Theofilos Papadopoulos | Democritus University of Thrace (original) (raw)

Papers by Theofilos Papadopoulos

Energy and Buildings, Dec 1, 2021

Abstract Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic a... more Abstract Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the industrial interest. NILM is used to reveal useful information regarding the consumption breakdown on appliance or activity level, thus can be a key solution to unlock various smart-home services and opportunities. To that end, deep learning has arisen as a prominent solution. Although most of the known solutions so far focus on a predefined number of home appliances, this paper proposes a multi-class NILM system which can detect in real-time any number of appliances and can be efficiently embedded into simple microprocessors. The key feature for the identification of the appliances is the processing of measured turn-on active power transient responses sampled at 100 Hz. The NILM system includes three stages; adaptive thresholding event detection method, convolutional neural network and k-nearest neighbors classifier. For future extensions, it is capable to automatically identify new appliances; thus, no retraining and additional modeling is required.

The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based... more The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based dynamic equivalent models, constituting them valid only for specific operating conditions. To overcome this issue, in this paper, a new generic dynamic equivalencing method, utilizing load disaggregation, is proposed. Load disaggregation by analyzing the aggregated harmonic current content is used to estimate the load composition of a distribution network, providing higher visibility and information regarding its operational condition. In this sense, representative sets of dynamic load model parameters are obtained for different loading conditions using a clustering algorithm. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method is assessed using laboratory measurements.

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the in... more Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the industrial interest. NILM is used to reveal useful information regarding the consumption breakdown on appliance or activity level, thus can be a key solution to unlock various smart-home services and opportunities. To that end, deep learning has arisen as a prominent solution. Although most of the known NILM techniques so far focus on a predefined number of home appliances, this paper proposes a system which can detect in real-time any number of appliances. In the proposed solution switched-on appliances are identified by processing the measured active power transient response sampled at 100 Hz. The NILM system includes three stages; statistics-based event detection, convolutional neural network and k-nearest neighbors classifier. For future extensions, it is capable to automatically identify new appliances; thus, no retraining and additional modeling is required.

2022 2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED)

2022 2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED)

2022 57th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC)

IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility

IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery

The increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources drastically alters the dynamic... more The increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources drastically alters the dynamic characteristics of distribution networks (DNs). Therefore, several equivalent models have been recently proposed, to analyze more accurately the complex behavior of modern DNs. However, relatively simple models are still commonly used in practice for dynamic power system studies. In addition, dynamic equivalent models for DNs are sensitive to different operating conditions and there is lack of systematic understanding of their performance. Scope of this paper is to propose a methodology for identifying the applicability range in terms of accuracy and generalization capability of several conventional and newly developed equivalent models for the dynamic analysis of modern DNs. A set of metrics is used for the modelling accuracy assessment and a sensitivity analysis framework is introduced to fully quantify the generalization capabilities of DN equivalent models. Based on the above, guidelines and recommendations for the development of robust equivalent models for DN analysis are proposed.

Mediterranean Conference on Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Energy Conversion (MedPower 2016), 2016

In this paper induced voltages and currents caused by underground cables are calculated in cable ... more In this paper induced voltages and currents caused by underground cables are calculated in cable sheaths and nearby metallic pipelines. The performance of several simulation methods and models are investigated in steady-state, considering also different implementations in ATP-EMTP, EMTP-RV and PSCAD/EMTDC. The analysis is extended in the simulation of transient overvoltages in cable systems, evaluating the accuracy of two widely used simulation models. The influence of different parameters is investigated, among them specifically the earth properties. Results reveal that implementing accurate earth representations, earth conduction effects have a significant impact on induced voltages at the power frequency, while for high frequency phenomena the influence is minor.

