Energy management in multi-source systems, such as the distributed power generation systems-based renewable energies Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in HEV (PHEV), and Pure Electric Vehicles (PEV), often present sharp fluctuations due to the intermittencies of the renewable energies sources or the dynamics driving cycles. These fluctuations cause a various energy management needs, causing harm to energy storage system life (batteries, ultracapacitors, etc.) which affect multi-source system performances. The multi-source systems, which include energy storage systems with an optimal energy management, provide solutions to these problems. However, to avoid excessive cost, the appropriate sizing of the energy storage system for given multi-source system performance requirements is needed through the energy storage system design optimization and its usage. In addition, based on nature of sources and the voltage levels for various applications, it is often necessary to interface the power electronics converters for impedance matching between the sources and the load. These converters give more flexibility for electric energy management between all subsystems, but, their topologies and control present crucial challenges for energy quality improvement with an always optimal efficiency. This Special Issue focuses on the recent developments and new trends on the design optimization and optimal energy management in the multi-source system based on the distributed power generation systems or for transportation applications. Specifically, papers may include, but are not limited to: Ultracapacitor/battery size optimization for multi-source systems; Optimal energy management strategies; Power fluctuations mitigation technique; Power flow optimization technique; Ultracapacitor/battery cost minimization; Ultracapacitor/battery engine characterization or diagnostic; New topologies of power electronics converters for multi-source systems; Innovative power electronics control techniques for electric energy conversion; Thermal impacts evaluation of power electronics converters performances. Other innovative techniques may also address the issue.
Keywords: diesel generator; energy management; batteries; maximum power point tracking (MPPT); micro-grid; photovoltaic (PV) panel; ultracapacitors; wind turbine; power control; power electronics converters; fuel cell (FC); hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).