Distributed Generation, Microgrids and Smart Grids

Dear Colleagues,

I invite you to present the results of your studies to this Special Issue of Sustainability on the topic “Distributed Generation, Microgrids and Smart Grids”.

It is well known that power electronics enormously benefit and enhance the performance of the most modern and sustainable technologies of power production and distribution.

For Distributed Generation (DG), static converters not only adapt the electric parameters to coincide with those available in the grid, but they also substantially improve the operation of each one of the sources. A higher efficiency, power quality and reliability, advanced control, optimal production and cost reductions are some advantages. Wind turbines tend to be more reliant on power electronics due to the advantages that it brings, eliminating costly equipment that needs maintenance and repair more often, such as the gearbox and the capacitor banks, in addition to providing speed variations and control of the active and reactive powers. For photovoltaic systems, as well as fuel cells, static converters are mandatory for AC applications. In the first case, the operation is enhanced when power electronics is distributed for a group of panels (strings) or even for each unit, improving the photovoltaic array’s performance through exclusive maximum power point tracking strategies. Moreover, the arrays are more flexible and easier to assemble. For fuel cells, the system can agglomerate different functions, such as integrated power factor correction and form UPS systems. For small hydro, power electronics changes from being a simple aid to being fundamental in its operation, especially when installed in places where the hydraulic flows are highly variable. Finally, the different small-sized thermic sources, such as combined heat-and-power (CHP) systems and biomass, use microturbines that, in turn, will only work for the most common electrical applications if they have power electronics converters as an interface since they need to have their high-output frequencies adapted.

For microgrids, power electronics is essential for them to work, providing different control functions and hierarchical control levels that work parallel to the grid and islanding operation modes, beyond power flow control with the grid. The many distinct and adaptive architectures of microgrids can only be implemented because they use power converters extensively. For smart grids, power electronics is key at several points, from consumption to production, passing through transmission. Among them, one can outline an intelligent insertion in an embracing way to the power system, DG operation improvement, bidirectional power flow and agent-based controls, the integrated formation of smart microgrids, the transformation of the distribution system from passive to active, and new devices and techniques for a more advanced and flexible transmission system.

Thus, in order for the power system not to lose the high power quality and reliability that it has acquired in recent years and to integrate new technologies that meet human needs, assist in environment preservation and conservation and mitigate climate change, the adoption of power electronics seems the best answer. Therefore, I invite you to present your proposals for solutions to face this important challenge.

Prof. Dr. Luiz Carlos Gomes De Freitas
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Brito de Lima
Prof. Dr. Luciano Coutinho Gomes
Guest Editors

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• distributed generation
• microgrids
• power electronics
• renewable energies
• smart grids
• control strategies
• power system control
• centralized control
• multilevel converters
• electric vehicles
• fault ride-through
• grid-connected inverters