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Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 December 2025 | Viewed by 6093

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Qingan Li

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Guest Editor

Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: wind energy; wind farm design; multifield coupling and control technology of large offshore floating wind turbines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Dongran Song

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Guest Editor

School of Automation, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: renewable energy power-generation technologies; microgrid system modeling, optimization and control; economic analysis and optimization of energy/electrical systems
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Prof. Dr. Mingzhu Tang

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Guest Editor

School of Energy and Power Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
Interests: fault diagnosis for wind turbine; machine learning for energy prediction and analysis
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Dr. Xiaojiao Chen

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Guest Editor

Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
Interests: renewable energy; fusion power supply; high power converter control; fault diagnosis; mathematical and simulation models using computer programs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development and use of renewable energy have been growing in importance in recent years. Conventional energy resources, such as natural gas and oil, are insufficient to satisfy the demand of the global economy. This results in economic issues and the necessity for measures to ensure energy security.

Globally, there has been a positive trend in increasing the share of renewable energy. This development is encouraged by legislation, increased social awareness of ecology and nature conservation, and the advent of new technologies in the energy industry.

This Special Issue, entitled “Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition”, for the international journal Energies, mainly aims at covering original research and studies related to the following (not limited to) topics:

Renewable energy estimation and utilization;
Renewable energy systems;
Electric vehicles’ role in modern power systems;
Power electronics in renewable energy systems;
Integration and control of energy storage systems;
Microgrid management and control.

We are writing to invite you to submit your original work to this Special Issue. We look forward to hearing from you.

Prof. Dr. Qingan Li
Prof. Dr. Dongran Song
Prof. Dr. Mingzhu Tang
Dr. Xiaojiao Chen
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. Energies 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 2600 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

wind/solar/battery
power electronics
microgrid
estimation and utilization
integration and control

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Related Special Issue

Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 4th Edition in Energies (16 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Solar–Wind Complementarity with BARRA

by Abhnil Prasad and Merlinde Kay

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5452; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205452 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 35

Abstract

Australia’s renewable energy transition will be dominated by solar and wind power, yet their contrasting variability necessitates hybrid integration with storage to ensure reliability. This study uses Australian reanalysis data, BARRA (Bureau of Meteorology Atmospheric High-Resolution Regional Reanalysis for Australia), to quantify solar (global horizontal irradiance, GHI) and wind (wind power density, WPD) resources by examining their availability, variability, synergy, episode length, and lulls. The novelty of this work is the use of rarely examined metrics such as variability, availability, episode length, and extended lull events (Dunkelflaute) with a high-resolution and 29-year duration reanalysis dataset. The results show that solar is the more reliable resource, with high daytime availability and relatively short lulls. Wind, despite being abundant in coastal regions, is highly intermittent, characterized by a skewed distribution, low availability, and extended periods of lulls. Synergy metrics demonstrate significant complementarity, with combined solar–wind synergy reducing deficits in single resources, while joint non-synergy events define critical system vulnerabilities. Importantly, hybrid systems limit maximum joint lulls, which are far shorter than wind-only extremes, thereby reducing the scale of long-duration storage required. These findings underscore that, while solar provides a stable baseline supply and wind contributes spatial diversity, hybrid systems supported by batteries offer a resilient pathway. Synergy and non-synergy statistics provide essential parameters for optimally sizing storage to withstand rare but severe shortfalls, ensuring a reliable, utility-scale renewable future for Australia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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25 pages, 5159 KB

Open AccessArticle

DynaG Algorithm-Based Optimal Power Flow Design for Hybrid Wind–Solar–Storage Power Systems Considering Demand Response

by Xuan Ruan, Lingyun Zhang, Jie Zhou, Zhiwei Wang, Shaojun Zhong, Fuyou Zhao and Bo Yang

Energies 2025, 18(17), 4576; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174576 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 727

