Innovative Power System Technologies

A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 2115

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical Energy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil
Interests: electric power system measurement; observability; electric power transmission networks; optimal power flow; power system

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Electrical Energy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil
2. Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, 751 03 Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: electrical engineering control systems; power electronics applied to energy storage and renewable energy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global shift toward sustainable and resilient energy systems has accelerated the development and adoption of innovative power system technologies. These technologies play a critical role in addressing the challenges associated with the integration of renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, tidal, and wave energy—into modern power grids.

While these renewable sources promise to meet the growing energy demand and support net-zero emission targets, they also introduce new complexities related to grid stability, supply reliability, and operational safety. Emerging solutions span multiple levels, from advanced control strategies at the energy conversion device level to cooperative control among distributed energy resources and the strategic use of energy storage and hybrid systems to mitigate variability in generation.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest advancements in power system innovation, including the control and optimization of individual and aggregated renewable units, smart grid integration, novel hybrid and co-located power parks, and advanced energy storage systems. We aim to highlight both theoretical developments and practical implementations that drive the transformation of energy systems worldwide.

Prof. Dr. Edimar José De Oliveira
Dr. Janaína Gonçalves De Oliveira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • innovative power system technologies
  • renewable energy integration
  • hybrid and co-located power parks
  • advanced control strategies
  • optimization and planning methods
  • grid stability and regulation
  • energy storage systems and their applications

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 3199 KB  
Article
Challenges in Aquaculture Hybrid Energy Management: Optimization Tools, New Solutions, and Comparative Evaluations
by Helena M. Ramos, Nicolas Soehlemann, Eyup Bekci, Oscar E. Coronado-Hernández, Modesto Pérez-Sánchez, Aonghus McNabola and John Gallagher
Technologies 2025, 13(10), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13100453 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
A novel methodology for hybrid energy management in aquaculture is introduced, aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and optimizing grid-related cash flows. Wind and solar energy generation are modeled using calibrated turbine performance curves and PVGIS data, respectively, with a photovoltaic capacity of 120 kWp. [...] Read more.
A novel methodology for hybrid energy management in aquaculture is introduced, aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and optimizing grid-related cash flows. Wind and solar energy generation are modeled using calibrated turbine performance curves and PVGIS data, respectively, with a photovoltaic capacity of 120 kWp. The system also incorporates a 250 kW small hydroelectric plant and a wood drying kiln that utilizes surplus wind energy. This study conducts a comparative analysis between HY4RES, a research-oriented simulation model, and HOMER Pro, a commercially available optimization tool, across multiple hybrid energy scenarios at two aquaculture sites. For grid-connected configurations at the Primary site (base case, Scenarios 1, 2, and 6), both models demonstrate strong concordance in terms of energy balance and overall performance. In Scenario 1, a peak power demand exceeding 1000 kW is observed in both models, attributed to the biomass kiln load. Scenario 2 reveals a 3.1% improvement in self-sufficiency with the integration of photovoltaic generation, as reported by HY4RES. In the off-grid Scenario 3, HY4RES supplies an additional 96,634 kWh of annual load compared to HOMER Pro. However, HOMER Pro indicates a 3.6% higher electricity deficit, primarily due to battery energy storage system (BESS) losses. Scenario 4 yields comparable generation outputs, with HY4RES enabling 6% more wood-drying capacity through the inclusion of photovoltaic energy. Scenario 5, which features a large-scale BESS, highlights a 4.7% unmet demand in HY4RES, whereas HOMER Pro successfully meets the entire load. In Scenario 6, both models exhibit similar load profiles; however, HY4RES reports a self-sufficiency rate that is 1.3% lower than in Scenario 1. At the Secondary site, financial outcomes are closely aligned. For instance, in the base case, HY4RES projects a cash flow of 54,154 EUR, while HOMER Pro estimates 55,532 EUR. Scenario 1 presents nearly identical financial results, and Scenario 2 underscores HOMER Pro’s superior BESS modeling capabilities during periods of reduced hydroelectric output. In conclusion, HY4RES demonstrates robust performance across all scenarios. When provided with harmonized input parameters, its simulation results are consistent with those of HOMER Pro, thereby validating its reliability for hybrid energy management in aquaculture applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power System Technologies)
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27 pages, 2333 KB  
Article
SWOT-AHP Analysis of the Importance and Adoption of Pumped-Storage Hydropower
by Mladen Bošnjaković, Nataša Veljić, Jelena Topić Božič and Simon Muhič
Technologies 2025, 13(7), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13070305 - 16 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1283
Abstract
Energy storage technologies are becoming increasingly important when it comes to maintaining the balance between electricity generation and consumption, especially with the increasing share of variable renewable energy sources (VRES). Pumped storage hydropower plants (PSHs) are currently the largest form of energy storage [...] Read more.
Energy storage technologies are becoming increasingly important when it comes to maintaining the balance between electricity generation and consumption, especially with the increasing share of variable renewable energy sources (VRES). Pumped storage hydropower plants (PSHs) are currently the largest form of energy storage at the grid level. The aim of this study is to investigate the importance and prospects of using PSHs as part of the energy transition to decarbonize energy sources. A comparison was made between PSHs and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in terms of technical, economic, and ecological aspects. To identify the key factors influencing the wider adoption of PSHs, a combined approach using SWOT analysis (which assesses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a decision support tool was applied. Regulatory and market uncertainties (13.54%) and financial inequality (12.77%) rank first and belong to the “Threats” group, with energy storage capacity (10.11%) as the most important factor from the “Strengths” group and increased demand for energy storage (9.01%) as the most important factor from the “Opportunities” group. Forecasts up to 2050 show that the capacity of PSHs must be doubled to enable the integration of 80% of VRES into the grids. The study concludes that PSHs play a key role in the energy transition, especially for long-term energy storage and grid stabilization, while BESSs offer complementary benefits for short-term storage and fast frequency regulation. Recommendations to policymakers include the development of clear, accelerated project approval procedures, financial incentives, and support for hybrid PSH systems to accelerate the energy transition and meet decarbonization targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power System Technologies)
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Review

