Invite Speakers

Dr. Haoran Ji
Tianjin University

Title: Flexible Operation of Distribution Networks with Soft Open Points
Abstract: Soft open point (SOP) is a novel power electronic device that promotes flexible operation of distribution networks. SOP can rapidly and accurately adjust power flows among connected feeders with multiple voltage levels. Thus, it can flexibly support many scenarios such as high integration of distributed energy resources, efficient operation of distribution networks, and high reliability of power supply. This research analyzes the SOP-centered coordinated control to cope with strong source-load uncertainty. The flexible operation based on SOP has been verified on voltage violation alleviation/feeder load balance/ rapid restoration etc. The future development direction of flexible operation of SOPs for new-type distribution networks is also prospected.

Information of the speaker: Dr. Haoran Ji is a professor with School of Electrical and Information Engineering at Tianjin University, China. He has been included in the list of World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2024. He was a visiting scholar at Mälardalen University, Sweden. His major research interests include energy management of distribution networks and intelligent control with renewable energy integration. Dr. Haoran Ji is currently a senior member of IEEE and CSEE, and a member of CIGRE Chinese National Comittee SC C1 Study Committee. He also serves as associate editor of the Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy (MPCE), Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems (PCMP) and iScience.

Dr. Lei Chen
Wuhan University

Title: Optimal configuration of battery energy storage for resilience enhancement in multi-energy-coupled active distribution networks against typhoon events
Abstract: With the growing integration of various energy systems, multi-energy coupled active distribution networks (MECADNs) that combine electricity, water, gas, and heat have become essential infrastructure for ensuring a reliable energy supply. Enhancing the resilience of MECADNs against typhoon disasters is therefore of great significance. We propose an optimal configuration method for battery energy storage devices (BESDs) to enhance the resilience of MECADNs. Based on a dynamic model of multi-energy coupled networks, a two-layer optimization model is developed. Additionally, a hybrid intelligent algorithm combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) and snow ablation optimizer (SAO) is designed to improve solution efficiency and accuracy. The proposed method is validated through cross-verification on small- and large-scale MECADNs using modified IEEE 33- and 118-node systems, integrating theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and resilience index quantification.

Information of the speaker: Prof. Lei Chen received the B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China, in 2004 and 2010. From 2011 to 2013, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at HUST. Since 2013, he has been at Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. From 2016 to 2017, he was a Visiting Scholar at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Automation at Wuhan University. His research interests include power system stability and the enhancement of resilience. Prof. Chen has authored or coauthored more than 200 papers. He was the recipient of eight IEEE Prize Paper Awards and the Excellent Associate Editor for the Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems (PCMP) in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He received the IEEE PES China Satellite Technical Committee Outstanding Young Professionals Award in 2025.

Dr. Hongzhi Dong
Xihua University

Title: Decarbonization and Operation of Urban Rail Transit – based Microgrid with Electric Vehicles
Abstract: With the rapid expansion of urban rail transit networks, the energy consumption of this sector has increased dramatically. Given that transportation contributes 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the industry aims to reduce railway CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030, integrating renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure is critical for decarbonization. This research proposes a comprehensive framework for an Urban Rail Transit-based Microgrid to address these challenges. First, a multi-source traction system configuration is established, integrating renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. A coordinated control strategy is designed to manage energy flow, maintaining the ESS state of charge while effectively reducing peak power and voltage fluctuations. Second, a bi-level optimization method for hybrid energy storage systems is proposed. The master level optimizes sizing to minimize operation costs, while the slave level obtains optimal control to enhance operational stability. Finally, the research introduces a three-stage energy management framework, which includes day-ahead planning, intraday MPC-based control, and real-time adaptive charging, to utilize Vehicle-to-Train technology. This integrated approach significantly reduces substation energy consumption and EV charging costs, providing a robust pathway for sustainable urban rail ecosystems.