Abstract

With a high proportion of renewable energy sources connected to the distribution network, traditional optimal power flow (OPF) methods face significant challenges including multi-objective co-optimization and dynamic scenario adaptation. This paper proposes a dynamic optimization framework based on the Dynamic Gravitational Search Algorithm (DynaG) for a multi-energy complementary distribution network incorporating wind power, photovoltaic, and energy storage systems. A multi-scenario OPF model is developed considering the time-varying characteristics of wind and solar penetration (low/medium/high), seasonal load variations, and demand response participation. The model aims to minimize both network loss and operational costs, while simultaneously optimizing power supply capability indicators such as power transfer rates and capacity-to-load ratios. Key enhancements to DynaG algorithm include the following: (1) an adaptive gravitational constant adjustment strategy to balance global exploration and local exploitation; (2) an inertial mass updating mechanism constrained to improve convergence for high-dimensional decision variables; and (3) integration of chaotic initialization and dynamic neighborhood search to enhance solution diversity under complex constraints. Validation using the IEEE 33-bus system demonstrates that under 30% penetration scenarios, the proposed DynaG algorithm reduces capacity ratio volatility by 3.37% and network losses by 1.91% compared to non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), multi-objective atomic orbital search algorithm (MOAOS), and multi-objective gravitational search algorithm (MOGSA). These results show the algorithm’s robustness against renewable fluctuations and its potential for enhancing the resilience and operational efficiency of high-penetration renewable energy distribution networks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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21 pages, 807 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Enhanced Renewable Energy Integration: A Comprehensive Framework for Grid Planning and Hybrid Power Plant Allocation

by Mahmoud Taheri, Abbas Rabiee and Innocent Kamwa

Energies 2025, 18(17), 4561; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174561 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 535

Abstract

Renewable energy sources play a crucial role in the urgent global pursuit of decarbonizing electricity systems. However, persistent grid congestion and lengthy planning approval processes remain the main barriers to the accelerated deployment of new green energy source capacities. Capitalizing on the synergies afforded by co-locating hybrid power plants—particularly those that harness temporally anti-correlated renewable sources such as wind and solar—behind a unified connection point presents a compelling opportunity. To this end, this paper pioneers a comprehensive planning framework for hybrid configurations, integrating transmission grid and renewable energy assets planning to include energy storage systems, wind, and solar energy capacities within a long-term planning horizon. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed that considers both the technical and economic aspects of combined grid planning and hybrid power plant allocation. Additionally, the proposed framework incorporates the N − 1 contingency criterion, ensuring system reliability in the face of potential transmission line outages, thereby adding a layer of versatility and resilience to the approach. The model minimizes the net present value of costs, encompassing both capital and operational expenditures as well as curtailment costs. The efficacy of the proposed model is demonstrated through its implementation on the benchmark IEEE 24-bus RTS system, with findings underscoring the pivotal role of hybrid power plants in enabling cost-effective and rapid sustainable energy integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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12 pages, 1513 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impedance Spectroscopy for Interface Trap Effects Evaluation in Dopant-Free Silicon Solar Cells

by Ilaria Matacena, Laura Lancellotti, Eugenia Bobeico, Iurie Usatii, Marco della Noce, Elena Santoro, Pietro Scognamiglio, Lucia V. Mercaldo, Paola Delli Veneri and Santolo Daliento

Energies 2025, 18(17), 4558; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174558 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 526

