Distribution systems are facing significant challenges with the high integration of flexible resources. Distributed energy sources, demand response and system regulation have caused deep transformations in the operation and planning of distribution systems. Flexibility is the ability to respond to power fluctuations or uncertainties and guarantee the balance of generation and demand of distribution system. Enhancing the flexibility is becoming a major standpoint to facilitate the development of the distribution system with various novel elements. The potential of operation flexibility from the source, network, and demand sides are to be released through innovative approaches in flexibility operation, planning, and markets.

The flexibility of distribution systems is a mixture of heterogeneous elements including the physical characteristics of devices, complex coupling mechanisms of networks, strategic interaction among market participants, etc. The scale of flexibility is also increasing rapidly with the accelerated expansion and complexity of distribution systems. Thus, a clear definition of flexibility is required and a unified analysis framework should be established. Moreover, innovative methods to quantify and improve operation flexibility are also necessary for operation, planning and market design.

This special issue (SI) will mainly focus on the operation flexibility for the development of distribution systems. The aim is to present a state-of-the-art collection of innovative models, algorithms, approaches, and tools for flexibility operation, planning, and markets of distribution systems. The SI will provide an opportunity for researchers and practicing engineers to share their latest discoveries and best practices in these areas.

Guest Editors:

Prof. Javier Contreras (University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain)
Prof. Fabrizio Pilo (University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy)
Prof. Zita Vale (Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal)
Prof. Peng Li (Tianjin University, China)
Prof. Haoran Ji (Tianjin University, China)

Submission information:

The journal’s submission platform (https://www.editorialmanager.com/segan/default.aspx) is now be available for receiving submissions to this Special Issue.

Please refer to the Guide for Authors to prepare your manuscript, and select the article type of "VSI: FLEX DIST PLAN" when submitting your manuscript online. Both the Guide for Authors and the submission portal could be found on the Journal Homepage here: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/issn/2352-4677

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