Eng | Special Issue : Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems

Research

34 pages, 11578 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Coil Geometry and Pulsed-Current Charging Protocol with Primary-Side Control for Experimentally Validated Misalignment-Resilient EV WPT

by Marouane El Ancary, Abdellah Lassioui, Hassan El Fadil, Tasnime Bouanou, Yassine El Asri, Anwar Hasni, Hafsa Abbade and Mohammed Chiheb

Eng 2026, 7(3), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7030141 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 480

Abstract

The widespread commercialization of wireless chargers for electric vehicles generally suffers from one main problem, which is the perfect alignment between the two coils, leading to a decrease in mutual inductance, which causes a drop in magnetic coupling and even a failure to [...] Read more.

The widespread commercialization of wireless chargers for electric vehicles generally suffers from one main problem, which is the perfect alignment between the two coils, leading to a decrease in mutual inductance, which causes a drop in magnetic coupling and even a failure to transfer power. To address this persistent problem, this work proposes a comprehensive and integrated method for optimizing the coils and control architecture for reliable and safe battery charging. To address the challenges of a complex, nonlinear design space and the need for misalignment-tolerant geometries, we employ a memetic algorithm (MA) that hybridizes Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for broad global exploration with Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) for precise local refinement. This combination effectively avoids poor local solutions—a limitation of standalone PSO or GA approaches reported in recent studies—while efficiently converging to coil geometries that maintain strong magnetic coupling under misalignment. After the coils have been designed, electromagnetic validation is tested using finite element analysis (FEA), which allows the magnetic field distribution to be evaluated, as well as the coupling coefficient under different scenarios of misalignment and variation in the air gap between the ground side and the vehicle side. At the same time, a comprehensive control strategy for the primary side of the system has been developed. This control method ensures power management on the primary side, enabling system interoperability for charging multiple types of vehicles, as well as reducing vehicle weight for greater range. All this is combined with an innovative pulsed current charging method, chosen for its advantages in terms of thermal stability, ensuring safe and efficient recharging that is mindful of battery health. Simulation and experimental validation demonstrate that the proposed framework maintains stable wireless power transfer and achieves over 87% DC–DC efficiency under lateral misalignments up to 100 mm, fully complying with SAE J2954 alignment tolerance requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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24 pages, 7002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retrofitting Photovoltaics: A Service-Class-Based Management Approach

by Daniele Bernardini and Marco Caccamo

Eng 2026, 7(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7030118 - 2 Mar 2026

Viewed by 394

Abstract

With the increasing popularity of photovoltaic (PV) equipment in residential and commercial buildings, there is a pressing need for systems that maximize energy efficiency and self-consumption. This paper introduces an integrated management framework for retrofitting existing infrastructures, enabling high photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption in [...] Read more.

With the increasing popularity of photovoltaic (PV) equipment in residential and commercial buildings, there is a pressing need for systems that maximize energy efficiency and self-consumption. This paper introduces an integrated management framework for retrofitting existing infrastructures, enabling high photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption in residential buildings through a rule-based control strategy. The framework supports three service classes—defined by user-level Quality of Service (QoS) parameters—and monitors battery voltage along with grid power exchange to coordinate heat pumps, batteries, and hot water cylinders. Experimental deployment in a residential testbed achieved up to 89% PV self-consumption while keeping daily grid usage below 0.5 kWh. Ablation experiments on battery size further demonstrated the approach’s robustness to reduced storage capacities. The use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components underscores the minimal intrusiveness of this solution, highlighting its potential for seamlessly integrating diverse, vendor-specific equipment into a coordinated control system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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23 pages, 3407 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vector Control Strategy for Improving Grid Stability Using STATCOM and Supercapacitor Integrated with Chopper Circuit

by Javed Iqbal, Zeeshan Rashid, Ghulam Amjad Hussain, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah and Zeeshan Ahmad Arfeen

Eng 2026, 7(2), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7020083 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1622

Abstract

Stable circumstances and an improved voltage profile need power compensators integrated with energy storage elements in AC power systems. The control of these compensators is of paramount importance for obtaining high accuracy, reliability, and better system dynamics, which involves careful controller design considerations [...] Read more.

