Outline of the SessionFundamental changes are currently taking place in the modernpower electrical infrastructure. Indeed, it has to satisfy two conflicting requirements: providingreliable and secure services to an increasing number of customers,taking into account a rational use of energy and the protection ofthe environment. This last requirement drives major changes inelectrical power systems where increasingly renewable energysources need to be connected to the grid. It is generally acknowledgedthat these sources need to be massive and distributed,in order to provide a non-negligible part of the consumed electricalenergy. It is also generally agreed that such integration ofrenewables into existing grids depends on the successful combinationof specific processes (e.g. demand side/response management,real-time consumption management, real-time local energybalance, accurate forecasting of renewables at continental, countryand regional scales) and new technologies (e.g. metering,agent-based distributed controls).

Conventional power transformer (CPT) utilized in the distribution grid are not suitable for meeting the requirements associated to thesechallenges. Smart transformer (ST) which is a power electronic transformer equipped with effective control and communication features is regarded as an alternative to CPT in the distribution grid. However, reduction in cost and improvement in efficiency as well as reliability is an open challenge for ST architectures, whereas greater number of support and ancillary services to the low voltage and medium voltage distribution system are needed to make its application cost effective and practical in electric grid. The purpose of this special session is to enable researchers and engineers to present their latest theoretical and technological advancements in the different aspects of design, operation and control of smart transformer in power distribution system.