Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Integration for Efficient Thermal and Power Systems

Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Integration for Efficient Thermal and Power Systems

1. Title Page

• Special Issue Title:
  
  Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Integration for Efficient Thermal and Power Systems

• Proposer’s Information:

  • Name: Dr. Mehrdad Ahmadi Kamarposhti

  • Position: Associate Professor

  • Affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Jouybar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jouybar, Iran

  • Email: mehrdad.ahmadi.k@gmail.com

• Date: May 11, 2025

2. Abstract

Brief Overview:

This special issue aims to bring together state-of-the-art research in the fields of smart grid technology and renewable energy systems, focusing specifically on their integration into thermal and electrical applications. As energy networks evolve toward higher levels of intelligence and sustainability, the thermal domain—particularly in heat transfer, energy storage, and hybrid systems—plays a critical role. This issue will collect original and high-quality works addressing modeling, simulation, control strategies, thermal energy management, and power system reliability under renewable energy deployment. It aligns directly with the goals of the International Journal of Heat and Technology by emphasizing advanced thermal analysis in the context of emerging energy systems.

Keywords:

Smart Grid, Renewable Energy Integration, Thermal Energy Systems, Power Optimization, Distributed Generation, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Grid Stability

3. Theme and Objectives of the Special Issue

Detailed Description:

The convergence of smart grids and renewable energy technologies presents both opportunities and challenges for modern energy infrastructure. While renewable sources such as solar and wind provide clean energy, their intermittent nature requires intelligent coordination and thermal management to ensure system stability and efficiency. Smart grids enable this coordination through advanced communication, automation, and control mechanisms. Thermal energy systems, including district heating/cooling and industrial processes, are significantly influenced by the quality and predictability of energy input, making integration with smart systems critical.

Objectives and Purposes:

• To investigate novel strategies for integrating smart grid technologies with thermal and power systems.

• To enhance understanding of the dynamic interactions between renewable sources and thermal energy storage or conversion systems.

• To explore artificial intelligence, IoT, and machine learning methods for optimizing energy use in smart thermal grids.

• To identify and solve key challenges in balancing heat and electricity demand under renewable variability.

• To bridge academic research with industrial applications related to heat and power.

Expected Contributions:

This special issue will contribute to both theory and practice by introducing:

• Advanced thermal modeling techniques tailored for smart grids.

• Practical case studies showcasing renewable integration into industrial heat systems.

• Control algorithms and AI methods for managing thermal loads and storage.

• Enhanced understanding of coupled heat and power networks under decentralized energy paradigms.

4. Scope and Topics of the Special Issue

List of Topics:

• Smart grid-enabled thermal energy systems

• Renewable energy-based district heating and cooling

• Optimization of hybrid power-heat systems

• Integration of thermal storage in smart energy networks

• AI and machine learning in thermal energy management

• Grid-tied solar thermal and wind-heat systems

• Energy forecasting and demand-side management

• Waste heat recovery with renewable energy

• Coupled heat-power system stability and control

• IoT and digital twins for thermal process monitoring

Call for Papers Scope:

The special issue welcomes:

• Original research articles

• Critical review papers

• Case studies from academia and industry

• Simulation and modeling contributions

5. Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief (Special Issue):

• Dr. Mehrdad Ahmadi Kamarposhti
  
  Associate Professor
  
  Department of Electrical Engineering, Jouybar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jouybar, Iran
  
  Email: mehrdad.ahmadi.k@gmail.com

Guest Editors:

• Dr. Mahdi Abbasi
  
  Associate Professor,
  
  Department of Computing Science, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
  
  Email: mabbasi@cs.umu.se

• Dr. El Manaa Barhoumi
  
  Associate Professor,
  
  Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
  
  Email: ebarhoumi@du.edu.om

• Dr. Ahmed Solyman
  
  Associate Professor,
  
  School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
  
  Email: ahmed.solyman@gcu.ac.uk

• Dr. Hassan Shokouhandeh
  
  Assistant Professor,
  
  Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Skills (NUS), Tehran, Iran
  
  Email: shokouhandeh@yahoo.com

Qualifications and Experience of the Editorial Team:

Dr. Ahmadi Kamarposhti has over 15 years of research experience in power systems, smart grid technology, and renewable energy integration. He has published widely in international journals and has supervised numerous graduate theses.

Dr. Mahdi Abbasi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computing Science at Umea University, Sweden. He has extensive experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making in energy and industrial systems. Dr. Abbasi has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and has served on the editorial boards of several international journals. He has also led multiple international research projects focused on smart systems and sustainable technologies.

Dr. El Manaa Barhoumi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Dhofar University, Oman. His research expertise lies in control systems, renewable energy integration, and power electronics. Dr. Barhoumi has contributed significantly to academic research through publications in high-impact journals and has participated in various collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners across the Middle East and Europe.

Dr. Ahmed Solyman is an Associate Professor at the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. His research spans smart grids, embedded systems, and cybersecurity in energy networks. Dr. Solyman has been involved in national and EU-funded research initiatives and brings both technical expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration experience to the editorial team.

Dr. Hassan Shokouhandeh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National University of Skills (NUS), Tehran, Iran. He is an expert in smart energy systems and thermal process modeling, with active collaborations in applied research and policy advising. Dr. Shokouhandeh has published extensively and has contributed to industry-focused innovations in energy efficiency and system optimization.

6. Timeline

Key Dates:

• Date of Call for Papers Announcement: June 15, 2025

• Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Review Notification Date: December 15, 2025

• Final Manuscript Submission Date: February 15, 2026

• Tentative Publication Date: April 2026