Stable circumstances and an improved voltage profile need power compensators integrated with energy storage elements in AC power systems. The control of these compensators is of paramount importance for obtaining high accuracy, reliability, and better system dynamics, which involves careful controller design considerations and small-signal analysis. This paper focuses on the use of a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and supercapacitor energy storage system (SCESS) for achieving voltage stability, grid support, and better system dynamics. After the primary load is shifted to the grid, real power assistance is promptly injected into the AC grid to enhance the DC-link voltage, as well as the grid voltage, and reduce supply current from the grid using a vector control technique. The SCESS is handled with the help of a bidirectional DC–DC converter, which facilitates charging and discharging during boost and buck operations, respectively. Using small-signal modeling, the stable system is designed to obtain a reliable and stable output, which is confirmed by the systematic simulations and experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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16 pages, 3206 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Port Converter for Energy-Harvesting Systems

by Dante Miraglia, Carlos Aguilar, Jaime E. Arau, Jesús D. Mina, Rodolfo A. Vargas and Gloria L. Osorio

Eng 2026, 7(2), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7020080 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 541

Abstract

In energy-harvesting storage systems, in order to guarantee the correct operation and integration of its parts into the system, different power converters must be used. Using several stages increases energy processing and therefore decreases the overall efficiency of the system. In this paper, [...] Read more.

In energy-harvesting storage systems, in order to guarantee the correct operation and integration of its parts into the system, different power converters must be used. Using several stages increases energy processing and therefore decreases the overall efficiency of the system. In this paper, an integrated multi-port converter with galvanic isolation is proposed. It allows the transfer of energy between the solar panel, the battery, and the user using the fewest possible stages, thus maximizing efficiency. Operating in three modes depending on the battery’s state of charge, solar radiation and load conditions, the converter can conduct electric power between its ports. The proposal was validated in a 1 kW prototype performing the different modes of operation. It should be noted that a PV emulator (ETS150X5.6C-PVF) was used in the experimental setup; by means of this device, conditions such as solar irradiance and temperature, which affect the energy generation of PV panels, were controlled. In addition, the transformer employed in the prototype implementation was handmade; therefore, its design could be improved to obtain better performance. The experimental results show efficiencies exceeding 94%, and an analysis of the distribution of losses in the circuit was carried out. Also, a comparison with previous proposals is presented, showing competitive features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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20 pages, 1966 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated TCN-GRU Deep Learning Approach for Fault Detection in Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Drivetrains

by Yangdi Luo, Yaozhen Han, Fei Song, Bingxin Xue and Yanbin Yin

Eng 2025, 6(12), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6120333 - 22 Nov 2025

Viewed by 775

Abstract

In the complex operational environment of offshore wind turbines, the drivetrain system faces multiple uncertainties including wind speed fluctuations, wave disturbances, and dynamic coupling effects, which significantly increase the difficulty of fault identification. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a deep learning [...] Read more.

In the complex operational environment of offshore wind turbines, the drivetrain system faces multiple uncertainties including wind speed fluctuations, wave disturbances, and dynamic coupling effects, which significantly increase the difficulty of fault identification. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a deep learning model integrating Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN) and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) to enhance fault detection capability. The TCN module extracts multi-scale temporal features from vibration signals, while the GRU module captures long-term dependencies in drivetrain degradation patterns. The study utilizes a publicly available Zenodo dataset containing simulated acceleration signals from a 5-MW reference drivetrain under three offshore conditions, covering healthy and faulty states of the main shaft, high-speed shaft, and planet bearings. Experimental validation under different operational conditions demonstrates that the proposed TCN-GRU model outperforms baseline models in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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14 pages, 3384 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Nonlinear Extended State Observer-Based Load Torque Estimation Method for Wind Turbine Generators

by Yihua Zhu, Jiawei Yu, Yujia Tang, Wenzhe Hao, Zhuocheng Yang, Guangqi Li and Zhiyong Dai

Eng 2025, 6(10), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6100264 - 4 Oct 2025

Viewed by 746

Abstract

As global demand for clean and renewable energy continues to rise, wind power has become a critical component of the sustainable energy transition. However, the increasingly complex operating conditions and structural configurations of modern wind turbines pose significant challenges for system reliability and [...] Read more.

