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Acceleration of Renewable Energies Expansion and Harvesting Technologies

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2023) | Viewed by 21946

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Digital Systems, Hydro-Québec Research Institute (IREQ), Varennes, QC J3X 1S1, Canada
2. Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Interests: electrical power system planning and operation studies; security and economy of smart grids considering renewable energies
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Guest Editor
1. UCD Energy Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
2. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Zanjan,77978-45157 Zanjan, Iran
Interests: electrical power system planning and operation studies; security and economy of smart grids considering renewable energies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the most crucial challenges confronting humankind today is energy supply, for which ~80% are currently met through fossil-based fuels. The existing profiles reveal that the world remains highly dependent on them, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change issues. Considering the link between fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the electricity demand supply chain would require major transformation from thermal power plants to renewable energy sources. Therefore, emerging renewable energy sources and their harvesting technologies (e.g., indoor solar panels, wind turbine, batteries, thermoelectric devices, etc.) seem the only available way to attain the carbon neutrality and net zero ambitious goals. However, economic aspects of renewable energy sources and their harvesting technologies still need to be clearer for investors and operators owing to the associated uncertainty of the output power and energy price in the future. Consequently, proposing an economic analysis for the expansion of renewable energies is critical in both transmission and distributions systems. Moreover, handling a high penetration of renewable energies requires flexibilities, such as demand response, energy storage systems, and so forth. In this regard, determining the optimal level of flexibility in energy system and fairly dividing the required flexibility among agencies are two important subjects. Additionally, the uncertainty management using hydrogen-based storages might be interesting in practice in the future for which economic aspects would need to be clarified. This Special Issue aims to provide an optimal solution to expansion of renewable energies and their harvesting technologies considering the planning and operation aspects. It also focuses on dealing with the imposed uncertainties associated with renewable energies in the operation and real-time problems. Thus, the relevant scholars and researchers are kindly invited to consider their original articles for submission in this Special Issue to hopefully accelerate the existing practices in renewable energies utilisation and their harvesting technologies. This Special Issue is concentrated, but not limited, on the following subjects:

  • Proposing economic analysis for the expansion of renewable energy sources considering operation constraints and uncertainties in both transmission and distribution systems.
  • Sizing and sitting multiple energy storage systems (e.g., battery energy storages, hydrogen storages, etc.) to provide the required flexibility considering both economic and practical assessment.
  • Proposing optimal solutions to figure out the required flexibility in system based on the installed renewable energy capacity.
  • Designing capacity, day-ahead, and real-time markets mechanism for involving renewable energies and storage systems in them.
  • Proposing novel ideas for uncertainty management under a high penetration of renewable energy sources by using energy storage systems.
  • Fairly dividing the required flexibility among agents who are more interested in energy arbitrage in both transmission and distribution systems.

Dr. Seyed Masoud Mohseni-Bonab
Dr. Abbas Rabiee
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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

  • renewable energy expansion and harvesting technology
  • flexibility
  • storage systems
  • uncertainty management
  • market mechanisms

