Next-Generation Microgrids: Intelligent Modeling, Control, and Digital Integration of Renewable Energy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future relies heavily on the deployment of renewable energy-based microgrids. These systems enable decentralized energy generation, improved reliability, and the efficient integration of diverse sources such as solar, wind, and energy storage. This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality research focused on the design, modeling, control, and optimization of microgrids that enhance energy sustainability and operational intelligence.

Key topics include the development of DC and AC microgrids, control strategies for both islanded and grid-connected operation, and the role of power electronics in integrating renewable energy and electric vehicles. Emphasis is also placed on energy management systems (EMS), power quality, load balancing, and the contribution of storage technologies to system stability.

We welcome submissions addressing the use of digital technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and edge-based architectures—for real-time monitoring and smart control. In addition, this Special Issue highlights the role of artificial intelligence in forecasting renewable generation and demand, intelligent control strategies, and predictive maintenance within microgrid environments.

Original research articles, technical reviews, and theoretical developments are encouraged to advance the state of the art in intelligent, renewably powered microgrids.

This Special Issue aims to gather innovative research on the design, modeling, implementation, and optimization of renewable energy-based microgrids. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Modeling and Control of Microgrids:

• Design and control of DC and AC microgrids with renewable sources;
• Operational strategies for islanded and grid-connected modes;
• Power electronics for renewable energy integration;
• Integration of electric vehicles into microgrid systems.

Energy Management and Operational Stability:

• Energy Management Systems (EMS);
• Power quality, load balancing, and energy efficiency;
• Integration and impact of energy storage systems on microgrid.

Digital Technologies for Smart Microgrids:

• Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and cloud computing;
• Real-time monitoring using edge-cloud architectures.

Artificial Intelligence Applications in Microgrids:

• AI-based forecasting of renewable generation and energy demand;
• Intelligent control strategies using reinforcement learning;
• Predictive maintenance and fault detection;
• AI applications in rural, urban, and islanded microgrids.

Prof. Dr. Juan Miguel Gonzalez-Lopez
Dr. Ramón J. Betancourt
Prof. Dr. Julio Cesar Rosas Caro
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. Applied Sciences 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.

• microgrids
• renewable energy systems
• energy management systems (EMS)
• artificial intelligence (AI)
• electric vehicle integration
• IoT-based monitoring
• power electronics
• real-time control
• energy storage integration
• predictive maintenance
• virtual power plants
• demand-side management and flexibility