International Conference on Power Systems Transients (IPST), 2019

Electric Power Systems Research, 2021

Abstract Mode identification from post-disturbance ringdown responses is a valuable tool for the ... more Abstract Mode identification from post-disturbance ringdown responses is a valuable tool for the analysis of the dynamic performance and the stability margins of power systems. In this aspect, several techniques have been proposed, focusing mainly to single-signal analysis. However, considering large-scale power systems and especially future scenarios with high penetration of distributed energy resources, detailed network analysis at all voltage levels is required. As a result of these concerns, multi-channel mode identification algorithms have been developed. Scope of this paper is to evaluate the applicability and the performance of the most known multi-channel measurement-based identification approaches for the modal analysis of modern power systems incorporating active distribution networks. The algorithmic details and distinct characteristics of each method are briefly discussed. The examined methods are used to identify the dominant inter-area modes contained in ringdown responses at different levels of a combined transmission-distribution network.

Electric Power Systems Research, 2020

This paper investigates the impact of harmonics in underground medium-voltage cables to the induc... more This paper investigates the impact of harmonics in underground medium-voltage cables to the induced voltages on the cable sheaths of the excited system as well as the corresponding electromagnetic interference (EMI) to nearby coated pipelines. To evaluate systematically the harmonic induced voltages on both cable sheaths and pipelines a benchmarking analysis is first carried out using the EMTP-RV software. The accuracy of different simulation models is also investigated. The feasibility and practical application of this paper is examined in a cable system excited by current harmonics using data obtained from measurements of the recent relative literature.

2018 IEEE International Conference on High Voltage Engineering and Application (ICHVE), 2018

In this paper the effect of conductive coupling on a metallic pipeline in the vicinity of a photo... more In this paper the effect of conductive coupling on a metallic pipeline in the vicinity of a photovoltaic power plant is investigated. A two-step methodology is presented, calculating initially the earth potential rise and at the next step the transferred voltage to the pipeline. Voltage profiles across the pipeline are calculated for different cases, leading to useful remarks.

2018 53rd International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2018

The determination of soil parameters is an important topic regarding the safe and efficient desig... more The determination of soil parameters is an important topic regarding the safe and efficient design of electrical grounding systems as well as the accurate calculation of the per-unit-length parameters of overhead transmission lines and underground cable systems. Scope of this paper is to investigate the seasonal variation of the two-layer earth structure parameters and propose simple generic models for this type of the analysis. For the determination of the two-layer earth parameters the application of different optimization methods is evaluated. Furthermore, soil resistivity measurements are conducted at three different sites during a period of a whole year. The obtained results of the two-layer earth structure are analyzed, in order to investigate the seasonal variation and their correlation to changes of rainfall. From the analysis of the results significant conclusions are drawn regarding the accuracy of the resulting soil parameters as well as their annual variation.

2021 IEEE Madrid PowerTech, 2021

The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based... more The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based dynamic equivalent models, constituting them valid only for specific operating conditions. To overcome this issue, in this paper, a new generic dynamic equivalencing method, utilizing load disaggregation, is proposed. Load disaggregation by analyzing the aggregated harmonic current content is used to estimate the load composition of a distribution network, providing higher visibility and information regarding its operational condition. In this sense, representative sets of dynamic load model parameters are obtained for different loading conditions using a clustering algorithm. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method is assessed using laboratory measurements.

2021 56th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2021

Inter- and intra-area oscillations are inherent to large-scale power systems. Identification and ... more Inter- and intra-area oscillations are inherent to large-scale power systems. Identification and analysis of these oscillations are vital for evaluating system stability margins and for determining control actions, aiming to enhance system damping levels. In this paper, a two-stage architecture is developed to facilitate identification of power system inter- and intra-area modes. In the first stage, ringdown responses, obtained from individual system buses, are analyzed using the Matrix Pencil (MP) method and modal estimates are derived. Subsequently, modal estimates are forwarded to a control center where they are grouped, analyzed and combined through clustering techniques to extract system properties, i.e., frequencies and damping factors of inter- and intra-area modes. The proposed approach is tested using simulated data, obtained from the Kundur power system, and found to be very accurate.

