Advanced Power Electronic Converters: Design and Applications for Energy Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Over recent years, the introduction of renewable generation (wind, solar, etc.) and the further electrification of vehicles have created a significant need for more flexible and efficient power conversion technologies. Simultaneously, advanced transmission and distribution systems, high-voltage DC (HVDC), and FACTS devices require converter systems capable of supporting very high power with minimal losses. These trends drive the design of state-of-the-art power electronic converters to deliver high-quality and reliable energy. Newer converter architectures (such as multilevel and matrix converters) can synthesize complex voltage waveforms and possess very high voltage and power potential. The introduction of wide-bandgap (SiC, GaN) devices has marked a “second revolution” in power electronics, enabling higher switching frequencies and greater efficiency. Other designs demonstrate the potential to give relatively high power with good reliability. Multiport and modular configurations, in particular, are emerging to bring together storage and diverse sources for improved efficiency and flexibility. This Special Issue aims to compile all research on advanced converter topologies, design procedures, control methods, and applications in energy systems. The items of interest include the following:

• Converter topologies and modulation techniques: New multilevel, multiport, matrix, and various other converter architectures and PWM algorithms for renewable, microgrid, and smart grid integration.
• Grids/microgrid control strategies: Higher-level control and optimization (grid-forming/following modes, AI/ML-enhanced controls, predictive control, etc.) to ensure grid stability, higher power quality, and efficiency.
• Renewables and storage applications: Electrical converters for power connection of solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, and energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors) in distributed and hybrid systems.
• Electric vehicles and charging systems: Bidirectional DC–DC and AC–DC converters for EV drives, fast chargers, and V2G services.
• High‐voltage and FACTS applications: Converter‐based HVDC transmission, modular multilevel converters, and FACTS controllers for long‐distance links and flexible power flow control.
• Next-generation hardware and system development: Applications such as wide-bandgap semiconductors, new packaging, digital/IoT-enabled control platforms, and other applications of high-performance converters are under investigation.

The authors are welcome to submit original papers and reviews of models, design, control, simulation, experimental validation, and validation of state-of-the-art energy system power converters. This makes us eager for contributions that push the frontiers of power electronics toward sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy networks.

Prof. Dr. Joaquim Monteiro
Prof. Dr. Armando Cordeiro
Guest Editors

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