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High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "F1: Electrical Power System".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 May 2026) | Viewed by 4950

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xin Wang

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Guest Editor

School of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 518057, China
Interests: distributed energy and micro-grid; flexible interconnection device of distribution network; advanced co-phase traction power supply system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Pingjuan Ge

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Guest Editor

School of New Energy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: new energy power generation and grid connection; microgrid operation and control

Dr. Yuchao Hou

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Guest Editor

Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: power quality improvement technology; advanced power electronic equipment topology and control technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Under the guidance of the "dual carbon" goals, the penetration rates of clean energy and power electronics equipment in each link of the "source–grid–load–storage" system have been continuously increasing, and the power-electronic characteristics of the distribution network have become more prominent. To meet the requirements of the distribution network for the accommodation of large-scale distributed new energy sources and the reliable supply of loads, the traditional distribution network is evolving towards an advanced network form of a power-electrified flexible distribution system. Power electronics equipment in the distribution network possesses various advantages such as flexible control, rapid response, and great regulation potential, and it has become an important means to support the efficient accommodation of new energy in the distribution network, ensure its safe and stable operation, and improve the power supply quality. However, the existing distribution network still faces challenges such as a lack of equipment coordination ability, poor flexible dispatching ability, low power supply reliability, weak operation stability, and poor power supply quality.

This Special Issue aims to discuss and showcase the latest research progress in the operation control technologies for the efficient, high-quality, and highly stable operation of flexible distribution networks, providing references for relevant researchers.

Efficient optimal dispatching of distribution networks.
Power quality management of distribution networks.
Emergency power support technologies of distribution networks.
Planning and configuration technologies of distribution network.
Topologies of flexible regulation equipment in distribution networks.
Operation control of flexible regulation equipment.
Reliability improvement of flexible regulation equipment.
Stable control of grid-connected converters.
Active support technologies for new energy sources.
Interaction characteristics of grid-following/grid-forming converters.

Dr. Xin Wang
Dr. Pingjuan Ge
Dr. Yuchao Hou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

distribution networks
flexible regulation equipment
operation control
optimal dispatching
power quality management
emergency power support
grid-following/grid-forming converters

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Related Special Issue

High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks—2nd Edition in Energies

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 2446 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Planning of Flexible Interconnection and Grid-Forming Energy Storage in Low-Voltage Distribution Networks Considering Off-Grid Operation

by Fengshun Jiao, Guoxing Wu, Jie Zhang, Chuyun She, Weijie Gao, Lei Shang and Fanghui Yin

Energies 2026, 19(11), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19112555 - 26 May 2026

Viewed by 78

Abstract

Severe weather events increasingly threaten the reliability of low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs). Existing fault restoration strategies primarily focus on medium-voltage networks, leaving LVDNs highly vulnerable during prolonged grid outages. To enhance the off-grid operation capability of LVDNs, this paper proposes a coordinated planning model integrating flexible interconnection devices and grid-forming energy storage systems (GFM-ESSs). First, this study develops a hierarchical planning framework for LVDNs to jointly optimize the allocation of soft open points (SOPs) and grid-forming energy storage systems (GFM-ESSs), with the aim of reducing both interruption-related losses and equipment investment in distribution transformer areas. Second, active support capability evaluation indices are formulated for LVDNs, facilitating a quantitative assessment of how the placement and sizing of SOPs and GFM-ESSs influence the effectiveness of active support. The nonconvex model is relaxed and efficiently solved using second-order cone programming (SOCP). Case study results demonstrate that the proposed method leverages the spatial power transfer ability of flexible interconnections to reduce the required GFM-ESS capacity, thereby achieving optimal economic efficiency and enhanced active support performance. Furthermore, quantitative analysis reveals that placing the GFM-ESS at intermediate nodes yields the best active support effect. Ultimately, the coordinated planning scheme effectively mitigates voltage limit violations and ensures a highly reliable power supply during severe grid outages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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18 pages, 1748 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Stage Sequential Configuration Strategy of PPF and APF for Wind Farm Harmonic Mitigation

by Huajia Wang, Yan Zhang, Wenbin Ci, Fan Xiao and Jiawei Luo

Energies 2026, 19(10), 2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19102456 - 20 May 2026

Viewed by 146

Abstract

Large-scale wind integration introduces significant harmonic degradation and resonance risks. Traditional strategies primarily targeting Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) often struggle with individual node violations and high investment costs. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a two-stage sequential coordination strategy for Passive Power Filters (PPFs) and Active Power Filters (APFs). First, stochastic harmonic emission and frequency-domain power flow models are developed to characterize wind-induced harmonic propagation. Second, a sequential optimization framework is established to minimize Life Cycle Cost (LCC). In the first stage, PPF siting and sizing are optimized for cost-effective, system-wide mitigation of low-order harmonics while ensuring THD compliance. The second stage utilizes targeted APF deployment to precisely suppress residual high-order violations and localized resonance. Chance-constrained programming is incorporated to manage wind power uncertainty, enhancing the scheme’s robustness. Simulations on an IEEE 17-bus system demonstrate that the proposed method effectively balances harmonic suppression performance with economic efficiency, providing a robust and cost-effective solution for wind farm power quality management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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19 pages, 4313 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Emergency Operation Strategy for Distribution Networks and Photovoltaic-Storage-Charging Integrated Station Based on Master–Slave Game

by Zheng Lan, Jiawen Zhou and Xin Wang

Energies 2026, 19(8), 1922; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081922 - 15 Apr 2026