Information of the speaker: Dr. Hongzhi Dong is currently a Lecturer at the School of Electrical and Electronic Information, Xihua University. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool, UK, and previously worked at the University of Birmingham, UK. His research interests primarily focus on power system stability analysis and control, modeling and analysis of railway traction power supply systems, optimal control of energy systems, and modeling and energy management of sustainable transportation energy systems. He has participated in several General Program projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Additionally, he served as a key researcher in several projects funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the European Commission. He has published several papers in SCI-indexed journals as the first author and serves as a reviewer for journals such as IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification (IEEE-TTE), Applied Energy, and eTransportation.

Dr. Yiyan Sang
Shanghai University of Electric Power

Title: Energy based Nonlinear Control Approach for Direct-Drive Wave Energy Conversion Systems
Abstract: The wave energy is regarded as the most prominent marine energy form and an essential part of the offshore renewable energy. The direct-drive wave energy conversion system (DDWECS) is widely used in practical projects due to its superior configuration and significant operational efficiency. The DDWECS adopts direct-drive power takeoff technique with a liner permanent magnet generator (LPMG). Energy based nonlinear controller is developed for effective coordination in the grid-connection operation with supplementary energy storage system (SESS) due to its distinct intermittency characteristics. Firstly, feedback linearization technique with an energy–passivity framework is implemented in the generator-side converter controller, grid-side converter controller and SESS-side converter controller. Then, the specific coordination scheme among multiple converters is proposed considering various conditions. Finally, the improved dynamical responses of the DDWECSs with the proposed control strategies are demonstrated under Matlab/Simulink simulation environment. The current research results are illustrated and discussed.

Information of the speaker: Dr. Yiyan Sang (IEEE Senior Member, IET Member) received the B.Eng. degree and Ph.D. degree from the University of Liverpool, UK. He is currently an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, and serves as a Master supervisor. He has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Strathclyde, UK. He is Principal Investigator of NSFC Young Scientist program (Category C) and the Shanghai Daystar Scholar Program. His research interests include renewable energy grid integration and operation, stability and control of HVDC transmission systems, and intelligent observation and sensing technologies for new power systems. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed SCI papers. He also serves as IEEE PES China Intelligent Grid & Emerging Technologies Committee Energy Cyber Society System Subcommittee standing director, Scientific Reports editorial board member, Digital Twins and Applications & Energy Engineering young editorial board member, reviewer of multiple SCI academic journals.

Dr. Kaishun Xiahou
South China University of Technology

Title: Cyber-Physical Security Assessment and Defense for Power Systems with Renewable Energy
Abstract: The integration of computation, communication, and control technology has given rise to the emergence and rapid advancement of cyber-physical power systems (CPPSs), which improves the operational efficiency of power systems while also introducing new security risks. Additionally, the high penetration of renewable energy resources increases the uncertainty of power system operation, reduces system inertia, and further elevates the security challenges faced by CPPSs. Therefore, it is crucial to develop comprehensive security risk assessment methods, investigate effective defense strategies against cyber attacks, and propose new mitigation measures for cascading failure to ensure the secure operation of CPPSs. This presentation highlights the recent research in cyber-physical security assessment and defense for power systems with renewable energy, in order to enhance the security, reliability and resilience of power systems with renewable energy.

Information of the speaker: Kaishun Xiahou is an Associate Professor at School of Electric Power Engineering, South China University of Technology. His research interests include cyber-physical security and resilient control of power systems with renewable energy. Dr. Xiahou is the principal investigator of young elite scientist sponsorship program by Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering (CSEE), National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Guangdong/Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation. He has published more than 30 SCI papers and he is the young editor of Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems, and Electric Power Information and Communication Technology.

Dr. Yongxin Xiong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Title: Power Swing Characteristics considering the Control Dynamics of Grid-following and Grid-forming IBRs
Abstract: The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) has introduced control-driven power swing dynamics that depart from those in synchronous-generator (SG) dominated systems, challenging conventional impedance-based power swing detection, power swing blocking (PSB), and out-of-step tripping (OST) practices. In grid-following (GFL) IBRs, swing behavior is governed by synchronization control, and unstable swings are better indicated by the divergence of the PLL-derived control-dependent angle than by the physical power angle. Consequently, leftward movement of the measured impedance locus does not necessarily imply physical-angle growth, and conventional dual-blinder logic may become ineffective. In grid-forming (GFM) IBRs, power swing characteristics are primarily shaped by the power-synchronization control (PSC) loop and its interaction with current-limiting. The physical-angle evolution alone is insufficient to capture IBR swing characteristics, whereas instability is closely associated with divergence of control-dependent angles. Therefore, impedance-based PSB/OST schemes relying on SG-style physical-angle interpretations face elevated misoperation risks, motivating control-informed detection metrics and setting adaptations.

