Dr. Ali Almaktoof | Power Systems | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Ali Almaktoof | Power Systems | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

Ali Almaktoof is an accomplished researcher and academic recognized for his significant contributions in electrical and electronics engineering. His work integrates cutting-edge research, teaching excellence, and professional achievements, making him a leading candidate for distinguished recognition. With a career marked by impactful publications, international collaborations, and recognition in professional forums, he has demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. His achievements reflect a balance of academic rigor, research innovation, and dedication to engineering education and applied science.

Professional Profile

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Ali Almaktoof pursued his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Basrah, Iraq, where he established a strong foundation in power systems and electrical design. He later advanced his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Power Systems Engineering from the same university, focusing on the reliability and efficiency of modern power systems. Furthering his academic journey, he earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). His doctoral studies emphasized power electronics, renewable energy integration, and advanced system modeling, equipping him with the knowledge to contribute significantly to global energy research. His academic trajectory underscores a deep commitment to continuous learning and specialization in energy technologies and electrical systems.

Experience

Ali Almaktoof has accumulated a diverse academic and professional background. He has served as a lecturer and assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Basrah, where he has taught a wide range of courses in power systems, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. His teaching experience has allowed him to mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering future generations of engineers and researchers. He has also engaged in collaborative research projects with international institutions, highlighting his global outlook and capacity to work across borders. His experience includes supervising theses, developing advanced research methods, and contributing to the modernization of engineering curricula. This combination of academic teaching, research supervision, and international collaboration demonstrates his holistic expertise.

Research Focus

Ali Almaktoof’s research is centered on power electronics, renewable energy systems, and smart grid technologies. He has particularly emphasized the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into modern electrical grids, addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, stability, and sustainability. His work also explores power converters, fault diagnosis, and system optimization, contributing to the advancement of reliable and green energy technologies. His research has broad implications for sustainable development, offering innovative solutions that support the global transition toward cleaner energy systems. His interdisciplinary approach links engineering principles with real-world applications, reinforcing the societal impact of his contributions.

Awards & Honors

Throughout his career, Ali Almaktoof has received numerous awards and recognitions. He has been honored for his outstanding research contributions in electrical engineering, with distinctions acknowledging his innovative publications and active participation in academic conferences. His recognition extends to professional memberships and leadership roles in engineering societies, where he has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and promotion of research excellence. These honors underscore his academic reputation and highlight his standing as a respected researcher and educator. His consistent recognition across local and international platforms reflects both the depth and breadth of his impact.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Between Addiction and Immersion: A Correlational Study of Digital and Academic Behaviour Among Engineering Students
Authors: M Ben Hkoma, A Almaktoof, A Rugbani
Journal: Education Sciences

Title: The principles of energy conservation by managing facility voltage levels and reactive power flow
Authors: PK Ngongo, AMA Almaktoof, MTE Kahn
Journal: Smart Energy

Title: Exploring Review of Advancements in Fast‐Charging Techniques and Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles Revolution
Authors: A Zentani, AM Almaktoof, MTE Kahn
Journal: Energy Science & Engineering

Title: Practical Approach to Enhance Energy Resilience in Manufacturing Facilities
Authors: PK Ngongo, AMA Almaktoof, MTE Kahn
Journal: Energy Science & Engineering

Title: Real‐Time Energy Management System for a Hybrid Renewable Microgrid System
Authors: CN Bipongo, M Adonis, A Almaktoof
Journal: Energy Science & Engineering

Title: PV Power Output Prediction Using Deep Learning
Authors: AAKAAE Thomas Lionel Makosso
Journal: International Journal of Applied Engineering & Technology

Title: Development of a VLF receiver for lightning detection, and monitoring natural & man-made electromagnetic emissions in the VLF band
Authors: W Hansen, A Almaktoof
Journal: Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability

Title: Mitigating energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa through smart metering and sustainable energy access programs
Authors: B Bacar, A Almaktoof
Journal: Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability

Title: The design and analysis of an advanced hybrid renewable energy microgrid for Cyangugu Remote rural community in Rwanda using Homer Pro
Authors: A Asiegbu, A Almaktoof, M Adonis
Journal: Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability

Title: Integration of artificial neural network in a IEEE 5 bus system
Authors: TL Makosso, A Almaktoof, K Abo-Al-Ez
Journal: International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Applied Sciences

Title: Review of different types of neural network architectures
Authors: TL Makosso, A Almaktoof, K Abo-Al-Ez
Journal: International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Applied Sciences

