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Recent Technological Advancements Driving Sustainable Development in Flexible and Resilient Power and Energy Systems

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 4114

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Electrical Energy (IEE), Universidad Nacional de San Juan (UNSJ)-CONICET, San Juan 5400, Argentina
Interests: modeling, simulation, and control of electric power systems; energy efficiency; power electronics and electric drives; smart grid and microgrid technologies; renewable energy and energy storage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Electrical Energy (IEE), Universidad Nacional de San Juan (UNSJ)-CONICET, San Juan 5400, Argentina
Interests: development of a computational model for the optimal sizing and placement of energy storage systems in power systems; with a focus on energy efficiency; load frequency reserve; smart grid and microgrid technologies; renewable energy integration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global energy sector is transforming profoundly and rapidly, presenting unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Meeting the increasing electricity demand sustainably poses multifaceted complexities and the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy model encourages the restructuring of the global energy system, driven by key factors such as decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization. This revolution is supported by technological innovation, including the integration of large-scale and new small-scale renewable energy technologies (solar energy, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, and wave and tidal power), power electronics systems, energy storage, electric vehicles, and electricity demand management.

The complexity of modern power systems makes their optimal operation and control a very challenging task, driving advanced solutions such as smart grids and microgrids. Most of the generating technologies are partially dispatchable and insufficiently predictable in the short term. This increases system requirements in terms of balancing supply and demand growth, further challenging the operating security of power systems. In this context, technological solutions with exceptional capabilities and novel approaches are key to contributing to the sustainable development of resilient power and energy systems, including energy storage technologies, power electronics systems, integration of electric vehicles, demand-side management, and the development of electricity markets. This Special Issue covers these promising and dynamic research areas, aiming to gather high-quality contributions highlighting the challenges, recent advancements, and innovative solutions for flexible and resilient renewable energy-based power and energy systems.

Prof. Dr. Marcelo Gustavo Molina
Dr. Maximiliano Martinez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • integration and operation of renewable energy sources (rES)
  • solar energy
  • wind power
  • hydropower
  • geothermal energy
  • biomass
  • wave and tidal energy
  • microgrids and smart grids
  • distributed generation
  • advanced infrastructure and power electronics facilities
  • flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS)
  • energy storage
  • electric vehicles (EVs)
  • modeling and simulation of power systems
  • demand-side management
  • power system planning
  • reliability and resilience
  • electricity markets
  • application of artificial intelligence (AI) in power systems

