Abstract
Co-generation plants have become mainstream energy production facilities at the demand side owing to their high efficiency and flexibility in operation. During the transition to more integrated energy supply, trading of energy mix will become an important issue, where a retailer is expected to play a more active role. This paper discusses the design of retailer's optimal contract with asymmetric information. Bilateral relationship between retailer and consumers can be described as an information game and is characterized by package contracts based on publicly observable information only. First, a mathematical model for the optimal contract design problem involving two coupled energy markets is established. Then, an equivalent reduced model is obtained by several certified lemmas and theorems. Consumer behaviors behind each reduction step are revealed. Thereafter, the market equilibrium is characterized with a proof of existence, revealing the impact of asymmetric information on the retailer's strategy. An illustrative example with locational marginal price based heat-power market is presented. Case studies confirm the theoretical analysis and show that our model can promote retailer's profit. The impact of several factors, such as the probability and reservation utility level, has been tested, providing fundamental insights into strategic behavior in multi-energy market under asymmetric information.

Abstract
There are several services such as peak load reduction and frequency regulation that can be provided by exploiting the thermostatically-controllable appliances (TCAs) demand response (DR) potential. To stimulate the adoption of DR strategies, preserving the end-user comfort level is a crucial issue. In this regard, as a novel contribution to the existing literature, this study proposes a DR strategy for residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units aiming to minimize average end-user comfort violation, while satisfying the requirements of the load serving entity. The proposed approach manipulates the temperature set-point of HVAC thermostats of the enrolled end-users. Besides, a spatio-temporal to obtain weather forecasts is developed. © 2016 IEEE.

Abstract
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) on a large scale can lead to significant social and economic benefits. The effort of promoting the use of EVs in road transportation is essential to meet the climate change targets and manage the ever unstable prices of perilously diminishing fossil fuels. On the other hand, there are still many uncertainties in the market regarding the acceptability of EVs by the final consumer. In this paper the effect of high penetration of EVs on thermal ageing of a real residential distribution transformer, part of an isolated electric grid, is analysed. A weekend scenario conditioned by off-peak tariff is studied. A transformer thermal model is used to estimate the hot-spot temperature (?h) and top-oil temperature (?o) given the load ratio in Sao Miguel, a Portuguese Island. Real data are utilised for the main inputs of the model, i.e. transformer parameters, residential load, peak and off-peak tariffs and EV parameters. Conclusions are finally drawn. © 2016 IEEE.

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the implications of the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips as an alternative solid fuel in industrial boilers in Portugal, highlighting the energy properties and chemical composition of the ash produced. Several samples have been collected from different sources, on which an approximate analysis is carried out to determine the volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, ash content and higher heating value (HHV). The chemical composition of the ash samples is determined by the SEM - scanning electron microscope - method. Then, empirical indices are used to assess the behaviour of the ash and its tendency to create slagging and fouling deposits in industrial boilers during the combustion process. From the presented results it is clear that the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips can contribute significantly to the formation of slagging and fouling phenomena in industrial boilers. These phenomena will be responsible for increasing the number of technical stoppages of the equipment and for the increase in maintenance costs. © 2016 IEEE.

Abstract
As a result of the increased awareness of the dangers posed by global climate changes (mainly caused by growing global energy consumption needs), the quest for clean and sustainable energy future is becoming of paramount importance. This can be largely realized via a large-scale integration of variable renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind and solar, which have relatively low carbon footprints. In many power systems, the level of integration of such resources is dramatically increasing. However, their intermittent nature poses significant challenges in the predominantly conventional power systems that currently exist. Among others, frequency and voltage regulation issues can, for example, arise because of improperly balanced and largely uncoordinated RES supply and demand. Generally, the higher the integration level of intermittent power sources is, the higher the flexibility needs are in the system under consideration. Flexibility, in a power systems context, refers to the ability of such a system to effectively cope with unforeseen changes in operational situations, which are mainly induced by the inherent uncertainty and variability arising from the supply side, demand side or any other external factors. In the absence of appropriate flexibility mechanisms, it is increasingly difficult to manage the imbalances between generation and demand as a result of their natural variations in real-time. This paper presents an extensive and critical review of the main existing and emerging flexibility options that can be deployed in power systems to support the integration of "carbon-free" and variable power production technologies. Starting from a broader definition of flexibility, we highlight the growing importance of such flexibility in renewable-rich energy systems, and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with various flexibility options provided by different technologies.

Abstract
Torrefaction of Biomass for Energy Applications: From Fundamentals to Industrial Scale explores the processes, technology, end-use, and economics involved in torrefaction at the industrial scale for heat and power generation. Its authors combine their industry experience with their academic expertise to provide a thorough overview of the topic. Starting at feedstock pretreatment, followed by torrefaction processes, the book includes plant design and operation, safety aspects, and case studies focusing on the needs and challenges of the industrial scale. Commercially available technologies are examined and compared, and their economical evaluation and life cycle assessment are covered as well. Attention is also given to non-woody feedstock, alternative applications, derived fuels, recent advances, and expected future developments. For its practical approach, this book is ideal for professionals in the biomass industry, including those in heat and power generation. It is also a useful reference for researchers and graduate students in the area of biomass and biofuels, and for decision makers, policy makers, and analysts in the energy field. Compares efficiency and performance of different commercially available technologies from the practical aspects of daily operation in an industrial scale plant. Presents a cost analysis of the production, logistics, and storage of torrefied biomass. Includes case studies addressing challenges that may occur in the daily operation in an industrial scale plant. Covers other associated technologies, the densification of torrefied biomass, and non-woody feedstock.