2019 54th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2019

Scope of this paper is to investigate the effect of different load and distributed generation (ph... more Scope of this paper is to investigate the effect of different load and distributed generation (photovoltaic systems and wind generators) modelling approaches for the steady-state analysis of distribution networks and the development of ancillary services by system operators. Specifically, five different modelling approaches are considered, based on different assumptions. The power flow problem is solved by applying the examined models to the 33-bus benchmark distribution network and the derived results are statistically analyzed. The accuracy, reliability and performance of the models is evaluated in terms of the calculated voltages, power losses and computational burden. Index Terms-Distributed generation modelling, load modeling, load time series, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines. Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu)

IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 2020

The accurate estimation of the influence of the imperfect earth on the propagation characteristic... more The accurate estimation of the influence of the imperfect earth on the propagation characteristics of conductors is a crucial issue in electromagnetic (EM) transient analysis. In this aspect, the frequency-dependence of the soil electrical properties should be also considered. The effects of the dispersion of soil electrical properties on EM propagation have been investigated mostly for overhead transmission lines. This article presents a detailed EM transient analysis of underground cable systems taking into consideration the frequency-dependent (FD) soil properties. A generalized earth formulation of cable earth return impedance and shunt admittance is adopted. Propagation characteristics and transient responses are calculated by using both FD soil models and constant soil properties, as well as approximate earth formulations, neglecting the influence of the imperfect earth on shunt admittances; significant differences are observed. Guidelines for the accurate evaluation of earth conduction effects on the transient performance of underground cable systems are also introduced.

IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2018

In this paper, two discretization techniques are combined to present a coupled electro-thermal mo... more In this paper, two discretization techniques are combined to present a coupled electro-thermal model for the transient analysis of gas-insulated transmission lines (GILs). The analysis of the thermal problem is based on the volumeelement-method (VEM), representing heat transfer equations on a 2D axisymmetric GIL model and determining temperature distribution over space and time. For the electrical formulation the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is adopted considering constant-parameters (CP) calculated at the frequency of interest. The coupled electro-thermal problem in case of transient conditions is solved by means of a bi-directional procedure. A set of test cases are imposed on the electric part and transient analysis is conducted while considering the line coupled electrothermal performance. Index Terms-coupled electro-thermal modeling, finitedifference time-domain (FDTD), gas-insulated transmission line (GIL), short-circuits, transients, volume-element-method (VEM). I. INTRODUCTION G AS-insulated lines (GILs) were proposed as an alternative transmission system due to their distinct characteristics in densely populated and environmentally protected areas or in conjunction with other infrastructure projects, e.g. hydropower dams, gas or oil power plants, etc. [1]. The main advantages of GILs are the low transmission losses, similar operation and power rating characteristics to overhead lines, the increased safety and operation aspects, such as limited need for reactive compensation, non-aging characteristics of gases and reduced electromagnetic fields [1]. The first GIL application is the 400-kV, 700-m GIL at Sclhuchsee hydropower plant in Germany that went in service in 1975, while one of the longest GILs in the world is the 3.3 km Shinmeika-Tokai line in Japan, operating at 275 kV [2], [3]. Since 1975, a number of GIL installations have been constructed at different voltage levels, types of applications, climatic conditions and structures, e.g. in substations, tunnels, railway or highway galleries [1].

International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 2015

ABSTRACT Power engineers are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming buildings into smart... more ABSTRACT Power engineers are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming buildings into smart and energy-efficient structures, which is necessary since buildings are responsible for a considerable amount of the total energy consumption. To fulfil this role, a holistic approach in education is required, tackling subjects traditionally related to other engineering disciplines. In this context, USE Efficiency is an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary educational programme implemented in nine European Universities targeting energy efficiency in buildings. The educational programme effectively links professors, students, engineers and industry experts, creating a unique learning environment. The scope of the paper is to present the methodology and the general framework followed in the USE Efficiency programme. The proposed methodology can be adopted for the design and implementation of educational programmes on energy efficiency and sustainable development in higher education. End-of-course survey results showed positive feedback from the participating students, indicating the success of the programme.

Energy and Buildings, Dec 1, 2021

Abstract Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic a... more Abstract Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the industrial interest. NILM is used to reveal useful information regarding the consumption breakdown on appliance or activity level, thus can be a key solution to unlock various smart-home services and opportunities. To that end, deep learning has arisen as a prominent solution. Although most of the known solutions so far focus on a predefined number of home appliances, this paper proposes a multi-class NILM system which can detect in real-time any number of appliances and can be efficiently embedded into simple microprocessors. The key feature for the identification of the appliances is the processing of measured turn-on active power transient responses sampled at 100 Hz. The NILM system includes three stages; adaptive thresholding event detection method, convolutional neural network and k-nearest neighbors classifier. For future extensions, it is capable to automatically identify new appliances; thus, no retraining and additional modeling is required.

