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Technologies
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Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition
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Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition

A Special Issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 3725

Editors

Dr. Da Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Automation, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: multi-energy buildings; transactive energy control; demand response; urban distribution networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiaodong Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy Utilization and Energy Saving, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230002, China
Interests: multi-microgrids system; demand response; urban distribution networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kuan Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Interests: optimal operation of electricity-hydrogen integrated energy system; optimal scheduling and energy management of virtual power plant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pengda Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: optimal power flow; renewable power generation system; optimal and control of power system with renewable energy; optimal and control of wind turbines; active wake control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent years has seen progressive urbanization and upgrading processes, along with the popularization of energy-intensive appliances, made intelligent via advanced information and communication technologies. Next-generation distribution systems encompass various innovative technologies, strategies, and concepts aimed at transforming traditional power distribution systems into more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable networks. Therefore, new planning, operation, and control strategies for next-generation distribution systems are becoming a pressing need.

In this Special Issue, articles on topics such as cyber–physical systems, AI-assisted decision-making, renewable energy integration, and next-generation distribution systems are of interest. This Special Issue intends to act as a forum for the dissemination of the latest research and developments in strategies for next-generation distribution systems in the context of “CO2 peaking and neutrality”.

Dr. Da Xu
Dr. Xiaodong Yang
Dr. Kuan Zhang
Dr. Pengda Wang
Guest Editors

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Technologies 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 1800 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

  • AI-assisted distribution/energy system optimization
  • cyber–physical systems
  • distribution systems
  • multi-energy systems
  • economic optimization strategies
  • renewable energy integration and control
  • demand-response strategies
  • transactive energy control
  • power/load forecasting
  • voltage control

