Novel Applications of Power Converters for Energy Storage and Grid Integration: Second Edition

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue follows the success of the previous edition, highlighting the importance of the topics covered and the research community's interest in them. Therefore, the purpose of this second edition remains the same as the first, namely, the crucial role of power converters in new energy grid access, power generation, and in the reliable and efficient interconnection and integration of different energy systems and technologies.

The development of novel applications for grid power converters is a rapidly evolving field of interest not only for scientific researchers, but also for industrial technicians.

In this scenario, power converters represent an enabling technology for the widespread use of energy storage systems for stationary and mobile applications, renewable energy production, distributed generation, flexible AC/DC transmission, and electric drives for transportation.

Currently, grid-connected converters are required to perform specific grid-supporting functionalities, such as those provided by grid-forming control strategies to counteract the low inertia of new power systems. In fact, unlike conventional grid-following converters that rely on the stability of the existing grid, grid-forming converters can actively contribute to grid stability.

The increasing spread of such converters will lead to a growing use of energy storage, thus enhancing electrical system flexibility and providing additional features such as supply–demand balancing, power smoothing, load leveling, and power quality.

It is therefore evident that power converters will have a key role related to these new required functionalities, which will enable the ever-increasing integration of various technological solutions in future energy systems.

This second edition aims to address the upcoming challenges and opportunities tied to the novel applications of power converters in modern power systems, searching for possible solutions to the growing penetration of renewables in the electrical grid and energy storage, as well as the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The modeling, design, control, stability analysis, and reliability of power electronic converters;
• Energy storage systems (batteries, fuel cells, supercap, etc.);
• Novel power converter topologies for grid integration with renewables and storage systems;
• The control and modulation of conventional and multilevel power converter topologies for renewable energy production and flexible transmission systems;
• Advanced control techniques and grid-supporting functionalities of power converters;
• The control and stability of power-converter-dominated microgrids;
• The grid integration of electric vehicles.

Dr. Marino Coppola
Prof. Dr. Adolfo Dannier
Dr. Pasquale Franzese
Guest Editors

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