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 9598 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Calibration Settings for Passive Anti-Islanding Protections Using a Bayesian Entropy Methodology to Support the Sustainable Integration of Renewable Distributed Generation
by Eduardo Marcelo Seguin Batadi, Marcelo Gustavo Molina and Maximiliano Martínez
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114859 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 159
Abstract
The global pursuit of sustainable development increasingly depends on integrating renewable energy sources into power systems, with distributed generation (DG) playing a vital role. However, this integration presents technical challenges, particularly the risk of unintentional islanding. Anti-islanding protections are essential for detecting and [...] Read more.
The global pursuit of sustainable development increasingly depends on integrating renewable energy sources into power systems, with distributed generation (DG) playing a vital role. However, this integration presents technical challenges, particularly the risk of unintentional islanding. Anti-islanding protections are essential for detecting and isolating such events, as required by IEEE 1547, within two seconds. Yet, calibrating these protections to balance sensitivity and reliability remains a complex task, as evidenced by incidents like the UK power outage on 9 August 2019 and the Southwestern Utah event on 10 April 2023. This study introduces the Bayesian Entropy Methodology (BEM), an innovative approach that employs entropy as a model for uncertainty in protection decision-making. By leveraging Bayesian inference, BEM identifies optimal calibration settings for time delay and pick-up thresholds, minimizing uncertainty and effectively balancing sensitivity and reliability. The methodology incorporates a modified entropy surface to enhance optimization outcomes. Applied to the IEEE 34-node test system, BEM demonstrates the ability to determine optimal settings with a significantly reduced training dataset, leading to substantial computational savings. By enhancing the reliability of anti-islanding protections, BEM facilitates the secure integration of renewable DG, contributing to the sustainable development of modern power systems. Full article
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23 pages, 7732 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Real-Time Dynamics Monitoring of Colombian Power Grid Using Wide-Area Monitoring System and High-Speed Big Data Analytics
by Samuel Bustamante, Jaime D. Pinzón and Daniel Giraldo-Gómez
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093848 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 556
Abstract
To ensure the reliability and security of Colombia’s national power system, there is an ongoing necessity for upgrades in monitoring and protection mechanisms. Approximately sixteen years ago, the introduction of synchrophasor measurements enabled the swift detection of potentially network-detrimental events. Subsequent advancements have [...] Read more.
To ensure the reliability and security of Colombia’s national power system, there is an ongoing necessity for upgrades in monitoring and protection mechanisms. Approximately sixteen years ago, the introduction of synchrophasor measurements enabled the swift detection of potentially network-detrimental events. Subsequent advancements have seen the deployment of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), currently tallying 150 across 25 substations, facilitating real-time monitoring and analysis. The growth of the PMU network is pivotal for the modernization of the National Control Center, particularly in the face of complexities introduced by renewable energy sources. There is an increasing demand for data analytics platforms to support operators in responding to threats. This paper explores the development of the Colombian Wide-Area Measurement System (WAMS) network, highlighting its milestones and advancements. Significant contributions include the technological evolution of the WAMS for real-time monitoring, an innovative high-speed data analytics strategy, and tools for the monitoring of frequency, rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), angular differences, oscillations, and voltage recovery, alongside industry-specific criteria for real-time assessment. Implemented within an operational WAMS, these tools enhance situational awareness, thereby assisting operators in decision-making and augmenting the power system’s reliability, security, and efficiency, underscoring their significance in modernization and sustainability initiatives. Full article
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22 pages, 527 KiB  
Article
Consumer Theory-Based Primary Frequency Regulation in Multi-Microgrid Systems within a P2P Energy Management Framework
by Dagoberto Martinez-Polo, David Romero-Quete and Camilo A. Cortes
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156655 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1192
Abstract
This paper presents a novel primary frequency regulation strategy for multi-microgrid (MMG) systems, utilizing consumer theory within a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy management framework. By coordinating photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS), the proposed method ensures a rapid and effective response to [...] Read more.
This paper presents a novel primary frequency regulation strategy for multi-microgrid (MMG) systems, utilizing consumer theory within a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy management framework. By coordinating photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS), the proposed method ensures a rapid and effective response to frequency deviations. Unlike conventional approaches, this strategy minimizes the curtailment of renewable energy sources by prioritizing the use of ESS, allowing excess energy to charge the ESS for later use during under-frequency events. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also maximizes renewable energy utilization. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves lower frequency deviations and faster stabilization compared to traditional droop and virtual inertia methods. These results highlight the potential benefits of integrating consumer theory-based models into primary frequency regulation, significantly enhancing system stability and efficiency in power systems with high levels of renewable energy penetration. Full article
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15 pages, 1431 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Integration of EVs and Renewable DGs in Distribution Micro-Grids
by Mahmoud Ghofrani
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103939 - 8 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1452
Abstract
This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for safe, reliable, and economic integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs) in distribution micro-grids. EV and DG coordination optimization with the use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology along with system reconfiguration optimization is [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for safe, reliable, and economic integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs) in distribution micro-grids. EV and DG coordination optimization with the use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology along with system reconfiguration optimization is developed to provide collective revenues and address integrational complications that may occur by additional system loading due to EV charging and EV-DG energy exchanges. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizes the EV charging/discharging in synergies with renewable DGs to maximize benefits that can be captured by their collaborative participation in electricity market and through renewable energy arbitrage. The developed EV charging/discharging optimization is implemented in a real 134-bus distribution network and is evaluated for its potential operational implications, namely, increased system losses. A system reconfiguration is then proposed to reduce the system losses by optimizing the flow of power through switching on/off the connections within the micro-grid and/or with other distribution systems. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method in not only providing collective revenues, but also in enhancing the system operation by reducing the losses of the distribution grid. The collective benefits proposed by the developed optimization and validated by the simulation results facilitate transitioning to clean and eco-friendly sources of energy for generation and transportation, which in turn leads to more sustainable development of societies and communities. Full article
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