As global demand for clean and renewable energy continues to rise, wind power has become a critical component of the sustainable energy transition. However, the increasingly complex operating conditions and structural configurations of modern wind turbines pose significant challenges for system reliability and control. Specifically, accurate load torque estimation is crucial for supporting the long-term stable operation of the wind power system. This paper presents a novel load torque estimation approach based on a nonlinear extended state observer (NLESO) for wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generators. In this method, the load torque is estimated using current measurements and observer-derived acceleration, thereby eliminating the need for torque sensors. This not only reduces hardware complexity but also improves system robustness, particularly in harsh or fault-prone environments. Furthermore, the stability of the observer is rigorously proven through Lyapunov theory using the variable gradient method. Finally, simulation results under different wind speed conditions validate the method’s accuracy, robustness, and adaptability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

44 pages, 8586 KB

Open AccessReview

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Off-Grid Electrification: A Comprehensive Review of Storage Technologies, Metaheuristic Optimization Approaches and Key Challenges

by Kamran Taghizad-Tavana, Ali Esmaeel Nezhad, Mehrdad Tarafdar Hagh, Afshin Canani and Ashkan Safari

Eng 2025, 6(11), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6110309 - 4 Nov 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5863

Abstract

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) are a practical solution for providing reliable, low-carbon electricity to off-grid and remote communities. This review examines the role of energy storage within HRESs by systematically comparing electrochemical, mechanical, thermal, and hydrogen-based technologies in terms of technical performance, [...] Read more.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) are a practical solution for providing reliable, low-carbon electricity to off-grid and remote communities. This review examines the role of energy storage within HRESs by systematically comparing electrochemical, mechanical, thermal, and hydrogen-based technologies in terms of technical performance, lifecycle cost, operational constraints, and environmental impact. We synthesize findings from implemented off-grid projects across multiple countries to evaluate real-world performance metrics, including renewable fraction, expected energy not supplied (EENS), lifecycle cost, and operation & maintenance burdens. Special attention is given to the emerging role of hydrogen as a long-term and cross-sector energy carrier, addressing its technical, regulatory, and financial barriers to widespread deployment. In addition, the paper reviews real-world implementations of off-grid HRES in various countries, summarizing practical outcomes and lessons for system design and policy. The discussion also includes recent advances in metaheuristic optimization algorithms, which have improved planning efficiency, system reliability, and cost-effectiveness. By combining technological, operational, and policy perspectives, this review identifies current challenges and future directions for developing sustainable, resilient, and economically viable HRES that can accelerate equitable electrification in remote areas. Finally, the review outlines key limitations and future directions, calling for more systematic quantitative studies, long-term field validation of emerging technologies, and the development of intelligent, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven energy management systems within broader socio-techno-economic frameworks. Overall, this work offers concise insights to guide researchers and policymakers in advancing the practical deployment of sustainable and resilient HRES. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

29 pages, 1421 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Conventional to Adaptive Modulation Strategies and Reconfigurable Topologies in High-Density Power Conversion Systems for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles

by Yesenia Reyes-Severiano, Mario Ponce-Silva, Luis Mauricio Carrillo-Santos, Susana Estefany De León-Aldaco, Jesús Aguayo-Alquicira and Bertha Castillo-Pineda

Eng 2026, 7(4), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7040185 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

The demand for reliable, compact, and highly dependable energy conversion systems has grown significantly due to their application in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles for transportation. One of the main converters used in this type of conversion system is the DC–AC converter, known [...] Read more.

The demand for reliable, compact, and highly dependable energy conversion systems has grown significantly due to their application in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles for transportation. One of the main converters used in this type of conversion system is the DC–AC converter, known as an inverter. The common study of inverter behavior has focused on addressing, in isolation, the topologies and modulation strategies that activate/deactivate the converter switches, whose main objectives are to improve power quality, increase power density under different operating conditions, and reduce losses. Some of the above objectives were addressed by oversized passive filters, which resulted in increased system volume, high cost, and reduced adaptability. This systematic review analyzes and organizes the state of the art regarding the relationship between the selection of inverter topology, modulation strategy (ranging from conventional modulation approaches to more advanced adaptive strategies), and optimization in conjunction with passive components to observe DC bus voltage management. The review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A structured search was performed in IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and Scielo databases up to 2025, retrieving 9547 records. After duplicate removal and multi-stage screening of titles, abstracts, and full-text, 104 studies met the predefined technical inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were required to report quantitative performance metrics, validated modulation techniques, and explicit focus on inverter architectures or DC bus optimization. The selected studies were examined through comparative technical analysis of topology–modulation interaction, harmonic distortion performance, efficiency, and system-level integration. The study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach at the complete system level by designing the elements addressed together, rather than being optimized in isolation for renewable energy and electric vehicle applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Applications of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems)

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