Advances in the Modeling, Optimization and Control of Renewable Energy Systems

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 3347

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates
Interests: renewable energy systems modeling and control; solar energy; wind energy; marine energy

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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
Interests: modeling and control of wave energy converters; grid integration for wave energy; energy management systems for wave energy; wave energy assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world is swiftly shifting towards a more diversified energy paradigm, renewable energy systems are becoming prevalent both technologically and economically. Accurate modeling of such complex, nonlinear, and often heterogenous systems offers a cost-effective method to better understand systems’ behaviors, predict their performance, and optimize operation and component selection well before the real-world implementation of such systems. Moreover, accurate and reliable models will help in designing effective control strategies that maximize energy capture, minimize conversion losses, and ensure system stability and coordination, eventually enhancing the economic feasibility of the system. This Special Issue, entitled ‘Advances in the Modeling, Optimization and Control of Renewable Energy Systems’, aims to demonstrate the most recent developments in the field of modeling and controlling renewable energy systems, which encompasses analytical physics-based, data-driven, and artificial intelligence-based methodologies. Furthermore, in this Special Issue, we aspire to provide a platform for disseminating cutting-edge research on the modeling and control of renewable energy systems not only restricted to electric energy generation, but also other alternative forms of renewable energy (e.g., chemical, thermal, mechanical, etc.) and conversion from one form to another (e.g., P2X and X2P). We cordially invite scientists, researchers, and engineers to contribute to this Special Issue, whether through theoretical study, computer simulations, or experimental implementation.

Topics of interest include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Solar energy (PV and thermal);
  • Wind energy;
  • Marine energy (tidal, wave, SGE, and OTEC);
  • Thermal energy;
  • Bioenergy (biomass, biofuels, etc.);
  • Energy storage (electrochemical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, etc.);
  • Hybrid renewable energy systems.

Dr. Mohammed Jama
Dr. Addy Wahyudie
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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

  • renewable energy
  • modeling and simulation
  • control systems
  • energy systems
  • energy
  • artificial intelligence