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1817 KB  
Article
Multi-Timescale Cooperative Voltage Control Method for New Power Systems Under Sandstorm Weather
by Qian Zhang, Lu Liu, Huiping Zheng, Xueting Cheng, Juan Wei, Ji Zhang and Yuxiang Li
Technologies 2026, 14(9), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14090557 - 7 Sep 2026
Viewed by 145
Abstract
To address the challenges of rapid voltage fluctuations and operational economy in new power systems with high wind power integration under sandstorm weather, this paper proposes a multi-timescale cooperative voltage control strategy for new power systems. On the second-level timescale, a discrete state-space [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of rapid voltage fluctuations and operational economy in new power systems with high wind power integration under sandstorm weather, this paper proposes a multi-timescale cooperative voltage control strategy for new power systems. On the second-level timescale, a discrete state-space model of wind turbines and reactive power devices is established considering sudden wind speed changes. Model predictive control (MPC) is then used to rapidly calculate the optimal reactive power references for wind turbines, static var generator (SVG), and on-load tap changer (OLTC), thereby effectively ensuring rapid stabilization of the grid-connection point voltage. On the minute-level timescale, a two-stage topology reconfiguration method is adopted. A feasible radial network is first generated through a sequential switch opening strategy, followed by iterative optimization via a switch exchange strategy. This approach rapidly identifies the optimal switch configuration to minimize network losses and improve operational economy. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in voltage regulation and loss reduction, highlighting its capability to enhance the robustness of new power systems under sandstorm weather. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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26 pages, 20804 KB  
Article
Optimal Frequency Control of Offshore Wind Farms Integrated via MMC-HVDC Based on Available Rotor Kinetic Energy
by Yongxiang Zhang, Deliang Chen, Quanrui Hao, Zihan Hong and Hengyun Wei
Technologies 2026, 14(9), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14090546 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Existing wind power optimization control strategies often lack a qualitative analysis of the relationship between wind power energy and system frequency, which may lead to insufficient or excessive frequency support, thereby reducing the effectiveness of wind power frequency support or triggering a secondary [...] Read more.
Existing wind power optimization control strategies often lack a qualitative analysis of the relationship between wind power energy and system frequency, which may lead to insufficient or excessive frequency support, thereby reducing the effectiveness of wind power frequency support or triggering a secondary frequency drop. To address this issue, a receiving-end system frequency optimization control strategy based on the available rotor kinetic energy of sending-end wind farms is proposed. First, the mathematical expression of the approximately first-order response in the initial stage of optimized frequency dynamics is clarified. The quantitative relationship between the available rotor kinetic energy of wind farms and the frequency support level is derived, and a target frequency design method is developed by combining a conservative evaluation of effective frequency regulation energy. Second, according to the deviation between the target frequency and the measured frequency, the total frequency regulation demand calculation, the approximate calculation of synchronous generator mechanical power variation, and the wind farms’ frequency regulation command calculation are dynamically executed within each control step. In this way, the outputs of wind farms and synchronous generators are coordinated to regulate the frequency close to the target value. Finally, a simulation model is built in MATLAB/Simulink to verify the effectiveness of the proposed frequency control target design method and control strategy under different operating conditions, as well as their robustness against parameter acquisition errors, communication delays, and power disturbance estimation errors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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22 pages, 1796 KB  
Article
Power Optimization and Vibration Suppression Method for Wind Farms Based on Risk Assessment Under Sandstorm Conditions
by Jun Zhao, Yuxiang Li, Xueting Cheng, Juan Wei, Weiru Wang, Lu Liu and Yu Yang
Technologies 2026, 14(8), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14080510 - 17 Aug 2026
Viewed by 681
Abstract
In response to the severe challenges posed by extreme sandstorm weather to the operational safety of WTs and grid stability, this paper proposes an MPC-based power optimization control strategy for WFs. Simulation results indicate that, compared with the traditional PD strategy, the proposed [...] Read more.
In response to the severe challenges posed by extreme sandstorm weather to the operational safety of WTs and grid stability, this paper proposes an MPC-based power optimization control strategy for WFs. Simulation results indicate that, compared with the traditional PD strategy, the proposed MPC strategy significantly reduces the active power fluctuations of individual WTs, smoothly tracks grid dispatch orders with an overall power tracking accuracy improvement, and effectively lowers the operational risk index of turbines across the farm (ranging from 6.90% to 57.14% for the ten evaluated turbines). Furthermore, the proposed strategy substantially mitigates the angular acceleration fluctuation amplitude of the drive train components (e.g., reducing peak angular accelerations of drive-train masses by up to 35%) and reduces the fore-aft and lateral displacement oscillations of the tower top (reducing peak displacement variations by approximately 25% and 40%, respectively), providing comprehensive structural load mitigation while ensuring WF power output stability and grid safety. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical approach for the intelligent operation and risk prevention and control of WFs under extreme meteorological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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27 pages, 6430 KB  
Article
A Voltage Regulation Strategy Based on Coordinated Control of Multiple Heterogeneous Devices Using Multi-Strategy Integrated Rime Optimization Algorithm
by Xiaoming Wang, Wenguang Zhao, Meichen Dong, Hao Zheng, Zidong Meng and Yingyu Liang
Technologies 2026, 14(6), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14060378 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 444
Abstract
The large-scale integration of distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) into the distribution network exacerbates voltage fluctuations and substantially increases network losses. To improve the voltage quality and economic efficiency of distribution networks, a Volt/Var optimization (VVO) model is established. Coordinating multiple heterogeneous devices, the model [...] Read more.
