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Within the policy framework of the energy union strategy started in 2015, the European Union (EU) finalized the “Clean Energy for all Europeans Package” (CEP) in 2019 [...]

This article is devoted to the relevant problem of increasing the efficiency of PV systems. The presented analysis discusses the available methods for improving the power generation of PV modules under partial shading. Mathematical models for power loss calculation were compiled based on the results of this analysis. The proposed approach minimizes the negative impact of partial shading on the energy production of PV modules. It is based on the equalization of voltages of parallel-connected arrays of modules by installing additional power elements in them. The proposed solution is promising for various areas; it allows for the minimization of the unfavorable influence of existing urban objects (buildings, trees, communications, etc.) on the energy efficiency of PV modules. The obtained results are useful for the sustainable development of the urban environment in the context of digital transformation. They are the basis for the promising methodology of the parametric optimization of power plants using renewable energy sources.

Due to the dramatic growth of the global population, building multi-story buildings has become a necessity, which strongly requires the installation of an elevator regardless of the type of building being built. This study focuses on households, which are the second-largest electricity consumers after the transportation sector. In residential buildings, elevators impose huge electricity costs because they are used by many consumers. The novelty of this paper is implementing a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS), including an ultracapacitor Energy Storage (UCES) and a Battery Energy Storage (BES) system, in order to reduce the amount of power and energy consumed by elevators in residential buildings. The control strategy of this study includes two main parts. In the first stage, an indirect field-oriented control strategy is implemented to provide new features and flexibility to the system and take benefit of the regenerative energy received from the elevator’s motor. In the second stage, a novel control strategy is proposed to control the HESS efficiently. In this context, the HESS is only fed by regenerated power so the amount of energy stored in the UC can be used to reduce peak consumption. Meanwhile, the BES supplies common electrical loads in the building, e.g., washing machines, heating services (both boiler and heat pump), and lighting, which helps to achieve a nearly zero energy building.

Currently, despite the use of renewable energy sources (RESs), distribution networks are facing problems, such as complexity and low productivity. Emerging microgrids (MGs) with RESs based on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) are an effective solution to control, manage, and finally deal with these challenges. The development and success of MGs is highly dependent on the use of power electronic interfaces. The use of these interfaces is directly related to the progress of SCADA systems and communication infrastructures. The use of SCADA systems for the control and operation of MGs and active distribution networks promotes productivity and efficiency. This paper presents a real MG case study called the LAMBDA MG testbed laboratory, which has been implemented in the electrical department of the Sapienza University of Rome with a centralized energy management system (CEMS). The real-time results of the SCADA system show that a CEMS can create proper energy balance in a LAMBDA MG testbed and, consequently, minimize the exchange power of the LAMBDA MG and main grid.

The use of energy storage with high power density and fast response time at container terminals (CTs) with a power demand of tens of megawatts is one of the most critical factors for peak reduction and economic benefits. Peak shaving can balance the load demand and facilitate the participation of small power units in generation based on renewable energies. Therefore, in this paper, the economic efficiency of peak demand reduction in ship to shore (STS) cranes based on the ultracapacitor (UC) energy storage sizing has been investigated. The results show the UC energy storage significantly reduce the peak demand, increasing the load factor, load leveling, and most importantly, an outstanding reduction in power and energy cost. In fact, the suggested approach is the start point to improve reliability and reduce peak demand energy consumption.