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3661 KB  
Article
An Energy Storage Unit Design for a Piezoelectric Wind Energy Harvester with a High Total Harmonic Distortion
by Davut Özhan and Erol Kurt
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3217; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103217 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
A new energy storage unit, which is fed by a piezoelectric wind energy harvester, is explored. The outputs of a three-phase piezoelectric wind energy device have been initially recorded from the laboratory experiments. Following the records of voltage outputs, the power ranges of [...] Read more.
A new energy storage unit, which is fed by a piezoelectric wind energy harvester, is explored. The outputs of a three-phase piezoelectric wind energy device have been initially recorded from the laboratory experiments. Following the records of voltage outputs, the power ranges of the device were measured at several hundred microwatts. The main issue of piezoelectric voltage generation is that voltage waveforms of piezoelectric materials have high total harmonic distortion (THD) with incredibly high subharmonics and superharmonics. Therefore, such a material reply causes a certain power loss at the output of the wind energy generator. In order to fix this problem, we propose a combination of a rectifier and a storage system, where they can operate compatibly under high THD rates (i.e., 125%). Due to high THD values, current–voltage characteristics are not linear-dependent; indeed, because of capacitive effect of the piezoelectric (i.e., lead zirconium titanite) material, harvested power from the material is reduced by nearly a factor of 20% in the output. That also negatively affects the storage on the Li-based battery. In order to compensate, the output waveform of the device, the waveforms, which are received from the energy-harvester device, are first rectified by a full-wave rectifier that has a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) unit. The SOC values prove that almost 40% of the charge is stored in 1.2 s under moderate wind speeds, such as 6.1 m/s. To conclude, a better harvesting performance has been obtained by storing the energy into the Li-ion battery under a current–voltage-controlled boost converter technique. Full article
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34 pages, 3268 KB  
Article
Decarbonizing Arctic Mining Operations with Wind-Hydrogen Systems: Case Study of Raglan Mine
by Hugo Azin, Baby-Jean Robert Mungyeko Bisulandu, Adrian Ilinca and Daniel R. Rousse
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3208; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103208 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating wind power with hydrogen-based storage to decarbonize the Raglan Mine in northern Canada. Using HOMER simulations with real 2021 operational data, six progressive scenarios were modeled, ranging from partial substitution of diesel generators to complete [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating wind power with hydrogen-based storage to decarbonize the Raglan Mine in northern Canada. Using HOMER simulations with real 2021 operational data, six progressive scenarios were modeled, ranging from partial substitution of diesel generators to complete site-wide electrification, including heating, transport, and mining equipment. Results show that complete decarbonization (Scenario 6) is technically achievable and could avoid up to 143,000 tCO2eq annually (~2.15 Mt over 15 years), but remains economically prohibitive under current technology costs. In contrast, Scenario 2 Case 2, which combines solid oxide fuel cells with thermal charge controllers, emerges as the most viable near-term pathway, avoiding ~61,000 tCO2eq annually (~0.91 Mt over 15 years) while achieving improved return on investment. A qualitative multi-criteria framework highlights this configuration as the best trade-off between technical feasibility, environmental performance, and economic viability. At the same time, complete decarbonization remains a longer-term target contingent on cost reductions and policy support. Overall, the findings provide clear evidence that hydrogen storage, when coupled with wind power, can deliver substantial and measurable decarbonization benefits for Arctic mining operations. Full article
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14 pages, 1242 KB  
Article
Renewable Energy Systems for Isolated Residential Houses: A Case Study Favoring Wind Power
by Deivis Avila, Ángela Hernández and Graciliano Nicolás Marichal
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103127 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
This study models different hybrid systems based on renewable energies that can be supported by diesel generators to meet the energy needs of isolated homes in the Canary Islands. The research will cover the energy requirements of a residential house, including the production [...] Read more.
This study models different hybrid systems based on renewable energies that can be supported by diesel generators to meet the energy needs of isolated homes in the Canary Islands. The research will cover the energy requirements of a residential house, including the production of fresh water using a reverse osmosis desalination plant. The system is designed to operate independently of the electrical grid. The HOMER software package was used to model and optimize the hybrid systems. The model was fed with data on the electrical demands of residential homes (including the consumption by the small reverse osmosis desalination plant) as well as the technical specifications of the various devices and renewable energy sources, such as solar radiation and wind speed potentials. The software considers various configurations to optimize hybrid systems, selecting the most suitable one based on the available renewable energy sources at the selected location. The data used in the research were collected on the eastern islands of the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). Based on the system input parameters, the simulation and optimization performed in HOMER, taking into account the lowest “Levelized Cost of Energy”, it can be concluded that the preferred hybrid renewable energy system for this region is a small wind turbine with a nominal power of 1.9 kW, eight batteries, and a small diesel generator with a nominal power of 1.0 kW. The knowledge from this research could be applied to other geographical areas of the world that have similar conditions, namely a shortage of water and plentiful renewable energy sources. Full article
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17 pages, 2759 KB  
Article
Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources in CO2 Refrigeration for Eco-Friendly Fish Cold Storage
by Arian Semedo and João Garcia
Processes 2025, 13(9), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092847 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 672
Abstract
This study explores innovative strategic solutions within a sustainability framework, focusing on four viable options for an integrated refrigeration system designed for fish preservation in Tarrafal de Santiago, Cape Verde. Tarrafal is a coastal town on Santiago Island, characterized by its reliance on [...] Read more.
This study explores innovative strategic solutions within a sustainability framework, focusing on four viable options for an integrated refrigeration system designed for fish preservation in Tarrafal de Santiago, Cape Verde. Tarrafal is a coastal town on Santiago Island, characterized by its reliance on fishing activities and the challenges posed by limited energy infrastructure and local environmental vulnerabilities. The evaluated solutions range from grid-dependent systems to fully autonomous configurations powered by renewable energy sources, incorporating various refrigeration facility designs adapted to regional conditions. The primary objective is to assess the energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental impact of these options within the specific geographic and socioeconomic context of Tarrafal de Santiago. Four approaches were analyzed: Strategy A involves two R134a refrigeration systems powered by conventional grid electricity; Strategy B employs a transcritical CO2 (R744) system combined with grid electricity; Strategy C integrates an R744 refrigeration system powered by autonomous renewable energy sources; and Strategy D utilizes R744 refrigeration combined with seawater-based heat exchange and autonomous renewable energy generation. The results indicate that Strategy D offers the greatest advantages, with emissions amounting to 15,882 kg of CO2 equivalent and a return on investment within five years. Autonomous electricity generation in Strategy D leads to a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions. Although Strategy C entails a higher initial cost, it proves financially viable and significantly enhances energy sustainability. Its autonomous energy production results in a reduction of 360,697 kg of CO2 emissions compared to conventional systems, highlighting the substantial environmental benefits of integrating local renewable energy sources into coastal communities such as Tarrafal de Santiago. Full article
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18 pages, 1421 KB  
Article
Application of Electric Energy Storage Technologies for Small and Medium Prosumers in Smart Grids
by Rosa M. Rengel Gálvez, Julio J. Caparrós Mancera, Eduardo López González, Diego Tejada Guzmán and José M. Sancho Peñate
Processes 2025, 13(9), 2756; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092756 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
As the energy transition advances toward a low-carbon economy, small- and medium-sized consumers are increasingly becoming active prosumers, capable of generating, storing, and managing their own electricity. However, the intermittent nature of renewable sources poses significant challenges in matching generation with consumption, making [...] Read more.
As the energy transition advances toward a low-carbon economy, small- and medium-sized consumers are increasingly becoming active prosumers, capable of generating, storing, and managing their own electricity. However, the intermittent nature of renewable sources poses significant challenges in matching generation with consumption, making energy storage a key element for prosumer participation in smart grids. This work assesses the performance of various energy storage technologies suitable for prosumer applications, focusing on parameters such as efficiency, lifecycle behavior, and system integration. Lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen-based technologies were tested under real-world operating conditions within residential, commercial, and industrial scenarios. The results confirm that hybrid configurations deliver the most balanced performance, with supercapacitors improving short-term stability in commercial contexts and hydrogen storage enabling long-duration autonomy in industrial settings. In terms of battery state of charge, the experimental tests showed clear differences across prosumer types: in the residential case, it dropped to about 20–25% in the morning, but recovered to nearly full capacity by midday and stabilized at around 70–75% by the end of the day; in the commercial case, it fluctuated more widely, between roughly 18% and 100%, evidencing the highest stress on batteries; while in the industrial case, it reached 25–30% at peak demand, with hydrogen sustaining autonomy under extended load and ensuring greater long-term reliability. Overall, the findings reinforce the importance of tailored storage strategies to unlock the full potential of prosumers in smart grids. Full article
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