Symmetry with Power Systems: Optimization and Control Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue, “Symmetry with Power Systems: Optimization and Control Applications”, focuses on the vital role that symmetry plays in the architecture, stability, and efficient management of modern electrical grids. In power systems, symmetry is often synonymous with balance specifically the balanced operation of multi-phase systems which ensures minimal losses, optimal power flow, and structural stability.

The relationship between symmetry and power systems is foundational. Symmetrical component theory remains the primary tool for analyzing unbalanced conditions and faults, while symmetrical control topologies are essential for maintaining synchronization across wide-area networks. However, the increasing integration of stochastic renewable energy sources and non-linear loads introduces inherent asymmetries. This Special Issue seeks to explore how intelligent optimization and control can be used to either restore symmetry in the presence of disturbances or leverage asymmetrical configurations to enhance system flexibility and resilience.

We invite researchers to submit original research and review articles that address the intersection of symmetry/asymmetry with power system dynamics. We are particularly interested in works that utilize mathematical symmetry to simplify complex system modeling or those that develop control strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of asymmetrical operating conditions in smart grids and microgrids.

Keywords to guide authors:

1. Phase Balancing Optimization: Techniques for redistributing loads to maintain structural symmetry in distribution networks.
2. Voltage Unbalance Mitigation: Control strategies designed to correct asymmetries in voltage magnitudes and phase angles.
3. Asymmetric Fault Diagnosis: Advanced methods for identifying and locating system disturbances that break electrical symmetry.
4. Sequence Network Analysis: The use of positive, negative, and zero sequence modeling to manage system asymmetries.
5. Symmetry-Aware Control Algorithms: Control logic specifically programmed to recognize and react to deviations from balanced operating states.
6. Three-Phase Power Flow: Mathematical modeling of power distribution that accounts for both symmetric and asymmetric load conditions.
7. Active Power Filtering: The use of power electronics to compensate for harmonic asymmetries and reactive power imbalances.
8. Grid Synchronization Stability: Ensuring symmetrical phase alignment between inverter-based resources and the main utility grid.
9. Stochastic Symmetry Management: Addressing the random asymmetries introduced by the high-penetration of volatile renewable energy sources.
10. Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Symmetry: Research into how power electronic interfaces can emulate the symmetrical properties of traditional synchronous machines.

Dr. Mohammed Redha Qader
Guest Editor

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. Symmetry 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.