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Advanced Control, Operation and Energy Management of Distribution Networks and Smart Grids: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 24 October 2025 | Viewed by 2709

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physics, International Hellenic University, Agios Loukas, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Interests: νon-destructive testing; radiography; thermography; simulation of energy systems; detection of illicit materials based on nuclear radiation; Monte Carlo modeling
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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion Estavromenos, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: power systems; microgrids; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to share the success of our Special Issue "Advanced Control, Operation and Energy Management of Distribution Networks and Smart Grids" https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies/special_issues/Q2RQJH3B9V.

We are now preparing to launch the second volume of this Special Issue and are pleased to invite you to submit papers to Energies for a Special Issue devoted to “Advanced Control, Operation and Energy Management of Distribution Networks and Smart Grids: 2nd Edition”.

Today, networks play a crucial role in energy planning. Distribution networks, in particular, comprise the core of these energy systems. Modern distribution networks and related technology must be advanced towards a new model.  This schema should not only ensure the supply of reliable and high-quality electricity but must also be fine-tuned to meet new challenges, offer smart options for more economical and efficient use and/or the production of electrical energy, and ensure the simultaneously greater and more effective control of the systems through automation and the use of new technologies.

Progress in these areas will lead us to cleaner energy and sustainable growth. This is why next-generation networks, known as smart grids, are today at the heart of planning strategies of all forward-looking electrical energy distribution companies.

As Guest Editors, my co-editors and I invite submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on “Advanced Control, Operation and Energy Management of Distribution Networks and Smart Grids”. This Issue aims to examine, present, and disseminate this subject's latest developments and research efforts. All research approaches are equally acceptable: experimental, theoretical, simulation, optimization, and mixtures.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  • Integration of renewable energy sources;
  • Energy storage systems for grids;
  • Energy management strategies;
  • Energy supply reliability;
  • Load forecasting and scheduling;
  • Island microgrids;
  • Smart grids and microgrids;
  • Optimization techniques for energy storage systems in distribution grids;
  • Anti-island control strategies for distribution grids;
  • Cascading failure of components in smart grids;
  • Fault location in distribution networks;
  • Fault management in grids;
  • Innovative fault management and location techniques for smart grids;
  • Power system planning and energy management;
  • Novel optimization techniques for power system operations;
  • Application of cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques;
  • Planning and development of the energy transition;
  • Smart energy production and distribution;
  • Fault monitoring technologies;
  • Reliability of power distribution networks.

Dr. Jacob G. Fantidis
Dr. Antonis Tsikalakis
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

  • smart grid
  • microgrid
  • distribution system
  • energy supply
  • energy management
  • fault location
  • reliability
  • integration of RES

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 3684 KiB  
Article
A Distributed Cooperative Anti-Windup Algorithm Improving Voltage Profile in Distribution Systems with DERs’ Reactive Power Saturation
by Giovanni Mercurio Casolino, Giuseppe Fusco and Mario Russo
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3540; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133540 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
This paper proposes a Distributed Cooperative Algorithm (DCA) that solves the windup problem caused by the saturation of the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) PI-based control unit. If the reference reactive current output by the PI exceeds the maximum reactive power capacity of the [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a Distributed Cooperative Algorithm (DCA) that solves the windup problem caused by the saturation of the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) PI-based control unit. If the reference reactive current output by the PI exceeds the maximum reactive power capacity of the DER, the control unit saturates, preventing the optimal voltage regulation at the connection node of the Active Distribution Network (ADN). Instead of relying on a centralized solution, we proposed a cooperative approach in which each DER’s control unit takes part in the DCA. If a control unit saturates, the voltage regulation error is not null, and the algorithm is activated to assign a share of this error to all DERs’ control units according to a weighted average principle. Subsequently, the algorithm determines the control unit’s new value of the voltage setpoint, desaturating the DER and enhancing the voltage profile. The proposed DCA is independent of the design of the control unit, does not require parameter tuning, exchanges only the regulation error at a low sampling rate, handles multiple saturations, and has limited communication requirements. The effectiveness of the proposed DCA is validated through numerical simulations of an ADN composed of two IEEE 13-bus Test Feeders. Full article
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17 pages, 1000 KiB  
Article
Beyond Traditional Grid: A Novel Quantitative Framework for Assessing Automation’s Impact on System Average Interruption Duration Index and System Average Interruption Frequency Index
by Jakub Dowejko and Jarosław Jaworski
Energies 2025, 18(11), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112671 - 22 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 571
Abstract
The existing literature on power grid reliability extensively examines the effects of individual automation technologies, such as Smart Grids, IoT, and AI, on reducing SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) indices. However, previous studies have largely [...] Read more.
The existing literature on power grid reliability extensively examines the effects of individual automation technologies, such as Smart Grids, IoT, and AI, on reducing SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) indices. However, previous studies have largely focused on partial analyses, often limited to specific aspects of grid operation or isolated case studies. As a result, there is a lack of a comprehensive and integrated theoretical approach that considers the interdependencies between different automation technologies, their impact on various levels of grid management and the economic consequences of their deployment. This study presents a novel theoretical framework aimed at providing a holistic perspective on power grid automation and its impact on energy supply reliability. The key elements of this approach include developing a multidimensional mathematical model that integrates the impact of key automation technologies on SAIDI and SAIFI, allowing for a quantitative assessment of different implementation strategies and applying a probabilistic approach to predict the likelihood of power outages based on the level of automation and real-time grid conditions. This proposed framework offers a holistic view of power grid automation, integrating technical, economic and operational dimensions. It serves as a foundation for further empirical research and the implementation of intelligent grid modernisation strategies, aiming to enhance power supply stability and increase the resilience of distribution networks against outages. The introduced concept aligns with the current challenges of the energy transition, providing utilities and policymakers with analytical tools for making optimal decisions regarding the adoption of digitalisation and automation technologies in the power sector. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 1117 KiB  
Review
Navigating the Intersection of Microgrids and Hydrogen: Evolutionary Trends, Challenges, and Future Strategies
by Bawantha Indrajith and Kosala Gunawardane
Energies 2025, 18(3), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030614 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1462
Abstract
Growing interest in sustainable energy has gathered significant attention for alternative technologies, with hydrogen-based solutions emerging as a crucial component in the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems. Following that, hydrogen-based microgrids, integrated with renewable energy sources including wind and solar, [...] Read more.
Growing interest in sustainable energy has gathered significant attention for alternative technologies, with hydrogen-based solutions emerging as a crucial component in the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems. Following that, hydrogen-based microgrids, integrated with renewable energy sources including wind and solar, have gained substantial attention as an upcoming pathway toward long-term energy sustainability. Hydrogen, produced through processes such as electrolysis and steam methane reforming, can be stored in various forms including compressed gas, liquid, or solid-state hydrides, and later utilized for electricity generation through fuel cells and gas turbines. This dynamic energy system offers highly flexible, scalable, and resilient solutions for various applications. Specifically, hydrogen-based microgrids are particularly suitable for offshore and islanded applications, with geographical factors, adverse environmental conditions, and limited access to conventional energy solutions. This is critical for energy independence, long-term storage capacity, and grid stability. This review explores topological and functional-based classifications of microgrids, advancements in hydrogen generation, storage, and utilization technologies, and their integration with microgrid systems. It also critically evaluates the key challenges of each technology, including cost, efficiency, and scalability, which impact the feasibility of hydrogen microgrids. Full article
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