Abstract
This paper presents an impact analysis of communications in frequency and active power control in hierarchic multi-microgrid structures. Since communications can potentially introduce significant difficulties in the operation of electric power systems, particularly in the case of islanded multi-microgrids, an assessment is performed considering delays and losses that control information is likely to experience when traversing the communication infrastructure. Results show that the impact of communication difficulties under most simulated scenarios is reduced, whereas in more demanding scenarios the control structure can have a significant role in minimizing the impact of communication failures.

Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual framework to successfully integrate electric vehicles into electric power systems. The proposed framework covers two different domains: the grid technical operation and the electricity markets environment. All the players involved in both these processes, as well as their activities, are described in detail. Additionally, several simulations are presented in order to illustrate the potential impacts/benefits arising from the electric vehicles grid integration under the referred framework, comprising steady-state and dynamic behavior analysis.

Abstract
Bidirectional and efficient on-board charger systems for electric vehicles is a challenge nowadays. This paper describes a novel power converter system that implements bidirectional flow between the grid and an electric vehicle battery, where a dual active bridge is advantageous. With a bidirectional topology and proper control all the major grid constraints, such as power quality, harmonic rejection, active and reactive power control, and others, can be easily satisfied. A hardware prototype of the power converter is built. Experimental results from this hardware prototype verify the preliminary operation and claims of the V2G power interface.

Abstract
Large deployment of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) will put new challenges regarding the power systems operation. The MicroGrid (MG) concept can be exploited to support the progressive integration of PHEVs into the Low Voltage (LV) networks by developing smart charging strategies to manage the PHEVs batteries charging procedures in order to avoid reinforcements in the grid infrastructures. Assuming that a number of PHEVs owners allow managing the batteries charging when their cars are parked, this paper proposes an approach that aims to find suitable individual active power set-points corresponding to the hourly charging rate of each PHEV battery connected to the LV grid. The Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) tool is used to find these active power set points. This requires an additional software module to be housed in the MV/LV secondary substation level, called Optimal Power Set-points Calculator (OPSC). © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper presents a general overview about the system operation, management and control following a large scale integration of renewable energy sources, focusing in particular the wind generation, both onshore and offshore. Regarding the operation of distribution networks, the integration of renewable energy sources and other distributed generation systems requires the adoption of active control and management structures. These structures will contribute to extend intelligence from the transmission to the distribution networks, aiming to change the operation paradigm from passive towards the smart grids vision for European networks of energy. The MicroGrid concept plays a key role in this context and has been exploited in order to support the progressive integration of electric vehicles, trying to avoid grid reinforcements. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Large scale integration of distributed generation of both medium and low voltage (LV) networks can be achieved by exploiting the Multi-MicroGrid (MMG) concept, a new distribution system architecture comprising a hierarchical control system, which allows the coordination among distributed generation units and MicroGrids (MGs) and therefore the operation of such a system in islanded mode. After a general blackout the MMG capabilities can also be used to provide service restoration in distribution systems. A new procedure for MMGs black start is then addressed in this paper. A sequence of control actions is defined and evaluated through numerical simulations. Fully automation of the entire MMG black start procedure is discussed along the paper. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed sequence of control actions and highlight some accomplishments that should be considered in order to successfully restore the MMG service, ensuring system stability and power quality. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.