The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based... more The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based dynamic equivalent models, constituting them valid only for specific operating conditions. To overcome this issue, in this paper, a new generic dynamic equivalencing method, utilizing load disaggregation, is proposed. Load disaggregation by analyzing the aggregated harmonic current content is used to estimate the load composition of a distribution network, providing higher visibility and information regarding its operational condition. In this sense, representative sets of dynamic load model parameters are obtained for different loading conditions using a clustering algorithm. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method is assessed using laboratory measurements.

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the in... more Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a topic that lately attracts both the academic and the industrial interest. NILM is used to reveal useful information regarding the consumption breakdown on appliance or activity level, thus can be a key solution to unlock various smart-home services and opportunities. To that end, deep learning has arisen as a prominent solution. Although most of the known NILM techniques so far focus on a predefined number of home appliances, this paper proposes a system which can detect in real-time any number of appliances. In the proposed solution switched-on appliances are identified by processing the measured active power transient response sampled at 100 Hz. The NILM system includes three stages; statistics-based event detection, convolutional neural network and k-nearest neighbors classifier. For future extensions, it is capable to automatically identify new appliances; thus, no retraining and additional modeling is required.

2022 2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED)

2022 2nd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED)

2022 57th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC)

IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility

IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery

The increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources drastically alters the dynamic... more The increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources drastically alters the dynamic characteristics of distribution networks (DNs). Therefore, several equivalent models have been recently proposed, to analyze more accurately the complex behavior of modern DNs. However, relatively simple models are still commonly used in practice for dynamic power system studies. In addition, dynamic equivalent models for DNs are sensitive to different operating conditions and there is lack of systematic understanding of their performance. Scope of this paper is to propose a methodology for identifying the applicability range in terms of accuracy and generalization capability of several conventional and newly developed equivalent models for the dynamic analysis of modern DNs. A set of metrics is used for the modelling accuracy assessment and a sensitivity analysis framework is introduced to fully quantify the generalization capabilities of DN equivalent models. Based on the above, guidelines and recommendations for the development of robust equivalent models for DN analysis are proposed.

Mediterranean Conference on Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Energy Conversion (MedPower 2016), 2016

In this paper induced voltages and currents caused by underground cables are calculated in cable ... more In this paper induced voltages and currents caused by underground cables are calculated in cable sheaths and nearby metallic pipelines. The performance of several simulation methods and models are investigated in steady-state, considering also different implementations in ATP-EMTP, EMTP-RV and PSCAD/EMTDC. The analysis is extended in the simulation of transient overvoltages in cable systems, evaluating the accuracy of two widely used simulation models. The influence of different parameters is investigated, among them specifically the earth properties. Results reveal that implementing accurate earth representations, earth conduction effects have a significant impact on induced voltages at the power frequency, while for high frequency phenomena the influence is minor.

International Conference on Power Systems Transients (IPST), 2019

Electric Power Systems Research, 2021

Abstract Mode identification from post-disturbance ringdown responses is a valuable tool for the ... more Abstract Mode identification from post-disturbance ringdown responses is a valuable tool for the analysis of the dynamic performance and the stability margins of power systems. In this aspect, several techniques have been proposed, focusing mainly to single-signal analysis. However, considering large-scale power systems and especially future scenarios with high penetration of distributed energy resources, detailed network analysis at all voltage levels is required. As a result of these concerns, multi-channel mode identification algorithms have been developed. Scope of this paper is to evaluate the applicability and the performance of the most known multi-channel measurement-based identification approaches for the modal analysis of modern power systems incorporating active distribution networks. The algorithmic details and distinct characteristics of each method are briefly discussed. The examined methods are used to identify the dominant inter-area modes contained in ringdown responses at different levels of a combined transmission-distribution network.

