Modeling, Control and Simulation of Power Electronic Converters for the Power Gird Application

Dear Colleagues,

Modern power systems are undergoing an unprecedented transformation propelled by renewable energy integration, distributed generation, and active grid management. Power electronic converters (PECs) stand as critical technological enablers, facilitating efficient, flexible, and reliable interfacing and control across diverse power generation assets and grid infrastructure. However, realizing the full potential of PECs—from large-scale HVDC systems and grid-forming converters to distributed energy resource interfaces—demands significant advancements in their modeling, control strategies, and simulation methodologies.

This Special Issue focuses on addressing the fundamental challenges associated with the application of PECs in increasingly complex and dynamic power grids. Key drivers include the imperative for enhanced grid stability amid high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), the need for robust fault management and resilience across multi-terminal DC networks, and the optimization of overall system performance through sophisticated converter-level functionalities. Bridging the gap between device-level innovations (e.g., wide-bandgap semiconductors) and system-level requirements necessitates novel, high-fidelity modeling techniques, intelligent and adaptive control algorithms, and computationally efficient yet accurate simulation frameworks.

We invite high-quality original research papers and comprehensive reviews that explore cutting-edge solutions in the following key thematic areas, all specifically focused on grid applications:

Advanced Modeling:

• Multi-physics/multi-time scale modeling of PECs (device–circuit control system).
• Black-box/white-box/grey-box modeling for stability analysis (e.g., impedance-based techniques).
• Modelling of converter interactions in AC/DC hybrid grids.
• Representation of converter dynamics during faults and transients.
• Modelling of emerging topologies (MMC variants, solid-state transformers, direct AC/AC converters).

Intelligent Control Strategies:

• Advanced control for grid-forming and grid-supporting converters (optimized virtual inertia, robust frequency/voltage regulation).
• Coordinated control strategies for converter clusters, MVDC/HVDC systems, and hybrid AC/DC grids.
• Fault ride-through (FRT) and fault management strategies under diverse grid conditions.
• Resilient and adaptive control for grid restoration and black-start.
• AI/ML-enhanced converter control for optimization, diagnostics, and security.

Innovative Simulation Methods:

• Real-time simulation (RTS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing techniques for grid-connected converters.
• Development and validation of computationally efficient models for large-scale system studies.
• Co-simulation frameworks integrating electromagnetic transients (EMTs), transient stability (TS), and optimal power flow (OPF) tools.
• Digital twins for converter monitoring, control optimization, and lifetime prediction.

The primary goal of this Special Issue is to compile state-of-the-art research that not only advances the fundamental understanding of PEC behavior in grid scenarios, but provides practical methodologies and tools to address the evolving challenges in the design, deployment, and operation of future power grids. We particularly seek contributions that demonstrate strong theoretical rigor combined with practical validation and address the needs for stability, reliability, and efficiency in modern power systems.

Potential authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts describing novel, unpublished contributions that significantly advance the frontiers of power electronics modeling, control, and simulation specifically for power grid applications.

Dr. Can Wang
Dr. Xuewei Pan
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.

• power systems
• renewable energy integration
• power electronic converters
• grid management
• power grid