over the last 10–15 years. The current literature lacks a combined systematic analysis of the planning, operation, and control of SDN technologies. This paper conducts a systematic survey of the state-of-the-art advancements in SDN planning, operation, and control over the last 10 years. The reviewed literature is structured so that each SDN technology is discussed sequentially from the viewpoints of planning, operation, and then control. A comprehensive analysis of practical SND concepts across the globe is also presented in later sections. The key constraints and future research opportunities in the existing literature are discussed in the final part. This review specifically assists readers in comprehending current trends in SDN planning, operation, and control, as well as identifying the need for further research to contribute to the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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36 pages, 3140 KiB

Open AccessReview

Survey of Simulation Tools to Assess Techno-Economic Benefits of Smart Grid Technology in Integrated T&D Systems

by Fernando Salinas-Herrera, Ali Moeini and Innocent Kamwa

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8108; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138108 - 2 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

In order to succeed in the energy transition, the power system must become more flexible in order to enable the economical hosting of more intermittent distributed energy resources (DER) and smart grid technologies. New technical solutions, generally based on the connection of various components coupled to the power system via smart power electronic converters or through ICT, can help to take up these challenges. Such innovations (e.g., decarbonization technologies and smart grids) may reduce the costs of future power systems and the environmental footprint. In this regard, the techno-economic assessment of smart grid technologies is a matter of interest, especially in the urge to develop more credible options for deep decarbonization pathways over the long term. This work presents a literature survey of existing simulation tools to assess the techno-economic benefits of smart grid technologies in integrated T&D systems. We include the state-of-the-art tools and categorize them in their multiple aspects, cover smart grid technology, approach methods, and research topics, and include (or complete) the analysis with other dimensions (smart-grid related) of key interest for future power systems analysis such as environmental considerations, techno-economic aspects (social welfare), spatial scope, time resolution (granularity), and temporal scope, among others. We surveyed more than 40 publications, and 36 approaches were identified for the analysis of integrated T&D systems. As a relatively new research area, there are various promising candidates to properly simulate integrated T&D systems. Nevertheless, there is not yet a consensus on a specific framework that should be adopted by researchers in academia and industry. Moreover, as the power system is evolving rapidly towards a smart grid system, novel technologies and flexibility solutions are still under study to be integrated on a large scale. This review aims to offer new criteria for researchers in terms of smart-grid related dimensions and the state-of-the-art trending of simulation tools that holistically evaluate techno-economic aspects of the future power systems in an integrated T&D systems environment. As an imperative research matter for future energy systems, this article seeks to contribute to the discussion of which pathway the scientific community should focus on for a successful shift towards decarbonized energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies and Grid Integration)

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