Information of the speaker: Dr Yongxin Xiong (Member, IEEE) received B.S. and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China, in 2017 and 2022, respectively. From 2022 to 2024, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Energy Department at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. Since 2024, he has been a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. He focuses on the research of stability analysis and control of AC/DC power systems with a high proportion of renewable energy. His research interests include power system stability analysis and control, renewable energy, HVDC and DC Grid, and the coordination of control and system protections in grid-following and grid-forming VSC-connected systems. Dr Xiong is the core member of the Organization Committee of IEEE PES IM 2026.

Dr. Yinyu Chen
Southwest Jiaotong University

Title: Leveraging Advanced Technologies: Safely and Efficiently Integrating Electrified Railways Into Renewable Energy Power Systems
Abstract: The large-scale integration of electrified railways into renewable energy power systems presents significant operational challenges. This study first analyzes measured data to identify the practical power quality and stability issues arising from this integration. Second, a coupled modeling framework for the railway and power systems is developed to conduct a comprehensive stability analysis under high renewable penetration scenarios. Finally, a coordinated control strategy is proposed, enabling synergy between railway traction units and renewable energy devices for enhanced power quality compensation. The findings offer practical insights for ensuring the safe and efficient coexistence of electrified railways and future renewable-dominated power grids.

Information of the speaker: Dr. Yinyu Chen is an Assistant Researcher at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) since January 2025. He is also in the Visiting Researcher at the University of Strathclyde (UoS) in Scotland. He received the B.Eng. degree from Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China, in 2017, and the Master's and the Ph.D. degree from SWJTU, Chengdu, China, in 2020 and 2024. He specialises in Transportation Energy Systems with expertise in intelligent transport energy systems and railway traction power systems. He has published more than 20 SCI/EI papers. He was the recipient of the IEEE Conference on Energy Internet and Energy System Integration Best Paper Award and a 2nd prize for China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Dr. Liansong Xiong
Xi'an Jiaotong University

Title: Distant Offshore Wind Power Transmission Technology Based on Phase-Shifted Diode Rectifier (PSDR)
Abstract: High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission based on diode rectifier is a pivotal technology for achieving the efficient and cost-effective delivery of large-scale, distant offshore wind power. Addressing the latest research progress and engineering application requirements, this report introduces a transmission scheme based on Phase-Shifted Diode Rectifier (PSDR). By systematically exploring the PSDR-HVDC sending system through topology construction, steady-state operating characteristics, economic evaluation, and weight-reduction analysis, this study demonstrates that the PSDR scheme offers significant advantages in steady-state low-harmonic operation, high power factor, and platform lightweighting. Ultimately, the results provide critical technical support for the low-cost, lightweight, and highly reliable transmission of distant offshore wind power.

Information of the speaker: Prof. Liansong Xiong received the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), Xi'an, China, in 2012 and 2016, respectively. From 2017 to 2019, he was a Research Associate with the Department of Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. Since 2022, he has been an Associate Professor with the School of Electrical Engineering, XJTU. Prof. Xiong’s current research interests include power quality, renewable energy generation, and frequency stability. He has published more than 37 SCI papers and 49 EI papers. He is the Vice Secretary General of the Young Scholars Committee of China Power Supply Society (CPSS), and a Senior Member of the China Electrotechnical Society (CES). He was honored with the first prize of CPSS Scientific and Technological Progress Award in 2021, the second prize of CES Scientific and Technological Progress Award in 2024, the ICPES Young Scientist Award in 2020, the Best Paper Award of Shaanxi Province in 2020, and the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of XJTU and Shaanxi Province in 2018.

Dr. Muhammad Junaid
China University of Mining and Technology

Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Information of the speaker: TBA

Dr. Hui Hou
Wuhan University of Technology

Title: TBA
Abstract: TBA

Information of the speaker: TBA