The optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem represents a fundamental concern in the efficient and reliable operation of power systems, based on the proper coordination of numerous devices. Therefore, the ORPD calculation is an elaborate nonlinear optimization problem that requires highly performing computational algorithms to identify the optimal solution. In this paper, the potential of metaheuristic methods is explored for solving complex optimization problems specific to power systems. In this regard, an improved salp swarm algorithm is proposed to solve the ORPD problem for the IEEE-14 and IEEE-30 bus systems, by approaching the reactive power planning as both a single- and a multi- objective problem and aiming at minimizing the real power losses and the bus voltage deviations. Multiple comparison studies are conducted based on the obtained results to assess the proposed approach performance with respect to other state-of-the-art techniques. In all cases, the results demonstrate the potential of the developed method and reflect its effectiveness in solving challenging problems.

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) is fundamental for the proper operation of power systems, as it finds its use in various basic processes. Therefore, advanced calculation techniques are needed to obtain accurate results of the consumption prediction, taking into account the numerous exogenous factors that influence the results’ precision. The purpose of this study is to integrate, additionally to the conventional factors (weather, holidays, etc.), the current aspects regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic in solving the STLF problem, using a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model. To evaluate and validate the impact of the new variables considered in the model, the simulations are conducted using publicly available data from the Romanian power system. A comparison study is further carried out to assess the performance of the proposed model, using the multiple linear regression method and load forecasting results provided by the Romanian Transmission System Operator (TSO). In this regard, the Mean Squared Error (MSE), the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are used as evaluation indexes. The proposed methodology shows great potential, as the results reveal better error values compared to the TSO results, despite the limited historical data.

There is a huge interest worldwide related to continuously increasing the use of renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation. Romania, at this moment, even though it has to attain a share of 30.7% of RES from total energy consumption by 2030, does not have any major investment project of this kind in the near future. Photovoltaic (PV) is one of the most promising technologies, with decreasing prices for PV panels but with the disadvantage of large, needed surfaces. This study presents a solution to install PV panels where there is a need for electricity, in a large city, by using the surface of a reservoir. “Lacul Morii” Reservoir in Bucharest is the choice for the case study. The insolation and the possibility to install floating PV, as well as electricity generation, benefits for water quality and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction are assessed, and even the installation of charging stations for electric bikes and cars. The results are very promising, and the main conclusion is that, after its realization, the floating photovoltaic (FPV) plant on “Lacul Morii” Reservoir will be a source of clean electricity and a demonstration project on how to benefit from solar energy to produce electricity in large cities where there are reservoirs.

As climate changes intensify the frequency of severe outages, the resilience of electricity supply systems becomes a major concern. In order to simultaneously combat the climate problems and ensure electricity supply in isolated areas, renewable energy sources (RES) have been widely implemented in recent years. However, without the use of energy storage, they show low reliability due to their intermittent output. Therefore, this article proposes a methodology to achieve the optimal sizing of an energy storage system (ESS) to ensure predefined periods of safe operation for an ensemble consisting of multiple loads, renewable energy sources and controllable generators, located in a remote microgrid. In this regard, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model has been proposed to reduce the outages impact of critical loads by calculating the optimal ESS capacity and defining the proper resources management within the off-grid microgrid, while ensuring a cost-effective operation of its components.

In recent years, a pronounced transition to the exploitation of renewable energy sources has be observed worldwide, driven by current climate concerns and the scarcity of conventional fuels. However, this paradigm shift is accompanied by new challenges for existing power systems. Therefore, the hosting capacity must be exhaustively assessed in order to maximize the penetration of distributed generation while mitigating any adverse impact on the electrical grid in terms of voltage and the operational boundaries of the equipment. In this regard, multiple aspects must be addressed in order to maintain the proper functioning of the system following the new installations’ capacities. This paper introduces a sequential methodology designed to determine the maximum hosting capacity of a power system through the optimal allocation of both active and reactive power. To achieve this goal, an Improved Salp Swarm Algorithm is proposed, aiming to establish the appropriate operational planning of the power grid considering extensive distributed generation integration, while still ensuring a safe operation. The case study validates the relevance of the proposed model, demonstrating a successful enhancement of hosting capacity by 14.5% relative to standard models.

As disturbances due to natural disasters or man-made attacks intensify awareness regarding power systems’ resilience enhancement, the scientific community concentrates on exploring state-of-the-art technologies for emergency supply restoration strategies. Recent studies are increasingly focusing on the expanded flexibility of soft open points (SOPs) compared to conventional tie-switches to increase the restoration rate of critical loads; however, the potential of this novel technology is not limited to this aspect, with SOPs being used to improve the voltage level and increase the hosting capacity of renewable energy sources (RESs). This paper proposes a deterministic model for the optimal coordination of SOPs and distributed resources in an active distribution network (ADN) aiming at re-establishing the energy supply to critical loads after a prolonged interruption occurrence. At the same time, the support of DC microgrids with integrated RESs, embedded in SOPs, for the restoration process is explored. The efficiency of the proposed optimization model is verified based on a 24-h analysis performed on the modified IEEE 33-bus system, while considering the load and generation uncertainties as well.