Advances in power smoothing techniques in renewable microgrids: a comprehensive review of the state of the art

In the pursuit of a sustainable and resilient energy future, the importance of power smoothing techniques has become paramount. As renewable energy sources are increasingly integrated into the grid, their inherent variability poses challenges to system stability and reliability. This chapter explores the evolution, diversity, and applications of power smoothing methodologies, highlighting their critical role in ensuring the stability of electrical systems. The historical progression of power smoothing research, from its inception to contemporary methods of adaptive and predictive control, underscores a continuous drive toward innovation and efficiency. Diverse techniques, ranging from advanced control algorithms to optimization strategies and hybrid energy conversion approaches, offer versatile solutions tailored to specific challenges. Emerging energy storage technologies, including hydrogen storage and hybrid systems, present promising avenues for mitigating power fluctuations and enhancing grid resilience. Furthermore, hybrid energy conversion approaches, leveraging multiple technologies to maximize energy utilization, demonstrate significant potential for improving overall system efficiency. Looking ahead, future research directions emphasize the optimization of energy storage systems for various applications and the exploration of novel technologies such as flutter-based energy harvesting devices. These efforts aim to further advance power smoothing capabilities, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy transition in the years to come.