Viewed by 363

Abstract

Under fault conditions, Photovoltaic-Storage-Charging Integrated Stations (PSCISs) are regarded as a key resource for enhancing distribution network resilience. However, traditional centralized optimization fails to account for conflicts of interest between the distribution network and PSCISs and neglects the actual response behavior of EV users. To address these issues, a coordinated emergency operation strategy for distribution networks and PSCISs based on the master–slave game is proposed. Firstly, a bilevel optimization framework based on the master–slave game is constructed, where the upper level performs system-level coordination and the lower level handles autonomous decision-making. For the upper level, the minimization of distribution network operation cost is set as the optimization objective by the dispatching center to determine power purchase prices and load shedding rates, which serve as guidance signals for lower-level PSCISs. In terms of the lower level, a dual-factor S-shaped response curve is introduced into the lower-level model to precisely characterize EV users’ nonlinear response behavior to price incentives. Furthermore, based on the signals received from the upper level, the maximization of each PSCIS’s profit is set as the optimization objective to determine the PV output, storage dispatch, and V2G incentive prices. Subsequently, Model Predictive Control (MPC) is employed to implement rolling optimization during the fault period, addressing the source-load uncertainties. Finally, an improved IEEE 33-node distribution network is used for case analysis and validation of the proposed operation strategy. The results indicate that the proposed strategy can effectively coordinate the interests of multiple parties, achieving synergistic improvements in both the economy and reliability of the distribution network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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22 pages, 4749 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Active Power Decoupling Cascaded H-Bridge Static Synchronous Compensator and Its Control Method

by Qihui Feng, Feng Zhu, Chenghui Lin, Xue Han, Dingguo Li and Weilong Xiao

Energies 2026, 19(8), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081818 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 359

Abstract

The cascaded H-bridge static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) has been widely employed in medium- and high-voltage reactive power compensation applications due to its high modularity, fast response speed, and direct grid connection capability. However, the DC-link voltage exhibits an inherent double-frequency ripple, which poses a serious challenge to power quality. Therefore, numerous Active Power Decoupling (APD) techniques have been proposed. However, existing schemes still exhibit certain limitations: independent APD topologies are associated with higher costs, whereas single bridge-arm multiplexed APD topologies are confronted with issues such as elevated DC-side voltage and increased current stress on the multiplexed arm. Consequently, comprehensive optimization is difficult to achieve in terms of the number of power devices, decoupling accuracy, level of capacitor multiplexing, and device stress. To address the above issues, this paper proposes a DC split capacitor (DC-SC)-based dual bridge-arm multiplexed cascaded H-bridge STATCOM with active power decoupling capability, along with its corresponding control method. By constructing a fundamental-frequency common-mode voltage on the decoupling capacitor, this method effectively suppresses the double-frequency ripple in the DC-side voltage and reduces the current stress on the switching devices. The simulation and experimental results have verified the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed topological structure and control method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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19 pages, 7310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Phase Unbalanced Distribution Network Restoration Considering EV Charging Station Phase Scheduling

by Liang Sun, Zhuojun Li, Cui Dang, Shilong Yang, Chengjun Song and Zhongxue Wang

Energies 2026, 19(7), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071680 - 30 Mar 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

This paper investigates post-disaster restoration and stable operation of three-phase unbalanced distribution networks with high penetration of distributed generation and electric-vehicle integration. A two-stage hierarchical restoration and coordinated dispatch strategy is developed to improve restoration feasibility and reliability while reducing post-fault restoration cost. In Stage I, island partitioning and load prioritization are carried out using DFS and BFS to maximize the restoration of critical loads. In Stage II, without reducing the Stage I restoration level, branch switch statuses and coordinated outputs of DG-EV-BESS are jointly optimized under three-phase unbalanced power flow, radiality, and other operational constraints. The objective minimizes the total restoration cost, including network losses, switching operations, three-phase voltage-unbalance penalties, and customer compensation. Simulation results on a modified IEEE 33-bus system demonstrate that the proposed method reduces restoration cost and improves the system restoration ratio. In addition, phase-wise EV dispatch provides targeted compensation for weak-phase power deficits and improves post-fault inter-phase operating quality. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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22 pages, 3859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Mitigation Method of Harmonic Resonance in Offshore Wind Power Systems Based on dq-Domain Modal Analysis

by Huajia Wang, Yan Zhang, Wenbin Ci, Fan Xiao, Wenjun Cao, Danwen Yu and Jiayang Li

Energies 2026, 19(4), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19040947 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 392