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24 pages, 2635 KB  
Review
Hailstorm Impact on Photovoltaic Modules: Damage Mechanisms, Testing Standards, and Diagnostic Techniques
by Marko Katinić and Mladen Bošnjaković
Technologies 2025, 13(10), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13100473 - 18 Oct 2025
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Abstract
This study examines the effects of hailstorms on photovoltaic (PV) modules, focussing on damage mechanisms, testing standards, numerical simulations, damage detection techniques, and mitigation strategies. A comprehensive review of the recent literature (2017–2025), experimental results, and case studies is complemented by advanced simulation [...] Read more.
This study examines the effects of hailstorms on photovoltaic (PV) modules, focussing on damage mechanisms, testing standards, numerical simulations, damage detection techniques, and mitigation strategies. A comprehensive review of the recent literature (2017–2025), experimental results, and case studies is complemented by advanced simulation methods such as finite element analysis (FEA) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The research emphasises the crucial role of protective glass thickness, cell type, number of busbars, and quality of lamination in improving hail resistance. While international standards such as IEC 61215 specify test protocols, actual hail events often exceed these conditions, leading to glass breakage, micro-cracks, and electrical faults. Numerical simulations confirm that thicker glass and optimised module designs significantly reduce damage and power loss. Detection methods, including visual inspection, thermal imaging, electroluminescence, and AI-driven imaging, enable rapid identification of both visible and hidden damage. The study also addresses the financial risks associated with hail damage and emphasises the importance of insurance and preventative measures. Recommendations include the use of certified, robust modules, protective covers, optimised installation angles, and regular inspections to mitigate the effects of hail. Future research should develop lightweight, impact-resistant materials, improve simulation modelling to better reflect real-world hail conditions, and improve AI-based damage detection in conjunction with drone inspections. This integrated approach aims to improve the durability and reliability of PV modules in hail-prone regions and support the sustainable use of solar energy amidst increasing climatic challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power System Technologies)
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