Optimal Control of Smart Distributed Power and Energy Systems

Dear colleagues,

The increment of renewable resources usage, distributed generation and storage, demand response programs, and electric vehicle charging stations has led to a need to change the structure of the electrical grid into one that is more flexible. Due to uncertainties associated with the availability of renewable sources, distributed green power production systems can create some problems in the distribution grid, such as power quality losses in the power network, voltage unbalances, and undesired peaks. Typically, traditional controllable generators are used to compensate these fluctuations, causing efficiency losses (increasing operational and maintenance costs) and a decrease in the regulation margins for the distribution grid.

Hence, new methodological and technological approaches are increasingly required to optimally manage renewable resources and to integrate them into the new energy systems. These energy systems are equipped by smart instrumentation that can led to a cooperative and distributed way of controlling the whole system, and by a transition from a centralized structure to a decentralized one (both in terms of sources and controls).

The main aim of the Special Issue is to collect papers in the field of modeling, control, and optimization of power distribution grids (both in standalone and grid-connected operation), with specific attention to methods and real infrastructure applications.

Specific topics of interest for the Special Issue include, amongst others:

• New models for distribution power grids;
• Optimal control and planning of distribution grids (both in grid-connected and islanded mode);
• Optimal control and planning of hybrid systems (wind, hydrogen, fuel cells, hydroelectric plants, etc.);
• Hierarchical control;
• Cooperative and non-cooperative control;
• Optimal integration and planning of renewables in distribution grids;
• Stochastic optimization;
• Model predictive control;
• Distributed optimization;
• Optimal control of aggregators of demand response;
• New power market structures for distribution grids;
• Modeling and control of flexible loads;
• Applications in different demand contexts (e.g., industrial, agriculture, smart cities).

Prof. Roberto Sacile
Dr. Giulio Ferro
Prof. Michela Robba
Guest Editors

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