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 759 KiB  
Article
Analysis of System Balancing and Wind Power Curtailment Challenges in the Ethiopian Power System under Different Scenarios
by Kena Likassa Nefabas, Mengesha Mamo and Lennart Söder
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11400; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411400 - 22 Jul 2023
Viewed by 976
Abstract
In this paper, an hourly dispatch model was developed to analyze the system balancing and wind power curtailment challenges in the future of the Ethiopian electric power grid system. The developed model was validated using historical data and was used for the analysis [...] Read more.
In this paper, an hourly dispatch model was developed to analyze the system balancing and wind power curtailment challenges in the future of the Ethiopian electric power grid system. The developed model was validated using historical data and was used for the analysis of the grid system in 2030 with different scenarios. The model was used to examine the impacts of transmission capacity, regulation reserve requirement, and daily minimum generation of hydropower for irrigation with three cases of wind annual energy share of 14.5%, 17.8%, and 25.2%. Thus, the curtailment was found to be below 0.2%, 1.1%, and 9.8% for each case, respectively. The cost of wind energy increases in proportion to the percentage of curtailment and the increase in transmission line capacity. Reducing the minimum hydropower generation results in smaller wind power curtailment and better generation–consumption balancing. Full article
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17 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Peak-Load Management of Distribution Network Using Conservation Voltage Reduction and Dynamic Thermal Rating
by Ramin Nourollahi, Pouya Salyani, Kazem Zare, Behnam Mohammadi-Ivatloo and Zulkurnain Abdul-Malek
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811569 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 1427
Abstract
The peak-load management of a distribution network (DN) has gained attention by increasing the electric power consumption on the demand side. By developing smart-grid infrastructures, effective utilization of the DN’s components and proper management of the DN would create a valuable solution for [...] Read more.
The peak-load management of a distribution network (DN) has gained attention by increasing the electric power consumption on the demand side. By developing smart-grid infrastructures, effective utilization of the DN’s components and proper management of the DN would create a valuable solution for DN operators. Hence, in this paper, a peak-load management framework is proposed in which the real-time rating of the components and voltage-dependent features of the electric loads help the DN operator handle the peak times successfully. In addition to the individual advantages of efficient operation of the DN, more practical results are obtained by combining the conservation voltage reduction (CVR) and dynamic thermal rating (DTR) of the DN’s lines and transformers. Based on the obtained results, compared to the individual implementation of CVR, the cost-saving level is increased significantly during the peak events using the simultaneous utilization of DTR and CVR. Furthermore, a discussion is presented about the current problems of the feeders supplying the voltage-dependent constant-power loads during CVR utilization, which is resolved by the dynamic rating of the DN’s components. Full article
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28 pages, 7246 KiB  
Article
Combined PV-Wind Hosting Capacity Enhancement of a Hybrid AC/DC Distribution Network Using Reactive Control of Convertors and Demand Flexibility
by Moein Taghavi, Hamed Delkhosh, Mohsen Parsa Moghaddam and Alireza Sheikhi Fini
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137558 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) into distribution networks has increased in recent years due to numerous advantages. However, the RESs are intermittent and uncertain therefore may cause various limitations such as high lines loading and large voltage deviations, especially during high [...] Read more.
The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) into distribution networks has increased in recent years due to numerous advantages. However, the RESs are intermittent and uncertain therefore may cause various limitations such as high lines loading and large voltage deviations, especially during high generation and low demand periods. Thus, this leads to an upper limit for the integrated capacity of RESs into the network, entitled Hosting Capacity (HC). In this paper, the complementarity of wind-PV along with the Demand Flexibility Program (DFP) are utilized for alleviating the limitations and increasing the HC in a hybrid AC/DC network. Moreover, an important feature of the AC/DC network, i.e., reactive control of Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) is investigated for increasing the HC. Additionally, a tradeoff is made between two conflicting objectives, i.e., HC and energy losses, which will be increased due to an excessive increase of the HC. Generally speaking, the paper proposes a multi-objective, multi-source, and multi-period extended optimal linear power flow model for simultaneously increasing the HC and decreasing the energy losses, utilizing stochastic programming for managing uncertainties. The simulation results show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed formulation from various perspectives. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 5497 KiB  
Review
Simulation and Optimization of Renewable Energy-Powered Desalination: A Bibliometric Analysis and Highlights of Recent Research
by Ariana M. Pietrasanta, Mostafa F. Shaaban, Pio A. Aguirre, Sergio F. Mussati and Mohamed A. Hamouda
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129180 - 06 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
Seawater desalination is emerging as one of the preferred systems for dealing with the problems of freshwater scarcity, which makes it necessary to redouble efforts to obtain an optimal and competent production process. For this reason, the coupling of water desalination and renewable [...] Read more.
Seawater desalination is emerging as one of the preferred systems for dealing with the problems of freshwater scarcity, which makes it necessary to redouble efforts to obtain an optimal and competent production process. For this reason, the coupling of water desalination and renewable energy systems is not surprising. This study applied a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the research trends on desalination systems and renewable energies from an engineering approach using optimizations or simulation techniques. The Scopus database was used for this study, selecting articles published between 2009 and 2022. A general analysis was carried out regarding trends in the number of articles produced, number of citations, subject area, journals, countries, institutes, and authors. Further, a more specific analysis was then performed in terms of renewable energy technologies used and preferred optimization/simulation methods and software used. The results also revealed that the field is growing, based on the number of articles published and the increase in citations. On the other hand, it was found that the most studied renewable energies, in coupling with desalination systems and from an optimization/simulation approach, are solar and wind. Full article
