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Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Integration 2023

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 October 2024) | Viewed by 3580

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
Interests: hybrid power systems; renewable energy systems; passive houses; electronics and control systems

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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, PC 123, Alkhoud P.O. Box 33, Oman
Interests: renewable energy systems design and integration; microgrids; smart grids; machine learning; optimization; distributed resources planning; power electronics interface and control for renewable energy systems; electric vehicles; energy storage; green hydrogen production
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent research has focused on microgrids and sustainable energy integration to improve energy systems. Microgrids are smaller versions of the power grid with localized energy resources and can operate independently or with a larger grid. They use renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power and energy storage systems, providing increased reliability, resilience, and energy efficiency.

Integrating sustainable energy into energy systems is a complex challenge that requires significant investment and infrastructure changes. Reducing the world's carbon footprint, mitigating climate change effects, and ensuring our energy systems' long-term sustainability and security are essential. This transition involves increasing the use of renewable energy sources, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and ensuring reliable, affordable, and accessible energy for all.

The latest research on microgrids has focused on improving their efficiency, reliability, and ability to integrate with existing energy systems. One area of research has been the development of new control strategies and optimization algorithms to improve the efficiency of microgrids and maximize the use of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. Another area of research has been the development of new technologies, such as advanced sensors and communication systems, that can improve the performance and reliability of microgrids. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in utilizing microgrids to offer energy access to distant communities and developing nations. Consequently, research has been conducted on designing microgrids that can be effortlessly deployed and maintained in such environments.

Some of the critical challenges researchers address include integrating intermittent renewable energy sources, managing energy storage systems, and coordinating multiple microgrids. Overall, microgrids are an exciting area of research and development, with many potential benefits for sustainable energy integration. Ongoing research is likely to continue to drive innovation and new ideas in this field and further refine and optimize microgrid design and operation. Key areas of investigation include advanced control algorithms, predictive energy management techniques, intelligent grid coordination, and optimization algorithms for efficient dispatch of energy resources.

In conclusion, microgrids and sustainable energy integration represent a transformative approach toward a cleaner, more resilient, decentralized energy future. By exploring new ideas and research directions, we can unlock the full potential of microgrids, paving the way for a more sustainable and decentralized energy landscape. The main objective of this Special Issue is to collect research exploring the latest developments in microgrids and sustainable energy integration technologies.

Prof. Dr. M. Tariq Iqbal
Dr. Razzaqul Ahshan
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • sustainable energy integration
  • microgrids
  • renewable energy sources
  • energy storage
  • green hydrogen
  • energy harvesting
  • interfacing converter topologies
  • virtual synchronous generation
  • power quality
  • modulation and control strategies
  • resilience and energy management
  • grid decentralization
  • distributed power generation
  • microgrid protection
  • optimization for microgrid

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 8993 KiB  
Article
Innovative Microgrid Services and Applications in Electric Grids: Enhancing Energy Management and Grid Integration
by Yeferson Lopez Alzate, Eduardo Gómez-Luna and Juan C. Vasquez
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5567; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225567 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Currently, microgrids are a reliable solution for integrating distributed energy resources and managing demand on electricity grids, serving as a pathway towards a responsible energy transition. However, the evolving needs of the sector require specialized approaches to enhance grid flexibility and support the [...] Read more.
Currently, microgrids are a reliable solution for integrating distributed energy resources and managing demand on electricity grids, serving as a pathway towards a responsible energy transition. However, the evolving needs of the sector require specialized approaches to enhance grid flexibility and support the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and their rising demand. This article explores and characterizes various advanced and innovative services offered by microgrids to improve the resilience, security, and reliability of electricity grids. It analyzes technical advances and novel control methodologies that demonstrate the potential for microgrids beyond mere energy provision. These include ancillary services, services aligned with demand response programs, and advanced asset management and energy resource optimization services. A global case study is conducted to provide a framework for the services that microgrids can provide. The case study validates the efficiency and reliability of electric grids with microgrids and addresses challenges related to their stability and resilience. This research provides a comprehensive perspective on the benefits of implementing microgrids and proposes new guidelines for the deployment of these systems in both urban and rural areas within the framework of energy communities in the Colombian electricity system, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable energy solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Integration 2023)
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13 pages, 1527 KiB  
Article
Shaping the Engineers of Tomorrow: Integrating Renewable Energies and Advanced Technologies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Education
by Hen Friman
Energies 2024, 17(16), 4146; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17164146 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 746
Abstract
This article examines the comprehensive changes and adjustments made to the Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (BSc) to align with the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. The primary objective of these revisions is to equip future engineers with a [...] Read more.
This article examines the comprehensive changes and adjustments made to the Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (BSc) to align with the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. The primary objective of these revisions is to equip future engineers with a deep understanding of both traditional fossil energy sources and emerging renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on smart grids. The revamped curriculum integrates advanced content delivery through a unique blend of professional laboratories, in-person lectures, discussions with industry experts, and online courses. By providing a holistic educational experience, the program aims to prepare graduates to lead the transition towards sustainable energy systems, fostering innovation and resilience in the energy sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Integration 2023)
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18 pages, 490 KiB  
Article
Application of Clustering Techniques for Improved Energy Benchmarking on Deep-Level Mines
by Claudio Caromba, Corné Schutte and Jean van Laar
Energies 2023, 16(19), 6879; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16196879 - 29 Sep 2023
Viewed by 935
Abstract
The South African mining industry relies on coal-based energy to run operations, with the sector utilising 29.6 terawatt-hours of energy in 2018. However, energy availability constraints and swelling electricity prices in the country have instilled a greater emphasis on energy management practices to [...] Read more.
The South African mining industry relies on coal-based energy to run operations, with the sector utilising 29.6 terawatt-hours of energy in 2018. However, energy availability constraints and swelling electricity prices in the country have instilled a greater emphasis on energy management practices to reduce waste and maintain profitability. Energy benchmarking is a popular and effective energy management method applied in industry, but the current methods in the mining sector use the average energy usage of various mining shafts over different intervals to develop benchmarks. This may lead to skewed benchmarks when anomalous energy usage is present within the interval or when vastly different energy users are aggregated. However, clustering-based benchmarking techniques have been applied successfully in other industries to compare similar energy users accurately. This study developed and applied a clustering-based benchmarking method to evaluate the performance of different mining shafts at a deep-level gold mine in South Africa. The K-means unsupervised learning clustering algorithm was used to group similar energy users and benchmark different mining shafts using ordinary least squares regression equations. Compared to traditional methods, the benefit of clustered energy usage benchmarks is shown by more accurately evaluating energy performance and facilitating focused energy management responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Integration 2023)
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