Smart Grid Technologies for More Reliable and Resilient Distribution Systems

Modern electric distribution networks face unprecedented operational stresses driven by the rapid penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs), bidirectional power flows, extreme weather events, and increasing electrification of transport and heating. Traditional passive distribution systems, designed for radial power flow and centralized generation, struggle to maintain reliability indices (such as SAIDI, SAIFI, and MAIFI) under these dynamic conditions.Smart grid innovations—spanning advanced sensing, automation, data-driven analytics, and distributed control are critical to modernizing distribution grids into flexible, self-healing, and resilient networks. Emerging solutions like automated fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), microgrid islanding, intelligent distribution management systems (ADMS), and edge computing offer clear pathways to mitigate outage risks and accelerate service restoration. However, operationalizing these technologies at scale presents challenges regarding protection coordination, sensor density, cyber-physical security, and real-time decision-making under uncertainty.This Research Topic aims to curate original research and review articles that advance theoretical models, computational frameworks, and practical applications dedicated to elevating the reliability and resilience of power distribution systems. We encourage contributions addressing the integration of smart hardware, adaptive protection, predictive maintenance, and intelligent control strategies designed to prevent outages, minimize customer disruption, and support reliable high-DER integration.We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Perspective, and Brief Research Report submissions covering, but not limited to:· Advanced Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) and self-healing distribution automation· Adaptive and coordinated protection schemes in active distribution networks with high DER penetration· Outage management, service restoration, and black-start coordination using networked microgrids and energy storage· Advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), distributed state estimation, and situational awareness· Cyber-physical system (CPS) security, cyber-resilient control, and mitigation of malicious attacks on distribution infrastructure· Reliability assessment and risk modeling under extreme climate events and renewable intermittency· Co-optimization of distribution reliability, power quality, and operational economics in smart distribution grids· Pilot projects, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and field validation of reliability-enhancing smart grid technologies Topic editors: Dr. Vinay Kumar Jadoun, NARAYANAN K, Alexander Aguila Téllez Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86864/smart-grid-technologies-for-more-reliable-and-resilient-distribution-systems