Dear Colleagues,

Renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic or wind power are a promising alternative to tackle climate change, in particular by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In addition to their availability and cleanliness, they reduce the energy dependence of the countries that implement them. These energy sources are expected to play a major role in the future transition from a centralized system to a distributed production system, closely linked to the notion of the smart grid. They will soon be able to compete with conventional energy sources, and are already the best solution available under certain micro-grid implementation conditions, thanks to the easy integration of small modular generation units. Renewable energy sources will thus be able to contribute to improved supply security and reduced CO₂ emissions. Renewable energy sources will also help develop rural areas with the creation of new jobs and the revaluation of local resources. In addition, in areas where communities are isolated, the use of renewable energy sources could help to reduce the cost of electricity generation.

However, these renewable sources have characteristics that pose a major problem to the grid balance and the supply–demand balance in general. They are variable and intermittent sources of energy, since they are dependent on meteorological magnitudes, which are variable by nature.

Solutions to remedy this major problem are the combination of several production sources (such as the sun, wind, etc.), the addition of storage systems to compensate for the intermittent nature of these energies, and the intelligent management of energy in order to match production with the use of energy. Thus, we are talking about a complex energy system that requires an optimal and efficient design, advanced control, and energy management.

Complex Energy Systems refer to multi-source energy generation systems with storage. These are systems combining different renewable sources or combined with conventional sources (diesel generator, etc.), different storage elements, and different loads. They compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable sources and offer higher energy availability. Their main interest is the possibility of energy autonomy that they allow, since they do not depend on a single source. Complex energy systems can largely solve the problem of energy availability.

The major challenge of a multienergy system is its complexity with multispatial and multitemporal scales. Compared with the traditional power system, the control and optimization of the complex energy system is difficult in terms of modeling, design, operation, and planning. The main purpose of a complex energy system is to coordinate the operation with various distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage systems, and power grids to ensure its reliability, while reducing the operating costs and achieving optimal economic benefits. Therefore, research on the advanced control and optimization of complex energy systems is indispensable.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a timely opportunity for researchers to share their latest discoveries in the area of advanced control and optimization of complex energy systems. Particularly, authors are encouraged to submit original research and review articles with theoretical, methodological, or practical focuses, such as simulation models, algorithms, experiments, and applications about design and control optimization techniques for complex energy systems.

Potential topics include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Maximization of renewable energy source production and consumption;
• Design and advanced control optimization for complex energy systems with multiple energy storage systems, generators, and motors;
• Design and advanced control optimization, and optimal energy management for complex energy systems including multiple renewable energy systems, such as wind and solar energy;
• Design and advanced control optimization and optimal energy management for complex energy systems with a large number of DERs;
• Techniques for accelerating multiscale dynamic simulations of complex energy systems;
• Optimal operation, protection, and planning for complex energy systems;
• Field tests and measurements of complex energy systems for model validation;
• Efficiency improvement in micro-grids.

Prof. Dr. Dhaker Abbes
Guest Editor

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• multi-energy systems
• micro-grids
• design
• advanced control
• optimization
• optimal
• energy management
• optimal energy management