Title: Basic Circuit Model of Voltage Source Converters: Methodology and Modeling
Authors: CB Ndeke, M Adonis, A Almaktoof
Journal: AppliedMath

Title: A comprehensive review of developments in electric vehicles fast charging technology
Authors: A Zentani, A Almaktoof, MT Kahn
Journal: Applied Sciences

Title: Enhancing Agricultural Practices Through IoT: A Dual-Modality Approach for Network Resilience and User Engagement
Authors: A Bello, A Almaktoof
Journal: IEEE 4th International Maghreb Meeting of the Conference on Sciences

Title: Control Technique of MPPT Utilizing for Boost Converter Applied to Small Renewable Energy System and a DC Microgrid for Remote Area
Authors: A Zentani, A Almaktoof, MTE Kahn
Journal: IEEE 4th International Maghreb Meeting of the Conference on Sciences

Title: Comprehensive Review and Applications of Power Electronic Transformer for Optimal Power Integration
Authors: A Asiegbu, A Almaktoof
Journal: IEEE 4th International Maghreb Meeting of the Conference on Sciences

Title: A Comprehensive Review of Electric Vehicles Fast Charging Developments and Technology
Authors: AT Zentani, AMA Almaktoof, MTE Kahn
Journal: Preprints

Title: Energy management strategy for dc micro-grid system with the important penetration of renewable energy
Authors: CB Ndeke, M Adonis, A Almaktoof
Journal: Applied Sciences

Title: Green hydrogen: A clean energy solution for Germany's transportation sector
Authors: AD Asiegbu, MTE Kahn, AM Almaktoof
Journal: SAIEE Africa Research Journal

Conclusion

Ali Almaktoof’s career exemplifies excellence in education, research, and professional service. His strong academic background, combined with significant teaching and supervisory experience, highlights his role in shaping the future of electrical engineering. His research has addressed pressing global issues in renewable energy and sustainable power systems, reflecting a commitment to both scientific advancement and societal benefit. Recognized through awards, honors, and a robust publication record, his contributions underscore his leadership and innovation in electrical engineering. As a nominee for an award, his profile reflects the qualities of a distinguished academic researcher who continues to inspire progress in science and technology.

Xubin Liu | Smart Grids and Microgrids | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xubin Liu | Smart Grids and Microgrids | Young Scientist Award

Associate Professor of  Central South University, China

Xubin Liu is an accomplished scholar and researcher in electrical engineering, specializing in integrated energy systems, renewable energy integration, power system optimization, and microgrid control. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Automation, Central South University, he has made significant contributions to advancing low-carbon energy systems, fault ride-through strategies, voltage-frequency support mechanisms, and intelligent dispatching methods. His work bridges cutting-edge theory and practical solutions, with over thirty high-impact publications in leading IEEE and international journals.

Professional Profile

ORCID 

Education

Liu earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the College of Electrical and Information Engineering at Hunan University, ranking first in his cohort. During his doctoral studies, he undertook a joint Ph.D. training program at the State Key Laboratory of Power Systems at Tsinghua University, where he collaborated with renowned experts in the field. He previously obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Northwest University for Nationalities, graduating top of his class. His academic training encompassed advanced power system analysis, optimal operation and planning, power electronics, high-voltage testing, control theory, and microcomputer applications, forming the technical foundation for his later research innovations.

Experience

Following his doctoral work, Liu completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, focusing on advanced control methods and renewable energy integration under the mentorship of distinguished national talent program scholars. Since 2021, he has been an Associate Professor at Central South University, contributing to both academic leadership and the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Power Electronics Equipment and Grid. His career also includes substantial participation in national and international research collaborations, including the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863 Program), Sino-US international cooperation projects, and key R&D initiatives funded by the energy industry.

Research Focus

Liu’s research addresses the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into complex power and heat networks. He has developed high-resolution mixed-integer linear programming models to optimize integrated energy systems, enabling large-scale wind energy utilization. His work spans low-carbon energy systems, time-scale adaptive dispatch, unit commitment, and hybrid control strategies for multi-microgrid coordination. He has also contributed significantly to voltage support in active distribution networks, fault current limitation for wind farms and microgrids, renewable forecasting using deep learning, and advanced energy storage control. His studies often combine rigorous mathematical optimization, intelligent algorithms, and power electronics control techniques, ensuring practical applicability for real-world systems.