The large-scale integration of distributed photovoltaics (DPVs) into the distribution network exacerbates voltage fluctuations and substantially increases network losses. To improve the voltage quality and economic efficiency of distribution networks, a Volt/Var optimization (VVO) model is established. Coordinating multiple heterogeneous devices, the model aims to minimize the total voltage deviation, the total network losses, and the regulation cost of discrete equipment simultaneously. Considering multi-constraint coupling characteristics, a quantitative method is proposed to evaluate the reactive power regulation potential of DPVs under intricate operating conditions. Then, the multi-strategy integrated rime optimization algorithm (MSIRIME) is utilized for the model solution. Fuch chaotic mapping generates uniformly distributed and ergodic initial populations. A dual-branch search mechanism combining the snow ablation optimizer with the rime optimization significantly enhances global exploration capabilities. The guided learning strategy balances exploration and exploitation for high-dimensional VVO, preventing local optima. Case tests on a modified IEEE 33-bus system demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits excellent effectiveness and robustness. Moreover, MSIRIME exhibits better optimization performance than some classic and recently proposed strategies, reducing the average network losses and voltage deviation over 30 independent runs by at least 5.87% and 52.22%, respectively, relative to those of the compared methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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28 pages, 411 KB  
Article
Optimal Distribution Feeder Reconfiguration Based on a Chu and Beasley Genetic Algorithm with an MST-Constrained Search Space to Ensure Radiality
by Oscar Danilo Montoya, Jesús C. Hernández and Javier Rosero-García
Technologies 2026, 14(6), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14060336 - 30 May 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 497
Abstract
The optimal reconfiguration of electrical distribution feeders is a fundamental strategy for reducing active power losses and improving voltage profiles, yet it remains a challenging mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem due to the combinatorial explosion of radial topologies and the nonlinearities introduced by [...] Read more.
The optimal reconfiguration of electrical distribution feeders is a fundamental strategy for reducing active power losses and improving voltage profiles, yet it remains a challenging mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem due to the combinatorial explosion of radial topologies and the nonlinearities introduced by power flow equations. This paper proposes a novel master–slave methodology that integrates a Chu and Beasley genetic algorithm (CBGA) with a minimum spanning tree (MST)-based repair mechanism to address these challenges. In the master stage, the CBGA explores the binary space of switching decisions via steady-state population management, duplicate elimination, and stagnation restart policies. A key contribution lies in the MST-based repair procedure, which ensures that every individual generated by crossover and mutation is projected onto a feasible radial and connected configuration, effectively confining the search to the constrained solution space without recourse to penalty functions. A systematic weight-design rule preserves the Hamming distance between infeasible offspring and repaired solutions, minimizing the distortion of genetic information. The slave stage evaluates each candidate topology using a successive approximations power flow solver, assessing electrical feasibility and computing active power losses. The proposed methodology is validated on multiple test feeders, ranging from small 9- and 24-bus networks to large-scale benchmarks including 33-, 69-, 84-, 136-, and 415-bus systems. A comparison against the deterministic sequential switch opening method (SSOM) and a specialized tabu search demonstrates that the CBGA-MST consistently matches the best-known optima in the literature, achieving loss reductions of up to 9.63% compared to SSOM on the 415-bus system. A statistical analysis over 100 independent runs confirms the algorithm’s robustness, with zero standard deviation for networks of up to 69 buses and a standard deviation of only 2.99 kW (0.51%) for the 415-bus system. The findings confirm that the proposed approach offers superior scalability, robustness, and solution quality, positioning it as a practical and effective tool for distribution system operators seeking to enhance network efficiency under peak load conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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20 pages, 3223 KB  
Article
Transient Synchronization Stability Control Strategy for Virtual Synchronous Converter Based on Phase Difference Locking
by Jie Zhang, Si Yang, Kesheng Wang, Zhihao Wang, Weiyu Bao, Yunhai Lü and Hao Ding
Technologies 2026, 14(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14030159 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 728
Abstract
With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, power systems require more grid-forming converters. Grid-forming converters with virtual synchronous generator control have transient stability problems similar to those of synchronous machines. However, the active power reference, frequency, and phase in virtual synchronous generators [...] Read more.
With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, power systems require more grid-forming converters. Grid-forming converters with virtual synchronous generator control have transient stability problems similar to those of synchronous machines. However, the active power reference, frequency, and phase in virtual synchronous generators are artificially constructed and can be changed fast. This provides new approaches to improve the transient synchronization stability. Most existing virtual synchronous generator controls generate the internal voltage phase by integrating the frequency, resulting in limited control capability, which makes it hard to stop power angle divergence during deep voltage sags. This paper proposes a transient synchronization stability control strategy based on phase difference locking. Under deep voltage sags, the phase difference between the internal voltage and the terminal voltage is locked to prevent divergence of the power angle, while under shallow sags, the virtual synchronous generator control is retained to maintain active power support. Moreover, a smooth post-fault transition is ensured. The proposed strategy achieves stability and support functions in single converter and multi-node systems. In the single converter test, the maximum frequency deviation of the converter during the transient process decreased from 0.043 p.u. to 0.009 p.u. In the 39-bus test under deep voltage sag conditions, the maximum frequency deviation of the converters during the transient process was reduced from 0.214 p.u. and 0.109 p.u. to 0.016 p.u. and 0.027 p.u., respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Distribution System Planning, Operation, and Control—Second Edition)
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