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of interface traps on the impedance spectra of dopant-free silicon solar cells. The studied device consists of a crystalline silicon absorber with an a-Si:H/MoOx/ITO stack as the front passivating hole-collecting contact and an a-Si:H/LiF/Al stack as the rear passivating electron-collecting contact. Experimental measurements, including illuminated current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and impedance spectroscopy, were performed on the fabricated devices and after a soft annealing treatment. The annealed cells exhibit an increased open-circuit voltage and a larger Nyquist plot radius. To interpret these results, a numerical model was developed in a TCAD environment. Simulations reveal that traps located at the p/i interface (MoOx/i-a-Si:H) significantly affect the impedance spectra, with higher trap concentrations leading to smaller Nyquist plot circumferences. The numerical impedance curves were aligned to the experimental data, enabling extraction of the interfacial traps concentration. The results highlight the sensitivity of impedance spectroscopy to interfacial quality and confirm that the performance improvement after soft annealing is primarily due to reduced defect density at the MoOx/i-a-Si:H interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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21 pages, 3166 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structure/Aerodynamic Nonlinear Dynamic Simulation Analysis of Long, Flexible Blade of Wind Turbine

by Xiangqian Zhu, Siming Yang, Zhiqiang Yang, Chang Cai, Lei Zhang, Qing’an Li and Jin-Hwan Choi

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4362; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164362 - 15 Aug 2025

Viewed by 543

Abstract

To meet the requirements of geometric nonlinear modeling and bending–torsion coupling analysis of long, flexible offshore blades, this paper develops a high-precision engineering simplified model based on the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF). The model considers nonlinear variations in linear density, stiffness, and aerodynamic center along the blade span and enables efficient computation of 3D nonlinear deformation using 1D beam elements. Material and structural function equations are established based on actual 2D airfoil sections, and the chord vector is obtained from leading and trailing edge coordinates to calculate the angle of attack and aerodynamic loads. Torsional stiffness data defined at the shear center is corrected to the mass center using the axis shift theorem, ensuring a unified principal axis model. The proposed model is employed to simulate the dynamic behavior of wind turbine blades under both shutdown and operating conditions, and the results are compared to those obtained from the commercial software Bladed. Under shutdown conditions, the blade tip deformation error in the y-direction remains within 5% when subjected only to gravity, and within 8% when wind loads are applied perpendicular to the rotor plane. Under operating conditions, although simplified aerodynamic calculations, structural nonlinearity, and material property deviations introduce greater discrepancies, the x-direction deformation error remains within 15% across different wind speeds. These results confirm that the model maintains reasonable accuracy in capturing blade deformation characteristics and can provide useful support for early-stage dynamic analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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21 pages, 2930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wake Losses, Productivity, and Cost Analysis of a Polish Offshore Wind Farm in the Baltic Sea

by Adam Rasiński and Ziemowit Malecha

Energies 2025, 18(15), 4190; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154190 - 7 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1441

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the long-term energy performance and economic viability of offshore wind farms planned for locations within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea. It focuses on the impact of wind farm layout, aerodynamic wake effects, and rotor blade surface degradation. Using the Jensen wake model, modified Weibull wind speed distributions are computed for various turbine spacing configurations (5D, 8D, and 10D) and wake decay constants

k_{w} \in {0.02; 0.03; 0.05}

. The results reveal a trade-off between turbine density and individual turbine efficiency: tighter spacing increases the total annual energy production (AEP) but also intensifies wake-induced losses. The study shows that cumulative losses due to wake effects can range from 16.5% to 38%, depending on the scenario considered. This corresponds to capacity factors ranging from 33.4% to 45.2%. Finally, lifetime productivity scenarios over 20 and 25 years are analyzed, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is calculated to assess the economic implications of design choices. The analysis reveals that, depending on the values of the considered parameters, the LCOE can range from USD 116.3 to 175.7 per MWh produced. The study highlights the importance of early stage optimization in maximizing both the energy yield and cost-efficiency in offshore wind farm developments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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25 pages, 8614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shuffled Puma Optimizer for Parameter Extraction and Sensitivity Analysis in Photovoltaic Models

by En-Jui Liu, Rou-Wen Chen, Qing-An Wang and Wan-Ling Lu

Energies 2025, 18(15), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154008 - 28 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 603