Awards & Honors

Liu has been widely recognized for his academic excellence and research impact. His distinctions include the Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Award of Hunan Province, the Third Prize of Science and Technology Progress from the China Electrotechnical Society, and multiple National Scholarships for both undergraduate and doctoral studies. He has also received top honors in competitions such as the National Undergraduate Electrical Engineering Mathematical Modeling Competition and the National College Students’ Mathematics Competition. His early achievements in software design and development earned him provincial prizes, reflecting his longstanding technical aptitude and innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Frequency-Voltage Synergy Support Method based on Grid Strength for VSC-MTDC Integrated Distributed Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Xubin Liu, Nanxing Huang, Yuan Liu, Liang Yuan, Mei Su, Canbing Li, Xinyu Chen, Guangming Zhu, Zhaoyang Dong
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2025, 40(4): 3543-3562

Title: A Coordinated Voltage-Frequency Support Method for VSC-MTDC Integrated Offshore Wind Farms System
Authors: Xubin Liu, Wei Han, Yonglu Liu*, Zhangjie Liu, Mei Su, Canbing Li, Xin Zhang, Peng Wang
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2024, 39(1): 1485-1502

Title: Fault Current Unified Calculation Method for Whole Process Fault Ride-Through of DFIG-Based Wind Farms
Authors: Xubin Liu, Zijian Zhang, Yonglu Liu, Zhangjie Liu*, Mei Su, Canbing Li*, Leijiao Ge, Xin Zhang, Peng Wang
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 2024, 15(1): 485-503

Title: Active Fault Current Limitation for VSC-MTDC Integrated Offshore Wind Farms Participating in Frequency Regulation
Authors: Xubin Liu, Wei Han, Zhangjie Liu*, Hua Han, Mei Su, Canbing Li, Leijiao Ge, Xin Zhang, Peng Wang
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 2024, 15(2): 773-788

Title: Fault Current Multi-Stages Calculation Method for DFIG-Based Wind Farms With Whole Fault Process Attributes Under Asymmetrical Grid Fault Conditions
Authors: Xubin Liu, Zijian Zhang, Yonglu Liu, Liang Yuan, Mei Su, Feng Zhou*, Canbing Li, Jianzhe Liu, Xin Zhang, Peng Wang
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 2024, 15(4): 2361-2379

Title: Fault Current Hierarchical Limitation Strategy for Fault Ride-Through Scheme of Microgrid
Authors: Xubin Liu, Canbing Li, Mohammad Shahidehpour, Yunpeng Gao*, Bin Zhou, Yongjun Zhang, Jun Yi, Yijia Cao
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 2019, 10(6): 6566-6579

Title: Fault Current Mitigation and Voltage Support Provision by Microgrids with Synchronous Generators
Authors: Xubin Liu, Canbing Li*, Mohammad Shahidehpour, Xinyu Chen, Jun Yi, Qiuwei Wu, Kai Sun, Bin Zhou
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 2020, 11(4): 2816-2831

Title: Multi-Stage Voltage Support Optimization for Microgrids with Multiple Distributed Generation Units
Authors: Xubin Liu, Xinyu Chen, Canbing Li*, Mohammad Shahidehpour*, Kai Sun, Yijia Cao, Chen Chen, Bin Zhou
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 2021, 12(1): 141-156

Title: Active Fault Current Limitation for Low-Voltage Ride-Through of Networked Microgrids
Authors: Xubin Liu, Xinyu Chen*, Mohammad Shahidehpour, Canbing Li*, Qiuwei Wu, Yuhang Wu, Jinyu Wen
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2022, 37(2): 980-992

Title: SoC Threshold Optimization for Battery Storage in Frequency Regulation Considering Uncertainty of SoC Measurement and Automatic Generation Control Fatigue Loss of Thermal Power System
Authors: Xubin Liu, Xin Xu, Qiuwei Wu*, Xia Chen, Jinyu Wen, Wei Wang, Kejie Zhang, Canbing Li, Xinyu Chen*
Journal: International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 2022, 137: 107771

Conclusion

Through a blend of technical expertise, innovative research, and collaborative engagement, Xubin Liu has established himself as a leading figure in modern electrical engineering and renewable energy integration. His achievements reflect a career dedicated to solving pressing energy challenges while promoting sustainable, intelligent power systems. The breadth and depth of his contributions—from foundational modeling to practical control strategies—demonstrate his capability to influence both academic discourse and industrial practice. His recognition through awards, extensive publications, and leadership roles underscores his suitability for distinguished academic honors.