Satellite-terrestrial integrated networks have been proposed as a promising solution to provide global seamless coverage in next-generation communication networks. To enable the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, network simulation is a fundamental and economically efficient step compared to the high cost of field trial and real-world system deployment. Simulation challenges arise with the fast growth of LEO mega-constellations, including frequent re-connection and handover, long satellite transmission delay, high dynamics of satellite network topologies, and the integration of heterogeneous infrastructures. More requirements emerge for satellite-terrestrial integrated simulation, including fidelity, scalability, extensibility, agility, and real-time. However, there is a lack of a state-of-the-art review for relevant simulators. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the most comprehensive and latest survey that covers network simulators for satellite-terrestrial integrated networks, with all or partial simulation functionalities for satellite orbit simulation, physical layer modeling, and network protocols and algorithms. Compared with existing surveys, this survey contributes from three aspects: (1) an up-to-date collection and a comprehensive taxonomy of simulation tools in the past decade; (2) a summary of the main requirements and challenges; and (3) an inspiring summary for new research opportunities and publicly available simulation tools for follow-up research.

Aiming at the low-voltage DC distribution network system and combining the characteristics of F2F structure and ISOP-DAB structure DC transformer, this paper proposes a DC transformer structure based on modular multilevel converter (MMC) and cascaded H-bridge. First of all, this paper analyzes several different cases. Case 1 proposes a type of equal carrier-phase-shift pulse-width modulation (CPS-PWM) of MMC, which can produce an equal five-level voltage waveform. In the meanwhile, another unequal CPS-PWM control is proposed to produce an unequal five-level voltage waveform. According to the descriptions of case 2 , the quasi-square-wave-modulation method with a wide gain range can greatly reduce the insulation design difficulty of the intermediate AC side high-frequency transformer and the voltage stress on the AC side. Case 3 demonstrates the extended-phase-shift (EPS) control of three-port DC-DC converter. Combining the voltage sorting algorithm of voltage sequencing and cyclic switching, a strategy of voltage equalization for grouped capacitors is proposed. Considering the various application scenarios of actual working conditions, the soft switching characteristics and multi-port power characteristics of the DC transformer are analyzed. In order to verify the feasibility of the DC transformer structure and its control strategy, a simulation model was built in Matlab/Simulink and the results were verified. The results are in accordance with the theoretical analysis.

To fully leverage the application potential of distributed energy storage systems (DESS) and network reconfiguration, a coordinated optimization method is proposed to enhance the economic efficiency of distribution networks under normal conditions and the reliability of a power supply during fault conditions. First, a scenario-generation method is developed based on Latin hypercube sampling and Kantorovich distance synchronous back-substitution reduction is used to obtain the typical scenario of wind and solar output. Next, a planning operation coordinated optimization framework and model are established, considering both normal and fault states of the distribution network. In the planning layer, the objective is to minimize the annual comprehensive capital expenditures for the distribution network to improve the economic efficiency of the distribution network. The operation layer includes both normal operation and fault operation states, with the optimization goal of minimizing the sum of normal operation costs and the fault costs associated with load shedding. Subsequently, a hybrid optimization algorithm combining an improved Aquila Optimizer-Second-Order Cone Programming (IAO-SOCP) is proposed to solve the coordinated optimization model. Finally, the proposed coordinated optimization method is validated using an enhanced IEEE 33-bus distribution network case study. The results demonstrate that the method effectively reduces network losses and minimizes load shedding costs during fault conditions, thereby ensuring a balance between the economic efficiency and reliability of the distribution network.

A triple-active bridge (TAB) can be used as a power conversion unit in a three-port DC energy router (DCER) such as a triple-active bridge-based DC energy router (TAB-DCER). The operational loss of a TAB can be seen as a key factor affecting the efficiency of a TAB-DCER. However, the RMS value of the inductor current of the TAB-DCER increases under single-phase shift (SPS) control, and this greatly increases the system operating losses. The use of phase-shifted plus PWM (PS-PWM) control can reduce the RMS value of the inductor current, but its mathematical model is complex, and involves difficult calculations. To address this problem, in the study reported here, we developed an optimal control strategy for the RMS value of the inductor current based on TAB-DCER. First, the working principle of a TAB-DCER under PS-PWM control was analyzed, and a circuit decomposition model was established. Second, the operating modes under PS-PWM control were analyzed, and corresponding expressions of port power and the RMS value of the inductor current were obtained. Third, an optimized mathematical model of the sum of squares of the RMS value of the inductor current of the TAB-DCER was constructed. Finally, a genetic algorithm was used to solve the mathematical model and derive the optimal phase shift angle; this resulted in a lower RMS value of the inductor current in the TAB-DCER and reduced the system operating losses. The simulation and experimental results show that the TAB-DCER used in the present study can reduce operating losses, improve system efficiency, and deliver coordinated power control.

In this paper, the research status of topology and control strategy of energy storage grid-connected system is analyzed, and aiming at the working characteristics of the repurposed battery, a cascade power electronic transformer (CPET) with independent DC output is proposed. The working principle of current fed isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter (CF-IBDC) and cascaded H-bridge (CHB) is analyzed, and the decoupling control strategy is designed. In this paper, a hierarchical control strategy is designed for the repurposed battery energy storage (RBES) grid-connected system based on CPET, which consists of three layers: energy layer, power layer, and state of charge (SOC) layer. The energy layer responds to active and reactive power scheduling instructions, the power layer controls the grid-connected current and tracks the grid voltage, and the SOC layer equates the charged state of repurposed batteries. A 3 MVA/12 kV three-phase grid-connected simulation system was established, and a 1 kW single-phase system experiment platform was designed. The simulation and experimental results can verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the control strategy.

Coordinated operation among various converters within a power router (PR) is crucial for ensuring its normal operation. Since the power balance among converters in a DC PR is reflected by the DC bus voltage level, maintaining stable DC bus voltage control is particularly important as it directly affects the coordinated operation of each converter. This study proposes a coordinated control strategy for multi-port power routers based on DC bus voltage droop regulation, addressing the limitations of existing methods that rely on communication and complex control units. Based on DC bus voltage signals, all power ports automatically switch their operating states, ensuring that only one converter operates in voltage source mode at any given time, thereby maintaining the system’s bus voltage and power balance. This enables effective coordination among converters and ensures stable system operation without requiring communication between converters, simplifying control while maintaining internal system stability.