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are the core technology for implementing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The performance of PV systems is strongly influenced by environmental factors, including irradiance, temperature, and shading, which makes it difficult to characterize the nonlinear and multi-coupling behavior of the systems. Accurate modeling is essential for reliable performance prediction and lifespan estimation. To address this challenge, a novel metaheuristic algorithm called shuffled puma optimizer (SPO) is deployed to perform parameter extraction and optimal configuration identification across four PV models. The robustness and stability of SPO are comprehensively evaluated through comparisons with advanced algorithms based on best fitness, mean fitness, and standard deviation. The root mean square error (RMSE) obtained by SPO for parameter extraction are 8.8180 × 10⁻⁴, 8.5513 × 10⁻⁴, 8.4900 × 10⁻⁴, and 2.3941 × 10⁻³ for the single diode model (SDM), double diode model (DDM), triple diode model (TDM), and photovoltaic module model (PMM), respectively. A one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) sensitivity analysis is employed to assess the relative importance of undetermined parameters within each PV model. The SPO-based modeling framework enables high-accuracy PV performance prediction, and its application to sensitivity analysis can accurately identify key factors that lead to reduced computational cost and improved adaptability for integration with energy management systems and intelligent electric grids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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24 pages, 4004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Solar Spectral Variability on the Performance of Photovoltaic Technologies Across European Climates

by Ivan Bevanda, Petar Marić, Ante Kristić and Tihomir Betti

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3868; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143868 - 21 Jul 2025

Viewed by 668

Abstract

Precise photovoltaic (PV) performance modeling is essential for optimizing system design, operational monitoring, and reliable power forecasting—yet spectral correction is often overlooked, despite its significant impact on energy yield uncertainty. This study employs the FARMS-NIT model to assess the impact of spectral irradiance on eight PV technologies across 79 European sites, grouped by Köppen–Geiger climate classification. Unlike previous studies limited to clear-sky or single-site analysis, this work integrates satellite-derived spectral data for both all-sky and clear-sky scenarios, enabling hourly, tilt-optimized simulations that reflect real-world operating conditions. Spectral analyses reveal European climates exhibit blue-shifted spectra versus AM1.5 reference, only 2–5% resembling standard conditions. Thin-film technologies demonstrate superior spectral gains under all-sky conditions, though the underlying drivers vary significantly across climatic regions—a distinction that becomes particularly evident in the clear-sky analysis. Crystalline silicon exhibits minimal spectral sensitivity (<1.6% variations), with PERC/PERT providing highest stability. CZTSSe shows latitude-dependent performance with ≤0.7% variation: small gains at high latitudes and losses at low latitudes. Atmospheric parameters were analyzed in detail, revealing that air mass (AM), clearness index (K_t), precipitable water (W), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) play key roles in shaping spectral effects, with different parameters dominating in distinct climate groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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13 pages, 2335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Mix Constraints Imposed by Minimum EROI for Societal Sustainability

by Ziemowit Malecha

Energies 2025, 18(14), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143765 - 16 Jul 2025

Viewed by 487

Abstract

This study analyzes the feasibility of energy mixes composed of different shares of various types of power generation units, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind farms, hydropower, fossil fuel-based plants, and nuclear power. The analysis uses the concept of Energy Return on Investment (EROI), which is considered the most reliable indicator for comparing different technologies as it measures the energy required rather than monetary costs needed to build and operate each technology. Literature-based EROI values for individual generation technologies were used, along with the minimum EROI thresholds for the entire energy mix that are necessary to sustain developed societies and a high quality of life. The results show that, depending on the assumed minimum EROI value, which ranges from 10 to 30, the maximum share of intermittent renewable energy sources (IRESs), such as PV and wind farms, in the system cannot exceed 90% or 60%, respectively. It is important to emphasize that this EROI-based analysis does not account for power grid stability, which currently can only be maintained by the inertia of large synchronous generators. Therefore, the scenario with a 90% IRES share should be regarded as purely theoretical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Technologies for Renewable Energy Development and Utilization: 5th Edition)

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