Electric Power Systems Research, 2020

This paper investigates the impact of harmonics in underground medium-voltage cables to the induc... more This paper investigates the impact of harmonics in underground medium-voltage cables to the induced voltages on the cable sheaths of the excited system as well as the corresponding electromagnetic interference (EMI) to nearby coated pipelines. To evaluate systematically the harmonic induced voltages on both cable sheaths and pipelines a benchmarking analysis is first carried out using the EMTP-RV software. The accuracy of different simulation models is also investigated. The feasibility and practical application of this paper is examined in a cable system excited by current harmonics using data obtained from measurements of the recent relative literature.

2018 IEEE International Conference on High Voltage Engineering and Application (ICHVE), 2018

In this paper the effect of conductive coupling on a metallic pipeline in the vicinity of a photo... more In this paper the effect of conductive coupling on a metallic pipeline in the vicinity of a photovoltaic power plant is investigated. A two-step methodology is presented, calculating initially the earth potential rise and at the next step the transferred voltage to the pipeline. Voltage profiles across the pipeline are calculated for different cases, leading to useful remarks.

2018 53rd International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2018

The determination of soil parameters is an important topic regarding the safe and efficient desig... more The determination of soil parameters is an important topic regarding the safe and efficient design of electrical grounding systems as well as the accurate calculation of the per-unit-length parameters of overhead transmission lines and underground cable systems. Scope of this paper is to investigate the seasonal variation of the two-layer earth structure parameters and propose simple generic models for this type of the analysis. For the determination of the two-layer earth parameters the application of different optimization methods is evaluated. Furthermore, soil resistivity measurements are conducted at three different sites during a period of a whole year. The obtained results of the two-layer earth structure are analyzed, in order to investigate the seasonal variation and their correlation to changes of rainfall. From the analysis of the results significant conclusions are drawn regarding the accuracy of the resulting soil parameters as well as their annual variation.

2021 IEEE Madrid PowerTech, 2021

The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based... more The time-varying composition of power system loads influences the robustness of measurement-based dynamic equivalent models, constituting them valid only for specific operating conditions. To overcome this issue, in this paper, a new generic dynamic equivalencing method, utilizing load disaggregation, is proposed. Load disaggregation by analyzing the aggregated harmonic current content is used to estimate the load composition of a distribution network, providing higher visibility and information regarding its operational condition. In this sense, representative sets of dynamic load model parameters are obtained for different loading conditions using a clustering algorithm. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method is assessed using laboratory measurements.

2021 56th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2021

Inter- and intra-area oscillations are inherent to large-scale power systems. Identification and ... more Inter- and intra-area oscillations are inherent to large-scale power systems. Identification and analysis of these oscillations are vital for evaluating system stability margins and for determining control actions, aiming to enhance system damping levels. In this paper, a two-stage architecture is developed to facilitate identification of power system inter- and intra-area modes. In the first stage, ringdown responses, obtained from individual system buses, are analyzed using the Matrix Pencil (MP) method and modal estimates are derived. Subsequently, modal estimates are forwarded to a control center where they are grouped, analyzed and combined through clustering techniques to extract system properties, i.e., frequencies and damping factors of inter- and intra-area modes. The proposed approach is tested using simulated data, obtained from the Kundur power system, and found to be very accurate.

2019 54th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2019

Scope of this paper is to investigate the effect of different load and distributed generation (ph... more Scope of this paper is to investigate the effect of different load and distributed generation (photovoltaic systems and wind generators) modelling approaches for the steady-state analysis of distribution networks and the development of ancillary services by system operators. Specifically, five different modelling approaches are considered, based on different assumptions. The power flow problem is solved by applying the examined models to the 33-bus benchmark distribution network and the derived results are statistically analyzed. The accuracy, reliability and performance of the models is evaluated in terms of the calculated voltages, power losses and computational burden. Index Terms-Distributed generation modelling, load modeling, load time series, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines. Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu) Voltage (pu)

IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 2020

The accurate estimation of the influence of the imperfect earth on the propagation characteristic... more The accurate estimation of the influence of the imperfect earth on the propagation characteristics of conductors is a crucial issue in electromagnetic (EM) transient analysis. In this aspect, the frequency-dependence of the soil electrical properties should be also considered. The effects of the dispersion of soil electrical properties on EM propagation have been investigated mostly for overhead transmission lines. This article presents a detailed EM transient analysis of underground cable systems taking into consideration the frequency-dependent (FD) soil properties. A generalized earth formulation of cable earth return impedance and shunt admittance is adopted. Propagation characteristics and transient responses are calculated by using both FD soil models and constant soil properties, as well as approximate earth formulations, neglecting the influence of the imperfect earth on shunt admittances; significant differences are observed. Guidelines for the accurate evaluation of earth conduction effects on the transient performance of underground cable systems are also introduced.

IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2018

In this paper, two discretization techniques are combined to present a coupled electro-thermal mo... more In this paper, two discretization techniques are combined to present a coupled electro-thermal model for the transient analysis of gas-insulated transmission lines (GILs). The analysis of the thermal problem is based on the volumeelement-method (VEM), representing heat transfer equations on a 2D axisymmetric GIL model and determining temperature distribution over space and time. For the electrical formulation the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is adopted considering constant-parameters (CP) calculated at the frequency of interest. The coupled electro-thermal problem in case of transient conditions is solved by means of a bi-directional procedure. A set of test cases are imposed on the electric part and transient analysis is conducted while considering the line coupled electrothermal performance. Index Terms-coupled electro-thermal modeling, finitedifference time-domain (FDTD), gas-insulated transmission line (GIL), short-circuits, transients, volume-element-method (VEM). I. INTRODUCTION G AS-insulated lines (GILs) were proposed as an alternative transmission system due to their distinct characteristics in densely populated and environmentally protected areas or in conjunction with other infrastructure projects, e.g. hydropower dams, gas or oil power plants, etc. [1]. The main advantages of GILs are the low transmission losses, similar operation and power rating characteristics to overhead lines, the increased safety and operation aspects, such as limited need for reactive compensation, non-aging characteristics of gases and reduced electromagnetic fields [1]. The first GIL application is the 400-kV, 700-m GIL at Sclhuchsee hydropower plant in Germany that went in service in 1975, while one of the longest GILs in the world is the 3.3 km Shinmeika-Tokai line in Japan, operating at 275 kV [2], [3]. Since 1975, a number of GIL installations have been constructed at different voltage levels, types of applications, climatic conditions and structures, e.g. in substations, tunnels, railway or highway galleries [1].

International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 2015

ABSTRACT Power engineers are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming buildings into smart... more ABSTRACT Power engineers are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming buildings into smart and energy-efficient structures, which is necessary since buildings are responsible for a considerable amount of the total energy consumption. To fulfil this role, a holistic approach in education is required, tackling subjects traditionally related to other engineering disciplines. In this context, USE Efficiency is an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary educational programme implemented in nine European Universities targeting energy efficiency in buildings. The educational programme effectively links professors, students, engineers and industry experts, creating a unique learning environment. The scope of the paper is to present the methodology and the general framework followed in the USE Efficiency programme. The proposed methodology can be adopted for the design and implementation of educational programmes on energy efficiency and sustainable development in higher education. End-of-course survey results showed positive feedback from the participating students, indicating the success of the programme.

Dear Colleagues, The simulation of power system transients and dynamics is a key aspect for the i... more Dear Colleagues, The simulation of power system transients and dynamics is a key aspect for the investigation of different issues, e.g. design, operation and post-mortem analysis. Traditionally, the simulation of electromagnetic transients (EMTs) and the analysis of the dynamic performance of power systems mostly concerned transmission networks. However, the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, the wide utilization of power electronics, the integration of smart grid technologies and the installation of new measuring devices, e.g. phasor measurement units, in modern distribution networks have introduced new challenges that have to be addressed with novel simulation methods and models. In this Special Issue, we invite original submissions of new research outcomes that highlight advances and breakthroughs in the areas of simulation, modeling and analysis of transients and dynamics in modern distribution networks. Topics of interests include, but are not limited to, the following: an