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32 pages, 3914 KiB  
Review
Integrated Electricity and Gas Systems Planning: New Opportunities, and a Detailed Assessment of Relevant Issues
by Masoud Khatibi, Abbas Rabiee and Amir Bagheri
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6602; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086602 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1986
Abstract
Integrated electricity and gas systems (IEGS) with power-to-gas (PtG) units, as novel sector coupling components between electricity and gas systems, have been considered a promising solution for the reliable and economic operation of the integrated energy systems which can effectively reduce the challenges [...] Read more.
Integrated electricity and gas systems (IEGS) with power-to-gas (PtG) units, as novel sector coupling components between electricity and gas systems, have been considered a promising solution for the reliable and economic operation of the integrated energy systems which can effectively reduce the challenges associated with the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RES). To confirm the economic viability and technical feasibility of the IEGS, its coordinated planning will play a crucial role. The more comprehensive the modeling and evaluation of IEGS planning studies are, the more precise and practical the results obtained will be. In this paper, an in-depth and up-to-date assessment of the available literature on the IEGS planning is presented by addressing critical concerns and challenges, which need further studies. A vast variety of related topics in the IEGS planning, including the impact of costs, constraints, uncertainties, contingencies, reliability, sector coupling components, etc., are also reviewed and discussed. In addition, the role of PtGs and their impacts on the coordinated IEGS planning are reviewed in detail due to their crucial role in increasing the penetration of RES in future energy systems as well as limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The literature review completed by this paper can support planners and policymakers to better realize the bottlenecks in the IEGS development, so that they can concentrate on the remaining unsolved topics as well as the improvement of existing designs and procedures. Full article
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34 pages, 35867 KiB  
Review
A Review of Offshore Renewable Energy in South America: Current Status and Future Perspectives
by Milad Shadman, Mateo Roldan-Carvajal, Fabian G. Pierart, Pablo Alejandro Haim, Rodrigo Alonso, Corbiniano Silva, Andrés F. Osorio, Nathalie Almonacid, Griselda Carreras, Mojtaba Maali Amiri, Santiago Arango-Aramburo, Miguel Angel Rosas, Mario Pelissero, Roberto Tula, Segen F. Estefen, Marcos Lafoz Pastor and Osvaldo Ronald Saavedra
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021740 - 16 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5715
Abstract
This paper addresses the current status and future research and development perspectives associated with technologies to harness offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, waves, tides, ocean currents, and thermal and salinity gradient, in South America (SA). It focuses on five countries: Argentina, Brazil, [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the current status and future research and development perspectives associated with technologies to harness offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, waves, tides, ocean currents, and thermal and salinity gradient, in South America (SA). It focuses on five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay. At first, a comprehensive survey presents the number of scientific papers classified based on the resource to show the tendency and importance of such subjects in the academic community. Each country’s electricity matrix and grid connection are shown to understand the region’s renewable source participation situation. The potential of offshore renewable resources is addressed by considering the published technical papers in scientific journals. The main conflicts and synergies associated with ocean space utilization are presented by considering the exclusive economic zone of each country. The status of the regulatory frameworks to promote and development of offshore renewable energies is presented. Two sections are dedicated to presenting the active, decommissioned and planned projects, research groups and laboratory infrastructures to develop the technologies. The last section discusses the future perspectives on the development of this sector in SA. It is observed that SA, with more than 25,000 km of coastline, has a great potential for offshore renewable energy; however, so far, these resources have not been explored commercially. Larger investment in the sector, establishing an adequate legal framework and deploying full-scale demonstration projects at sea are necessary for the commercialization of such technologies in SA. Full article
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42 pages, 2328 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Linear Generator Type of Wave Energy Converters’ Power Take-Off Systems
by Raju Ahamed, Kristoffer McKee and Ian Howard
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169936 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7142
Abstract
The traditional wave energy converters (WECs) use hydraulic or turbine-type power take-off (PTO) mechanisms which consist of many moving parts, creating mechanical complexity and increasing the installation and maintenance costs. Linear generator-based direct-drive WECs could be a solution to overcome this problem, but [...] Read more.
The traditional wave energy converters (WECs) use hydraulic or turbine-type power take-off (PTO) mechanisms which consist of many moving parts, creating mechanical complexity and increasing the installation and maintenance costs. Linear generator-based direct-drive WECs could be a solution to overcome this problem, but the efficiency of the single conventional linear generator is not high enough, and it cannot work satisfactorily in the low-frequency range. This article reviews the recent research developments of the linear permanent magnet (PM) generator-based WEC to harness maximum energy from ocean waves. It starts with a brief introduction and background of wave energy converters using linear generators. Following this, the working principle of the WECs with linear PM generators is briefly outlined. Subsequently, the analytical model of the linear PM generator-based WEC is studied. After that, the up-to-date developments of the linear PM generator-based PTO systems are studied. Despite some modifications resulting in complexity in the linear PM generator’s structure and a rise in manufacturing costs, the study shows the systems’ efficiencies increased by increasing magnetic flux and reducing cogging force. The key parameters and improvement issues that can increase the performances and efficiencies of the PTO systems are identified to help future researchers for further development. Moreover, the review discusses the numerical and experimental analysis tools, the typical control systems used by the researchers and the challenges of the linear generator-based wave energy conversion system. Finally, conclusions about the significant beneficial characteristics and design choice of the WEC linear generator structure are provided and related to the application conditions. Full article
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