Abstract
Future electrical grids, particularly the distribution networks, may face more severe voltage rises/drops, and in general, more power quality problems in the presence of new loads such as electric vehicle chargers and renewable energy generation units like photovoltaic systems. This necessitates investing in additional high-cost infrastructure to increase the capability of the feeder in hosting higher levels of loads and generation units while the existing capacity is not utilized effectively. In the stated condition, effective voltage stabilization strategies in electrical distribution networks can contribute to hosting capacity improvement and the better utilization of the existing infrastructure. Accordingly, in this paper, the application of Open-UPQC in voltage profile improvement and hosting capacity enhancement is evaluated in low-voltage distribution networks. Furthermore, a dynamic reference voltage adjustment strategy is applied to the device to improve its capabilities in power quality improvement and hosting capacity enhancement. Simulation studies have been implemented to evaluate the capability of Open-UPQC either with static reference voltage or the dynamically-adjusted one in low-voltage networks with real measured data while different cases are assessed regarding the topology and the length of the feeder. The simulation results approved the capability of Open-UPQC especially with the dynamic reference voltage in hosting capacity enhancement while providing the highest level of voltage profile improvement among all the assessed custom power devices in the studied low-voltage networks.

Abstract
Regulatory changes associated with distributed generation have occurred in several countries (e.g., the USA, Germany, the UK, and Australia). However, there is a lack of robust and holistic analytical models that can be used to implement the best regulatory framework among possible options. In this context, the present paper proposes a cutting-edge regulatory framework for distributed generation based on multi-objective optimization, taking into account socioeconomic (socioeconomic welfare created by the regulated electricity market and electricity tariff affordability) and environmental (global warming potential) indicators. Such indicators are modeled primarily based on the optimized tariff model (socioeconomic regulated electricity market model), Bass diffusion model (forecasting model of distributed generation deployment), and life cycle assessment (environmental impact assessment method). The design variables are assumed to be the regulated electricity tariff and remuneration of the electricity injected into the grid over the years. First, the proposed methodology is applied to fifteen large-scale Brazilian concession areas with a significant deployment of distributed generation assuming two approaches, a multi-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set individually for each concession area, and a single-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set equally for all concession areas. Then, the optimal solutions are compared to Ordinary Law 14300, which is a recently implemented regulatory framework for distributed generation in Brazil. Results demonstrate that Ordinary Law 14300 is a dominated or non-optimal solution since it is not located on the optimal Pareto frontiers for any of the assessed concession areas. Assuming the Euclidian knee points, benefits averaging 33% and 15% were achieved in terms of electricity tariff affordability for the multi and single-compensation scenarios, respectively, with small losses of 8% and 3% in terms of socioeconomic welfare and global warming potential. Though the proposed methodology is applied in the Brazilian context, it can also be applied to other countries with regulated electricity markets; thus, it is expected to be valuable for researchers, government institutions, and regulatory agencies worldwide.

Abstract
The methodology presented in this work allows for the creation of a real-time adjustment of Kalman Filter process noise for lithium battery state-of-charge estimation. This work innovates by creating a methodology for adjusting the process (Q) and measurement (R) Kalman Filter noise matrices in real-time. The filter algorithm with this adaptative mechanism achieved an average accuracy of 99.56% in real tests by comparing the estimated battery voltage and measured battery voltage. A cell-balancing strategy was also implemented, capable of guaranteeing the safety and efficiency of the battery pack in all conducted tests. This work presents all the methods, equations, and simulations necessary for the development of a battery management system and applies the system in a practical, real environment. The battery management system hardware and firmware were developed, evaluated, and validated on a battery pack with eight LiFePO4 cells, achieving excellent performance on all conducted tests.

Abstract
This special section features extended versions of papers originally published in the 2022 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC22), hosted by the University of California, Merced, USA. This was the first time that the VPPC took place in California, USA. It was a timely visit. California recently announced that only zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will be allowed to be sold in the state by 2035. Other states and countries will surely follow. The VPPC, as one of the pioneer forums dedicated to electric mobility, is in a privileged position to create and disseminate knowledge that will help our communities transition toward sustainable transportation, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse emissions.

Abstract
Core loss estimation in switched reluctance motor is a complex task, due to non-linear phenomena and non-sinusoidal flux density waveforms. Several methods have been developed for estimating it (e.g. empirical, and physical-mathematic models), each one with merits and limitations. This paper proposes a new method for core losses estimation based on Finite Element Method Magnetics software. The main idea is using the machine phase-current harmonics as input for estimating core losses. In addition, a comparative study is carried out, where the proposed approach is faced up to a different one, based on Fourier decomposition of the flux density waveforms in the machine sections. In order to systematically analyze and compare the applied estimation cores loss techniques, a case study of a three-phase 6/4 SRM for different simulation scenarios is introduced. The outcomes of both methods are discussed and compared, where core loss convergence is found for limited speed and load ranges.

Abstract
There is limited research focused on achieving optimal torque control performance of Switched Reluctance Generators (SRGs). The majority of existing studies tend to favor voltage or power control strategies. However, a significant drawback of SRGs is their susceptibility to high torque ripple. In power generation systems, torque ripple implicates fluctuations in the generated power of the generator. Moreover, high torque ripple can lead to mechanical vibrations and noise in the powertrain, impacting the overall system performance. In this paper, a Torque Sharing Function (TSF) with Indirect Instantaneous Torque Control (IITC) for SRG applied to Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) is proposed to minimize torque ripple. The proposed method adjusts the shared reference torque function between the phases based on instantaneous torque, rather than the existing TSF methods formulated with a mathematical expression. Additionally, this paper introduces an innovative speed control scheme for SRG drive using a Fuzzy Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Command (FSTSMC) method. Notably robust against parameter uncertainties and payload disturbances, the proposed scheme ensures finite-time convergence even in the presence of external disturbances, while effectively reducing chattering. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed methods, comprehensive comparisons are made with traditional control techniques, including Proportional-Integral (PI), Integral Sliding Mode Control (ISMC), and Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control (STSMC). The simulation results, obtained using MATLAB (R)/SIMULINK (R) under various speeds and mechanical torque conditions, demonstrate the superior performance and robustness of the proposed approaches. This study presents a thorough experimental analysis of a 250 W four-phase 8/6 SRG. The generator was connected to a DC resistive load, and the analysis focuses on assessing its performance and operational characteristics across different rotational speeds. The primary objective is to validate and confirm the efficacy of the SRG under varying conditions.