Power Electronics in Renewable Systems

As renewable energy gains prominence in modern power systems, power electronics have become crucial for the efficient and reliable integration of diverse energy resources. These converters not only connect generation units to the grid but also shape system stability, control performance, and efficiency. The increasing penetration of large-scale photovoltaic, wind, and hydropower units, however, introduces new challenges. Reliable operation under grid disturbances, fault recovery in distribution networks with high levels of distributed generation, and advanced control strategies for turbines and motor drives are now key research priorities. Meanwhile, innovations in converter topologies offer opportunities for higher efficiency and power density, while also bringing new design considerations.

This Reprint brings together contributions that reflect the diversity of innovations in renewable power electronics. The papers address topics such as redundancy design in hydro-generator excitation systems, nonlinear pitch control for large wind turbines, and fault reconfiguration strategies in distribution networks with high levels of distributed generation. Advances in converter topologies are also highlighted, including modified multilevel inverters and quasi-Z-source cascaded structures, alongside improved control methods such as sensorless motor drives, predictive control for photovoltaic inverters, and voltage optimization strategies in distribution systems.