Abstract

Harmonic resonance challenges have intensified in modern power grids, primarily due to the high penetration of converter-based offshore wind energy. Traditional modal analysis methods conducted in the abc reference frame are often constrained by complex coordinate transformations and laborious analytical procedures. Therefore, research into dq-domain modal analysis and mitigation techniques is essential. This paper first elucidates the limitations of conventional modal analysis and outlines the fundamental principles of the dq-domain approach, validating its effectiveness through a three-bus test system. Subsequently, a resonance analysis model for offshore wind systems is established to derive the complete nodal admittance matrix. A dq-domain resonance analysis is then performed, and resonance is mitigated by optimizing the control parameters. Finally, the proposed dq-domain modal analysis method and suppression strategy are validated using a laboratory-scale experimental testbed. The results indicate that the proportional gain of the power control loop (K_PP) significantly influences the system’s resonance modes. Fine-tuning controller parameters via modal analysis provides an active, flexible, and cost-effective solution for resonance suppression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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15 pages, 5424 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transient Stability Control Method for Droop-Controlled Photovoltaics, Based on Power Angle Deviation Feedback

by Youzhuo Zheng, Zekun Xiao, Long Hua, Qi Guo, Chun Li and Kailei Chen

Energies 2025, 18(19), 5126; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195126 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 792

Abstract

Distributed photovoltaic grid-connected converters adopting droop control can provide dual support for voltage and frequency in the distribution system. However, under fault conditions, droop-controlled inverters will face the problem of transient synchronization instability, and their transient characteristics are significantly affected by fault conditions, control parameter configurations, and other factors. Nevertheless, at present, the transient operation boundaries of droop inverters, considering key sensitive parameters, are unclear, and the transient stability control mechanism is lacking, which poses a threat to the safe and stable operation of distributed photovoltaic systems. To this end, this paper fully considers the influences of control parameters and fault severity and conducts a multidimensional quantitative characterization of the transient stability boundaries of droop-controlled inverters. Furthermore, a stability enhancement control structure for droop-controlled inverters, based on power angle deviation feedforward, is proposed, and an adaptive configuration method for feedforward coefficients is put forward to ensure the safe and stable operation of droop inverters at different fault sag depths. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical analysis and the proposed control structure is verified through simulations and experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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17 pages, 3895 KB

Open AccessArticle

A P-Q Arc Suppression Method Based on DC-Link Voltage Stability for Hybrid Multifunctional Arc Suppression Devices

by Hongwen Liu, Zejun Huang, Chunli Zhang, Qi Guo and Jindong Yang

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4278; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164278 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 859

Abstract

The traditional arc suppression device suffers from high costs and low utilization. These problems can be effectively avoided by using a hybrid multi-function arc suppression device (HMF-ASD). However, an HMF-ASD will consume active power during arc suppression. Based on this, a P-Q arc suppression method based on DC-link voltage stability is proposed. The energy flow during a single line-to-ground (SLG) fault is analyzed to optimize operation of the HMF-ASD. The topology and principle of the HMF-ASD are introduced. Secondly, the influence mechanism of the traditional arc suppression method on the output active power and energy flow direction of the HMF-ASD is analyzed. The internal reason for the change in the DC-link voltage is clarified. Additionally, non-fault phases of the HMF-ASD are regulated to produce no active output, delivering only the reactive current required for arc suppression. This method effectively mitigates SLG faults while maintaining DC-link voltage stability. Non-fault phases exclusively supply reactive power, with the active power needed for arc suppression drawn directly from the grid. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed through both simulation and experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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23 pages, 6207 KB

Open AccessArticle

Open-Switch Fault Diagnosis for Grid-Tied HANPC Converters Using Generalized Voltage Residuals Model and Current Polarity in Flexible Distribution Networks

by Xing Peng, Fan Xiao, Ming Li, Yizhe Chen, Yifan Gao, Ruifeng Zhao and Jiangang Lu

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3855; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143855 - 20 Jul 2025

Viewed by 806

Abstract

The diagnosis of open-circuit (OC) faults in power switches is the premise for implementing fault-tolerant control, a critical aspect in ensuring the reliable operation of three-level hybrid active neutral-point-clamped (HANPC) converters in flexible distribution networks. However, existing fault diagnosis methods do not clearly reveal the relationship between the switching-state sequence state and the modulation voltage before and after the fault, which limits their applicability in grid-tied HANPC converters. In this article, a generalized voltage residuals model, taken as the primary diagnostic variable, is proposed for switch OC fault diagnosis in HANPC converters, and the physical meaning is established by introducing the metric of “the variation of the pulse equivalent area”. To distinguish between faulty switches with similar fault characteristics, the neutral current path is reconfigured with a set of rearranged gate sequences. Meanwhile, the auxiliary diagnostic variable, named the current polarity state variable, is developed by means of a sliding window counting algorithm. Additionally, as a case study, a diagnostic criterion for the single-switch fault of HANPC converters is designed by using proposed diagnostic variables. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis method, which achieves accurate faulty switch identification in all tested scenarios within 25 ms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Efficiency, Quality, and Stable Operation Technology for Flexible Distribution Networks)

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