With the rapid development of distributed generators (DGs) and electric vehicles

new problems like overvoltage or reverse power flow has been brought into distribution network (DN)

which makes the active control method of DN become one of possible trends in the future as well as the core of smart grid. Research results of active distribution network (ADN) in recent years are summarized

including the control method of ADN

optimization of DGs in distribution network

voltage management

active management of plug-in electric vehicles

demand side management and protection and fault location of distribution network

and further refined some emerging technologies which is the technical support of the ADN. Finally

some new technologies and concepts which may affect the future development of the ADN are proposed.