Recent Advances in Smart Microgrids

Dear Colleagues,

The latest advances in distributed energy resources, battery technology, power electronics converters, and smart controllers have paved the way for the large-scale deployment of electric microgrids in modern power distribution grids. These systems have the ability to operate in grid-connected mode, supporting sensitive loads, or in a standalone and islanded mode during disturbances on the grid side. Their operational versatility introduces a higher level of voltage and power quality and improves system reliability, security, and resilience, which is why more industrial parks, university campuses, municipal and commercial buildings, and neighborhoods are being equipped to operate as microgrids.

The smaller scale of electric microgrids compared to the main distribution system introduces unique design and operation challenges. When operating in islanded mode, the intermittent and stochastic nature of renewable energy resources can negatively impact the stability and security of the microgrid. In addition, load dynamics have a more pronounced impact on microgrid operation due to the volatility in individual demand points and stochasticity in user behavioral patterns. To effectively manage microgrids, we need advanced solutions for situational awareness and forecasting generation and demand, as well as innovative control algorithms and energy dispatch models that guarantee the stability, security, and power quality of the microgrid. All this must be performed under various model, parameter, and input uncertainties.

This Special Issue of Applied Sciences, “Recent Advances in Smart Microgrids,” is intended to disseminate new, promising methods and techniques to model, analyze, and control electric microgrids and to improve their stability, security, reliability, and quality of service. Prospective authors are invited to submit original contributions or survey papers for review for publication in this Special Issue. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Application of microgrids in enhancing power grid resilience;
• Advanced solutions for demand forecasting at the service transformer and meter levels;
• Advanced control algorithms for demand side management in microgrids;
• Solutions for the efficient integration of electric vehicles with microgrids;
• Innovative algorithms for the control and dispatch of renewable energy resources;
• Decentralized and hierarchical controllers for electric microgrids;
• Energy markets within microgrids;
• Advanced power electronics circuits and controllers for interfacing distributed energy resources and demand responsive loads with microgrids;
• Stability analysis of microgrids under uncertain operating conditions;
• Forming ad hoc microgrids using mobile energy resources;
• Application of microgrids in electric service restoration;
• Microgrids for the electrification of remote areas;
• Cyber-security solutions for electric microgrids.

Dr. Salman Mohagheghi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• ad hoc microgrids
• control of distributed energy resources
• demand forecasting
• demand response and demand side management
• electric vehicles
• electric microgrids
• mobile energy resources
• power grid resilience